bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autologous Freeze-Dried, Platelet-Rich Plasma Carrying Icariin Enhances Bone-Tendon Healing in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Zheng Cheng , Lu Hongbin , Tang Yifu , Wang Zhanwen , Ma Haozhe , Li Haixia , Chen Huabin , Chen Yang , Chen Can
Published: May 2019

Background:

Tendon-bone interface (TBI) injuries are common in sports activities. Owing to the limited regenerative ability of the TBI, its functional healing remains a difficulty in clinical practice. Icariin (ICA) provides strong stimulation for osteogenesis. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can be used as a carrier for bioactive molecules, although its ability to provide sustained release for such molecules needs improvement.

Hypothesis:

Freeze-dried PRP (FD-PRP) as a carrier for ICA can provide sustained release of ICA into the tendon-bone (T-B) healing site, thus accelerating T-B healing.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 84 New Zealand rabbits with partial patellectomy in the hindlimb were randomly allocated into 3 different treatments: ICA incorporated with FD-PRP (ICA/FD-PRP), FD-PRP alone (FD-PRP), or saline control (CTL). The rabbit patella–patellar tendon (PP) interfaces were postoperatively harvested at postoperative week 8 or 16 for gross, radiological, histological, and mechanical evaluations.

Results:

Our results showed that FD-PRP can act as a carrier for sustained release of ICA into the T-B healing site. Macroscopically, no signs of infection or osteoarthritis were shown in the regenerated PP interfaces, and the area of cartilaginous metaplasia in the FD-PRP and ICA/FD-PRP groups at postoperative week 16 was significantly larger than that of the CTL group ( P < .05 for all). Radiologically, micro–computed tomography showed that new bone which formed at the healing site in the ICA/FD-PRP group was significantly increased, remodeled, and mineralized in comparison with the CTL group ( P < .05 for all). Histologically, the ICA/FD-PRP group exhibited a significant native PP interface, as shown by the enlargement and remodeling of new bone, well-organized collagen fibers, and robust production of proteoglycans in the regenerated fibrocartilage. The mechanical strength of the regenerated PP interface was significantly improved in the ICA/FD-PRP group. Significantly higher failure load and stiffness were shown in the ICA/FD-PRP group compared with the CTL and FD-PRP groups, respectively ( P < .05 for all).

Conclusion:

FD-PRP is a suitable sustained-release carrier for ICA, and ICA/FD-PRP can provide sustained release of ICA into the T-B healing site, thus effectively accelerating T-B healing.

Clinical Relevance:

Findings of this study demonstrate the feasibility of using FD-PRP as a carrier for ICA to improve T-B healing and provide a foundation for future clinical application.
A New Theory of Demand-Restricted Growth: The Basic Idea
Authors: Gries Thomas
Published: May 2019

In mainstream theory, growth is explained fully by elements of the supply side. In this article, we depart from neoclassical mechanisms and suggest a hybrid approach that allows for growth restrictions induced by demand-side elements. We obtain such demand-restricted growth by suggesting an unconventional equilibrium concept in a stochastic environment. We define macroeconomic equilibrium as stationary no-expectation-error equilibrium. This equilibrium concept relates to the Nash idea of individual stationary behavior as long as expectations prove to be realized. No rigidities are introduced. Even if potential growth is generated by technical change and capital accumulation, the growth path is restricted by effective earnings and can be stable below the neoclassical path of potential growth. However, the growth process mutates to the neoclassical process if effective earnings and potential earnings equalize. Therefore, our hybrid model could help to bridge a gap between Keynesian and neoclassical ideas of economic growth.

JEL Classifications: E12, E13, O40, E60
Restorative narrative as contextual journalistic reporting
Authors: Dahmen Nicole Smith
Published: May 2019

Restorative narrative, a recently termed contextual news form, reports on the responses of communities and individuals in the wake of traumatic events or systemic dysfunction. Through textual analysis of restorative narrative reporting and in-depth interviews with the corresponding journalists, this research seeks to understand how restorative narrative fits into the landscape of modern journalistic reporting.
Incarcerated Women’s Experiences of Staff-Perpetrated Rape: Racial Disparities and Justice Gaps in Institutional Responses
Authors: Fedock Gina , Cummings Cristy , Kubiak Sheryl , Bybee Deborah , Campbell Rebecca , Darcy Kathleen
Published: May 2019

Within correctional settings, incarcerated women have disproportionately high rates of experiencing staff-perpetrated sexual victimization. In addition, only a small proportion of incarcerated women formally report their victimization experiences to correctional staff and even fewer reports are fully investigated by internal investigators and found to be substantiated. Given the multiple steps in this process, incarcerated women face several possible justice gaps in receiving preventive and intervention-focused responses from correctional staff. Racial differences among incarcerated women’s experiences of these steps have not been explored. This study used a structural intersectional framework to examine racial differences in these areas: incarcerated women’s experiences of staff-perpetrated rape, reporting decisions, and correctional staff’s investigation decisions. With a sample of 180 incarcerated women, this study included analysis of archival data (i.e., settlement claim forms and internal investigation files) from a class action lawsuit involving incarcerated women who had experienced staff sexual misconduct. Black women represented over half of the incarcerated women who experienced staff-perpetrated rape. There were no statistical differences between Black and White women with regard to the characteristics of their victimization experiences, and they had similar rates of reporting their victimization to institutional staff. However, significant differences were found between women with regard to prison staff’s responses to their reports; Black women were less likely to have their reports investigated by staff and were more likely to have their investigated reports found to be unsubstantiated. A detailed analysis of 100 specific incidents showed similar findings. Thus, while justice gaps existed for all women, gaps in institutional responses were exacerbated for Black women. Centering incarcerated Black women’s experiences is pivotal for guiding efforts to transform correctional settings, to prevent and address staff-perpetrated sexual victimization, and to build safety for incarcerated women.
The Overlooked Perspective of Police Trust in the Public: Measurement and Effects on Police Job Behaviors
Authors: Mourtgos Scott M. , Mayer Roger C. , Wise Richard A. , O’Rourke Holly
Published: May 2019

Many studies have looked at the public’s trust in the police, but very few have examined police trust in the public. Based on Mayer, Davis, and Schoorman’s model of trust, we conducted two studies. The first study created scales measuring the antecedents of trust and assessed police trust in the public based on a survey of 990 police officers from across the United States. The second study used the trust measures developed in the first study, as well as supervisors’ evaluations and archival performance data, in a study of the job performance of 135 police officers. We found that officers who had greater trust in the public engaged in more proactive policing and made more arrests. We discuss the implications of these findings, including what they mean for police officers and the communities they serve.
Influence of fiber content on mechanical, tribological properties of short basalt fiber-reinforced nylon 6 and polypropylene composites
Authors: Raajeshkrishna CR , Pradeep AS , Rishi Kumar RD
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study is to improve the physical, mechanical, and tribological properties of nylon 6 and polypropylene by reinforcing short basalt fibers (SBFs) of different weight percentages (2.5 and 5 wt%) using melt blending in a twin-screw extruder, followed by injection molding process. The control specimens without reinforcements were also prepared to compare and investigate the influence of fiber content on the properties. Density, tensile, flexural, hardness, impact strength, and tribological characterizations were performed according to ASTM standard. The results show that 5-wt% SBF-reinforced nylon composites exhibit maximum improvement in tensile, flexural, impact, hardness, and specific wear rate. Wear mechanisms were also identified using field-emission scanning electron microscope by examining the surface morphology before and after wear. The observation reveals aligned, undamaged fibers during shear mixing and injection molding. The adhesion between fiber/nylon matrix and stepped fracture in the matrix is also spotted.
Comparing Survey-Based Frailty Assessment to Medicare Claims in Predicting Health Outcomes and Utilization in Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Wu Shannon , Mulcahy John , Kasper Judith D. , Kan Hong J. , Weiner Jonathan P.
Published: May 2019

Objectives: To assess two models for the prediction of health utilization and functions using standardized in-person assessments of frailty and administrative claims-based geriatric risk measures among Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries aged 65 years and above. Methods: Outcomes of hospitalizations, death, and functional help were investigated for participants in the 2011 National Health and Aging Trends Study. For each outcome, multivariable logistic regression model was used to investigate claims-based geriatric risk and survey-based frailty. Results: Both claims-based and survey-based models showed moderate discrimination. The c-statistic of the standardized frailty models ranged from 0.67 (for any hospitalization) to 0.84 (for any IADL [instrumental activities of daily living] help). Models using administrative data ranged from 0.71 (for any hospitalization) to 0.81 (for any IADL help). Discussion: Models based on existing administrative data appear to be as discriminate as survey-based models. Health care providers and insurance plans can effectively apply existing data resources to help identify high-risk individuals for potential care management interventions.
The craft of public administration in Eurasia
Authors: O’Connor Karl , Carmichael Paul
Published: May 2019

In an innovative approach, applied to a region of the world on which research remains in its infancy, this article identifies the dominant administrative reform traditions embedded within the administrative elites responsible for administrative reform in Eurasia. Our contribution is twofold. Firstly, we establish a mechanism for measuring bureaucrat perceptions of administrative reform that may be replicated in other regions, by identifying the extent to which the three dominant Western traditions of public service (traditional public administration, new public management and new public governance) have been embedded in Eurasian societies. The article thereby demonstrates the effectiveness of these turns in public administration to be ‘learned’ and become embedded within the psyche of elite-level bureaucrats in these Eurasian post-Soviet regimes. The article posits that, while members of these elites hold several common governance perceptions, understanding of administrative reform differs markedly between bureaucrats and is broadly aligned with various aspects of the three dominant turns in public administration. Therefore, it is recommended that some rebalancing needs to take place between international/regional public policy interventions and public administration interventions. While public policy interventions are of course required, the administrative foundations upon which they are built (or learned), require greater attention to the needs, skills and attitudes of practitioners.
Aversive Imagery Causes De Novo Fear Conditioning
Authors: Mueller Erik M. , Sperl Matthias F. J. , Panitz Christian
Published: May 2019

In classical fear conditioning, neutral conditioned stimuli that have been paired with aversive physical unconditioned stimuli eventually trigger fear responses. Here, we tested whether aversive mental images systematically paired with a conditioned stimulus also cause de novo fear learning in the absence of any external aversive stimulation. In two experiments ( N = 45 and N = 41), participants were first trained to produce aversive, neutral, or no imagery in response to three different visual-imagery cues. In a subsequent imagery-based differential-conditioning paradigm, each of the three cues systematically coterminated with one of three different neutral faces. Although the face that was paired with the aversive-imagery cue was never paired with aversive external stimuli or threat-related instructions, participants rated it as more arousing, unpleasant, and threatening and displayed relative fear bradycardia and fear-potentiated startle. These results could be relevant for the development of fear and related disorders without trauma.
Resisting knowledge, realizing values, and reasoning in complex contexts: Ecological reflections
Authors: Hodges Bert H.
Published: May 2019

In this article I explore the social, pragmatic, ecological contexts within which reasoning occurs, and without which it cannot function properly. A diverse set of perspectives are used to guide this exploration: (a) pragmatic critiques of studies showing failures to reason logically, (b) theoretical claims that reasoning is fundamentally social and argumentative, (c) a values-realizing account of resistance and truthfulness in social reasoning dilemmas, and (d) arguments related to the nature of rationality and resistance to scientific claims. Implications emerging from the integration of these sources point to improved prospects for a more ecological, values-realizing approach to theory, method, and application with respect to reasoning.
GMS for Sustainability Performance in the Apparel Manufacturing Industry: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Ara Husna , Leen Jasmine Yeap Ai , Hassan Siti Hasnah
Published: May 2019

Recent research shows that traditional business tactics do not support an organization’s goal to be environmentally-friendly as is expected by today’s stakeholders. The increasing demand by stakeholders to go green has pressured firms to adopt ‘green marketing’ as a viable organizational strategy. This study offers a conceptual model demonstrating the influence of green marketing strategy (GMS) on sustainability performance in the apparel manufacturing industry, specifically in the B2B context. By achieving sustainability performance in terms of economic, environmental and social parameters, an organization can simultaneously consider the needs of the environment, society and company. Despite numerous empirical researches on various environmental strategies, there is a dearth of literature regarding GMS and the sustainability performance of the apparel manufacturing industry. Hence, through this proposed model, the authors argue that comprehensive implementation of green marketing throughout the business operations would play a substantial role in attaining sustainability performance.
The Relationship Between β-Endorphin and Experimental Pain Sensitivity in Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Ahn Hyochol , La Jun-Ho , Chung Jin M. , Miao Hongyu , Zhong Chengxue , Kim Miyong , An Kyungeh , Lyon Debra , Choi Eunyoung , Fillingim Roger B.
Published: May 2019

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of pain in people aged >45 years, and the knee is the most commonly affected joint. There is a growing interest in understanding the biological factors that influence pain among older adults, but few studies have examined the relationship between β-endorphin and experimental pain sensitivity in older adults with knee OA pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between resting plasma levels of β-endorphin and experimental pain sensitivity. This study was a secondary analysis of data for 40 adults with knee OA pain in whom quantitative sensory testing was used to measure experimental sensitivity to heat- and mechanically induced pain. The mean age of the sample was 60 years ( SD = 9 years), and approximately half were female (53%). Regression analyses indicated that β-endorphin level was negatively related to pressure pain threshold (β = −17.18, p = .02) and positively related to punctate mechanical pain (β = 17.13, p = .04), after controlling for age, gender, and OA severity. We did not find a significant relationship between β-endorphin and heat pain tolerance. The results suggest that higher circulating levels of β-endorphin at rest are associated with increased sensitivity to mechanical pain in older adults with knee OA. These findings add to the literature regarding biological factors associated with pain sensitivity in older adults with chronic pain. Additional studies are needed to identify mediators of the relationship between β-endorphin and pain sensitivity in OA and other musculoskeletal pain conditions.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Lower Reproductive Tract Infections in Symptomatic Women in Dakar, Senegal
Authors: Diadhiou Mohamed , Ba Diallo Awa , Barry Mamadou Saidou , Alavo Serge Covi , Mall Ibrahima , Gassama Omar , Ndiaye Guèye Mame Diarra , Ndao Fall Amy , Gawa Epainete , Gaye Diallo Aissatou , Moreau Jean Charles
Published: May 2019

Background:

Lower reproductive tract infections in women are important causes of morbidity but can also lead to complications and sequelae. This study aimed to establish the prevalence and risk factors of lower genital tract infections among women of reproductive age in Dakar (Senegal).

Methods:

This was a prospective study conducted in 6 maternity hospitals from July to November 2015. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 49 years and presented at health facilities with signs and symptoms of genital infection. Consenting individuals who met the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study.

Results:

During the reporting period, 276 patients were enrolled. According to the laboratory results, the prevalence of any genital infection was 69.6% (192 of 276). The most common vaginal infections were bacterial vaginosis (39.5%) and vaginal candidiasis (29%), with the third most common cause, trichomoniasis, trailing behind in terms of prevalence (2.5%). Among the microorganisms responsible for cervical infections, Ureaplasma urealyticum was the most frequent (27.5%), followed by Mycoplasma hominis (14.5%), Chlamydia trachomatis (4.7%), and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (1.1%). Multivariate analysis showed that young women and women with low levels of education were at increased risk for vaginal/cervical infections.

Conclusions:

This study revealed a high prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and vaginal candidiasis and suggests that health care providers should increase awareness and communication to improve vaginal hygiene practices. If infection with Trichomonas vaginalis, C trachomatis or N gonorrhoeae is suspected, we also recommend systematically performing laboratory diagnostic confirmation.
Friendship changes following a friend’s school absence after serious illness or injury
Authors: Igler Eva C , Sejkora Ellen KD , Austin Jillian E , Davies W Hobart
Published: May 2019

Social support is vital in helping adolescents cope following a serious illness or injury, though it is not known how their healthy peers react to potential changes in the nature of their friendships during this time. In this questionnaire-based study, emerging adults in the community indicated whether they had an experience with a friend’s serious illness during adolescence and responded to structured and open-ended questions about their experience. Participants reported diminished contact with friends following diagnosis, such as decreased frequency of visits and communication. Participants most commonly cited logistical issues, such as transportation, and their friend’s emotional and/or physical functioning as barriers to staying connected. Friends reported a mixture of positive and negative experiences associated with a friend’s illness. The communication barriers highlighted provide a potential focus for intervention. Results suggest positive communication promotion with healthy friends may be an important path to enhance social support after a serious illness diagnosis or injury.
Shear resistance of through-diaphragm connections between concrete-filled steel tubular column and H-shaped steel beam with tension field model
Authors: Rong Bin , Ma Xu , Zhang Ruoyu , Liu Shuai
Published: May 2019

In this article, seismic behavior of through-diaphragm connections between concrete-filled steel tubular column and H-shaped steel beam was investigated through experimental and analytical studies. Three cruciform through-diaphragm connection specimens were tested under cyclic loading to investigate the shear behavior of panel zone. The studied parameters are infilled concrete strength and width-to-thickness ratio of the tube in the panel. The failure mode, load–displacement behaviour, ductility, and strength degradation of these specimens were analysed and discussed in detail. Based on the shear buckling of the panel zone observed in the test, the ultimate shear resistance of the tube web panel referring to the theory of tension field action was investigated. Finally, an analytical model was developed to predict the shear resistance of panel zone. The applicability of this model was validated by the test results.
Home-based inspiratory muscle training for management of older patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: does baseline inspiratory muscle pressure matter?
Authors: Palau Patricia , Domínguez Eloy , Ramón José María , López Laura , Briatore Antonio Ernesto , Tormo J Pablo , Ventura Bruno , Chorro Francisco J , Núñez Julio
Published: May 2019

Background:

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is a clinical syndrome characterised by reduced exercise capacity. Some evidence has shown that a simple and home-based programme of inspiratory muscle training offers promising results in terms of aerobic capacity improvement in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. This study aimed to investigate whether the baseline inspiratory muscle function predicts the changes in aerobic capacity (measured as peak oxygen uptake; peak VO2) after a 12-week home-based programme of inspiratory muscle training in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Methods:

A total of 45 stable symptomatic patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and New York Heart Association II–III received a 12-week home-based programme of inspiratory muscle training between June 2015 and December 2016. They underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing and measurements of maximum inspiratory pressure pre and post-inspiratory muscle training. Maximum inspiratory pressure and peak VO2were registered in both visits. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to assess the association between changes in peak VO2(Δ-peakVO2) and baseline predicted maximum inspiratory pressure (pp-MIP).

Results:

The median (interquartile range) age was 73 (68–77) years, 47% were women and 35.6% displayed New York Heart Association III. The mean peak VO2at baseline and Δ-peakVO2post-training were 10.4±2.8 ml/min/kg and +2.2±1.3 ml/min/kg (+21.3%), respectively. The median (interquartile range) of pp-MIP and Δ-MIP were 71% (64–92) and 39.2 (26.7–80.4) cmH2O, respectively. After a multivariate analysis, baseline pp-MIP was not associated with Δ-peakVO2(β coefficient 0.005, 95% confidence interval −0.009–0.019, P=0.452).

Conclusions:

In symptomatic and deconditioned older patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, a home-based inspiratory muscle training programme improves aerobic capacity regardless of the baseline maximum inspiratory pressure.
The screen and the sand-timer: The integration of the interactive whiteboard into an early years free-flow learning environment
Authors: Sakr Mona , Scollan Angela
Published: May 2019

This article aims to explore how the interactive whiteboard is situated in the social and material conditions of an early years free-flow learning environment. It examines how the affordances of the interactive whiteboard and the expectations of the surrounding classroom impact how activity involving the interactive whiteboard unfolds. It achieves this through an analysis of observations, documented through video, of how children enter into and exit from activities involving the interactive whiteboard during free-flow activity time. We share the different types of entrance and exit observed and what these suggest about the social and material conditions in which interactive whiteboard is situated. Based on these findings, we suggest opportunities for the disruption of existing patterns of integration of the interactive whiteboard into the learning environment, so as to explore the potential for more collaborative and creative engagement with the technology. Specifically, we argue that the emphasis on turn-taking that characterises the early years learning environment – an emphasis reinforced by the inability of the interactive whiteboard to support simultaneous engagement by multiple users – is prompting children to engage individually with the resources and miss opportunities to create and play together.
Quantile Insights on Market Structure and Worker Salaries: The Case of Major League Baseball
Authors: Fort Rodney , Lee Young Hoon , Oh Taeyeon
Published: May 2019

The vast majority of the empirical investigation of player marginal revenue product (MRP) and monopsony exploitation rates (MER) implicitly assumed that MRP is constant across the revenue distribution of teams. The few works that do attempt to capture the impact of revenue variation across teams do so via independent variable specification. We bring quantile estimation to bear that allows MRP to vary across the entire revenue distribution in Major League Baseball. Completely in keeping with economic common sense, MRP increases as total revenue rises (to higher and higher quantiles). As with past findings, there is interesting MER dispersion over the length of player tenure in the league and between star and mediocre players. Heretofore unexplored, we also find interesting dispersion in MRP and MER between larger revenue and smaller revenue markets. Our results suggest that independent variable specifications overstate MRP and MER for smaller revenue teams and understate the same for larger revenue team.
Analysis of the dissipation processes of external input energy in conditions of anomalous low friction and wear
Authors: Stadnychenko Viacheslav , Troshin Oleg
Published: May 2019

The article presents theoretical and experimental prerequisites for achieving an anomalous friction and wear adopted in tribology from the standpoint of modern physical theories and quantum-mechanical approach to the explanation of the energy dissipation under the external friction. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of oscillations generated in most of the tribosystems as a factor of achieving anomalous low friction and wear conditions from a position of the quantum mechanical approach to real tribosystems operating under conditions of dry and boundary friction. Microdisplacement optimal conditions at the actual contact points are achieved in this case by changing rheology of the surface layer.
Safety evaluation index on daytime lighting of tunnel entrances
Authors: Hu Jiangbi , Gao Xiaojuan , Wang Ronghua , Xu Pengfei , Miao Guangying
Published: May 2019

A large luminance difference between outside and inside the entrance of a tunnel, with inappropriate lighting, could result in short-term visual impairment and other hidden dangers. At present, almost all countries use one luminance reduction coefficient index to evaluate the daytime lighting at the tunnel entrance, and their standard values vary. Studies have shown that light sources have three important characteristics: color temperature, color rendering, and luminous intensity, which all play significant roles in driving recognition efficiency. Based on the analysis of driving recognition safety, this article determines the mathematical relationship between recognition distance and luminance reduction coefficient under different color temperatures using experimental data from real vehicles, and studies the difference in recognition demand under different color temperatures. The gray target recognition experiment involved 12 drivers in 36 light environments combined with different color temperatures, luminance levels, and color rendering index of 70 at the tunnel entrance, with good alignment elements and sight distance at the speed of 80 km/h. The results indicate that recognition demands are different under different color temperature conditions and it is more efficient to use both luminance reduction coefficient and color temperature than only luminance index in the appraisal of daytime tunnel entrance lighting.
Learning Portfolios as Means of Evaluating Futures Learning: A Case Study at Renaissance College
Authors: Mengel Thomas
Published: May 2019

This article evaluates a particular classroom improvement project. It contributes to answering three questions: (1) Does adding the (personal) futures perspective to our course change how learners think about and plan for the future? (2) Does an integrated learning portfolio help evaluating learners’ foresight capacity? (3) How can we know the answers to questions 1 and 2? I use the case study approach—describing our “teach the future” experience within an undergraduate course at a Canadian University—and a (computer aided) content analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of adding core elements of (personal) futures learning to an existing course. The results will be of interest to others who wonder whether “teaching the future” makes a difference in building foresight capacity. In particular, readers can glean the potential value of learning portfolios for this purpose. First, I describe the case study and how futures learning fits into this context. Second, I provide an overview of the course “RCLP 3030 Integrated Learning Portfolio” including the course outcomes, assessment, and futures-related content. Third, I describe the actual run of the course and how learners engaged with the material; this includes learners’ contributions to the online discussions that will help evaluate the learning that takes place and the effectiveness of the course design. Fourth, with the help of computer-aided content analysis I analyze the learning portfolio submissions of all learners at the end of the course. Fifth, I provide an evaluation summary, discuss next steps, and offer recommendations of general interest.
Antiplatelet therapy for tibial balloon angioplasty: A clinical perspective
Authors: Ionescu Costin N , Altin Sophia E , Mena-Hurtado Carlos
Published: May 2019

Percutaneous transluminal tibial balloon angioplasty has an important role in the therapeutic approach of critical limb ischaemia. Despite a growing number of patients with critical limb ischaemia, there are no trials to guide the pharmacologic approach post intervention. Guidelines pertaining to the antiplatelet therapy post percutaneous transluminal tibial balloon angioplasty have not been developed. In addition, critical limb ischaemia patients have multiple comorbidities and a higher risk of bleeding. To examine the shortest duration of antiplatelet therapy post percutaneous transluminal tibial balloon angioplasty, we reviewed the preclinical data used to develop the standards for the current angioplasty technique.
A study on the mechanism of adipokine in non-alcoholic fatty liver in rats treated by four herbs decoction
Authors: Sun Xiao-Hong , Zhang Liang-Deng , Wei Wei
Published: May 2019

The objective of the study is to determine adipokine-associated mechanism of efficacy of Si He Decoction (SHD) for treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Forty-five Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, SHD low-dose group, SHD middle-dose group, and SHD high-dose group. Except control group, others were fed with a high-fat diet for 12 weeks to establish model. Then, H&E and oil red O staining were performed, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect expression level of adipokine-associated molecules. H&E and oil red O staining results revealed that SHD treatment for NAFLD could effectively improve liver pathological conditions compared to that in model group, and the best efficacy was observed in SHD high-dose group. Compared to model group, SHD treatment could effectively downregulate expression level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and upregulate expression level of visfatin, adiponectin (APN), leptin (LEP), and resistin in NAFLD rats. SHD can improve NAFLD through multiple means of targeting adipokines.
The social potential of music for addiction recovery
Authors: Harrison Klisala
Published: May 2019

This article examines music and music scholarship vis-à-vis research findings in addictions sciences. It explains how music is socially useful for preventing and treating addiction. Making music with others, and all of the social and cultural activities that go into doing so—musicking—can foster psychosocial integration and social cohesion, via specific cultural and musical mechanisms, and in ways that can salve addictions. Alexander’s social dislocation theory of addiction serves as the theoretical framework for the study. I draw empirical support for the discussion from my long-term ethnographic fieldwork on Indigenous addiction rehabilitation settings in Vancouver, Canada. My analysis of those settings finds that connecting socially via musicking in ways that can prevent and treat addiction happens through different ways of being, ideas and focuses of attention—such as constructs of ethnicity, around spirituality/religion, and social and political values—that are shared among musicking people and perceived via their eight senses (the auditory, visual, tactile, gustatory, olfactory, vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive). This article responds to a lack of music and cultural research on the correlation between social disconnection and addiction as well as a lack of study on the social potential of musical cultures to prevent and treat addictions. The article lays groundwork for future research on the roles that musicking can play in addiction recovery.
The Experience of Latina Mothers of Children and Youth With Special Health Care Needs: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Brodie Nicola , Bernstein Bruce , McNesby Francis , Turchi Renee
Published: May 2019

Children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) comprise a growing proportion of the pediatric population; the patient- and family-centered medical home provides a comprehensive model for caring for these patients. Given the limited literature available as well as extreme patient vulnerability, we sought to understand the experience of Latino parents in caring for their CYSHCN within our patient-centered medical home in an urban neighborhood in North Philadelphia. A convenience sample of 14 mothers or grandmothers of CYSHCN participated in semistructured interviews, which were analyzed using a thematic, constant comparative approach to identify common themes. Themes identified included “Waiting,” “Communication/Trust,” “All-Consuming Requirements of Care/Sacrifice,” and “Fate/Faith/Blessings.” These themes corresponded with identified goals of the patient-centered medical home. Our findings suggest that the principles of the patient-centered medical home can be applied in unique ways to caring for this unique patient population.
Implementation of M-CHAT Screening for Autism in Primary Care in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alawami Amel Hussain , Perrin Ellen C. , Sakai Christina
Published: May 2019

Background. Integration of autism screening into primary care practice in Saudi Arabia is not well established. Objectives. To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing the Arabic Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) in a primary care practice at John Hopkins Aramco Healthcare Center in Saudi Arabia. Method. The Arabic version of M-CHAT was distributed to caregivers of 1207 toddlers (16-32 months) from January to December 2014. Feasibility was assessed by measuring the proportion of visits with M-CHAT completed, and reports of workflow challenges and provider satisfaction. The effectiveness of screening was evaluated based on the number of referrals for autism evaluation and autism identification rates. Results. Total M-CHAT completion rate was 89% (1078 out of 1207 child-specific visits). Those identified as low risk (n = 951; 88%) were reassured and followed routinely. Those screening positive (n = 127; 12%) were referred for diagnostic assessment. Twelve (1% of toddlers screened) were diagnosed with autism at a mean age of 24 months. In addition, positive M-CHAT detected speech delay and social anxiety. Providers acknowledged their satisfaction with the M-CHAT implementation process; the main challenge was communicating to families the importance of screening. Referrals for diagnostic evaluations increased from 23 to 43 cases in the first year, and 35 in the second year. Conclusion. Implementation of the autism screening using the Arabic M-CHAT is feasible and effective in a primary care setting in Saudi Arabia. Sustaining the implementation of developmental screening in practice requires staff engagement and systematic monitoring of the impact of change.
A new enterprise in Sanskrit Lexicography
Authors: Shrimali Krishna Mohan
Published: May 2019

Patrick Olivelle, David Brick and Mark McClish, eds., A Sanskrit Dictionary of Law and Statecraft (Delhi: Primus Books), 2015, ₹1,795 (Hb).
Book review: Shahid Amin, Conquest and Community: The Afterlife of Warrior Saint Ghazi Miyan
Authors: Tandon Shivangini
Published: May 2019

Shahid Amin, Conquest and Community: The Afterlife of Warrior Saint Ghazi Miyan (New Delhi: Orient BlackSwan), 2015, 327 pp., ₹995 (Hb).
Book review: Anshu Malhotra, Piro and the Gulabdasis: Gender, Sect and Society in Punjab
Authors: Tandon Shivangini
Published: May 2019

Anshu Malhotra, Piro and the Gulabdasis: Gender, Sect and Society in Punjab (Delhi: Oxford University Press), 2017, 357 pp., ₹995 (Hb).
Oedema extension distance in intracerebral haemorrhage: Association with baseline characteristics and long-term outcome
Authors: Hurford Robert , Vail Andy , Heal Calvin , Ziai Wendy C , Dawson Jesse , Murthy Santosh B , Wang Xia , Anderson Craig S , Hanley Daniel F , Parry-Jones Adrian R ,   on behalf of the VISTA-ICH Collaborators
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Oedema extension distance is a derived parameter that may reduce sample size requirements to demonstrate reduction in perihaematomal oedema in early phase acute intracerebral haemorrhage trials. We aimed to identify baseline predictors of oedema extension distance and its association with clinical outcomes.

Patients and methods

Using Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive-Intracerebral Haemorrhage, first Intensive Blood Pressure Reduction in Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage Trial, and Minimally Invasive Surgery and rtPA for Intracerebral Hemorrhage Evacuation II datasets, we calculated oedema extension distance at baseline and at 72 h measured using computed tomography. Using linear regression, we tested for associations between baseline characteristics and oedema extension distance at 72 h. Ordinal regression (underlying assumptions validated) was used to test for associations between oedema extension distance at baseline and 72 h and oedema extension distance change between baseline and 72 h, and modified Rankin scale scores at 90 days, adjusted for baseline and 72 h prognostic factors.

Results

There were 1028 intracerebral haemorrhage cases with outcome data for analyses. Mean (standard deviation, SD) oedema extension distance at 72 h was 0.54 (0.26) cm, and mean oedema extension distance difference from baseline (EED72–0) was 0.24 (0.18) cm. Oedema extension distance at 72 h was greater with increasing baseline haematoma volume and baseline oedema extension distance. Increasing age, lobar haemorrhage, and intraventricular haemorrhage were independently associated with EED72–0. In multifactorial ordinal regression analysis, EED72–0 was associated with worse modified Rankin scale scores at 90 days (odds ratio 1.96, 95% confidence interval 1.00–3.82).

Discussion

Increase in oedema extension distance over 72 h is independently associated with decreasing functional outcome at 90 days. Oedema extension distance may be a useful surrogate outcome measure in early phase trials of anti-oedema or anti-inflammatory treatments in intracerebral haemorrhage.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: K-ras-ERK1/2 down-regulates H2A.XY142ph through WSTF to promote the progress of gastric cancer
Authors: Dong Chao , Sun Jing , Ma Sha , Zhang Guoying
Published: May 2019

Background

Histone H2AX phosphorylation at the site of Tyr-142 can participates in multiple biological progressions, which is including DNA repair. Ras pathway is closely involved in human cancers. Our study investigated the effects of Ras pathway via regulating H2AX.Y142ph.

Methods

Gastric cancer cell line SNU-16 and MKN1 cells were transfected with Ras for G12D and T35S site mutation. The phosphorylation of H2A.XY142 and ERK1/2, WSTF and MDM2 was detected by western blot. Cell viability, cell colonies and migration was analyzed by MTT assay, soft-agar colony formation assay, and Transwell assay, respectively. The expression of Ras pathway related downstream factors, EYA3 and WSTF was detected by qRT-PCR. The relationship between Ras and downstream factors were detected by ChIP. The cell cycle progression was measured by flow cytometry.

Results

RasG12D/T35V transection decreased the phosphorylation of H2A.XY142 and activated phosphorylation of ERK-1/2. H2A.XY142 inhibited cell viability, colonies and migration. H2A.XY142ph altered the expression of Ras downstream factors. CHIP assay revealed that RasG12D/T35V could bind to the promoters of these Ras pathway downstream factors. Silence of EYA3 increased H2A.XY142ph and inhibited cell viability, migration and percent cells in S stage. Furthermore, silence of EYA3 also changed the downstream factors expression. WSTF and H2A.XY142ph revealed the similar trend and MDM2 on the opposite.

Conclusion

Ras/ERK signal pathway decreased H2A.XY142ph and promoted cell growth and metastasis. This Ras regulation process was down-regulated by the cascade of MDM2-WSTF-EYA3 to decrease H2A.XY142ph in SNU-16 cells.
A Multi-Institutional Analysis of Instructional Beliefs and Practices in Gateway Courses to the Sciences
Authors: Ferrare Joseph J.
Published: May 2019

This paper builds on previous studies of instructional practice in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses by reporting findings from a study of the relationship between instructors’ beliefs about teaching and learning and their observed classroom practices. Data collection took place across six institutions of higher education and included in-depth interviews with 71 instructors and more than 140 hours of classroom observations using the Teaching Dimensions Observation Protocol. Thematic coding of interviews identified 31 distinct beliefs that instructors held about the ways students best learn introductory concepts and skills in these courses. Cluster analysis of the observation data suggested that their observable practices could be classified into four instructional styles. Further analysis suggested that these instructional styles corresponded to disparate sets of beliefs about student learning. The results add momentum to reform efforts that simultaneously approach instructional change in introductory courses as a dynamic relationship between instructors’ subjective beliefs about teaching and learning and their strategies in the classroom.
Problem Solving in Genetics: Content Hints Can Help
Authors: Avena Jennifer S. , Knight Jennifer K.
Published: May 2019

Problem solving is an integral part of doing science, yet it is challenging for students in many disciplines to learn. We explored student success in solving genetics problems in several genetics content areas using sets of three consecutive questions for each content area. To promote improvement, we provided students the choice to take a content-focused prompt, termed a “content hint,” during either the second or third question within each content area. Overall, for students who answered the first question in a content area incorrectly, the content hints helped them solve additional content-matched problems. We also examined students’ descriptions of their problem solving and found that students who improved following a hint typically used the hint content to accurately solve a problem. Students who did not improve upon receipt of the content hint demonstrated a variety of content-specific errors and omissions. Overall, ultimate success in the practice assignment (on the final question of each topic) predicted success on content-matched final exam questions, regardless of initial practice performance or initial genetics knowledge. Our findings suggest that some struggling students may have deficits in specific genetics content knowledge, which when addressed, allow the students to successfully solve challenging genetics problems.
Applying Graph Theory to Examine the Dynamics of Student Discussions in Small-Group Learning
Authors: Chai Albert , Le Joshua P. , Lee Andrew S. , Lo Stanley M.
Published: May 2019

Group work in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses is an effective means of improving student outcomes, and many different factors can influence the dynamics of student discussions and, ultimately, the success of collaboration. The substance and dynamics of group discussions are commonly examined using qualitative methods such as discourse analysis. To complement existing work in the literature, we developed a quantitative methodology that uses graph theory to map the progression of talk-turns of discussions within a group. We observed groups of students working with peer facilitators to solve problems in biological sciences, with three iterations of data collection and two major refinements of graph theory calculations. Results include general behaviors based on the turns in which different individuals talk and graph theory parameters to quantify group characteristics. To demonstrate the potential utility of the methodology, we present case studies with distinct patterns: a centralized group in which the peer facilitator behaves like an authority figure, a decentralized group in which most students talk their fair share of turns, and a larger group with subgroups that have implications for equity, diversity, and inclusion. Together, these results demonstrate that our adaptation of graph theory is a viable quantitative methodology to examine group discussions.