bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term dietary administration of diethyl phthalate triggers loss of insulin sensitivity in two key insulin target tissues of mice
Authors: Mondal S , Mukherjee S
Published: March 2020

Over the past years, a growing body of work has linked numerous pervasive environmental chemicals with a multitude of adverse reproductive, developmental, behavioral, and metabolic changes in humans and animal models. Plasticizers include a wide variety of phthalate esters that are extensively used in a host of personal day care and cosmetic products. Many population-based studies have indicated a close association between diethyl phthalate (DEP) and diabetes albeit the mechanisms remain much unexplored. Presently, we report that long-term dietary administration of DEP to adult male Swiss albino mice at two different concentrations mirroring the recommended tolerable doses, severely impaired insulin signaling in hepatocytes and adipocytes. This was concomitant with sustained oxidative stress from the overactivation of NADPH oxidase 2, a major intracellular source of reactive oxygen species, in both the cell types. The present study provides evidences of the onset of insulin resistance in mice after chronic exposure to DEP in diet even at lower levels. This, in turn, can have serious pathological consequences with ultimate manifestations of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Thus, by disrupting the central metabolic function of liver and adipose tissue, the key insulin target tissues, daily exposure to phthalates in plastics can potentially contribute to the alarming prevalence of MetS in recent times.
Cyclophosphamide induces a significant increase in iron content in the liver and spleen of mice
Authors: Sheng Y , Chen Y-J , Qian Z-M , Zheng J , Liu Y
Published: March 2020

Objective:

Oxidative stress is one of the major mechanisms of cyclophosphamide (CPX)-induced toxicities. However, it is unknown how CPX induces oxidative stress. Based on the available information, we speculated that CPX could increase iron content in the tissues and then induce oxidative stress.

Method:

We tested this hypothesis by investigating the effects of CPX on iron and ferritin contents, expression of transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), ferroportin 1 (Fpn1), iron regulatory proteins (IRPs), hepcidin, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) in the liver and spleen, and also on reticulocyte count, immature reticulocyte fraction, and hemoglobin (Hb) in the blood in c57/B6 mouse.

Results:

We demonstrated that CPX could induce a significant increase in iron contents and ferritin expression in the liver and spleen, notably inhibit erythropoiesis and Hb synthesis and lead to a reduction in iron usage. The reduced expression in TfR1 and Fpn1 is a secondary effect of CPX-induced iron accumulation in the liver and spleen and also partly associated with the suppressed IRP/iron-responsive element system, upregulation of hepcidin, and downregulation of Nrf2.

Conclusions:

The reduced iron usage is one of the causes for iron overload in the liver and spleen and the increased tissue iron might be one of the mechanisms for CPX to induce oxidative stress and toxicities.
The Dynamics of India’s Major Exchange Rates
Authors: Bhattacharyya Ranajoy , Datta Radhika Prosad
Published: March 2020

In this article, we analyze the dynamic properties of India’s major exchange rates, both in the short and the long runs. The particular issue of our concern is to find whether present values of the exchange rates depend (a) on their own past values and (b) on the past values of India’s other exchange rates. Since the series exhibit long memory, the autoregressive fractionally integrated moving average (ARFIMA) model is used for the first purpose and the cross-correlation, entropy transfer and vector auto regression (VAR) models are used for the later purpose. Combining the results of these models, we conclude that, in general, the Indian exchange rates are persistent and depend only on their immediate past values. In particular, past values, older than two periods (days in this case), do not appear to be consistently relevant in modelling the current value. These observations have clear implications for exchange rate trades using technical analysis (TA) and for exporters and importers.
Samarium enriches antitumor activity of ZnO nanoparticles via downregulation of CXCR4 receptor and cytochrome P450
Authors: Nabeel Asmaa I
Published: March 2020

Cancer is the leading cause of death and exhausts human and economic resources for treatment and protection. Zinc oxide nanoparticles play an effective role in tumor treatment but with some cautions, such as overexpression of cytochrome P450, hepatic overload, and the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway resistance. Although lanthanides have antitumor activity, their use is limited. Therefore, the current study aims to improve the effectiveness of zinc oxide nanoparticle via doping with lanthanides, such as samarium. In vitro study revealed that samarium doped with zinc oxide showed more antitumor activity than the other lanthanides, and the antitumor activity depends on the concentration of samarium in the nanocomposite. The in vivo experiment on mice bearing Ehrlich solid tumor revealed that intramuscular injection of samarium/zinc oxide downregulates the expressions of CXCR4 and PI3K/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway in respect to Ehrlich solid tumor group. Regarding the apoptotic biomarkers, samarium/zinc oxide upregulates the apoptotic biomarker; Bax accompanied with the mitotic catastrophe which was indicated by cell cycle arrest in G2 phase. Moreover, samarium:zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibited minimum toxicity which was indicated by suppressed activities of cytochrome P450 and hepatic enzymes, including alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase. In addition, the histopathological finding, as well as immunophenotyping results, appreciated the biochemical finding. Therefore, samarium:zinc oxide might be offered a new approach to improve the effectiveness of zinc oxide nanoparticles along with lower toxic effect. Also, samarium:zinc oxide nanoparticles can be a candidate as a new antitumor compound to detect its mode of action.
The effect of nonlinear material viscosity on the energy harvesting performance of dielectric elastomer generators
Authors: Li Yuanping , Zhou Jianyou , Jiang Liying
Published: March 2020

Dielectric elastomer generators are capable of converting mechanical energy from a variety of sources into electrical energy. The energy harvesting performance depends on the interplay between electromechanical coupling, material viscosity, and multiple failure modes. Experiments also suggest that the material viscosity of dielectric elastomers is deformation-dependent, which makes the prediction of the performance of dielectric elastomer generators more challenging. By adopting the coupled field theory, finite-deformation viscoelasticity theory, and the theory for polymer dynamics, this work investigates the harvested energy and conversion efficiency of dielectric elastomer generators from theoretical perspective. By comparing the simulation results from the nonlinear viscosity model to the experimental data and the simulation results from the linear viscosity model, we further examine the possible factors that may strongly influence the performance of dielectric elastomer generators. It is found that dielectric elastomer generators exhibit higher harvested energy when nonlinear material viscosity is considered. Moreover, by selecting a higher voltage of the power supply for the generator, the conversion efficiency of dielectric elastomer generators can be greatly improved. The theoretical framework in this study is expected to offer some new insights into optimizing the design of dielectric elastomer generators and thus improving their performance.
Speaking the Same Language: How the Kodály Method Promotes Disciplinary Literacy
Authors: Dunbar Laura , Cooper Shelly
Published: March 2020

Educators are consistently asked to show their students’ literacy levels; however, the traditional definition of literacy is typically limited to a strict interpretation of reading and writing using text rather than notation. Disciplinary literacy expands the definition of literacy, allowing music educators to teach disciplinary-specific symbology. This article describes how the Kodály concept helps students process sound into symbol, which provides students with specific literacy strategies to convert sound into developmentally appropriate visual representations.
The Early Implementation of FFT-CW®, MST-Psychiatric®, and SafeCare® in Australia
Authors: Albers Bianca , Hateley-Browne Jessica , Steele Thomas , Rose Vanessa , Shlonsky Aron , Mildon Robyn
Published: March 2020

Purpose:

In 2017–2018, the state of Victoria, Australia, initiated the implementation of five family and parenting programs within family services. Three—SafeCare®, Functional Family Therapy-Child Welfare®, and Multisystemic Therapy-Psychiatric®—originated in the United States and were supported through overseas intermediary or purveyor organizations (IPOs). This study examines the challenges and barriers faced by service agencies and their staff during the initial implementation of these three research-supported interventions (RSIs).

Method:

Qualitative data collected among a purposive sample of implementers selected across provider agencies and IPOs were analyzed.

Results:

IPOs’ implementation specialists used a similarly composed sample of N = 31.2 implementation strategies. The early implementation stage was fragile and characterized by three distinct phases. Primary implementation challenges existed in the inner setting, intervention, and individual characteristics.

Discussion:

To balance the fragility of early implementation and sustain RSI implementation, it is important to immediately supplement overseas IPO support with strong local implementation capacities.
Treating Psoriasis With Halobetasol Propionate and Tazarotene Combination: A Review of Phase II and III Clinical Trials
Authors: Ramachandran Vignesh , Bertus Brooke , Bashyam Arjun M. , Feldman Steven R.
Published: March 2020

Objective: To review phase II and III clinical trial data to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the halobetasol propionate/tazarotene (HP/TAZ) combination lotion (Duobrii), a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration in April 2019 for adults with plaque psoriasis. Data Sources: A systematic search (January 2005 to July 2019) of MEDLINE (PubMed) and EMBASE databases was performed using the terms halobetasol, tazarotene, halobetasol/tazarotene, Duobrii, and IDP-118. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Relevant English-language articles reporting on phase II and phase III clinical trials were included. Data from the individual trials were extracted independently and then cross-checked to ensure accuracy. Data Synthesis: HP/TAZ was safe and efficacious compared with HP alone, TAZ alone, or vehicle. More patients achieved treatment success, described as a ≥2-grade improvement on Investigator Global Assessment Scale, over 8 weeks of treatment and at the 4-week follow-up after treatment cessation. The most common adverse events were dermatitis, pain, and pruritus, which occurred more often in the TAZ groups compared with the HP/TAZ cohorts. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: The once-daily HP/TAZ combination lotion simplifies psoriasis treatment and may facilitate adherence, which may improve psoriasis outcomes. Conclusions: HP/TAZ combination lotion is efficacious and safe for plaque psoriasis treatment, with more patients achieving end points and fewer side effects than in HP, TAZ, or vehicle-treated controls. Drug synergy may play a role. Importantly, patient adherence to a once-daily combinational therapy is likely to contribute to efficacy.
Mobility Limitation After Surgery for Degenerative Pathology of the Ankle, Hindfoot, and Midfoot vs Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Kurkis Gregory , Erwood Amalie , Maidman Samuel David , Manz Wesley J. , Nazzal Ehab , Bradbury Thomas Lane , Bariteau Jason Tyler
Published: March 2020

Background:

Surgery for degenerative foot and ankle conditions often results in a lengthy recovery. Current outcome measures do not accurately assess postoperative mobility, especially in older patients. The Life-Space Assessment (LSA), a questionnaire quantifying patients’ mobility after a medical event, was used in this study to assess perioperative mobility in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and foot and ankle surgery patients. We hypothesized that patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery would have greater postoperative mobility limitation than THA patients.

Methods:

Preoperative, 3-month, and 6-month postoperative LSA data were collected from THA and foot and ankle cohorts. Twelve-month postoperative data were obtained for the foot and ankle group as well. Patient demographics were recorded, and data were analyzed using a Mann-Whitney U test.

Results:

Twenty-eight degenerative foot and ankle operative patients and 38 THA patients met inclusion criteria. Only patients aged ≥60 years were included in this study. The mean preoperative LSA score was lower in the foot and ankle group (68.8) compared with THA (74.0), although the difference was not statistically significant ( P = .602). THA patients showed a significant increase in LSA score from preoperative (74) to 6 months postoperation (95.9) ( P = .003); however, foot and ankle patients showed no significant difference between preoperative (68.8) and 6-month (61.2) scores ( P = .468). Twelve months postoperatively, foot and ankle patients showed improvement in LSA score (88.3) compared with preoperation ( P = .065).

Conclusion:

Compared with THA, recovery of mobility after foot and ankle surgery was slower. THA patients exhibited improved mobility as early as 3 months after surgery, whereas foot and ankle patients did not show full improvement until 12 months. This work will assist the foot and ankle specialist in educating patients about challenges in mobility during their recovery from surgery.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, prospective cohort study.
Community-Based Participatory Research in the News: A Qualitative Case Study of the Online Media Characterization of a French Health Study
Authors: Duarte Catherine dP. , Cohen Alison K. , Allen Barbara L.
Published: March 2020

Since online media can be key in the widespread, symmetrical dissemination of science, we performed a media content analysis of 44 online articles to assess coverage of a French community-based participatory research (CBPR) epidemiologic study. Most articles highlighted methodological rigor and the research topic’s salience to residents. Approximately half of the articles reported findings, with the remaining focusing on action steps. To our knowledge, this study is the first to explore how online media communicate CBPR, a novel approach in the French context, to the public. Though there were some gaps in the media’s portrayal, CBPR may facilitate online media uptake of findings. We provide recommendations for future research on this topic.
Fear of the Unknown: Examining Neighborhood Stigma’s Effect on Urban Greenway Use and Surrounding Communities
Authors: Harris Brandon , Schmalz Dorothy , Larson Lincoln , Fernandez Mariela
Published: March 2020

Neighborhood stigma, founded on the idea that individuals avoid and denigrate spaces occupied by residents of color due to perceptions of crime and disorder, can influence travel patterns, impact housing markets, and exacerbate social and environmental justice issues. As a proliferation of urban greenways connecting once stratified communities, such stigma may also influence recreation behaviors. Using a series of observations and interviews with users and local residents, this study examined the impact of neighborhood stigma on recreational use of Chicago’s 606 Trail and surrounding communities. Results revealed why stigma occurs, how it manifests, and how different groups (e.g., White vs. Latinx residents) respond. Specifically, neighborhood stigma led White users to avoid trail segments, fueled discrimination, and catalyzed redevelop efforts in neighborhoods in the stigmatized area. This study illuminates concerns about the social impacts of urban park projects and provides insight for city officials looking to integrate greenways into diverse communities.
Assessing Generalization in Single-Case Research Studies Teaching Core Academic Content to Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: McDonnell John , Jameson J. Matt , Bowman Jessica A. , Coleman Olivia , Ryan Joanna , Eichelberger Carrie , Conradi Lyndsey
Published: March 2020

One concern raised about teaching content from the general education curriculum to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities is whether they generalize the skills learned to typical performance settings. We conducted a literature review of research studies that taught content from the general education curriculum and assessed generalization of the target skill to determine (a) whether the studies demonstrated a causal relationship between the intervention and the generalization-dependent variable(s), (b) what forms of generalization were assessed, and (c) what strategies were incorporated into the interventions to promote generalized responding by study participants. We identified 31 studies that met the initial selection criteria. However, only 22 demonstrated a causal relationship between the intervention and the acquisition-dependent variable(s), and only four of these studies demonstrated a causal relationship between the intervention and the generalization-dependent variable(s). The implications of the findings for future research are discussed.
The Process of Self-Management: A Qualitative Case Study Reporting on Cancer Survivors’ and Program Staff’s Experiences Within One Self-Management Support Intervention
Authors: Brunet Jennifer , Wurz Amanda , Srivastava Deeksha
Published: March 2020

Background. Cancer survivors must manage a range of adverse symptoms and side effects postdiagnosis. These effects often co-occur with preexisting comorbid conditions. Recognizing the complex chronicity of the disease, self-management support interventions have been developed to promote cancer survivors’ knowledge, skills, and confidence to self-manage their health. Though shown to be beneficial, the processes underlying self-management have yet to be explicated. Aim. To explore how a community-based self-management support intervention fosters cancer survivors’ knowledge, confidence, and skills to self-manage their health. Method. A qualitative case study adopting multiple viewpoints was utilized. Seventeen cancer survivors who participated in a self-management support intervention (referred to as a cancer coaching program) were interviewed and six program staff took part in a focus group. Transcripts from the interviews and focus group were analyzed using a hybrid inductive–deductive approach guided by principles of qualitative description. Results. Cancer survivors and program staff offered complementary perspectives that enhanced our understanding of how the self-management support intervention fosters cancer survivors’ knowledge, confidence, and skills to self-manage their health. Four themes captured strategies necessary to promote self-management: (1) looking beyond the disease: the importance of holistic person-centered care, (2) cocreating plans: the key to effective and meaningful self-management support, (3) fostering activation via tailored, targeted, and expert-sourced information and resources, and (4) having dependable and impartial emotional support. Within each theme, pertinent self-management support strategies were described by cancer survivors and program staff. Discussion and Conclusion. Findings offer an understanding of how one community-based self-management support intervention promotes self-management and highlight valuable self-management support strategies that could be incorporated into existing and future interventions.
Postoperative excessive anterior acetabular coverage is associated with decrease in range of motion after periacetabular osteotomy
Authors: Hayashi Shinya , Hashimoto Shingo , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Takayama Koji , Shibanuma Nao , Ishida Kazunari , Niikura Takahiro , Nishida Kotaro , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: March 2020

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between acetabular 3-dimensional (3D) alignment reorientation and clinical range of motion (ROM) after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO).

Methods:

50 patients (58 hips) with hip dysplasia participated in the study and underwent curved PAO. The pre- and postoperative 3D centre-edge (CE) angles and femoral anteversion were measured and compared with clinical outcomes, including postoperative ROM.

Results:

The correlation between pre- and postoperative acetabular coverage and postoperative ROM was evaluated. Postoperative abduction and internal rotation ROM were significantly associated with postoperative lateral CE angles (abduction; p < 0.001, internal rotation; p = 0.028); flexion and internal rotation ROM was significantly associated with postoperative anterior CE angles (flexion; p < 0.001, internal rotation; p = 0.028). Femoral anteversion was negatively correlated with postoperative abduction ( p = 0.017) and external rotation ( p = 0.047) ROM.

Conclusion:

Postoperative anterior acetabular coverage may affect internal rotation ROM more than the lateral coverage. Therefore, the direction of acetabular reorientation should be carefully determined according to 3D alignment during PAO.
Comparison of functional outcome of cemented total hip replacement versus cemented dual-mobility cup total hip replacement for the management of displaced femoral neck fractures in the active elderly patients
Authors: Rashed Ramy A M , Sevenoaks Hannah , Choudry Qaisar A , Kasem Mohammed S , Elkhadrawe Tarek A , Eldakhakhny Magdy M
Published: March 2020

Introduction:

Current guidelines recommend treating displaced femoral neck fractures with a total hip replacement in fit and active elderly patients. Dislocation remains the main complication. Dual-mobility cup (DMC) hip replacements maybe a solution to decrease dislocation, with the benefit of increasing stability, achieving better range of motion and functional outcomes.

Patients and methods:

This is a prospective randomised controlled trial which included 62 patients with Garden III and IV femoral neck fractures. The mean age was 67.2 years. 30 males and 32 females were included, randomised and allocated to 2 treatment groups; a cemented DMC replacement group, or a cemented 32-mm head total hip replacement (THR). The posterior approach was used in all patients. Postoperative functional outcome was assessed using Harris Hip Score (HHS). Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire.

Results:

The mean HHS for the DMC group at 4, 6 and 12 months were higher than mean HHS scores for the THR group ( p < 0.001). The range of motion at 1 year was statistically better in the DMC group compared to the THR group ( p < 0.001). The DMC showed a statistically better effect on the HRQoL measurements as compared to the THR group. There were no dislocations in both groups.

Conclusions:

DMC hip replacements provide better functional, patient reported outcomes, and range of motion than the conventional THR. Combined with its stability, DMC replacements are a useful solution in managing femoral neck fractures in active elderly patients. Trial serial number 020841 (IRB Number 00007555).
Associations Between Risk Perceptions and Cigarette, E-cigarette, and Dual-Product Use Among Canadian Adolescents
Authors: Manzione Lauren C , Shan Lingpeng , Azagba Sunday
Published: March 2020

Introduction:

The popularity of e-cigarettes has increased significantly in recent years. E-cigarettes are perceived as less harmful than cigarettes, and both dual-use of cigarette and e-cigarette use is common among adolescents. This study assessed cigarette and e-cigarette risk perception and associations with dual-product use among Canadian adolescents.

Methods:

We used data from the 2016-2017 Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs Survey. Perceived risks of cigarette and e-cigarette use were classified into 4 categories: “high-risk perception,” “high-e-cigarette-risk and low-cigarette-risk perception,” “low-e-cigarette-risk and high-cigarette-risk perception,” and “low-risk perception.” Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were estimated from multinomial logistic regression.

Results:

Of the population, 92% perceived high risk from cigarettes, and 65% from e-cigarettes. Compared to students with low-risk perception, those with high-risk perception of both products had lower odds of dual-use (aOR: 0.21; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.15, 0.28), cigarette-only use (aOR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.25, 0.45), and e-cigarette-only use (aOR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.51, 0.79) relative to nonusers. Adolescents with high-e-cigarette and low-cigarette-risk perception had higher odds of e-cigarette-only use, relative to nonusers. Those with high-risk perception were more likely to be e-cigarette-only users relative to cigarette-only users.

Conclusion:

Results highlight that high perceived risk is associated with lower odds of use. However, those with a high-risk perception of both products had higher odds of e-cigarette use relative to cigarette-only users; as did those with high-e-cigarette and low-cigarette-risk perception, relative to nonusers. Future research should assess ways of communicating the risks of adolescent tobacco use.
Doing impact work while female: Hate tweets, ‘hot potatoes’ and having ‘enough of experts’
Authors: Yelin Hannah , Clancy Laura
Published: March 2020

Drawing upon lived experiences, this article explores challenges facing feminist academics sharing work in the media, and the gendered, raced intersections of ‘being visible’ in digital cultures which enable direct, public response. We examine online backlash following publication of an article about representations of Meghan Markle’s feminism being co-opted by the patriarchal monarchy. While in it we argued against vilification of Markle, we encountered what we term distortions of research remediation as news outlets reported our work under headlines such as ‘academics accuse Meghan of dropping feminism like a hot potato’. Negative responses were polarised: anti-Meghan (drawing upon racist, anti-feminist, pro-empire, pro-Brexit/Trump rhetoric), and pro-Meghan (both general royal enthusiasts, and a smaller subsection viewing Markle in terms of politicised black uplift). In response, we received accusations of sexist, racist bullying, debate over definitions of feminism, claims feminism has gone ‘too far’, variously worded directives to ‘shut up’, gendered personal insults, and threats of doxxing. This article examines the tenor of public discourse around feminism and visible feminists. It questions the responsibility of institutions benefiting from public intellectuals for the wellbeing of employees in the public eye, particularly in the anti-intellectual socio-political context of Brexit and Donald Trump, where the costs for ‘visible’ women and feminist activism are ever higher. It also considers our responsibility as researchers to ensure our contributions to public discourse do not exacerbate existing harms of a white-supremacist, classist society. This article interrogates the risks – of misrepresentation, hyper-visibility, and reputational, psychological and potentially physical harm – faced by those engaging in acts of public feminism.
The power in positionings: A Foucauldian approach to knowledge integration processes
Authors: Engstrand Åsa-Karin , Enberg Cecilia
Published: March 2020

This study explores the role of relational power and discursive positioning in the knowledge integration process of an interdisciplinary project developing a steam turbine. As boundaries are an important focus of study for knowledge integration studies, more engagement is needed to not only map boundary work in the knowledge integration process, but also to acknowledge the role of power in this context. With help of governmentality and positioning theory, we show how power struggles are manifested as boundary work that both reinforces and undermines temporal and domain-specific boundaries. The study concludes that these reinforcements and underminings are central for our understanding of how knowledge integration develops. In addition, the study shed lights on the significance of the co-existence of domination and freedom in the project work. By acknowledging power relations and studying them as they are played out in discursive talk, the study contributes to an increased understanding of the nuances and intricacies of knowledge integration processes.
Applying Big Data visualization to detect trends in 30 years of performance reports
Authors: Raveh Eran , Ofek Yuval , Bekkerman Ron , Cohen Hertzel
Published: March 2020

Evaluators worldwide are dealing with a growing amount of unstructured electronic data, predominantly in textual format. Currently, evaluators analyze textual Big Data primarily using traditional content analysis methods based on keyword search, a practice that is limited to iterating over predefined concepts. But what if evaluators cannot define the necessary keywords for their analysis? Often we should examine trends in the way certain organizations have been operating, while our raw data are gigabytes of documents generated by that organization over decades. The problem is that in many cases we do not know what exactly we need to look for. In such cases, traditional analytical machinery would not provide an adequate solution within reasonable time—instead, heavy-lifting Big Data Science should be applied. We propose an automated, quantitative, user-friendly methodology based on text mining, machine learning, and data visualization, which assists researchers and evaluation practitioners to reveal trends, trajectories, and interrelations between bits and pieces of textual information in order to support evaluation. Our system automatically extracts a large amount of descriptive terminology for a particular domain in a given language, finds semantic connections between documents based on the extracted terminology, visualizes the entire document repository as a graph of semantic connections, and leads the user to the areas on that graph where most interesting trends can be observed. This article exemplifies the new method on 1700 performance reports, showing that the method can be used successfully, supplying evaluators with highly important information which cannot be revealed using other methods. Such exploratory exercise is vital as a preliminary exploratory phase for evaluations involving unstructured Big Data, after which a range of evaluation methods can be applied. We argue that our system can be successfully implemented on any domain evaluated.
A short history of same-sex marriage in New Zealand
Authors: Brickell Chris
Published: March 2020

Is same-sex marriage a recent outcome of concerted political action, or does it have a much longer history? This article critically examines the historical tensions and complexities around same-sex marriage by focusing on the New Zealand context. It argues that same-sex marriage is not simply a matter of legal provisions, but also reflects shared customs and incipient forms of politics that took hold before the era of marriage equality and have since been further transformed. By offering an overview of the New Zealand situation between the mid-19th century and the present day, this article examines the cultural and political complexities of same-sex marriage in order to tease out the intricate intersections between historical continuities and social change.
The cross-over frequency between pulse and high-frequency components of near-fault forward-directivity ground motions
Authors: Xin Lifeng , Yang Dehai
Published: March 2020

Due to the scarcity of near-fault records with forward-directivity effects, synthetic near-fault pulse-like ground motions through superimposing pulse models and high-frequency components are commonly used in the earthquake engineering. However, in existing studies, the cross-over frequency in generating high-frequency components is usually empirical and unclear. In this article, a hybrid decomposition and resynthesis method is developed to quantify the cross-over frequency, in which the wavelet decomposition and high-pass filter are, respectively, used to get the pulse and high-frequency components for near-fault records. Using the 30 near-fault pulse-like records, the distribution of cross-over frequencies is obtained. It is interestingly found that the cross-over frequency is inversely proportional to the pulse period.
The impact of individual differences on investigative hypothesis generation under time pressure
Authors: Kim Sunghwan , Alison Laurence , Christiansen Paul
Published: March 2020

When decisions are made under time pressure, individuals tend to reduce the number of hypotheses generated to explain and solve problems. This research investigates the extent to which individual differences in (a) domain-specific experience, (b) fluid intelligence, (c) need for closure (NFC), and (d) time urgency moderated the effect of time pressure on investigative hypothesis generation. Korean detectives ( N = 133) participated in simulated investigative scenarios. To induce the perception of time pressure, one group was informed that the task would have to be completed under time pressure ( N = 66), whereas the other group did not receive this instruction ( N = 67); although both groups had the same amount of time). Outcomes included the number and quality of hypotheses generated for solving the case. The quality of hypotheses generated was measured against criteria established by expert detectives. Results revealed that time pressure directly decreased the quantity and quality of hypotheses generated. In the relationships, low time urgency moderated the effect of time pressure on the number and quality of hypotheses generated, also low NFC moderated the impact of time pressure on the number of hypotheses generated. Furthermore, the most experienced detectives were least affected by the negative association between time pressure and the quality of hypotheses generated. The findings suggest lower time urgency, lower NFC and more experience are adaptive ‘protective’ factors against the negative impact of time pressure on hypothesis generation within high stakes and uncertain situations such as rape investigations.
Probing peace journalism: The discursive construction of blackness within the racial democracy of Colombia
Authors: Cortés-Martínez Carlos A , Thomas Ryan J
Published: March 2020

This study examines the discursive construction of blackness in the Colombian men’s magazine SoHo, using peace journalism as an evaluative framework. Specifically, it examines 116 feature stories focused on race, published from June 1999 to June 2017. The study found that SoHo did not openly cover racial-structural inequalities, did not contextualize racism, omitted the voices of people of African descent, neglected the race of Black leaders, evaded controversial language, disregarded racial polarization, and presented Black people as disempowered individuals while championing non-Blacks as agents of change. Although SoHo is not a peace journalism project, the magazine’s coverage of blackness revealed that avoiding incendiary language – a key tenet of peace journalism – may in fact maintain power dynamics between oppressors and oppressed, as misunderstanding interaction with collaboration does.
Team approach in the management of revision surgery to correct bilateral temporomandibular joint replacements
Authors: Kau Chung H , Almakky Omar , Louis Patrick J
Published: March 2020

This case report describes the successful second surgical treatment of a 26-year-old white female patient with a retrognathic mandible and previous bilateral total joint prostheses placement. The patient had previously presented with bilateral idiopathic condylar resorption (ICR) which caused clockwise mandibular rotation and resulted in anterior open bite and a retrognathic mandible. The patient had undergone definitive corrective for the ICR where condylectomies were performed bilaterally. In addition, total joint prostheses using ‘stock joints’ were used to restore the condyle and glenoid fossa on both sides. Although the previous surgery corrected the anterior open bite and restored the condyles, the patient was still suffering from joint symptoms (significant pain), restricted mandibular movements, increased overjet (12 mm) and a retrognathic mandible. The treatment plan included a combined orthodontic surgical approach: (1) bimaxillary orthognathic surgery: a surgical procedure on the mandible to reposition the prosthetic joints and correct the mandible position, and a segmental LeFort I to expand the maxilla; and (2) post-surgical orthodontics treatment to detail the occlusion. At the end of the treatment, good aesthetic and functional results were obtained with the cooperation of two specialties. This case emphasises the importance of three-dimensional planning and multidisciplinary treatment when addressing complex jaw movements. It also emphasises the importance orthodontic planning and collaboration with the orthodontist.
Structural Validity and Reliability of Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Risk Screener–Student Rating Scale Scores: A Replication Study
Authors: Kilgus Stephen P. , Eklund Katie , von der Embse Nathaniel P. , Weist Madison , Barber Alexandra J. , Kaul Megan , Dodge Sophia
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the structural validity, internal consistency, and measurement invariance of scores from the Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Risk Screener–Student Rating Scale (mySAEBRS), a student self-report universal screening tool. Participants included 24,094 K–12 students who completed the mySAEBRS. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) supported the fit of a bifactor model, wherein each item corresponding to both a general factor (i.e., Total Behavior) and one of three narrow factors (i.e., Social Behavior, Academic Behavior, and Emotional Behavior). Such model fit was superior to that of alternative factor structures (i.e., unidimensional, correlated-factor, and higher order). A review of pattern coefficients suggested items were relatively split, with some items loading higher on the general factor and others loading higher on their narrow factor. A series of multigroup CFAs supported the configural and metric invariance of the bifactor model, while yielding less consistent support for scalar/threshold invariance. Omega reliability coefficients indicated each mySAEBRS scale was associated with acceptable internal consistency (>.70). However, when accounting for other factors, only the Total Behavior, Social Behavior, and Emotional Behavior scales demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (i.e., >.50). Implications for practice and directions for future research are discussed.
Nitidine Chloride Is a Potential Alternative Therapy for Glioma Through Inducing Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Alleviating Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Chen Zihang , Zhang Jinsen , Xue Hao , Qian Mingyu , Guo Xing , Gao Xiao , Xu Jianye , Qi Yanhua , Sun Xiaopeng , Li Gang
Published: March 2020

Background: Malignant glioma is a lethal brain tumor that is highly resistant to standard therapy. Our research aims to explore the suppressive effects of nitidine chloride (NC) on gliomas and the mechanisms involved, showing that it is a potential agent for integrative therapy of gliomas. Methods: After glioma cells were treated with NC, several experiments were performed to evaluate NC’s antitumor effects. CCK-8 assay was used to detect viability. Transwell and 3-dimensional spheroid invasion assays were used to evaluate motility of glioma in vitro, and the sphere-formation assay showed NC’s influence on glioma stem cells. Apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species were measured by means of flow cytometry. Subcellular structures were observed through transmission electron microscopy. Western blot analysis reflected expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker proteins. An orthotopic xenograft model was established to investigate the tumor suppressive effects in vivo. Results: Nitidine chloride inhibited glioma cell migration and invasion in vitro, downregulated the EMT proteins, and suppressed sphere formation of glioma stem cells. Furthermore, NC induced persistent ER stress that contributed to apoptosis and reactive oxygen species production. The xenograft model showed that NC effectively restricted glioma growth and invasion in vivo. Furthermore, we confirmed the signaling pathways that ER stress downregulates C/EBPβ and slug, as well as inhibition of the AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin axis caused by NC, in U-87 MG. Conclusion: We demonstrated that NC inhibits gliomas in vitro and in vivo by activating ER stress and downregulating EMT, which provides a basis for glioma therapy.
Position-Cortical Coherence as a Marker of Afferent Pathway Integrity Early Poststroke: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zandvliet Sarah B. , van Wegen Erwin E. H. , Campfens S. Floor , van der Kooij Herman , Kwakkel Gert , Meskers Carel G. M.
Published: March 2020

Background. Addressing the role of somatosensory impairment, that is, afferent pathway integrity, in poststroke motor recovery may require neurophysiological assessment. Objective. We investigated the longitudinal construct validity of position-cortical coherence (PCC), that is, the agreement between mechanically evoked wrist perturbations and electroencephalography (EEG), as a measure of afferent pathway integrity. Methods. PCC was measured serially in 48 patients after a first-ever ischemic stroke in addition to Fugl-Meyer motor assessment of the upper extremity (FM-UE) and Nottingham Sensory Assessment hand-finger subscores (EmNSA-HF, within 3 and at 5, 12, and 26 weeks poststroke. Changes in PCC over time, represented by percentage presence of PCC (%PCC), mean amplitude of PCC over the affected (Amp-A) and nonaffected hemisphere (Amp-N) and a lateralization index (L-index), were analyzed, as well as their association with FM-UE and EmNSA-HF. Patients were retrospectively categorized based on FM-UE score at baseline and 26 weeks poststroke into high- and low-baseline recoverers and non-recoverers. Results. %PCC increased from baseline to 12 weeks poststroke (β = 1.6%, CI = 0.32% to 2.86%, P = .01), which was no longer significant after adjusting for EmNSA-HF and FM-UE. A significant positive association was found between %PCC, Amp-A, and EmNSA-HF. Low-baseline recoverers (n = 8) showed longitudinally significantly higher %PCC than high-baseline recoverers (n = 23). Conclusions. We demonstrated the longitudinal construct validity of %PCC and Amp-A as a measure of afferent pathway integrity. A high %PCC in low-baseline recoverers suggests that this measure also contains information on cortical excitability. Use of PCC as an EEG-based measure to address the role of somatosensory integrity to motor recovery poststroke requires further attention.
IAS-CNN: Image adaptive steganalysis via convolutional neural network combined with selection channel
Authors: Jin Zhujun , Yang Yu , Chen Yuling , Chen Yuwei
Published: March 2020

Steganography is conducive to communication security, but the abuse of steganography brings many potential dangers. And then, steganalysis plays an important role in preventing the abuse of steganography. Nowadays, steganalysis based on deep learning generally has a large number of parameters, and its pertinence to adaptive steganography algorithms is weak. In this article, we propose a lightweight convolutional neural network named IAS-CNN which targets to image adaptive steganalysis. To solve the limitation of manually designing residual extraction filters, we adopt the method of self-learning filter in the network. That is, a high-pass filter in spatial rich model is applied to initialize the weights of the first layer and then these weights are updated through the backpropagation of the network. In addition, the knowledge of selection channel is incorporated into IAS-CNN to enhance residuals in regions that have a high probability for steganography by inputting embedding probability maps into IAS-CNN. Also, IAS-CNN is designed as a lightweight network to reduce the consumption of resources and improve the speed of processing. Experimental results show that IAS-CNN performs well in steganalysis. IAS-CNN not only has similar performance with YedroudjNet in S-UNIWARD steganalysis but also has fewer parameters and convolutional computations.
“I’m Not an Expert, But…”: Perspectives on Aquatic Management for LGBTQ Participants
Authors: Anderson Austin Robert , Knee Eric , Ramos William Dominic
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the initiatives that current aquatic managers in campus recreation are implementing to create environments that are inclusive to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) participation and to assess the barriers to such initiatives. The study utilized in-depth semistructured interviews with nine campus recreation aquatic managers to examine steps that are currently being taken when it comes to creating environments that are perceived to be open, or closed, to LGBTQ participants. A grounded theory–based process of data collection and analysis resulted in emergent themes. These themes included (a) “I am not an expert but…,” (b) reactive programming and management, (c) inclusion as a general practice, and (d) the importance of gender-inclusive practices. Management strategies and implications for campus recreation aquatic managers around these emergent themes are discussed regarding the creating of inclusive environments for LGBTQ participants.
Fabric defect detection based on deep-feature and low-rank decomposition
Authors: Liu Zhoufeng , Wang Baorui , Li Chunlei , Yu Miao , Ding Shumin
Published: March 2020

Fabric defect detection plays an important role in controlling the quality of textile production. In this article, a novel fabric defect detection algorithm is proposed based on a multi-scale convolutional neural network and low-rank decomposition model. First, multi-scale convolutional neural network, which can extract the multi-scale deep feature of the image using multiple nonlinear transformations, is adopted to improve the characterization ability of fabric images with complex textures. The effective feature extraction makes the background lie in a low-rank subspace, and a sparse defect deviates from the low-rank subspace. Then, the low-rank decomposition model is constructed to decompose the feature matrix into the low-rank part (background) and the sparse part (salient defect). Finally, the saliency maps generated by the sparse matrix are segmented based on an improved optimal threshold to locate the fabric defect regions. Experimental results indicate that the feature extracted by the multi-scale convolutional neural network is more suitable for characterizing the fabric texture than the traditional hand-crafted feature extraction methods, such as histogram of oriented gradient, local binary pattern, and Gabor. The adopted low-rank decomposition model can effectively separate the defects from the background. Moreover, the proposed method is superior to state-of-the-art methods in terms of its adaptability and detection efficiency.