bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discourse and power: Implementation of a funds of knowledge curriculum
Authors: Reinhardt Kimberly S
Published: July 2018

A curriculum redesign rooted in a funds of knowledge framework breaks down the power dynamics among all participants, creating a flow of information and value for parents, students, and teachers. This research is centered on a teacher educator who is part of a curriculum redesign for a teacher education program, and examines how she navigates her identity through the second year of involvement in the redesign. The Communities as Resources in Early Childhood Teacher Education Project, in which this research is situated, has four principles that guide all coursework and fieldwork. Traditional teacher education programs struggle with bridging the gap between students and their mentor teachers, and developing strong cooperative relationships with teacher educators in the classroom. The results suggest that some teacher educators seek to maintain the existing divisions between the classroom and the university, thus affecting the teacher candidates’ ability to embody new teaching strategies and redirect the larger macro-level discourse regarding teaching and teacher education.
Does the Prospect of Fulfilling Belonging Affect Social Responses to Rejection? A Conceptual Replication Attempt
Authors: Sunami Naoyuki , Nadzan Megan A. , Jaremka Lisa M.
Published: July 2018

Historically, one of the biggest paradoxes in the rejection literature was that rejected people sometimes behaved antisocially and at other times prosocially. Researchers responded to this paradox by demonstrating that the prospect of fulfilling belonging predicted these varied responses. A close inspection of the foundational studies, however, revealed small sample sizes relative to today’s standards. Hence, we conducted a conceptual replication of the prospect of fulfilling belonging hypothesis using a high-powered 2-day preregistered study. On Day 1, we manipulated the prospect of fulfilling belonging through a profile exchange with a confederate. On Day 2, we manipulated rejection using a recall paradigm and then measured prosocial and antisocial responses toward the confederate. Rejected participants who expected the confederate to fulfill belonging showed similar levels of prosocial and antisocial responses compared with those who did not. These results suggest that the prospect of fulfilling belonging hypothesis needs further refinement.
Genetic and Environmental Associations Between Child Personality and Parenting
Authors: Ayoub Mona , Briley Daniel A. , Grotzinger Andrew , Patterson Megan W. , Engelhardt Laura E. , Tackett Jennifer L. , Harden K. Paige , Tucker-Drob Elliot M.
Published: July 2018

Parenting is often conceptualized in terms of its effects on offspring. However, children may also play an active role in influencing the parenting they receive. Simple correlations between parenting and child outcomes may be due to parent-to-child causation, child-to-parent causation, or some combination of the two. We use a multirater, genetically informative, large sample ( n = 1,411 twin sets) to gain traction on this issue as it relates to parental warmth and stress in the context of child Big Five personality. Considerable variance in parental warmth (27%) and stress (45%) was attributable to child genetic influences on parenting. Incorporating child Big Five personality into the model roughly explained half of this variance. This result is consistent with the hypothesis that parents mold their parenting in response to their child’s personality. Residual heritability of parenting is likely due to child characteristics beyond the Big Five.
Incidence and mortality of myocardial infarction among Catalonian older adults with and without underlying risk conditions: The CAPAMIS study
Authors: Forcadell M José , Vila-Córcoles Angel , de Diego Cinta , Ochoa-Gondar Olga , Satué Eva
Published: July 2018

Background

Population-based data about the epidemiology of acute myocardial infarction is limited. This study investigated incidence and mortality of acute myocardial infarction in older adults with specific underlying chronic conditions and evaluated the influence of these conditions in developing acute myocardial infarction.

Design and methods

This was a population-based cohort study involving 27,204 individuals ≥ 60 years of age in Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain). Data on all cases of hospitalised acute myocardial infarction were collected from 1 December 2008–30 November 2011. Incidence rates and 30-day mortality were estimated according to age, sex, chronic illnesses and underlying conditions. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios and to estimate the association between baseline conditions and risk of developing acute myocardial infarction.

Results

The incidence of acute myocardial infarction was 475 per 100,000 person-years. Maximum rates appeared among individuals with history of coronary artery disease (2839 per 100,000), chronic severe nephropathy (1407 per 100,000), atrial fibrillation (1226 per 100,000), chronic heart disease (1149 per 100,000), history of stroke (1147 per 100,000) and diabetes mellitus (914 per 100,000). Thirty-day mortality was 15.3% overall, reaching 31.6% among patients over 80 years. In the multivariable analysis, history of coronary artery disease, age > 70 years, sex male, chronic heart disease, history of stroke, atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus and hypertension emerged as significantly associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction.

Conclusions

The incidence and mortality of acute myocardial infarction remain considerable in our setting. Considering classical major risk factors, diabetes mellitus and hypertension were the underlying conditions most strongly associated with an increased risk in our study population.
The Bionic Bra: Using electromaterials to sense and modify breast support to enhance active living
Authors: Steele Julie R , Gho Sheridan A , Campbell Toni E , Richards Christopher J , Beirne Stephen , Spinks Geoffrey M , Wallace Gordon G
Published: July 2018

Background

Although the most supportive sports bras can control breast motion and associated breast pain, they are frequently deemed uncomfortable to wear and, as a result, many women report exercise bra discomfort. Given that exercise bra discomfort is associated with decreased levels of physical activity, there is a pertinent need to develop innovative solutions to address this problem.

Objectives

This research aimed to evaluate the use of electromaterial sensors and artificial muscle technology to create a bra that was capable of detecting increases in breast motion and then responding with increased breast support to enhance active living.

Methods

The research involved two phases: (i) evaluating sensors suitable for monitoring and providing feedback on changes in the amplitude and frequency of breast motion, and (ii) evaluating an actuator capable of changing breast support provided by a bra during activity.

Results

When assessed in isolation, the developed technologies were capable of sensing breast motion and actuating to provide some additional breast support.

Conclusions

The challenge now lies in integrating both technologies into a functional sports bra prototype, and assessing this prototype in a controlled biomechanical analysis to provide a breast support solution that will enable women to enjoy active living in comfort.
Caregiver Perceptions of Music Therapy for Children Hospitalized for a Blood and Marrow Transplant: An Interpretivist Investigation
Authors: Yates Greta J , Beckmann Nicole B , Voss Megan E , Anderson Maureen R , Silverman Michael J
Published: July 2018

Background

Despite pharmacological and psychosocial support, pediatric blood and marrow transplant (BMT) recipients typically experience heightened levels of somatic and psychological distress while undergoing transplant. Although clinicians have used psychosocial interventions to target distress, there are gaps in the literature concerning music therapy for children recovering from BMT. This is especially the case among younger children and those affected by rare genetic or metabolic disorders.

Objective

As caregivers are the primary decision makers for minor children, there is a need to understand their preferences and values as this constitutes a component of evidence-informed practice. Therefore, the purpose of this interpretivist investigation was to explore primary caregivers’ perspectives and experiences with music therapy for their children during hospitalization for BMT.

Methods

The researchers conducted semistructured phone interviews with 15 primary caregivers of children who had received music therapy services while hospitalized for BMT. Member checking was used to ensure accuracy of the transcripts and experiences, while trustworthiness was used to verify themes.

Results

Fifteen caregivers of 14 pediatric BMT recipients were interviewed by phone. The following four themes emerged: (1) music therapy motivated patients to physically engage their bodies despite symptoms; (2) music therapy elevated patients’ moods; (3) caregivers benefited from seeing their child engaged in music therapy; and (4) caregivers were appreciative for the opportunity and requested additional music therapy services.

Conclusions

Caregivers perceived music therapy to be a positive and beneficial experience for pediatric patients while hospitalized for BMT. Implications for clinical practice, limitations, and suggestions for future research are provided.
Clinical Outcomes of Treating Cervical Adjacent Segment Disease by Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Versus Total Disc Replacement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lu Victor M. , Mobbs Ralph J. , Phan Kevin
Published: July 2018

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective:

To compare clinical outcomes of all available adjacent segment disease (ASD) cohorts being treated by either anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or total disc replacement (TDR).

Methods:

We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic reviews. Searches of electronic databases from inception to August 2017 identified 349 articles for screening. Data was extracted and analyzed using meta-analysis of proportions.

Results:

The search identified 1 double-armed study and 8 single-armed studies from which data of 5 TDR and 5 ACDF cohorts treating ASD were extracted. Between the 2 pooled TDR (n = 103) and ACDF (n = 258) groups, baseline characteristics were predominantly similar. Compared with ACDF, TDR demonstrated superior operation duration (107 vs 188 minutes, P = .011) and range of motion of C2-C7 at final follow-up at least 1 year after surgery (40.2° vs 35.1°, P = .001). Other surgical and performance parameters including estimated blood loss, complications, and Japanese Orthopedic Association score, Neck Disability Index, Visual Analog Scale neck, and Visual Analog Scale upper limb measures were comparable between cohorts.

Conclusion:

TDR confers similar surgical and postoperative outcomes to the treatment of ASD as ACDF. Both procedures lead to improvement in all performance outcomes. Larger, prospective, randomized studies will validate the findings of this meta-analysis. Longer term studies are required to ascertain the recurrence rates of ASD following either surgical treatment of primary ASD.
Prostate Abscess Caused by Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Ullah Asad , Khakwani Zeeshan , Mehmood Hassan
Published: July 2018

A 60-year-old male presented with complaints of fever, chills, cough, and shortness of breath. He denied abdominal pain, urgency, dysuria, or hematuria. His laboratory data revealed an elevated white blood cell count and lactic acid, and one set of blood culture stained positive for gram-positive cocci. He was empirically started on intravenous antibiotics. On the next hospital day, the patient complained of hematuria and lower abdominal discomfort. A computed tomography scan of his abdomen and pelvis was obtained that revealed a focal hypodensity relating to prostate abscess, which was subsequently confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate. Final report of blood cultures stated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. He was treated with intravenous vancomycin and transurethral resection and deroofing of the prostate gland with drainage that resulted in complete resolution of his symptoms.
The Epidemiology of Ankle Injuries Identified at the National Football League Combine, 2009-2015
Authors: Mulcahey Mary K. , Bernhardson Andrew S. , Murphy Colin P. , Chang Angela , Zajac Tyler , Sanchez George , Sanchez Anthony , Whalen James M. , Price Mark D. , Clanton Thomas O. , Provencher Matthew T.
Published: July 2018

Background:

American football is a leading cause of sports-related injuries, with the knee, ankle, and shoulder most commonly involved.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology, characteristics, and imaging findings of ankle injuries in football players at the National Football League (NFL) Combine and determine the relationship to player position. We hypothesized that there would be a high relative incidence of ankle injuries in these players compared with other sports and that there would be a direct correlation between the incidence of ankle injuries and player position.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of data collected from NFL Combine participants between 2009 and 2015 was performed. Patient demographics, history, physical examination results, and imaging findings were reviewed.

Results:

Of 2285 players, 1216 (53.2%) had a history of ankle injuries; of these, 987 (81.2%) had unilateral injuries, while 229 (18.8%) had bilateral injuries (total of 1445 ankles injured). This included 1242 ankle sprains (86.0% of ankle injuries): 417 (33.6% of sprains) high and 930 (74.9%) low. The most common soft tissue injuries were to the anterior talofibular ligament (n = 158, 12.7% of sprains) and syndesmosis (n = 137, 11.0%). Of all players at the NFL Combine with radiographs, 131 (10.9%) had evidence of an ankle fracture, all of which had healed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified 66 players (28.9% of players at the combine who underwent MRI) with articular cartilage injuries: 62 involving the talus and 16 involving the tibia. Furthermore, 85 players (37.3% of players with MRI) with tendon injuries were identified: 26 Achilles, 55 peroneal, 3 flexor hallucis longus, and 19 posterior tibial. A total of 611 players (50.6% of players with radiographs) had signs of arthrosis on radiography. Running backs (61.9%), offensive linemen (60.3%), and tight ends (59.4%) had the highest rates of ankle injuries by position, while kickers/punters (23.3%) and long snappers (37.5%) had the lowest.

Conclusion:

Prior ankle injuries were present in more than 50% of elite college football players attending the NFL Combine. The rate of these ankle injuries varied by player position: offensive linemen, running backs, and tight ends had the highest overall rates, while special teams players had the lowest. Additional prospective work is needed to determine the impact of prior injuries on future playing career.
Royall Must Fall: Old and New Battles on the Memory of Slavery in New England
Authors: Beeman Angie
Published: July 2018

There is much scholarly and public debate over how slavery should be remembered, especially in the southern United States. We have seen this recently with the case of Charlottesville, Virginia, where protest ensued over a statue of Robert E. Lee. However, attention should also be paid to the history of slavery in the northern United States, particularly in places such as New England, where attempts were made to silence this history. The author analyzes the archives of the Royall House Association to study the historic preservation and presentation of the Isaac Royall House and slave quarters in Medford, Massachusetts. Royall and his connections to Harvard University have recently gained more attention with nationwide protests against racism on college campuses. Drawing on critical race theory, research on racism denial, and scholarship on history and memory, the author analyzes public narratives on how the Royall House should be remembered. The author teases out the various purposes battles over public memory serve and what their outcomes are and addresses whether these contests are largely symbolic or if they play an important role in dismantling racism. The author finds three main outcomes of these memory projects: to make invisible a racist past and uphold white supremacy, to serve as an illusion of progress with an attempt to assuage guilt, and to make an impact against racism.
Engaging Students in Literacy Practices Through Video Game Book Groups
Authors: Stufft Carolyn J.
Published: July 2018

Teachers can harness the power of video games to foster interest and engage students in literacy activities. Within this study, seven 6th graders participated in a video game book group during language arts instructional time. The study focused on tweens’ figured worlds of literacy and video games and the intersections and divergences of these worlds. The research involved a comparative case study of two books (a video game text and a video game–related text), with all book group meetings audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded. The data provide support that tweens hold different figured worlds of in-school literacy versus gaming; this finding has implications for educators regarding tweens’ literacy practices within and beyond the classroom.
Authoring Self: GED Students Transforming Their Identities in a Composition Makerspace
Authors: Gruen Rachael
Published: July 2018

In this case study, I examine the ways adult learners improve skills and practices around communication, problem-solving, motivation, self-esteem, and technology through engagement in a makerspace curriculum focused on composition. A primary objective is to provide insight into the various ways that adult education environments can incorporate innovative practices of teaching and learning to prepare students for a standardized high school equivalency test and beyond. The patterns in the data revealed that makerspaces for the focal participants predominantly supported nonacademic skill development, particularly learning from mistakes, the importance of learning from each other, and identifying as a learner to aid in one’s learning.
The Interplay Between Formal and Informal Institutions in Projects
Authors: Wang Hongdi , Lu Weisheng , Söderlund Jonas , Chen Ke
Published: July 2018

In projects, various kinds of formal and informal institutions are crucial for imprinting and controlling behavior. The interplay and potential conflict between these two types of institutions have attracted increasing scholarly and managerial attention, but conventional institutional analyses are hampered by the lack of effective methodological instruments for understanding these institutions and examining their fit (or misfit). Underpinned by the theoretical argument that institutions governing projects are networks, this study employs the methodology of social network analysis (SNA) to capture and analyze institutional interplay. We use four construction projects to illustrate the interplay between formal and informal institutions in projects and to show how this interplay affects project performance. Our findings reveal that, in general, performance is better when there is a better fit—which indicates the extent of interplay—between a project’s formal and informal guiding institutions. We also show how project managers can use SNA to diagnose formal and informal institutions, enhancing their fit and thereby improving project performance. The results presented here have implications for the role of these two institutional types and for how the fit between them can be improved through conscious effort.
A Psychological Contract Perspective on Project Networks
Authors: Kaulio Matti A.
Published: July 2018

A current challenge for project network scholars is to explain “how history matters”; in other words, how past experiences of collaboration between actors in a project network are transformed into an (informal) organizational format that is replicable in future collaborations. How are project networks formed in the first place? By examining a collaboration under formation between two organizations, this article proposes that project networks can be conceptualized as psychological contracts. In this formation process, critical incidents play a key role as they define “items” in the psychological contract; in project network terms, these items define routines for collaboration.
Being barefoot. Prevalence at home, in school and during sport: a cross‐sectional survey of 714 New Zealand secondary school boys
Authors: Francis Peter , Schofield Grant , Mackay Lisa
Published: July 2018

Background

It may be assumed that a combination of culture, climate and economic resource are the major reasons that non‐industrialised countries have a higher prevalence of barefoot activity. New Zealand is an industrialised country with comparable resources to that of many European countries; however, it seems to remain socially acceptable to carry out barefoot activities. A chance observation of students competing barefoot on a tartan track, prompted us to determine the prevalence of barefoot activity in an all‐boys secondary school in Auckland New Zealand.

Method

An 11‐question survey was administered at an Auckland boys secondary school, of high socioeconomic status, to determine the footwear habits of students (n = 714) during: a) daily life b) school life (c) physical education class and (d) sport. To classify students as habitually barefoot or shod, students were asked to select whether they were barefoot most of the time (2‐points), half of the time (1‐point) or none of the time (0‐points) in three settings: around the house, during sport and during school. A score of ≥3 was required to be considered habitually barefoot. Participants were also asked to specify, when running at their most recent athletics event (100 m – 3000 m) on a track, whether they ran barefoot, in shoes, in spikes or another type of footwear. Finally, participants were asked to indicate if leg pain had interrupted running during the previous 12‐months. Analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS.

Results

45% (95% CI: 41.5–49.5%) of the participants in our sample were classified as habitually barefoot. More than half of the sample reported being barefoot most of the time at home (n = 404, 56.6%) and during PE class (n = 420, 58.8%). Over 50% of the sample reported being barefoot half of the time or more during sport (n = 380, 53.2%). A smaller amount went to the supermarket (n = 140, 19.6%) or took the bus (n = 59, 8.3%) whilst barefoot around half of the time or more. The percentage of barefoot competitors declined with increasing distance: 100 m (46.5%), 200 m (41.8%), 400 m (38%), 800 m (31%), 1500 m (31%) and 3000 m (20%). The prevalence of leg pain interfering with running was 23.5%. There was no difference in the prevalence of leg pain between those classified as habitually barefoot and shod (Χ2(1, N = 603) = 0.005, p = 0.946).

Conclusion

The results of this survey demonstrate that over 50% of students at an all‐boys secondary school in Auckland, of high socioeconomic status, are barefoot at home, during physical education and sport half of the time or more. These results may point towards a cultural difference between New Zealand and other modern industrialised countries.
Classification of gallstones using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and photography
Authors: Ha Byeong Jo , Park Sangsoo
Published: July 2018

Background

Gallstones have conventionally been classified by gross inspection into 4 categories: cholesterol gallstones, black pigment (calcium bilirubinate) gallstones, brown gallstones, and mixed gallstones that contain both cholesterol and calcium bilirubinate. Classification using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy supplements gross inspection; however, the issue of ambiguity in gallstone classification has not been fully addressed to date.

Methods

Twenty-six gallstones obtained after surgical gallbladder removal were examined using FT-IR spectroscopy and digital photography, and classified into 6 gallstone groups according to characteristic FT-IR absorption bands.

Results

FT-IR spectra of nine gallstones matched well with that of pure cholesterol, and the gallstones were thus classified as cholesterol stones. Twelve gallstones were classified as calcium bilirubinate stones as they showed characteristic absorption bands of calcium bilirubinate. However, the FT-IR spectra of these gallstones always showed a broad absorption band of bound water at 3600–2400 cm
− 1
. The other five gallstones were classified as mixed stones with combinations of cholesterol, calcium bilirubinate, and calcium carbonate.

Conclusion

FT-IR spectroscopy is a powerful and convenient method for gallstone classification. Nevertheless, one should take serious note of the superposition of FT-IR absorption bands of different chemical components of gallstones including that of bound water.
Full model wavenumber inversion: Identifying sources of information for the elusive middle model wavenumbers
Authors: Alkhalifah Tariq , Sun Bing Bing , Wu Zedong
Published: July 2018

We recognized over the years that our conventional surface seismic recording can effectively identify two main features of the earth: its seismic propagation attributes and those attributes resulting in echoes or reflections. Thus, the resulting expression of the earth is dominated by the generally smooth (long-wavelength) features that control wave propagation, which we use to invert for the short-wavelength features causing reflections in a process we refer to as migration velocity analysis and imaging, respectively. The features of the earth that fall in between these two model scales — the middle wavenumbers — have been elusive, which is a dilemma for full-waveform inversion because we need to build the full velocity model (a broad band of model wavenumbers). We analyze the middle model wavenumber gap, but we focus more here on potential sources of information for such middle model wavenumbers. Such sources include regularization, objective function enhancements, and multiscattered energy. Regularization, provided by a total variation (TV) constraint admits middle and high model wavenumber components into the model to enforce the model’s compliance with such a constraint. As opposed to minimizing the TV, such a constraint merely reduces the model space, and thus, these injected middle model wavenumbers are as good as the projected data information to the reduced model space. Such data information includes large offsets, but also multiscattered energy, in which the energy through wavepath and scattering updates can admit more of the elusive middle-wavenumber information that comes from the data. The combination of the right level of allowable model variations with the added data information from large offsets and multiscattering can help in filling the elusive middle model wavenumber gap and admit plausible models.
An early diagnosis is not the same as a timely diagnosis of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Rees Richard Nathaniel , Acharya Anita Prema , Schrag Anette , Noyce Alastair John
Published: July 2018

Parkinson’s disease is a common neurodegenerative condition that has significant costs to the individual patient and to society. The pathology starts up to a decade before symptoms are severe enough to allow a diagnosis using current criteria. Although the search for disease-modifying treatment continues, it is vital to understand what the right time is for diagnosis. Diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is based on the classic clinical criteria, but the presence of other clinical features and disease biomarkers may allow earlier diagnosis, at least in a research setting. In this review, we identify the benefits of an early diagnosis, including before the classic clinical features occur. However, picking the right point for a “timely” diagnosis will vary depending on the preferences of the individual patient, efficacy (or existence) of disease-modifying treatment, and the ability for health systems to provide support and management for individuals at every stage of the disease. Good evidence for the quality-of-life benefits of existing symptomatic treatment supports the argument for earlier diagnosis at a time when symptoms are already present. This argument would be significantly bolstered by the development of disease-modifying treatments. Benefits of early diagnosis and treatment would affect not only the individual (and their families) but also the wider society and the research community. Ultimately, however, shared decision-making and the principles of autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence will need to be applied on an individual basis when considering a “timely” diagnosis.
A convenient protocol for establishing a human cell culture model of the outer retina.
Authors: Lynn Savannah A. , Keeling Eloise , Dewing Jennifer M. , Johnston David A. , Page Anton , Cree Angela J. , Tumbarello David A. , Newman Tracey A. , Lotery Andrew J. , Ratnayaka J. Arjuna
Published: July 2018

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of several blinding retinopathies. Alterations to RPE structure and function are reported in Age-related Macular Degeneration, Stargardt and Best disease as well as pattern dystrophies. However, the precise role of RPE cells in disease aetiology remains incompletely understood. Many studies into RPE pathobiology have utilised animal models, which only recapitulate limited disease features. Some studies are also difficult to carry out in animals as the ocular space remains largely inaccessible to powerful microscopes. In contrast,in-vitromodels provide an attractive alternative to investigating pathogenic RPE changes associated with age and disease. In this article we describe the step-by-step approach required to establish an experimentally versatilein-vitroculture model of the outer retina incorporating the RPE monolayer and supportive Bruch’s membrane (BrM). We show that confluent monolayers of the spontaneously arisen human ARPE-19 cell-line cultured under optimal conditions reproduce key features of native RPE. These models can be used to study dynamic, intracellular and extracellular pathogenic changes using the latest developments in microscopy and imaging technology. We also discuss how RPE cells from human foetal and stem-cell derived sources can be incorporated alongside sophisticated BrM substitutes to replicate the aged/diseased outer retina in a dish. The work presented here will enable users to rapidly establish a realisticin-vitromodel of the outer retina that is amenable to a high degree of experimental manipulation which will also serve as an attractive alternative to using animals. Thisin-vitromodel therefore has the benefit of achieving the 3Rs objective of reducing and replacing the use of animals in research. As well as recapitulating salient structural and physiological features of native RPE, other advantages of this model include its simplicity, rapid set-up time and unlimited scope for detailed single-cell resolution and matrix studies.
REVISITING THE POTENTIAL OF ONLINE LEARNING IN THE GLOBAL LEARNING PROCESS
Authors: Ивашкина Татьяна , Ivashkina Tatyana
Published: July 2018

The article is devoted to the problem of online learning development in the global educational space. This the most effective and modern pedagogical practice, which is ahead of the global digital pedagogy emerging in the conditions of globalization, is a key social phenomenon in the life of the world community, which is the main condition of its development during the formation period of civilization of the knowledge societies on the planet. To comply with the concept of smart education in the intellectual society, e-learning, the fifth innovative model of online learning, in its future functioning should be based not only on the latest achievements in the field of information technology, but also on scientific support and monitoring of the global digital pedagogy, which determines, in particular, the degree of their integration into the online learning process. The well-grounded interaction of the theory and practice of online learning is the global educational system foundation of civilization of the knowledge societies
A República Lusitana das Letras: um retrato das redes de comunicação dos jornais emigrados no início do século XIX
Authors: Munaro Luis Francisco
Published: July 2018

O objetivo deste artigo é investigar as formas de idealização e construção da República das Letras entre os portugueses quando da sua dispersão a partir de 1808 e da tentativa de manter circuitos regulares de correspondência. Em outras palavras, através da publicação de grande número de jornais. Estes impressos têm lugar, sobretudo, em Londres, que sediou, entre 1808 e 1822, pelo menos oito jornais lusófonos a partir da iniciativa pioneira de Hipólito da Costa; e Paris, que sediou pelo menos três entre 1815 e 1822, sobretudo em torno do intelecto de Solano Constâncio. A partir dessa rede de intercâmbio de ideias que começava a se expandir e adquirir um caráter cosmopolita, é possível indagar também sobre alguns dos diálogos mais amplos estabelecidos com publicações em língua inglesa e espanhola, de forma a permitir um vislumbre da dimensão dessas redes de comunicação cujas portas eram abertas pelo jornalismo.
O Jornal Quilombo, Abdias Nascimento, e o Ativismo dos Direitos Humanos no Brasil
Authors: Afolabi Niyi
Published: July 2018

Este artigo examina a importância do Jornal Quilombo em relação à dinâmica política que Abdias Nascimento representa, não só como organizador da revista mas também dentro do contexto maior de assuntos culturais afro-brasileiros, como o das relações raciais transnacionais. Enquanto críticos do culturalismo brasileiro como Michael Hanchard (1994) e Pamela Alberto (2011) questionam o simbolismo do ativismo em contraste às estratégias socio-libertários ativistas, as contribuições da revista Quilombo neste número especial facsímile são salientadas, especialmente, no que diz respeito ao papel crítico de Abdias Nascimento no jornal. Como uma figura singular pan-africanista que tem liderado a luta pela dignidade política e cultural dos afro-brasileiros, este estudo antecipa um diálogo mais engajado com a “democracia racial”, bem além dos simbolismos folclóricos do hip-hop, samba, futebol, e carnaval.
“A imprensa negra e sua intelectualidade”
Authors: Pinto Ana Flávia Magalhães , Ramos Ana Flávia Cernic
Published: July 2018

Apresentação
Circulating Adipocyte Fatty Acid–Binding Protein Concentrations Predict Multiple Mortality Outcomes among Men and Women with Diabetes
Authors: Lee Chi Ho , Cheung Chloe Y Y , Woo Yu Cho , Lui David T W , Yuen Michele M A , Fong Carol H Y , Chow Wing Sun , Xu Aimin , Lam Karen S L
Published: July 2018

INTRODUCTION

Raised circulating adipocyte fatty acid–binding protein (AFABP) concentrations are associated with various adverse health conditions. However, their relationship with mortality remains to be defined, especially in view of the sexual dimorphism of circulating AFABP concentrations. Here we investigated prospectively whether serum AFABP concentrations predict multiple mortality outcomes in men and women alike, using a large clinic-based cohort of individuals with type 2 diabetes, a condition with raised AFABP concentrations.

METHODS

Baseline serum AFABP concentrations were measured in 5305 research participants with a monoclonal antibody-based sandwich immunoassay. The role of circulating AFABP concentrations in predicting mortality outcomes was evaluated by multivariable Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

Among the 5305 participants (59% men) in this study, over a median follow-up of 5 years, there were 512 deaths (19.3 deaths per 1000 person-years). Circulating AFABP concentrations, with higher levels in women at baseline, predicted all-cause mortality (P < 0.001), cardiovascular mortality (P = 0.037), and infection-related deaths (P < 0.002) among all participants. In sex-specific analyses, circulating AFABP concentration was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in both men and women and a predictor of cancer-related deaths and infection-related deaths in men only. Furthermore, the addition of serum AFABP concentrations improved the time-dependent c statistics in predicting all-cause mortality in participants with type 2 diabetes (P = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating AFABP concentration was an independent predictor of various mortality outcomes in type 2 diabetes over and above known risk factors of reduced survival in men and women. The role of AFABP as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target warrants further investigation.
Efficient plotting the functions with discontinuities based on combined sampling
Authors: Bayer Tomáš
Published: July 2018

This article presents a new algorithm for interval plotting of the function y = f(x) based on combined sampling. The proposed method synthesizes the uniform and adaptive sampling approaches and provides a more compact and efficient function representation. During the combined sampling, the polygonal approximation with a given threshold α between the adjacent segments is constructed. The automated detection and treatment of the discontinuities based on the LR criterion are involved. Two implementations, the recursive-based and stack-based, are introduced. Finally, several tests of the proposed algorithms for the different functions involving the discontinuities and several map projection graticules are presented. The proposed method may be used for more efficient sampling the curves (map projection graticules, contour lines, or buffers) in geoinformatics.
Changing the Surface Properties of ABS Plastic by Plasma
Authors: Chlupova S. , Kelar J. , Slavicek P.
Published: July 2018

The research deals with plasma treatment of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic (ABS). The plastic was treated with Diﬀuse Coplanar Surface Barrier Discharge (DCSBD) and Gliding arc at atmospheric pressure. ABS was chosen because of its low price, wide use in industry. Samples were analyzed with contact angle measurement and the surface energy was determined as well. The results show that only a few seconds of plasma treatment can cause relatively large wettability change.
Numerical Analysis of low voltage Arc Motion Process at Various Frequencies
Authors: Yin J. , Li X. , Wang Q.
Published: July 2018

A three-dimensional (3D) magneto-hydro-dynamic (MHD) model of air arc plasma is built to investigate the frequency effects on the arc motion process with different number of splitter plates. Based on this model, the arc voltage and current density are obtained. The arc motion time is normalized with the frequency and compared at different numbers of splitter plate. The result shows that the normalized time and the arc voltage peak increase with increases of the number of splitter plate.
Diagnostics of Nitrogen-methane Atmospheric Glow Discharge Used for a Mimic of Prebiotic Atmosphere
Authors: Mazánková V. , Töröková L. , Trunec D. , Krčma F. , Matejčík S. , Mason N. J.
Published: July 2018

The exploration of planetary atmosphere is being advanced by the exciting results of the Cassin-Huygens mission to Titan. The complex chemistry revealed in such atmospheres leading to the synthesis of bigger molecules is providing new insights into our understanding of how life on Earth developed. This work extends our previous investigation of nitrogen-methane (N2-CH4) atmospheric glow discharge for simulation chemical processes in prebiotic atmospheres. In presented experiments 2 % of water vapor were addet to nitrogen-methane gas mixture. Exhaust products of discharge in this gas mixture were in-situ analysed by Fourier Transform Infra Red spectroscopy (FTIR). The major products identified in spectra were: hydrogen cyanide, acetylene and acetonitrile.
Study of the Insulating and Arc-quenching Performance of CO2 and Its Mixtures: A Brief Review
Authors: Zhao H. , Gu W. , Li X.
Published: July 2018

SF6, which is widely used as an insulating or arc-quenching medium in electrical apparatus, has a strong global warming potential. Recently, CO2 and its mixtures attract great attention as a promising alternative gas. This paper presents our calculation and measurement results on the insulating and arc-quenching capabilities of CO2 and its mixtures, including the discharge parameters, arc characteristics, post-arc breakdown properties, and arc-quenching capabilities. On the basis of our study and other published literatures, a discussion of and perspectives on current research and future research directions are presented as well.
Phenotyping animal models of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in rats: advantages and limitations
Authors: Abdulvapova Zera N. , Artemova Ekaterina V. , Gorbacheva Anna M. , Galstyan Gagik R. , Tokmakova Alla Yu. , Gavrilova Svetlana A.
Published: July 2018

Diabetic polyneuropathy is one of the most common late complications of diabetes mellitus, as well as the main cause of ulcerative foot defects. The prevalence of neuropathy among people with diabetes varies from 28 to 65%, depending on the disease duration and diagnostic features. Initial signs of damage are detected as early as in prediabetes. To date, there is a fairly limited knowledge of the mechanisms of nerve fiber damage in diabetes. Also, it is unclear which type of nerve fibers is involved in damage first and how the nervous system regulates repair of tissues and local immunity. Animal models of diabetic peripheral neuropathy enable studying new aspects of the pathogenesis of this common diabetes complication and open prospects for the search and development of new drugs.
Characteristics of primary hyperparathyroidism in young patients
Authors: Mamedova Elizaveta O. , Mokrysheva Natalya G. , Rozhinskaya Liudmila Ya.
Published: July 2018

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is well studied in elderly patients. Studies of PHPT characteristics in children, adolescents, and young adults are rare. In some of these studies, investigators have compared clinical and laboratory characteristics of PHPT between young and elderly patients and revealed several differences. An early onset of PHPT may indicate familial syndromes associated with PHPT. These include: multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 1, type 2A, and type 4, hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome, familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, and familial isolated hyperparathyroidism. However, the need for routine genetic tests to exclude these syndromes in all patients with PHPT manifested at a young age is not obvious. To date, there are a few foreign studies on the need for genetic testing in all young patients with PHPT, but their results are controversial. Our review summarizes the data of foreign and Russian studies on characteristics of PHPT in patients with disease onset at a young age.
An open-label prospective clinical study of the efficacy and tolerability of brand-name and generic levetiracetam in the monotherapy of focal epilepsy in adults
Authors: Karlov V. A. , Vlasov P. N. , Zhidkova I. A.
Published: July 2018

Objective: to comparatively evaluate the clinical efficacy and tolerability of monotherapy with levetiracetam (LEV), a brand-name drug (bLEV; Keppra, UCB Pharma, Belgium) and its generic (gLEV;  Epiterra, TEVA, Israel) in adolescent (over 16 years of age) and adult patients with focal epilepsy (FE) during a one-year follow-up period.

Patients and methods.The patients were divided into two groups: 1) bLEV (n = 143) and 2) gLEV (n = 63). Group 2 received monotherapy with gLEV at baseline, or was switched to it from  another drug within the international nonproprietary name, or to LEV from monotherapy with another antiepileptic drug (AED) due to  inefficiency and/or poor tolerability. The median doses of bLEV and  gLEV were 1000 and 1500 mg/day, respectively.

Results and discussion.The results of the clinical trial suggest that LEV shows high efficacy and excellent tolerance in FE therapy. The clinical efficacy of bLEV and gLEV at 12-month follow-up was  high and amounted to 82.5% for the two dosage forms. The  frequency of adverse events was 17.5% for both bLEV and gLEV. The median dose of LEV was 1000 mg/day for Group 1 and 1500 mg/day for Group 2. Higher LEV doses in Group 2 patients were probably  due to their longer disease duration. All patients taking LEV had an  excellent or good quality of life and, when switched from other AEDs,  showed even an improvement. The comparability of clinical  results suggests that there may be bLEV to gLEV and gLEV to bLEV  switches, especially during forced drug supply disruptions; however,  this substitution should be done only after mandatorily discussing  this matter with the patient and telling him about all possible  consequences of this substitution.
Gender differences in sexuality Ego-functioning in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Sosnina V. G. , Saraykin D. M. , Lipatova L. V.
Published: July 2018

Objective: to study the gender features of sexuality as one of the structural central ego functions in patients with epilepsy.

Patients and methods. The investigation was conducted on a sample of 102 people, by using the Ego Structure Test described by G. Ammon (Ich-Struktur-Test nach Ammon (ISTA), 1997).

Results and discussion. This study showed that female patients with epilepsy had a more severity of destructive and deficient components of ego functions, such as aggression, fear, outer and  inner ego demarcation, narcissism; sexual deficit as compared to  normative data. The same was often noted at a statistically  significant level in comparison with other study groups.

Conclusion. The impairment of all core functions in female patients with epilepsy leads to the impossible realization of mature sexuality.
Current approaches to magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis of epileptogenic and associated lesions of the brain
Authors: Perepelova E. M. , Perepelov V. A. , Merkulova M. S. , Sinitsyn V. E.
Published: July 2018

With the development of current neuroimaging techniques, their role in diagnosing epilepsy is becoming more significant and that is not only in identifying the disease that plays a key role in  epileptogenesis, but also in assisting a clinician in the subsequent  formulation of the diagnosis, in correcting drug therapy, and, in  some cases, in addressing the issue of surgical treatment in the  patient. The priority technique in this case is magnetic resonance  imaging (MRI) that has high sensitivity and specificity in defining the  location of minor and more major lesions of the brain structure  and that includes a set of current sequences that can obtain  important diagnostic information about the functional state of the  brain. This article highlights the International League Against  Epilepsy guidelines for MRI in patients with suspected epilepsy,  assesses the use of and briefly characterizes both structural and  functional pulse sequences that are most commonly included in the  epileptological protocol. It considers major pathological processes  and evaluates anatomical and functional changes in the brain  structure, which play an important role in epileptogenesis.