bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palisaded neutrophilic and granulomatous dermatitis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus: possible involvement of CD163+ M2 macrophages in two cases, and a review of published works
Authors: Terai S , Ueda-Hayakawa I , Nguyen C T H , Ly N T M , Yamazaki F , Kambe N , Son Y , Okamoto H
Published: October 2018

Background

Palisaded neutrophilic and granulomatous dermatitis (PNGD) is a commonly occurring condition related to systemic autoimmune disease. It is characterized histopathologically by a distinct pattern of granulomatous inflammation in the presence or absence of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The properties of granulomatous cells in PNGD are still uncertain.

Objective

We sought further investigation on the phenotype of the infiltrated cells in PNGD from two patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and reviewed the previous published reports in order to provide a comprehensive summary on the clinical features of PNGD in SLE.

Methods

The immunohistochemical features of granulomatous cells in PNGD associated with SLE were analyzed. Immunohistochemical studies were performed on sections from our two cases using antibodies against CD68, CD163, CD15, Factor XIIIa, myeloperoxidase and neutrophil elastase. The clinical characteristics of the SLE patients who developed PNGD were also evaluated. We included all cases retrieved through a PubMed search with the key words PNGD and SLE.

Results

Cutaneous lesions consisted of erythematous plaques distributed on the face and upper limbs in both cases. The infiltrated cells were mainly positive for CD68 and CD163, a phenotype suggestive of M2 macrophages. Some mature neutrophils and lymphocytes were also present. A review of the literature of PNGD associated with SLE revealed a predominance in females, high prevalence of lupus nephritis and a good response to systemic steroids, with frequent skin lesions relapses during tapering of the treatment.

Limitations

This study examined only two cases; the pathogenesis of the disease remains to be clarified.

Conclusion

PNGD lesions were abundantly infiltrated by M2 macrophages, suggesting that they may have a role in this condition. SLE accompanied by PNGD might be associated with lupus nephritis and frequent relapses of skin lesions.
Personalized Education to Increase Interest
Authors: Reber Rolf , Canning Elizabeth A. , Harackiewicz Judith M.
Published: October 2018

A long-standing ideal of school education has been to connect instruction to a student’s life outside school in order to render subject matter interesting. New technologies enable instructors to personalize learning materials to increase situational interest. After distinguishing three main methods to personalize education (context personalization, choice, and active personalization), we review recent intervention studies designed to increase situational interest, which is necessary for the emergence of individual interest. Across all three kinds of interventions, some studies point to the possibility of increasing interest for students low in initial interest. Despite progress in developing personalized interventions for school practice, research on the theoretical mechanisms behind the success of the interventions has just begun.
Sexual Communication: A Qualitative Study of Parents and Adolescent Girls Discussion about Sex
Authors: Elegbe Olugbenga
Published: October 2018

Poor parent–child communication on sexual issues show deficiency in adolescent’s sexual information seeking behaviour. Through the family communication pattern and attachment theory, the study adopted the qualitative research method with the use of focus group discussion (FGD) and in-depth interview to examine communication between parents and adolescent girls. Twenty-four students were drawn from four secondary schools within Ibadan North LGA as sample for the FGD, while four parents each were selected from the schools for the in-depth interview through a simple random and purposive sampling. Female adolescents (students) are scared of sharing sexual problems with parents; hence, they seek information from informal sources such as Internet, friends and movies which has led them to follow a sexual risk lifestyle. Majority of parents are confronted with challenges when discussing sexual issues with their female children. And most mothers educate their girl child than fathers on sexual issues; hence, majority of female students confide more in their mothers than their fathers. Adolescent girls are at risk of receiving wrong information on sexual issues; thus, parents should promote an atmosphere of open communication with their adolescent girls about sexual-health-related issues to avoid any sexual problems in the future.
Poverty chains and global capitalism
Authors: Selwyn Benjamin
Published: October 2018

The proliferation of global value chains is portrayed in academic and policy circles as representing new development opportunities for firms and regions in the global south. This article tests these claims by examining original material from non-governmental organizations’ reports and secondary sources on the garment and electronics chains in Cambodia and China, respectively. This empirical evidence suggests that these global value chains generate new forms of worker poverty. Based on these findings, the article proposes the novel Global Poverty Chain approach. The article critiques and reformulates principal concepts associated with the Global Value Chain approach – of value-added, rent and chain governance – and challenges a core assumption prevalent within Global Value Chain analysis: that workers’ low wages are a function of their employment in low productivity industries. Instead, it shows that (1) many supplier firms in the global south are as, or more, productive than their equivalents in the global north; (2) often predominantly female workers in these industries are super exploited (paid wages below their subsistence requirements) and (3) chain governance represents a lead firm value-capturing strategy, which intensifies worker exploitation.
Trainee welfare: a New Zealand perspective
Authors: Davison Lorraine , Amer Huma , Krishnan Jamuna , Seale Elisha , Young Kirsten , Romans Sarah
Published: October 2018

Objective:

To explore key sources of stress experienced during training by psychiatry registrars and identify which coping strategies they found helpful or unhelpful.

Method:

We used three data sources: a) ‘stress’ vignettes written by Stage 3 trainees; b) minutes of regular registrar meetings; c) focus groups. We analysed these using abbreviated grounded theory, generating themes.

Results:

The main sources of stress during training were disempowerment, adverse events, difficult supervision and cultural perspectives. Other themes included difficulties in after-hours work, and organisational issues. Stressors may differ in impact according to training stage. Peer support and a good supervisory relationship reduced stress. Conversely, a poor supervisory relationship compounded stress. Trainees were motivated to address modifiable problems.

Conclusions:

A variety of stressors influence training at all stages. Trainees, the College and employers each have a role in promoting trainee welfare. Interlinking cultural dimensions are not currently addressed in the training curriculum and require attention. A good supervisory relationship can buffer many stressors for trainees.
The Impact of Presurgical Infant Orthopedics on Oronasal Fistula Rates Following Cleft Repair: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jodeh Diana S. , Buller Mitchell , Rottgers S. Alex
Published: October 2018

Background:

Presurgical infant orthopedics (PSIO) techniques were introduced to improve the outcomes achieved when treating children with complete cleft lip and palate. The effect of PSIO on the incidence of postoperative fistulae has never been reliably demonstrated. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of PSIO in reducing postoperative fistulas in patients with complete cleft lip and palate.

Methods:

A search of the PubMed and Embase databases was performed to identify relevant articles that included primary palate repairs of patients with unilateral or bilateral complete clefts, reported the incidence of postoperative fistulae, and explicitly stated if PSIO was used. Details including author, number of subjects, use of PSIO, and fistula rate were cataloged.

Results:

A review of the PubMed database yielded 1135 unique citations, and Embase yielded 507 articles. Review of these yielded 15 studies, comprising 1241 children, which met inclusion criteria. The overall rate of oronasal fistula development was 7.09%. The average fistula rate for studies using PSIO was 5.93% versus 9.71% in the non-PSIO group. This difference was not statistically significant ( P = .34).

Conclusions:

The use of PSIO prior to cleft lip and palate repair provides multiple benefits related to facial and nasal form and is supported by a body of literature. The effect of PSIO on the incidence of postoperative fistulae has received less attention in the literature. Our meta-analysis of the available literature does not provide evidence to support the premise that the use of PSIO affects the incidence of fistulae after cleft palate repair.
Allograft Tendon Interposition Arthroplasty of the Hallux Metatarsophalangeal Joint: A Technique Guide and Literature Review
Authors: Watson Troy S. , Panicco Jordan , Parekh Amit
Published: October 2018

The “anchovy” interpositional arthroplasty technique can be used as a salvage option for failed hallux rigidus procedures. The operative technique utilized by the senior author is described. Careful soft-tissue handling, meticulous joint space and graft preparation, and interposition graft stabilization using a bone tunnel and suture anchors are unique aspects of this technique, which in the authors’ experience have contributed to improved outcomes. Current literature regarding indications and outcomes is limited and controversial. The proposed benefits of soft-tissue interposition arthroplasty of the hallux metatarsophalangeal joint for patients with prior failed implant arthroplasty are improved pain scores and preservation of range of motion.

Level of Evidence: Level V, technique guide.
Thinking Outside the Box (and Arrow): Current Themes in Striatal Dysfunction in Movement Disorders
Authors: Plotkin Joshua L. , Goldberg Joshua A.
Published: October 2018

The basal ganglia are an intricately connected assembly of subcortical nuclei, forming the core of an adaptive network connecting cortical and thalamic circuits. For nearly three decades, researchers and medical practitioners have conceptualized how the basal ganglia circuit works, and how its pathology underlies motor disorders such as Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases, using what is often referred to as the “box-and-arrow model”: a circuit diagram showing the broad strokes of basal ganglia connectivity and the pathological increases and decreases in the weights of specific connections that occur in disease. While this model still has great utility and has led to groundbreaking strategies to treat motor disorders, our evolving knowledge of basal ganglia function has made it clear that this classic model has several shortcomings that severely limit its predictive and descriptive abilities. In this review, we will focus on the striatum, the main input nucleus of the basal ganglia. We describe recent advances in our understanding of the rich microcircuitry and plastic capabilities of the striatum, factors not captured by the original box-and-arrow model, and provide examples of how such advances inform our current understanding of the circuit pathologies underlying motor disorders.
An adaptive higher order finite element model and modal energy for the vibration of a traveling string
Authors: Chen Enwei , Li Mengbo , Ferguson Neil , Lu Yimin
Published: October 2018

A nonlinear equation describing the transverse vibration of an axially traveling string with constant and time-varying length is obtained by developing a new finite element model described by quadratic shape functions. A novel nonlinear coordinate transform is introduced with regard to its nonlinear terms. Subsequently, a new hybrid Newmark-beta/time varying degree of freedom method, which can adjust the element number automatically according to the change of string length, is proposed to improve accuracy. The proposed method as well as normal numerical methods are compared with an analytical solution. Results show that the proposed method is in good agreement with the Newmark-beta method for the case of small variations in string length, whilst it is superior in accuracy to the latter in the case of large length variations. Complex mode theory is adopted firstly to obtain the modal components as well as subsequently the modal energy for a traveling string. A phenomenon is observed where the free vibration energy leaks from one mode to the others in a traveling string. The higher the speed of translation and the modal order, the more energy that is leaked into the modes close to the initially excited mode.
Data as Entanglement: New Definitions and Uses of Data in Qualitative Research, Policy, and Neoliberal Governance
Authors: Torrance Harry
Published: October 2018

Data is an increasingly contested term and concept in qualitative research, but its definition and use is also changing in social policy development and public service management. The article will explore these parallel and apparently independent developments and argue that, while deriving from different fields and aspirations, these developments have elements in common and data is a term now as much applied to and used in political governance, as it is in (what used to be seen as) disinterested science.
New Starts, Growing Inequities: Federal and Local Public Transit Funding
Authors: Lowe Kate , Hall Em
Published: October 2018

Equity concerns regarding local revenue sources are increasingly important in the United States, as local sales taxes for transportation increase amid perceived federal funding shortfalls. This study examines shifts in the federal role and local funding sources for public transit projects supported by the New Starts program. The analysis finds that total federal New Starts spending grew over this period, but was distributed across more costly projects, with a resulting decrease in the average federal share per project. As expected, there was increased sales tax use at the local level. The increase in local spending on transit should be met with concern. Prior research has established that sales taxes fail along both the beneficiary to pay and ability to pay equity principles. Thus, the recent massive commitment to expanding public transit infrastructure relies on concerning funding mechanisms and may also fail to prioritize the needs of those with limited accessibility.
Modular junction may be more problematic than bearing wear in metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Vendittoli Pascal-André , Massé Vincent , Kiss Marc-Olivier , Lusignan Daniel , Lavigne Martin
Published: October 2018

Introduction:

In total hip arthroplasty (THA), local adverse reaction to metal debris (ARMD) may be caused by abnormal metal ion release from a metal-on-metal (MoM) bearing, or by wear and corrosion of the implant’s modular junction. The aim of this study was to compare ion levels and rate of ARMD between patients sharing the same MoM bearing but 1 group having monoblock stems versus another having modular stems.

Materials and methods:

Whole blood cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) ion concentrations, ARMD rate, revision rate, and function measured by UCLA and WOMAC scores were compared between groups.

Results:

ARMD rate was significantly higher in the modular group (46%) compared with the monoblock group (16%, p = 0.031). Revision for ARMD was performed at 52.8 ± 8.1 months in the modular group versus 98.2 ± 15.5 months after primary THA in the monoblock group. ARMD originated from wear and corrosion of the junction between stem and femoral head adapter sleeve in all monoblock cases, and the junction between stem and modular neck in all the modular ones. Cr and Co ions levels were significantly higher in the modular stem group ( p < 0.001 for both).

Conclusions:

Although both groups had MoM bearings, corrosion at stem/neck or neck/head junctions combining dissimilar metal (Ti and Cr-Co) was seen as the source of excess metal ions release leading to ARMD. Poor performance of the modular junction may be more deleterious than wear of the bearing. To avoid such complications, THA femoral stem modular junctions should be eliminated (return to a full monoblock implant) or have improved junction design.
Discerning states’ revisionist and status-quo orientations: Comparing China and the US
Authors: Chan Steve , Hu Weixing , He Kai
Published: October 2018

International Relations literature often refers to states’ motivations as revisionist or status-quo oriented. Such attributions are especially prevalent in discourse on the power-transition theory, suggesting that the danger of war rises when a revisionist China catches up to a status-quo US. Such attributions, however, are rarely supported by systematic evidence providing a direct comparison of Chinese and US conduct. We undertake an analysis of how these countries have behaved differently over time according to their policy pronouncements, their participation in international institutions and agreements, and their voting in the United Nations. Our analysis challenges the conventional wisdom that a rising power tends to be revisionist whereas an incumbent hegemon is invariably committed to the defense of the international order.
Sustainable tourism modeling: Pricing decisions and evolutionarily stable strategies for competitive tour operators
Authors: He Yong , He Peng , Xu Feifei , Shi Chunming (Victor)
Published: October 2018

In this article, we investigate two competitive tour operators (TOs) who choose between traditional tourism strategy (strategy T) and green tourism innovation strategy (strategy G). Our article attempts to address the following important issues using evolutionary game models: when would TOs facing environment-friendly tourists adopt the strategy G? How do TOs set product prices under different strategy combinations? How can the government effectively motivate TOs to pursue green tourism? Our research results show that a green tourism innovation pioneer could monopolize the market under certain conditions. Furthermore, when the environmental preference of tourists is sufficiently low, no TOs would adopt the strategy G; when it is moderate, only the TO with cost advantage (stronger TO) would adopt the strategy G; when it is sufficiently high, both TOs would select the strategy G. Our research also demonstrates that the stronger TO implements the strategy G mostly independent of the rival’s decisions, but the opposite is true for the TO with cost disadvantage (weaker TO). We further investigate potential government subsidies that can motivate TOs to carry out green tourism simultaneously. Our results suggest that to be more effective, the government first offer the green subsidy to highly competitive tourism locations and/or more innovative TOs.
From complex social interventions to interventions in complex social systems: Future directions and unresolved questions for intervention development and evaluation
Authors: Moore Graham F. , Evans Rhiannon E. , Hawkins Jemma , Littlecott Hannah , Melendez-Torres G.J. , Bonell Chris , Murphy Simon
Published: October 2018

Complex systems approaches to social intervention research are increasingly advocated. However, there have been few attempts to consider how models of intervention science, such as the UK’s Medical Research Council complex interventions framework, might be reframed through a complex systems lens. This article identifies some key areas in which this framework might be reconceptualized, and a number of priority areas where further development is needed if alignment with a systems perspective is to be achieved. We argue that a complex systems perspective broadens the parameters of ‘relevant’ evidence and theory for intervention development, before discussing challenges in defining feasibility in dynamic terms. We argue that whole systems evaluations may be neither attainable, nor necessary; acknowledgment of complexity does not mean that evaluations must be complex, or investigate all facets of complexity. However, a systems lens may add value to evaluation design through guiding identification of key uncertainties, and informing decisions such as timings of follow-up assessments.
The trial’s the thing: Performance and legitimacy in international criminal trials
Authors: Leader Kate
Published: October 2018

This article explores the relationship between performance and legitimacy in international criminal trials through the lens of the International Criminal Court (ICC). I begin by analysing the deployment of theatrical tropes by different legal scholars, such as Hannah Arendt, and David Luban, arguing that such analogies serve as a policing mechanism for the author to distinguish what they perceive to be the ‘good’ or ‘bad’ theatre of the trial. I then move beyond analogy, drawing on legal sociology and performance theory to read the criminal trial as ritual-like, normative performance. Using the ICC as a case study, I will examine how performance is deployed to create, reinforce and naturalize the role of the ICC in international criminal law. Through focusing on issues of performance and community I offer a different way of looking at what may constitute legitimacy in international criminal law from that which is offered by other legal scholars.
Acceptance of lexical overlap by monolingual and bilingual toddlers
Authors: Kalashnikova Marina , Oliveri Aimee , Mattock Karen
Published: October 2018

Aims and Objectives:

Mutual exclusivity refers to children’s assumption that there are one-to-one correspondences between words and their referents. It is proposed to guide the process of fast-mapping when children encounter novel words in referentially ambiguous situations. However, children are often required to suspend this default assumption and accept lexically overlapping labels, which is particularly common for bilingual children who learn multiple labels for most referents in their environment. Previous research has shown that school-aged bilinguals are more successful at learning overlapping labels than monolinguals, but the mechanisms underlying the development of this word-learning ability remain unknown.

Methodology:

This study investigated the ability to accept lexical overlap in monolingual and bilingual two-and-a-half-year-old children and its relation to children’s lexical competence. Children’s ability to retain two novel labels assigned to a novel referent was assessed in an interactive lexical overlap paradigm. In addition, parental inventories were used to measure children’s receptive vocabulary size and patterns of language exposure and use.

Data and analysis:

Data were collected from 68 (34 monolingual and 34 bilingual) children between 26 and 34 months of age. Binomial logistic regressions were used to assess the effects of children’s language background and their individual lexical competence (receptive vocabulary for monolinguals and bilinguals, and conceptual vocabulary size and degree of bilingualism for bilinguals).

Findings:

Results showed that vocabulary size was a significant predictor of lexical overlap performance for monolingual children, but this was not the case for bilinguals.

Originality:

These findings are the first to indicate that the individual linguistic experience of growing up monolingual or bilingual shapes the mechanisms that underlie the development and usage patterns of early word-learning strategies.

Limitations:

This study leaves open the question of what aspect of growing up bilingual leads children to develop word-learning strategies that are shaped by their linguistic experience.
Ethical and practical challenges of conducting art-based research with children/young people in the public space of a children’s outpatient department
Authors: Water Tineke , Payam Shahin , Tokolahi Ema , Reay Stephen , Wrapson Jill
Published: October 2018

This article examines the ethical and practical challenges of undertaking a study using art-based methods with children/young people. It is argued that an important component of qualitative research and research with children/young people is researcher reflexivity and flexibility, particularly when the anticipated and actual implemented methods of a study differ. We draw on a study with 175 children/young people aged 5–16 years in a children’s outpatients department where ‘draw-and-tell’ and ‘letter writing’ were used to elicit children/young people’s perceptions of the outpatient environment. The challenges that arose during the study are critically reflected on including recruitment, the physical and social environment, time restrictions and interviewing. Recommendations for researchers using art-based methods to carry out research with children/young people are offered.
Affective solidarity and mediated distant suffering: In defence of mere feltness
Authors: Markham Tim
Published: October 2018

In recent media and political theory the idea of affective solidarity has been treated as a contradiction in terms. Any relation to the other consisting in sympathy or pity cannot form the basis of full subjective recognition of the other, and in practice is often actively dehumanising. Further, there remains the notion that solidarity is contingent upon a rupture of habitual being in the world that produces a revelatory consciousness of the subjectivity of the other. In journalistic contexts this leads to practices that aim at intensive or extensive encounters that transcend the affective livedness of everyday routines. Against these conventional wisdoms, this article argues that solidarity with distant others is not clinched in spite of the merely felt experience of the other in everyday life – an experience characterised by distraction, ambivalence and unreflexive sentimentality – but instead is predicated precisely on that mere feltness. Drawing on Heidegger’s notion of findingness, Withy’s disclosive postures and Levinas’s ascription of ethics to the fundamental priority of coexistence, it is proposed that feeling the right way about distant suffering may be immaterial. In practical terms, it concludes with a call to shift our empirical focus away from the question of how media can produce meaningfully solidaristic encounters between distant others, to ask instead what kinds of ordinary mediated affect already existing in the world might afford solidarity.
Simplified method for static analysis of bi-cable triple-pylon suspension bridges
Authors: Jia Lijun , Jiang Yu , Xiao Rucheng , Xu Dong
Published: October 2018

A bi-cable scheme of a triple-pylon suspension bridge can greatly decrease the unbalanced horizontal force on the top of mid-pylon and is more economical compared with a single-cable scheme. This article proposes an appropriate simplified method for static analysis of bi-cable triple-pylon suspension bridges in the conceptual design phase. First, theoretical analysis was performed considering the elastic extension of hangers. And the analytical solutions to cable extension under live-load, dead-load intensity, and the static characteristics were obtained. Second, verification of the accuracy of the analytical solutions was conducted by establishing FEM model of triple-pylon steel-box-girder suspension bridges with main spans from 1500 to 2500 m. The comparative analysis shows that the results of the analytical solutions are in good agreement with the Finite Element Models and of great reference value in the conceptual design phase.
Influence of numerous start-ups and stops on tribological performance evolution of engine main bearings
Authors: Liu Ruichao , Meng Xianghui , Cui Yi
Published: October 2018

For main bearings of internal combustion engines, most of the wear occurs during the start-ups and stops. The popularity of the start–stop system in automobile engines, which is used to save fuel consumption during idling stage, makes the working condition of main bearings severer because more frequent starts and stops will be generated. Changes in the bearing surface caused by wear will directly affect the bearing’s working performance. So in this study a transient mixed lubrication model and a wear model are coupled to analyze the influence of numerous start-ups and stops on the tribological performance evolution of engine main bearings. Starved lubrication of bearings before the oil supply is considered. The wear process is studied on the scale of surface topography and geometry. A main bearing in a four-stroke four-cylinder gasoline engine is studied under engine start–stop cycle conditions. The effects of temperature and lubricant grade on the transient tribodynamic behavior during the start-ups and stops are first investigated. Then the evolutions of surface characteristics and tribological performance of main bearings after numerous engine start-ups and stops are simulated. Results show that the temperature and lubricant grade can significantly affect the friction and wear of bearings. Hot start–stop condition leads to more serious asperity contact friction in the early stage of start-up, while cold start–stop condition generates more friction loss. The wear process of bearing surface is faster when applying oil with lower viscosity. And the impacts of engine start-ups and stops on bearing working performance are mainly seen in contact friction.
What do adolescents perceive to be key features of an effective dementia education and awareness initiative?
Authors: Parveen Sahdia , Farina Nicolas , Shafiq Saba , Hughes Laura J , Griffiths Alys W
Published: October 2018

The development of dementia friendly communities is a current global and national priority for the UK. As a response to policy, there have been a number of dementia awareness initiatives disseminated with the aim of reducing the stigma associated with a diagnosis of dementia. The inclusion of adolescents in such initiatives is imperative in order to sustain dementia friendly communities. With this in mind, the aim of this study was to establish the dementia education needs of adolescents and effective dissemination strategies to convey key messages. A total of 42 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years participated in eight focus group discussions. Key themes to emerge from discussions included: the importance of dementia awareness, topics of interest within dementia, preferred methods of learning, the inclusion of the person living with dementia and the use of social media. The findings of the study will enable the development of appropriate dementia awareness initiatives for adolescents and thus facilitate the sustainability of dementia friendly communities.
How accessible are grocery shops for people with dementia? A qualitative study using photo documentation and focus group interviews
Authors: Brorsson Anna , Öhman Annika , Lundberg Stefan , Cutchin Malcolm P , Nygård Louise
Published: October 2018

Background

People with dementia who live in ordinary housing need to perform activities outside the home such as visiting friends, talking walks and doing grocery shopping. This article identifies and examines characteristics that may influence accessibility in the space of a grocery shop as perceived by people with dementia.

Methods

This is a qualitative study with a grounded theory approach. The data collection was done with two different methods. It started with photo documentation and continued with focus group interviews in combination with photo elicitation. Data from both photo documentation and focus groups were analysed according to a grounded theory approach.

Results

The categories “illogical arrangement”, “overload of products, information and people”, “visual illusions” and “intrusive auditory stimuli” showed characteristics in the grocery shop that influenced how accessible and usable the informants experienced a shop to be. Furthermore, personal capacities in relation to the specific characteristics of the grocery shop space had an influence on how accessible and usable the informants experienced the grocery shop to be. Capacities to find, stay focused and concentrated, meet stress, remember, interpret and discriminate sensory impressions through hearing and sight came to the fore as important.

Conclusions

Characteristics of both the shop and the person need to be taken into account when supporting people with dementia in grocery shopping.
High BIRC7 Expression Might Be an Independent Prognostic Indicator of Poor Recurrence-Free Survival in Patients With Prostate Cancer
Authors: Yang Yi , Sun Peng , Xu Wei , Xia Wei
Published: October 2018

Background:

BIRC7, which encodes Baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) repeat-containing protein 7, is an oncogene in multiple types of cancer. In this study, we examined the association between BIRC7 expression and the clinicopathological characteristics of prostate cancer, the independent prognostic value of BIRC7 in terms of recurrence-free survival, and the molecular mechanisms of its dysregulation.

Methods:

Data mining was performed using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. The patients were divided into high and low BIRC7 expression groups according to the Youden index determined by receiver operating characteristic curves for recurrence. Subgroup analysis was performed according to T stages and Gleason score.

Results:

BIRC7 was significantly upregulated in prostate cancer tissues (N = 497) than in normal prostate tissues (N = 52). High BIRC7 expression group had lower ratios of overall response rate and medium-grade (Gleason score 6-7) tumors and higher proportions of nodal invasion and recurrence after surgery. Although Kaplan-Meier curves showed that high BIRC7 expression was generally associated with poor recurrence-free survival, the following subgroup analysis only confirmed the association in T3/T4 and medium-grade tumors. Multivariate analysis showed that BIRC7 expression was not an independent indicator of recurrence-free survival in T2 or high-grade tumors, but was independently associated with poor recurrence-free survival in T3/T4 tumors (hazard ratio: 4.249, 95% confidence interval: 1.563-11.546, P = .005) and in medium-grade tumors (hazard ratio: 6.041, 95% confidence interval: 1.763-20.703, P = .004). DNA amplification was associated with significantly upregulated BIRC7 expression. There was also a weak negative correlation between BIRC7 expression and its DNA methylation (Pearson r = −0.23).

Conclusion:

Based on these findings, we infer that BIRC7 upregulation might serve as a valuable biomarker of increased recurrence risk in advanced T stages and medium-grade prostate cancer. Its expression is at least regulated by both copy number alteration and DNA methylation.
Spirituality in Occupational Therapy Practice According to New Graduates
Authors: Misiorek Anna , Janus Edyta
Published: October 2018

Occupational therapy practitioners consider spirituality to be significant in affecting the process and outcome of occupational therapy; however, many therapists voice confusion and concern about its application within their practice. This study aimed to describe the personal definition of spirituality of young occupational therapy practitioners and their perspectives on its application to their practice. Thirty-five young occupational therapists, engaged in a postprofessional master’s degree, were interviewed using a self-prepared questionnaire, which included open and close-ended questions. The data was analysed using qualitative and quantitative methods. Most participants defined spirituality as a driving force, which shapes many aspects of life. More than half of the participants considered spirituality as crucial in forming therapeutic relationships. The findings suggest that inclusion of spirituality within occupational therapy education warrants further research.
Trajectory tracking control of unmanned surface vessels with input saturation and full-state constraints
Authors: Qin Hongde , Li Chengpeng , Sun Yanchao , Deng Zhongchao , Liu Yuhan
Published: October 2018

This article investigates the trajectory tracking control problem for unmanned surface vessels with input saturation and full-state constraints. The barrier Lyapunov function is used to solve the problem of state constraints, and the adaptive method is employed to handle the unknown random disturbances and saturation problems. The proposed control approach can guarantee that the control law and signals of closed-loop system are uniformly bounded and achieve the asymptotic tracking. Finally, simulation studies are provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Edge-aware image denoising algorithm
Authors: Zhang Xiangning , Yang Yan , Lin Lening
Published: October 2018

The key of image denoising algorithms is to preserve the details of the original image while denoising the noise in the image. The existing algorithms use the external information to better preserve the details of the image, but the use of external information needs the support of similar images or image patches. In this paper, an edge-aware image denoising algorithm is proposed to achieve the goal of preserving the details of original image while denoising and using only the characteristics of the noisy image. In general, image denoising algorithms use the noise prior to set parameters todenoise the noisy image. In this paper, it is found that the details of original image can be better preserved by combining the prior information of noise and the image edge features to set denoising parameters. The experimental results show that the proposed edge-aware image denoising algorithm can effectively improve the performance of block-matching and 3D filtering and patch group prior-based denoising algorithms and obtain higher peak signal-to-noise ratio and structural similarity values.
Differentially Expressed lncRNAs After the Activation of Primordial Follicles in Mouse
Authors: Zheng Liping , Luo Ruichen , Su Tie , Hu Liaoliao , Gao Fengxin , Zhang Xiaoning
Published: October 2018

The activation of primordial follicles is critical to ovarian follicle development, which directly influences female fertility and reproductive life span. Several studies have suggested a role for long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in ovarian function. However, the precise involvement of lncRNAs in the initiation of primordial follicles is still unknown. Here, an in vitro culture model was used to investigate the roles of lncRNAs in primordial follicle activation. We found that primordial follicles in day 3 mouse ovaries were activated after culturing for 8 days in vitro, as indicated by ovarian morphology changes, increases in primary follicle number, and downregulation of mammalian Sterile 20-like kinase messenger RNA (mRNA) and upregulation of growth differentiation factor 9 mRNA. We next examined lncRNA expression profiles by RNA sequencing at the transcriptome level and found that among 60 078 lncRNAs, 6541 lncRNA were upregulated and 2135 lncRNA were downregulated in 3-day ovaries cultured for 8 days in vitro compared with ovaries from day 3 mice. We also found that 4171 mRNAs were upregulated and 1795 were downregulated in the cultured ovaries. Gene ontology and pathway analyses showed that the functions of differentially expressed lncRNA targets and mRNAs were closely linked with many processes and pathways related to ovary development, including cell proliferation and differentiation, developmental processes, and other signaling transduction pathways. Additionally, many novel identified lncRNAs showed inducible expression, suggesting that these lncRNAs may be good candidates for investigating mouse primordial follicle activation. This study provides a foundation for further exploring lncRNA-related mechanisms in the initiation of mouse primordial follicles.
The Influence of Percentage Weight-Bearing on Foot Radiographs
Authors: Shelton Trevor J. , Singh Sohni , Bent Robinson Eduardo , Nardo Lorenzo , Escobedo Eva , Jackson Lyle , Kreulen Christopher D. , Giza Eric
Published: October 2018

Introduction: Clinical decisions are often made on weight-bearing radiographs. However, it is unknown whether various weight-bearing conditions alter specific radiographic measurements. The purpose of this study was to determine whether percentage weight-bearing influences radiographic measurements of the normal foot. Methods: A prospective study with 20 healthy individuals had radiographs of the foot under 5 weight-bearing conditions (non–weight-bearing, 10% body weight, 25% body weight, 50% body weight, and 100% body weight). Measurements were made of hallux valgus angle (HVA), 1-2 intermetatarsal angle (IMA), talonavicular coverage angle (TNCA), talocalcaneal angle (TCA), forefoot width, LisFranc distance, cuboid height to ground (CHG), and talo–first metatarsal angle (TMA) of each weight-bearing condition. Statistical differences of each measurement for each weight-bearing condition were determined. Results: The TNCA and TCA increased significantly, whereas the CHG decreased significantly with increased percentage body weight. There were no differences in HVA, IMA, forefoot width, LisFranc distance, and TMA with increased percentage body weight. Conclusions: This study shows an increase in TNCA and TCA, and decrease in CHG, demonstrating a flattening of the medial arch, increasing hindfoot valgus, and midfoot external rotation and abduction with increasing percentage body weight applied to a foot. Percentage weight-bearing does not change radiographs in the foot between 25% and 100% weight-bearing. The clinical relevance of this finding is that graduated postinjury or postoperative weight-bearing regimens may only be relevant if the patient is either less than or greater than 25% of body weight on their extremity.

Levels of Evidence: Case Series, Level IV: Prospective
Current best practice in the management of neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Tsoli Marina , Chatzellis Eleftherios , Koumarianou Anna , Kolomodi Dionysia , Kaltsas Gregory
Published: October 2018

Neuroendocrine neoplasms are rare tumors that display marked heterogeneity with varying natural history, biological behavior, response to therapy and prognosis. Their management is complex, particularly as a number of them may be associated with a secretory syndrome and involve a variety of options. A number of factors such as proliferation rate, degree of differentiation, functionality and extent of the disease are mostly utilized to tailor treatment accordingly, ideally in the context of a multidisciplinary team. In addition, a number of relevant scientific societies have published therapeutic guidelines in an attempt to direct and promote evidence-based treatment. Surgery remains the treatment of choice with an intention to cure while it may also be recommended in some cases of metastatic disease and difficult to control secretory syndromes. Long-acting somatostatin analogs constitute the main treatment for the majority of functioning tumors, whereas specific evolving agents such as telotristat may be used for the control of carcinoid syndrome and related sequelae. In patients with advanced disease not amenable to surgical resection, treatment options include locoregional therapies, long-acting somatostatin analogs, molecular targeted agents, radionuclides, chemotherapy and recently immunotherapy, alone or in combination. However, the ideal time of treatment initiation, sequence of administration of different therapies and identification of robust prognostic markers to select the most appropriate treatment for each individual patient still need to be defined.
Service-learning as a tool for increasing political efficacy and civic engagement at a Hispanic-serving institution
Authors: Barnett Leda
Published: October 2018

Ample research has noted a positive sense of political efficacy associated with increased civic engagement. In turn, the role of service-learning in boosting students’ civic engagement has been well documented. As civic engagement is a desirable goal for strengthening communities and empowering citizens, the role of service-learning in directly increasing political efficacy in students is worthy of observation. In the context of a student population that includes first-generation students at a Hispanic-serving Institution, where service is emphasized and institutionalized, this study examines preliminary data from student service-learning surveys. This study examines whether student participation in service-learning projects contributes to an increase in students’ sense of political efficacy and civic engagement. This first phase included service-learning projects on environmental justice and voting rights in three upper level political science courses. Preliminary findings indicate a modest increase in perceptions of political empowerment and civic engagement.
Financial literacy among high school students: Evidence from India
Authors: Jayaraman J.D , Jambunathan Saigeetha
Published: October 2018

Financial literacy is an important but oft ignored skill that is vital for young people. This study measured financial literacy levels among high school students ( N = 608) in India and found low levels of performance on standard measures of financial literacy. The percentage correct score on the basic financial literacy questions was 45% and on the sophisticated financial literacy questions the score was 44%. Financial literacy levels in India were found to be lower than those in developed countries. Gender differences were found, with females outperforming males, contrary to findings in developed countries. Students who pursued the commerce/economics stream of education were found to have higher levels of financial literacy than students pursuing the science stream. Results showed that students, despite having high levels of numeracy, were unable to transfer that knowledge to do financial computations. Parental involvement was also found to have a significant influence on financial literacy. Interviews with students highlighted the fact that understanding of societal and macroeconomic impacts of financial literacy was low. These findings lend support for high school financial education which involves parents and stresses practical hands-on application, societal and macroeconomic impact, as a means of improving financial literacy.
Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED): A diagnostic challenge
Authors: Ciorba Andrea , Corazzi Virginia , Bianchini Chiara , Aimoni Claudia , Pelucchi Stefano , Skarżyński Piotr Henryk , Hatzopoulos Stavros
Published: October 2018

Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) has been defined as a condition of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), caused by an ‘uncontrolled’ immune system response. The inner ear can be the direct target of the immune response, but it can be additionally damaged by a deposition of circulating immune complexes or by systemic immune-mediated diseases. The clinical expression of immune-mediated inner ear disease shows a progressive bilateral and asymmetric SNHL profile, which typically benefits from a steroid and immunosuppressive therapy. The onset of AIED is between 3 and 90 days. Cochlear symptoms can be associated with vestibular disorders and in 15%–30% of cases, AIED occurs in the contest of a systemic autoimmune disease. Currently, the onset of immune-mediated SNHL is not a well-understood process and the pathogenetic mechanisms of AIED remain unclear. Furthermore, there are no standardized diagnostic criteria or reliable diagnostic tests for the diagnosis of AIED. Hence, the definition of immune-mediated cochleovestibular disorders is a challenging diagnosis based on exclusion. A close collaboration between otolaryngologists, audiologists and rheumatologists is recommended, in order to achieve the multidisciplinary management of this rare entity, since an early AIED identification and a prompt medical treatment might result in acceptable hearing outcomes. The paper describes the clinical features of AIED and offers a diagnostic flow-chart to use in the clinical assessment of this condition.