bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Xenograft of Human Umbilical Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Wharton’s Jelly Differentiating into Osteocytes and Reducing Osteoclast Activity Reverses Osteoporosis in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Fu Yu-Show , Lu Chia-Hui , Chu Kuo-An , Yeh Chang-Ching , Chiang Tung-Lin , Ko Tsui-Ling , Chiu Mei-Miao , Chen Cheng-Fong
Published: March 2018

We examined the effects of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HUMSCs) in Wharton’s jelly on ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis by using in vitro and in vivo experiments. Two months after OVX, the rats gained weight and had a decreased serum estradiol level . Both micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histochemical analyses revealed a marked decrease in the bone volume (BV) and collagen content within the head, neck, and distal condyle of the femur, indicating that the osteoporosis animal model was successfully established 2 mo after bilateral OVX. Subsequently, 2.5 × 106 HUMSCs were injected into the bone marrow cavity of the left femurs 2 mo after OVX. The rats were divided into the following groups: normal + phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), normal + HUMSCs, OVX + PBS, and OVX + HUMSCs. Two months after transplantation, both micro-CT imaging and histochemical staining revealed that the normal + HUMSCs group had higher BV and collagen content in the epiphysis and metaphysis than did the normal + PBS group. In the OVX + HUMSCs group, a substantial increase in the rod-shaped trabecular bone and the abundant accumulation of collagen were observed around the site of HUMSC transplantation. Plenty of transplanted HUMSCs remained viable and differentiated into osteoblasts. In addition, HUMSC transplantation reduced the number of osteoclasts. Compared with HUMSCs cultured alone, HUMSCs cocultured with osteoblasts showed that the percentage of cells differentiating into osteoblasts significantly increased. Furthermore, osteoclasts cocultured with HUMSCs had significantly decreased cellular activity and differentiation capability. HUMSC transplantation into the distal femur of OVX rats could locally stimulate osteocalcin synthesis, increase the trabecular bone, and inhibit osteoclast activity.
What Are You Laughing At? Former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff’s Internet Memes across Spreadable Media Contexts
Authors: Gambarato Renira Rampazzo , Komesu Fabiana
Published: March 2018

This article analyses a delimited corpus of Internet memes showcasing former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff. The theoretical framework is based on studies of memes and Internet memes as phenomena inserted in the online dimension of transmission and cultural production, and principles of the General Theory of Systems. The methodological approach is based on the classification tools developed by Dawkins (1976) to describe memes that spread widely across the digital space (fidelity, fecundity and longevity) and the patterns developed by Knobel and Lankshear (2007) as the main characteristics that contribute to an Internet meme’s spreadability (humour, intertextuality and juxtaposition). These classification tools are applied aiming to select and analyse Internet memes that feature the Brazilian president. The goal of the article is to extract from both classification systems relevant tools for guiding understanding about how certain specific sets of memes connected to Dilma Rousseff became memorable and spreadable within the Brazilian media landscape. The result findings show that the categories and patterns applied to the analysis are not isolated and are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, they are frequently juxtaposed, which denotes their integrated nature and coherent disposition, corroborating to clarify and identify how certain specific sets of memes spread within the media.
Cultural Beliefs, Perceptions, and Practices of Young Adult Offspring of African Immigrants Regarding Healthy Eating and Activity
Authors: Jakub Karen E. , Turk Melanie T. , Fapohunda Abi , Zoucha Rick
Published: March 2018

Introduction: African immigrants and their offspring are increasing in the United States. Yet little is known about the beliefs, perceptions, and practices of second-generation African immigrants regarding healthy eating and physical activities within the context of culture and environment. Method: Five small group interviews using a focused ethnography qualitative method were conducted with 20 college-age students who were offspring of African immigrants. Data were analyzed using Leininger’s four phases of analysis. Results: Four themes emerged: (1) family, community, and religious ties to traditional African foods; (2) traditional African cuisine as healthy and american foods as nonhealthy; (3) eating patterns vary according to availability and resources; and (4) exercise patterns have familial, peer-driven, and generational influences. Discussion: African food was a connection to family and the African community. Food choices and activities were strongly influenced by accessibility, social structures, and the environment. Dietary and activity-based interventions should include both American and African influences.
Access to Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in School Lunches: A Policy Analysis
Authors: Schultz Celeste , Thorlton Janet
Published: March 2018

Consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables helps to reduce childhood obesity and improves academic achievement and attendance. However, providing fresh fruits and vegetables is challenging for some schools due to cost, administrative burden, and concern for food waste. To address these challenges, the Fruit and Vegetable Access for Children Act proposes to allow federally funded programs to substitute fresh fruits and vegetables with canned, frozen, or pureed versions. In this policy analysis, we propose options for providing fresh fruits and vegetables to children enrolled in the National School Lunch Program. We recommend that school nurses actively facilitate the process of obtaining fresh fruits and vegetables by being appointed members of Team Nutrition giving them authority to collaborate with local famers, entrepreneurs, and land-grant universities in Farm to School Programs. This strategy empowers school nurses in promoting healthy eating habits, reducing obesity, and improving academic performance and school attendance.
Design Considerations in the Proliferation of Police Body-Worn Cameras
Authors: Suss Joel , Raushel Alexis , Armijo Adam , White Brian
Published: March 2018

More and more police departments are equipping their officers with body-worn cameras. To maximize the utility of body cams, designers have considered issues such as camera-mounting position, camera-mount stability, methods of activation, and data transfer methods. The human factors/ergonomics community can make important contributions to the design of body-worn cameras and identify and address issues that could arise from the introduction of new technologies (e.g., biometric identification and automatic detection of concealed weapons). Engaging with this ever-expanding technology will benefit law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve and protect.
Relationships Between Treatment Delivery, Program Attrition, and Reoffending Outcomes in an Intensive Custodial Sex Offender Program
Authors: Howard Mark V. A. , de Almeida Neto Abilio C. , Galouzis Jennifer J.
Published: March 2018

Retention of sex offenders to the completion of treatment is critical to program adherence to risk need responsivity (RNR) principles; however, it is also important to consider the potential interaction between attrition and treatment outcomes such as reoffending. The first aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of changes to treatment delivery in a residential sex offender treatment program (SOTP), including introduction of rolling groups and systematic emphasis on positive therapist characteristics, on likelihood of program noncompletion ( n = 652). Pooled regression modeling indicated that these operational interventions were associated with a significantly increased likelihood of program completion. We also examined whether variance in rates of participant attrition was related to reoffending outcomes for program completers ( n = 494). Incidence of attrition within completing participants’ treatment cohorts had a significant negative association with hazard of sexual reoffending that was not accounted for by pretreatment risk. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for treatment delivery processes that aim to optimize both participant retention and treatment effectiveness.
Examining Breaks and Resistance in Medication Adherence Among Adolescents With ADHD as Associated With School Outcomes
Authors: Barnard-Brak Lucy , Roberts Brook , Valenzuela Evelyn
Published: March 2018

Objective: Pharmacological interventions combined with behavioral treatment have been associated with better outcomes for children with ADHD. Yet, as children age into adolescence and gain autonomy, they may choose not to adhere to taking a prescribed medication. The purpose of the current study was to examine school outcomes among adolescents with ADHD who take medication breaks versus resisting medication with respect to grades and school behaviors. Method: We statistically controlled for a variety of variables such as the child’s age, sex, the presence of side effects, and parent’s relationship with child. Approximately half of the sample of adolescents with ADHD exhibited some form of medication nonadherence. Results: The results of the current study suggest that more positive school outcomes in terms of behaviors and grades are associated with adolescents taking breaks from their ADHD medication rather than resisting their medication. Conclusion: This result would indicate that not all forms of medication nonadherence have the same association with school outcomes in terms of grades and behaviors.
Validation of the French Version of Conners’ Parent Rating Scale–Revised, Short Form in ADHD-Diagnosed Children and Comparison With Control Children
Authors: Fumeaux Pierre , Mercier Catherine , Roche Sylvain , Iwaz Jean , Stéphan Philippe , Revol Olivier
Published: March 2018

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine measurement invariance and discriminant validity of the French Lausanne version (FLV) of the Conners’ Parent Rating Scale–Revised, Short Form (CPRS-R:S) and assess its convergent validity against the ADHD Symptoms Rating Scale (ADHD-SRS) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Method: A confirmatory factor analysis and Tobit models were used in 108 ADHD children (aged 6-17) vs. 794 controls (aged 9-15) and score correlations were examined between FLV and ADHD-SRS then CBCL. Results: The factorial structure and reliability of the FLV is confirmed in ADHD children. The FLV showed configural invariance, metric invariance, and scalar invariance. FLV scores were significantly higher in ADHD than in control children in all three dimensions ( p < .001). There were strong correlations between FLV Hyperactivity and Cognitive problems/Inattention scores and ADHD-SRS scores of Impulsivity/Hyperactivity ( r = .90) and Inattention ( r = .68) and also strong correlations between FLV Opposition score and the CBCL scores of Aggressive behavior ( r = .84) and Rule-breaking behavior ( r = .66). Conclusion: The study brings support for validation of the FLV regarding invariance in ADHD children, discriminant validity, and convergent validity.
Physically Active Lessons Improve Lesson Activity and On-Task Behavior: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial of the “Virtual Traveller” Intervention
Authors: Norris Emma , Dunsmuir Sandra , Duke-Williams Oliver , Stamatakis Emmanuel , Shelton Nicola
Published: March 2018

Background. Physically active lessons have not often been assessed with randomized controlled trials. Aims. Evaluate the effects of the “Virtual Traveller” (VT) intervention delivered using classroom interactive whiteboards on physical activity, on-task behavior, and student engagement. Methods. Participants were 219 children aged 8 to 9 years from 10 schools in Greater London, assessed in a cluster-randomized controlled trial between March 2015 and May 2016. For 6 weeks, intervention children received 10-minute VT sessions three times a week during math and English lessons (VT group: n = 113). Children in control schools received regular teaching (COM group: n = 106). Outcomes were school-day, weekend-day, and lesson-time sedentary behavior (SB), light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and on-task behavior and student engagement, assessed at baseline (T0), 2 weeks (T1), and 4 weeks (T2) during the VT intervention and 1 week (T3) and 3 months (T4) postintervention using multilevel modeling. Results. VT pupils engaged in significantly more school-day MVPA at T1 only, with no other significant differences between groups in overall school-day or weekend-day activity. VT pupils engaged in significantly less SB and more MVPA during lesson time than COM pupils. More on-task behavior was shown in VT pupils than COM pupils but there was no difference in student engagement. Discussion. VT reduced sedentary behavior and increased physical activity during lesson time but not across overall school or weekend days. VT improved on-task behavior but had no effect on student engagement. Conclusion. Physical activity can be integrated into teaching using interactive whiteboards with no detriment to educational outcomes.
Simultaneous evaluation of the lamina cribosa position and choroidal thickness changes following deep sclerectomy
Authors: Rebolleda Gema , de Juan Victoria , Muñoz-Negrete Francisco J , Díez-Álvarez Laura
Published: March 2018

Purpose:

To assess the changes in peripapillary and macular choroidal thickness, and in the lamina cribrosa position following deep sclerectomy.

Methods:

Prospective study, including 39 eyes with open-angle glaucoma following deep sclerectomy. Choroidal thickness was automatically measured using swept-source optical coherence tomography at four peripapillary locations (superior, temporal, inferior, and nasal) and at the macular area in nine fields plotted with Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid. Optic nerve head was evaluated by Spectralis optical coherence tomography with enhanced depth imaging technology. All measurements were performed preoperatively and at 1 week and 2 months after surgery.

Results:

The mean intraocular pressure significantly decreased 1 week and 2 months after surgery ( p < 0.001). A significant peripapillary choroidal thickening was observed at all locations 1 week postoperatively ( p ≤ 0.002) and in the temporal quadrant 2 months after surgery ( p = 0.027). There was a significant thickening in all macular choroidal thickness measurements at 1 week ( p < 0.001) and 2 months ( p < 0.05), except at subfoveal and inner nasal locations. The mean peripapillary and macular choroid thickness was 22.8% and 19.7% at 1 week and 6.2% and 7.8% at 2 months, respectively. A significant forward lamina cribrosa displacement occurred at every postoperative stage ( p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed a significant correlation between the magnitude of intraocular pressure reduction and the anterior lamina cribrosa movement (0.623, p = 0.000) and a negative correlation between the intraocular pressure change and the mean peripapillary and macular choroidal thickening (−0.527, p = 0.002; −0.568, p = 0.002, respectively).

Conclusion:

There was a significant reversal lamina cribrosa displacement measured from Bruch’s membrane opening reference despite a significant peripapillary choroidal thickening following deep sclerectomy. Both findings were significantly correlated with the change in intraocular pressure
Vascular mapping for the decision of hemodialysis access method: Case report
Authors: Uchino Takashi , Nakai Hiromasa , Ichihashi Hiroaki , Sasaki Tsukasa , Azuma Nakanobu
Published: March 2018

Preoperative ultrasound vascular mapping was performed to determine the surgical method for two cases where standard arteriovenous fistula was not possible. In case 1, the previous arteriovenous fistula of the left arm was occluded, and arteriovenous graft of the right arm was thrombosed after frequent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. Contrast medium was contraindicated because of allergy. Using preoperative ultrasound vascular mapping, we were able to establish the appropriate surgical method. In case 2, hemodialysis was started by catheter insertion, and then access creation was planned. This case was treated with steroids due to a bullous pemphigoid disease and there was a high risk of infection, which precluded the use of synthetic grafts. There was also the possibility of delay in healing due to malnutrition. Therefore, appropriate surgical method was tailored by using preoperative ultrasound vascular mapping. Ultrasound vascular mapping was useful for determining the surgical creation of an appropriate access for facilitating hemodialysis cannulation.
Vascular access for home haemodialysis
Authors: Al Shakarchi Julien , Day C , Inston N
Published: March 2018

Introduction:

Home haemodialysis has been advocated due to improved quality of life. However, there are very little data on the optimum vascular access for it.

Method:

A retrospective cohort study was carried on all patients who initiated home haemodialysis between 2011 and 2016 at a large university hospital. Access-related hospital admissions and interventions were used as primary outcome measures.

Results:

Our cohort consisted of 74 patients. On initiation of home haemodialysis, 62 individuals were using an arteriovenous fistula as vascular access, while the remaining were on a tunnelled dialysis catheter. Of the 12 patients who started on a tunnelled dialysis catheter, 5 were subsequently converted to either an arteriovenous fistula ( n = 4) or an arteriovenous graft ( n = 1). During the period of home haemodialysis use, four arteriovenous fistula failed or thrombosed with patients continuing on home haemodialysis using an arteriovenous graft ( n = 3) or a tunnelled dialysis catheter ( n = 1). To maintain uninterrupted home haemodialysis, interventional rates were 0.32 per arteriovenous fistula/arteriovenous graft access-year and 0.4 per tunnelled dialysis catheter access-year. Hospital admission rates for patients on home haemodialysis were 0.33 per patient-year.

Conclusion:

Our study has shown that home haemodialysis can be safely and independently performed at home within a closely managed home haemodialysis programme. The authors also advocate the use of arteriovenous fistulas for this cohort of patients due to both low complication and intervention rates.
Finite element method analysis of hydrostatic thrust pad bearings operating with electrically conducting lubricant
Authors: Kumar Vivek , Sharma Satish C
Published: March 2018

A theoretical investigation has been carried out to explore the use of electrically conducting fluids as lubricants in circular and elliptical hydrostatic thrust pad bearings subjected to transverse magnetic field. Flow of electrically conducting fluid in the presence of external transverse magnetic field is represented by the addition of Lorentz force in Navier–Stokes equation. A MATLAB source code based on finite element formulation of the modified Reynolds equation is developed for obtaining static and dynamic characteristics parameters of the bearing. Influence of aspect ratio (major/minor-axis) and magnetic field (Hartmann number) are analyzed on the performance of elliptical pad bearing. Application of electrically conducting lubricant in the elliptical pad is observed to provide higher values of fluid film stiffness (44.93%) and damping (139.37%) coefficients as compared to the circular pad operating with Newtonian lubricant.
Cerebrospinal fluid chitinase-3-like protein 1 level is not an independent predictive factor for the risk of clinical conversion in radiologically isolated syndrome
Authors: Thouvenot Eric , Hinsinger Geoffrey , Demattei Christophe , Uygunoglu Ugur , Castelnovo Giovanni , Pittion-Vouyovitch Sophie , Okuda Darin , Kantarci Orhun , Pelletier Daniel , Lehmann Sylvain , Marin Philippe , Siva Aksel , Lebrun Christine
Published: March 2018

Background:

Younger age, male sex and presence of spinal cord lesion(s) increase the risk of conversion from radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) to relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) levels predict conversion from clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) to RRMS.

Objective:

To evaluate the prognostic value of CSF CHI3L1 in RIS patients for conversion to RRMS.

Methods:

We compared CSF CHI3L1 concentrations in RIS, CIS, RRMS and symptomatic controls (SCs). We analysed the influence of epidemiological, radiological and CSF parameters on the risk of clinical event.

Results:

A total of 211 patients (71 RIS, 48 CIS, 50 RRMS and 42 SC) were included. CSF CHI3L1 levels were lower in RIS than in RRMS and higher in RIS with positive CSF versus negative CSF and SC. The presence of at least one spinal cord lesion was the only independent predictor of faster conversion to RRMS. Association of high CSF CHI3L1 levels, positive CSF (presence of oligoclonal bands and/or an elevated IgG index) or four Barkhof criteria with any spinal cord lesion showed a tendency for reduced mean conversion time.

Conclusion:

CSF CHI3L1 correlates with positive CSF but is not an independent predictor of the risk of conversion from RIS to RRMS.
Forging enmities and friendships: Europarties, electoral coalitions and mergers in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Ibenskas Raimondas
Published: March 2018

The inability of Europarties to provide the electoral linkage between citizens and policymakers is a key challenge for the European Union. However, relatively young and unstable parties and party systems in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) present greater opportunities for the Europarties to impact electoral politics in this region. This research examines the influence of the most established Europarties on electoral coalitions and mergers among CEE parties. A cross-national comparative analysis of 11 CEE countries in the first two decades after their democratic transitions suggests a moderately strong effect of the Europarties. Europarties facilitate mergers of their member or potential member parties and prevent electoral coalitions between their member and potential member parties and radical left and right parties.
Effects of the radiant heating system location on both the airflow and ventilation efficiency in a room
Authors: Rabanillo-Herrero Mario , Padilla-Marcos Miguel Á. , Feijó-Muñoz Jesús , Meiss Alberto
Published: March 2018

The effect of temperature of the heating system elements is a parameter that could affect the airflow in terms of buoyancy and thermal comfort and that should be studied to ensure the quality of ventilation. This study aimed to assess the air change efficiency and thermal comfort with three thermal conditioning systems (radiators, underfloor heating and radiant ceiling) in winter conditions, varying its position in the interior space. This can be used by architects and engineers when planning the position of the heating systems or refurbishing a room. The experimental analysis was developed in the test chamber of the Laboratory of Ventilation of the University of Valladolid, serving as validation of multiple CFD simulations. The results show that, being the thermal comfort achieved, the mean air change efficiency varied only 2.40% among all cases, which makes this factor not significant. Even so, the trajectory of the airflow in the premise would be affected by the thermal action, due to the convective effect, presenting great differences according to the location of the thermal systems. Thus, the air trajectory could falter when it enters the room or rise towards the ceiling creating areas with lower temperature in its centre.
Opportunistic behavior in the principal–agent model of policing
Authors: Gottschalk Petter
Published: March 2018

Whereas the criminal justice system is designed to determine whether a police officer as an offender is guilty or innocent, the principal–agent model of policing can provide insights into police officer behavior in law enforcement. Agency theory suggests that the chief as a principal and the field officer as an agent may have different preferences, varying knowledge, and opposite risk willingness when it comes to policing. For example, goals may justify means. In this article, the case of a convicted police officer in Norway is discussed based on principal–agent theory.
Development of planar rigid-elastic coupling tyre model with analytical multi-stiffness sidewall
Authors: Liu Zhihao , Gao Qinhe
Published: March 2018

In this study, combining the membrane feature with inflation pressure and the structural deformation caused by sidewall curvature, rigid-elastic coupling tyre model with analytical multi-stiffness sidewall is proposed for a heavy-loaded radial tyre with a large section ratio. The membrane pre-tension of sidewall arc resulting from inflation pressure is investigated. By means of virtual work principle, the structural deformation of sidewall curved arc resulting from the arc curvature, including stretching, bending and shearing deformation is derived. The structural stiffness caused by the sidewall curvature and membrane pre-tension caused by the inflation pressure are combined for the multi-stiffness sidewall model. The influence of the sidewall structural and geometrical parameters on the sidewall multi-stiffness, modal resonant frequency and transfer function is researched and discussed. The non-linear characteristic of sidewall multi-stiffness with respect to the sidewall radial deformation is investigated. Experimental and theoretical results show that: (1) the multi-stiffness of sidewall can characterise the membrane-tension stiffness caused by inflation pressure and the structural stiffness led by the sidewall curvature and material properties; (2) the different multi-stiffnesses of upper and lower sidewall arcs results from the different interval angles; (3) the multi-stiffness of sidewall is non-linear to the radial sidewall deformation. Taking the flexible deformation of tyre carcass and the analytical multi-stiffness of tyre sidewall into consideration, rigid-elastic coupling tyre model with multi-stiffness sidewall is suitable for the heavy-loaded radial tyre with a large section ratio or tyres under impulsive loading and large deformation.
Modelling of environmentally assisted material degradation in the crack phase-field framework
Authors: Falkenberg Rainer
Published: March 2018

The simulation of crack propagation was conducted with a diffusive crack model in a variational framework. More, the physically sound introduction of mass transport and coupling mechanisms due to environmentally assisted effects could be realised in this framework. The objective consists of the application of the phase-field approach towards the simulation of environmentally assisted material degradation with the advantage of a non-required predefined crack path and a mesh-independent non-local formulation that facilitates the damage evolution with respect to material softening. The sharp crack is regularised by the introduction of a phase-field order parameter leading to a diffusive crack formulation. Besides the equations originating from the linear momentum balance an additional evolution equation for the crack phase-field is introduced. Furthermore, mass transport is simulated by a diffusion equation. The description delivered by the variational phase-field framework is able to simulate crack propagation according to published numerical test cases. Additionally, the calculation of stress intensity factors is possible as well as crack resistance curves that describe stable crack propagation.
Dealing with the mess (we made): Unraveling hybridity, normativity, and complexity in journalism studies
Authors: Witschge Tamara , Anderson CW , Domingo David , Hermida Alfred
Published: March 2018

In this article, we discuss the rise and use of the concept of hybridity in journalism studies. Hybridity afforded a meaningful intervention in a discipline that had the tendency to focus on a stabilized and homogeneous understanding of the field. Nonetheless, we now need to reconsider its deployment, as it only partially allows us to address and understand the developments in journalism. We argue that if scholarship is to move forward in a productive manner, we need, rather than denote everything that is complex as hybrid, to develop new approaches to our object of study. Ultimately, this is an open invitation to the field to adopt experientialist, practice-based approaches that help us overcome the ultimately limited binary dualities that have long governed our theoretical and empirical work in the field.
Revealing a prehistoric past: Evidence for the deliberate construction of a historic narrative in the British Neolithic
Authors: Teather Anne
Published: March 2018

Over the past decade, event-based narratives have become a norm in discussions of the British Neolithic. Statistical analyses of radiocarbon dates, combined with a detailed approach to individual contexts, have produced chronological resolutions that have enabled a greater understanding of the construction and use of some monuments. While these have been informative, they sometimes manifest exclusionary nomenclature, with terms such as ‘outliers' and ‘residuality' applied to data that does not agree with other data. In addition, theoretical approaches have seen a similar turn to examine individual contexts and artefacts with which to describe Neolithic life. This paper argues that the current dominance of event-based narratives, extrapolated from small-scale action, is inadvertently ignoring evidence of wider cultural understandings. In particular, evidence of the deliberate inclusion of already old bone in Neolithic deposits has been identified. It is argued that this bone represents a particular past focus on already old material that may have had social currency in British Neolithic symbolic practices.
Real-time unified single- and multi-channel structural damage detection using recursive singular spectrum analysis
Authors: Bhowmik Basuraj , Krishnan Manu , Hazra Budhaditya , Pakrashi Vikram
Published: March 2018

A novel baseline-free approach for continuous online damage detection of multidegree of freedom vibrating structures using recursive singular spectral analysis in conjunction with time-varying autoregressive modeling is proposed in this article. The acceleration data are used to obtain recursive proper orthogonal components online using rank-one perturbation method, followed by time-varying autoregressive modeling of the first transformed response, to detect the change in the dynamic behavior of the vibrating system from its original state to contiguous linear/nonlinear states indicating damage. Most work to date deal with algorithms that require windowing of the gathered data that render them ineffective for online implementation. Algorithms focused on mathematically consistent recursive techniques in a rigorous theoretical framework of structural damage detection are missing that motivates the development of the present framework. The response from a single channel is provided as input to the algorithm in real time. The recursive singular spectral analysis algorithm iterates the eigenvector and eigenvalue estimates for sample covariance matrices and new data point at each successive time instants. This eliminates the need for offline post processing and facilitates online damage detection especially when applied to streaming data without requiring any baseline data. Lower order time-varying autoregressive models are applied on the transformed responses to improve detectability. Numerical simulations performed on a five-degree of freedom nonlinear system and on a single degree of freedom system modeled using a Duffing oscillator under white noise excitation data, with different levels of nonlinearity simulating the damage scenarios, demonstrate the robustness of the proposed algorithm. The method further validated on results obtained from experiments performed on a cantilever beam subjected to earthquake excitation; a toy cart experiment model with springs attached to either side; demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed methodology as an appropriate candidate for real-time, reference-free structural health monitoring.
PCL-based nanofibers containing ibuprofen/cyclodextrins nanocontainers: A potential candidate for drug delivery application
Authors: Masoumi Saeideh , Amiri Sahar , Bahrami Seyed Hajir
Published: March 2018

Poor solubility and low dissolution rate of ibuprofen (IBU) in the aqueous gastro-intestinal fluids restrict its application, absorption, distribution, target organ delivery, and bioavailability. For improvement of aqueous solubility of IBU, supramolecular nanocontainers of IBU/cyclodextrin were prepared via formation of inclusion complex between ibuprofen and cyclodextrins (α-cyclodextrin and β-cyclodextrin) at various conditions (at room temperature at 25℃ and under sonic energy). The formation of inclusion complex between IBU and cyclodextrins can be confirmed by hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry, fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy study. FTIR of pure IBU and cyclodextrins is similar to the obtained complex, which indicated intactness of drug in the complex. The encapsulation of IBU in cyclodextrins cavity improved its solubility, phase solubility, and in vitro dissolution and also controlled its release which ensures the long-term delivery. Electro-spun nanofibers of poly-ɛ-caprolactone containing IBU/cyclodextrins is a promising method for controlled drug delivery electro-spun which is bead-free without any aggregation on the surface.
Preliminary Psychometric Findings on the Arabic Systematic Screening for Behavior Disorders
Authors: Alkherainej Khaled , Alebrahim Saleh
Published: March 2018

This study was a first step toward adaptation of the Arabic version of the Systematic Screening for Behavior Disorders, Second Edition (SSBD-2) for public schools in the State of Kuwait. The study aimed to assess the face validity of the Arabic SSBD-2, investigate differences among the scores of students nominated by teachers as at risk for emotional or behavioral disorders (EBDs) on the Arabic SSBD-2 scales, test the internal consistency of the Arabic SSBD-2 items, and assess the social validity of the Arabic SSBD-2 through surveying teacher satisfaction. Seventy-seven teachers and 346 students from the first through ninth grades across 21 public elementary and middle schools participated. The findings showed significant differences between male and female students at risk for EBDs on the critical events index, whereas no differences were detected between the males and females on the combined frequency index of adaptive and maladaptive behaviors. The internal consistency coefficients for the combined frequency index of adaptive and maladaptive behaviors was strong (α = .84 and α = .88, respectively). In addition, 72.6% of teachers advised use of the Arabic SSBD-2 in Kuwaiti public schools. This study’s findings encourage further psychometric evaluations of the Arabic SSBD-2.
Idiosyncratic Deals to Employee Outcomes: Mediating Role of Social Exchange Relationships
Authors: Singh Satvir , Vidyarthi Prajya R.
Published: March 2018

The individualized work-related agreements known as idiosyncratic deals (i-deals), which are negotiated between the employee and the employer, has been shown to affect employee outcomes. In this study, we suggest that social comparison theory, in addition to social exchange theory, can be used to explain the effect of i-deals on employee outcomes. This study explains the process through which i-deals lead to positive employee outcomes in the form of increased employee job satisfaction, organizational citizenship behavior, job performance, and reduced employee turnover. We hypothesized that employees’ perceived organizational support (POS), quality of relationship with the supervisor known as leader–member exchange (LMX), and quality of the relationship with the supervisor in comparison to others in the group termed as leader–member exchange social comparison (LMXSC) mediates the relationships between i-deals to outcomes. In a sample of 338 faculty employees nested in 49 departments from a private university, we found support for direct relationships between i-deals, outcomes, and mediators (POS, LMX, and LMXSC). We also found partial support for the mediation of LMX and LMXSC. The theoretical and practical implications of results are discussed.
The role of angiogenesis in dural arteriovenous fistulae: the story so far
Authors: Bhogal Pervinder , Yeo Leonard L , Henkes Hans , Krings Timo , Söderman Michael
Published: March 2018

Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulae are a commonly encountered pathology that can present with a variety of different clinical symptoms. Although there is a significant body of work relating to the natural history and treatment of dural arteriovenous fistulae the exact underlying pathogenesis remains elusive. Various different pathogenetic models have been put forward but there is now a growing body of evidence implicating angiogenesis and the involvement of angiogenetic factors. In this review we attempt to show how the various animal and human studies performed over the past two decades have contributed to the proposed hypothesis on the development of dural arteriovenous fistulae.
Multiple sclerosis: High prevalence of the ‘central vein’ sign in white matter lesions on susceptibility-weighted images
Authors: Sparacia Gianvincenzo , Agnello Francesco , Gambino Angelo , Sciortino Martina , Midiri Massimo
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence and distribution of the ‘central vein’ sign in white matter lesions on susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance images in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD).

Materials and methods

T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance images of 19 MS patients and 19 patients affected by CSVD were analysed for the presence and localisation of focal hyperintense white matter lesions. Lesions were subdivided into periventricular or non-periventricular (juxtacortical, subcortical, deep white matter and cerebellar) distributed. The number and localisation of lesions presenting with the central vein sign were recorded and compared between MS and CSVD lesions.

Results

A total of 313 MS patients and 75 CSVD lesions were identified on T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance images. The central vein sign was found in 128 MS lesions (40.9%), and the majority of them (71/128, 55.5%) had a periventricular distribution. The central vein sign was found in 22 out of 75 (29.3%) CSVD lesions, and periventricular distribution was seen in six out of 22 (27.2%) CSVD lesions. The difference in the proportion of white matter hyperintense lesions that presented with the central vein sign on susceptibility-weighted images in patients with MS and CSVD was statistically different, and a significantly higher number of MS patients presented with lesions with the central vein sign compared to CSVD patients.

Conclusion

The presence of the central vein sign on susceptibility-weighted images for MS lesions improves the understanding of the periventricular distribution of MS lesions and could contribute as adjunctive diagnostic criteria for MS disease.
Spontaneous intracranial vertebral artery dissection with acute ischemic stroke: High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging findings
Authors: Yun Soo Young , Heo Young Jin , Jeong Hae Woong , Baek Jin Wook , Choo Hye Jung , Seo Jung Hwa , Kim Sung Tae , Lee Ji Young , Jin Sung Chul
Published: March 2018

Background

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) more frequently develops in patients with intracranial vertebral artery dissection (VAD) than extracranial VAD, and is associated with possible poor clinical outcomes. The aim of this study is to compare high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) findings and clinical features of VAD with and without AIS.

Methods

Twenty-nine lesions from 27 patients (15 male and 12 female patients; age range = 28–73 years) who underwent diffusion MRI and 3T HR-MRI within seven days were included. We classified VAD according to the presence of AIS lesions on diffusion MRI. Clinical features and HR-MRI findings (angiographic patterns, presence of double lumen sign, dissecting flap, posterior inferior cerebellar artery involvement, remodeling index, length of affected vessels, T1-signal intensity, area of intramural hematoma, and grades and patterns of vessel wall enhancement) were evaluated.

Results

Thirteen VADs with AIS and 16 without AIS were included. There were no significant differences in the clinical parameters (sex, age, risk factors, symptoms). More VADs with AIS presented as a steno-occlusive pattern than VADs without AIS. More VADs without AIS presented with aneurysmal dilation, larger mean remodeling index and longer mean length than VADs with AIS. Presence of intramural hematoma, T1-iso-signal intensity of intramural hematoma and contrast enhancement were significantly more common in VADs with AIS than without AIS.

Conclusions

Our study showed some differences in HR-MRI comparing intracranial VAD patients with and without AIS. Differing findings may facilitate a better understanding of intracranial VAD and risk assessment of AIS in these patients.
Nucleosides for the treatment of respiratory RNA virus infections
Authors: Jordan Paul C , Stevens Sarah K , Deval Jerome
Published: March 2018

Influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza virus, coronaviruses, and rhinoviruses are among the most common viruses causing mild seasonal colds. These RNA viruses can also cause lower respiratory tract infections leading to bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Young children, the elderly, and patients with compromised cardiac, pulmonary, or immune systems are at greatest risk for serious disease associated with these RNA virus respiratory infections. In addition, swine and avian influenza viruses, together with severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated and Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome coronaviruses, represent significant pandemic threats to the general population. In this review, we describe the current medical need resulting from respiratory infections caused by RNA viruses, which justifies drug discovery efforts to identify new therapeutic agents. The RNA polymerase of respiratory viruses represents an attractive target for nucleoside and nucleotide analogs acting as inhibitors of RNA chain synthesis. Here, we present the molecular, biochemical, and structural fundamentals of the polymerase of the four major families of RNA respiratory viruses: Orthomyxoviridae, Pneumoviridae/Paramyxoviridae, Coronaviridae, and Picornaviridae. We summarize past and current efforts to develop nucleoside and nucleotide analogs as antiviral agents against respiratory virus infections. This includes molecules with very broad antiviral spectrum such as ribavirin and T-705 (favipiravir), and others targeting more specifically one or a few virus families. Recent advances in our understanding of the structure(s) and function(s) of respiratory virus polymerases will likely support the discovery and development of novel nucleoside analogs.
Development of Asymmetric Vection for Radial Expansion or Contraction Motion: Comparison Between School-Age Children and Adults
Authors: Shirai Nobu , Endo Shuich , Tanahashi Shigehito , Seno Takeharu , Imura Tomoko
Published: March 2018

Vection is illusory self-motion elicited by visual stimuli and is more easily induced by radial contraction than expansion flow in adults. The asymmetric feature of vection was reexamined with 18 younger (age: 6–8 years) and 19 older children (age: 9–11 years) and 20 adults. In each experimental trial, participants observed either radial expansion or contraction flow; the latency, cumulative duration, and saturation of vection were measured. The results indicated that the latency for contraction was significantly shorter than that for expansion in all age-groups. In addition, the latency and saturation were significantly shorter and greater, respectively, in the younger or older children compared with the adults, regardless of the flow pattern. These results indicate that the asymmetry in vection for expansion or contraction flow emerges by school age, and that school-age children experience significantly more rapid and stronger vection than adults.
Attempting to fracture the neoliberal hold on early educators’ practical conceptions of teaching: A case study
Authors: Brown Christopher P
Published: March 2018

The global shift toward neoliberalism, which frames the education of young children through markets, credentials, and individualism, creates a range of challenges for those who call for and seek out democratic teaching practices that strive to address the sociocultural worlds of the children in their programs. This article begins to address this issue. It does so by examining the findings from a qualitative case study that investigated how the practical conceptions of sample of early childhood graduate students in the United States were affected by developing and implementing a learning activity with children that reflected issues central to their lives in and/or outside their classrooms. Investigating and analyzing their experiences provide members of the early childhood community with steps they might take to assist early educators in framing their roles as teachers through democratic conceptions of practice that they can then implement within their early education context.
Service evaluation project – Are local recommendations for onward referral to a specialist menopause clinic required to translate guidelines into practice?
Authors: Neill Anne Marie C
Published: March 2018

Objective

Referral audit – are local recommendations required to translate guideline to practice?

Study design

In total, 50 consecutive, anonymised referral letters reviewed during the initial consultation in a specialist menopause clinic; the reasons for referral along with the patient’s age and the source of referral were analysed.

Results

Several common reasons for referral were identified. Sexual dysfunction, including loss of libido and dyspareunia, resulted in 11 (22%) referrals. Ten (20%) women were troubled by persistent symptoms or side effects from HRT; 9 (18%) women were referred before hormone replacement therapy was discussed or commenced; 7 (14%) women seeking advice for their menopausal symptoms had a family or personal history of cancer; 5(10%) were migraineurs; 2(4%) women had premature ovarian insufficiency; 2(4%) were denied hormone replacement therapy because of concern about venous thromboembolism risk; and 4 (8%) had miscellaneous medical disorders. Over 25% of referrals were older than 60.

Conclusion

Menopausal symptoms are predominately dealt with in primary care where advice and support is needed. National Institute for Health Care and Excellence published guidance regarding onward referral to a specialist menopause clinic, which is vague and referral patterns are haphazard. Our audit highlighted areas of clinical uncertainty and formed the basis for providing local pre-referral information and advice. Some of the information provided is quite detailed and aimed at healthcare professionals with a special interest in menopause. Further training is now required to improve the quality of referrals. The diversity and complexity of some referrals illustrates the need both for a menopause specialist and clear pathways for further advice or referral within each region.