bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging paradigms in environmental conservation and management
Authors: Roy Dunu
Published: November 2017

Concepts of environmental conservation and management are directly linked to the practice of development. Development has been seen as not only an instrument to increase production, but also to remove poverty. But anti-poverty schemes in India have not been sustainable and are conditioned by the kind of finance available for their implementation. Multi-lateral aid, in particular, appears to be faulty in conception itself. Schemes that were earlier developed by community organisations for their own survival have now paradoxically been turned around to fleece them. Financial institutions, governments, courts, and technocrats have appropriated the innovative ideas of sustainability and conservation invented by communities. The notion of participation has permitted governments to slowly retreat from their social responsibilities. Empowerment requires that communities be entrusted with actual power, but, in fact, the “rights” of people have been converted into “responsibilities” that they will have to undertake if they want a share in the proceeds. In addition, people have been denied access to resources and evicted from the commons. All these actions appear to be allied to the central theme of privatising public resources. This paradigm of conservation has been challenged by an equally powerful mode of protest that has unleashed public campaigns to protect the social ethic.
Displacement from Protected Areas and its implications for conservation and livelihoods-The case of Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Sharma Arpan
Published: November 2017

The designation of Protected Areas (PAs) for biodiversity conservation has had negative implications for communities that derive their sustenance from such areas. Apart from restrictions on resource use, there have also been instances of people being displaced from areas that they had inhabited and that had been designated subsequently as PAs. Movements for greater justice and rights of marginal communities, have been iing the destitution that displacement wreaks on communities, particularly tribals. The present paper describes in detail, an ongoing resettlement and rehabilitation (R&R) exercise from the Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh in terms of the rehabilitation package offered and the process of R&R. It also discusses the impacts that the displacement has had on the lives of the community in question. Finally, the implications of such relocation attempts for wildlife conservation are discussed.

While the rehabilitation package offered in the case of Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary, as well as the overall attitude of the agency that carried out the relocation, seems to have been a significant improvement over previously recorded instances of such exercises, it emerges that displacement has nevertheless had a significant negative impact on the livelihood of the people, at least in the short run. So far, the R&R exercise has been unsatisfactory with respect to several aspects such as identification of suitable land for resettlement, comprehensive inclusion of beneficiary families, assistance to tide over uncertain agricultural output and incomes during the relocation period, provision of alternatives to fodder and non-timber forest resources previously available from forests and creation of communications and road networks for resettled villages. It would require sustained investments by government and non-government agencies, in the medium to long run, for the displaced community to be able to reconstruct livelihoods and regain socio-economic levels that prevailed inside the sanctuary. An important lesson emerging from the Kuno experience is that trauma to the community could be mitigated if the implementing agency concentrates right from the start on genuine mobilisation, and investment in building the community's capacity to deal with the drastic changes that displacement entails.
Differential Effects of Gender on Canadian Police Officers’ Perceptions of Stalking
Authors: Finnegan Heather A. , Timmons Fritz Patti A. , Horrobin Barry
Published: November 2017

Stalking (also known as “criminal harassment” in Canada) is broadly defined as repeated contact with another individual that elicits fear. By manipulating the details of an actual stalking case, the present study examined the role of actor sex (man–woman [M-W], woman–man [W-M]) on perceptions of stalking in a sample of local police officers. Consistent with previous research, officers who read the M-W case anticipated more physical, emotional, psychological, and economic harm, as well as greater likelihood of a prison sentence by judges, than officers who read the W-M case. Actor sex did not influence officers’ perceptions of seriousness, likelihood of a jury conviction, or identification of criminal harassment. The findings may be used to develop intervention programs aimed at educating law enforcement, social support workers, and community agencies to ensure appropriate protection and treatment of individuals stalked by former partners.
Sex Offenders’ Perceptions of the Police and Courts: Are There Spill-Over Effects?
Authors: Brown Sarah J. , Tramontano Carlo , McKillop Nadine , Smallbone Stephen , Wortley Richard
Published: November 2017

Individuals convicted of sexual offenses are rarely asked their views of the police and courts. The aims of this study were to examine the impact of feelings of guilt on perceptions of the police and police interview outcomes and spill-over effects from perceptions of the police to perceptions of the courts. Participants were 116 adult males incarcerated for sexual offenses who were invited to report their perceptions of police interviewers, feelings at the time of interview, interview outcomes, and perceptions of the court process. Feelings of guilt were related to perceptions of the police. Both feelings of guilt and perceptions of the police were associated with interview outcomes. Spill-over effects were found as perceptions of the police were directly related to perceptions of the courts. The findings highlight the important role of police officers as gatekeepers to the criminal justice system, with associated implications for police officers’ training and practice.
An Interview with Zygmunt Bauman: How to Turn the Word into Flesh
Authors: Czapnik Slawomir
Published: November 2017

Deceased in January this year, the Polish-British sociologist Zygmunt Bauman has left an extremely rich scholarly legacy. In one of his last academic interviews, he refers to the key issues which had been the subject of his in-depth analysis for many years. Bauman starts with reflections on the gap between political authority and power. Next, given his long-standing research into ‘liquid modernity’, he focuses on the vitality of capitalism, which has now adopted a lighter, consumer form. Another thread of the interview is Bauman’s own research attitude, which he refers to as ‘sociological hermeneutics’. It is characterized by his reluctance to use any ‘-isms’ and a profound mistrust of all particular schools of research (including postmodernism) which could limit creative freedom. In the final part of the interview, Bauman highlights the problem of the social entanglement of intellectuals.
Formex configuration processing: A young branch of knowledge
Authors: Nooshin H.
Published: November 2017

The term ‘configuration’ refers to an arrangement of parts. For example, the elements of a structure constitute a configuration and so do the atoms of a molecule and the components of an electrical network. The most common usage of the term configuration is in reference to geometric compositions that consist of points, lines, surfaces and so on. The term ‘configuration processing’ refers to the skill of dealing with creation and manipulation of configurations. In particular, the term ‘formex configuration processing’ implies configuration processing with the aid of ‘formex algebra’. Formex algebra is evolved to perform processes needed for configuration processing, just as the ordinary algebra is evolved to perform operations needed for creation and manipulation of numerical models. The term ‘formex’ is derived from the word ‘form’ and it is meant to imply a ‘representation of form’. This article has two main objectives. The first objective is to provide a general feeling of how the elements of formex algebra perform configuration processing. This objective is achieved through simple examples, without involvement in too many details. It will be seen that working with parameters is a natural characteristic of formex configuration processing. Thus, a formex solution is, normally, for a class of problems rather than an individual one. This would allow consideration of different variants of a configuration by simply changing the values of the parameters. It will also be seen the ease with which freeforms can be created. The coverage also includes information about ‘Formian’ which is the name of the computer software for formex configuration processing. The second objective of this article is to record the story of the development of formex algebra from the beginnings in the mid-1970s to the middle of the second decade of the 21st century, covering some 40 years of development. Formex configuration processing is an effective and elegant conceptual tool for generation and manipulation of forms. However, there are also other approaches to configuration processing. In particular, there are now a number of highly successful software systems for configuration processing using various tactics. Formex algebra will be a natural complement for these systems.
Minimising the risk of Mycobacterium chimaera infection during cardiopulmonary bypass by the removal of heater-cooler units from the operating room
Authors: Barker Thomas A. , Dandekar Uday , Fraser Nina , Dawkin Lincoln , Sweeney Paul , Heron Fraser , Simmons Jacqui , Parmar Jitendra
Published: November 2017

Introduction:

Mycobacterium chimaera ( M. chimaera) is a recently characterised bacterium that can cause life-threatening infections in small numbers of patients who undergo cardiopulmonary bypass during cardiac surgery. The likely mode of transmission is thought to occur through aerosolisation from contaminated water reservoirs. The airborne bacteria then contaminate the surgical field, leading to an infection months or even years later. The preferred practical solution to disrupt the transmission of these airborne bacteria to the patient is to remove the heater-cooler units (HCUs) from the operating room (OR). We describe a process of achieving this in order to provide information to guide other institutions who wish to do a similar thing.

Methods:

A multidisciplinary team was assembled to work on the project. The planning phase involved trialling different OR layouts and simulating the alterations in the HCU circuit function. The changes to the OR were made over a weekend to minimise disruption to the operating schedule.

Results:

The HCU was moved to the dirty utility room adjacent to the OR. Standard operating procedures (SOP) and risk assessments were made to enable this to be used for a dual purpose. One of the ORs was reconfigured to allow the cardiopulmonary bypass machine to be located close to the HCU in the dirty utility room. The total cost of the alterations was £6,158. Although we have provided a physical barrier to interrupt patient exposure to aerosolised M. chimaera from HCUs, we continue to perform cultures and decontamination as per the national recommendations. The SOP was designed to be auditable to ensure compliance with the protocols.

Conclusions:

We show a method by which the HCU can be removed from the OR in a relatively low-cost, straightforward and practical manner.
Effects of contrast-enhancement on diffusion weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient measurements in 3-T magnetic resonance imaging of breast lesions
Authors: Cipolla Valentina , Guerrieri Daniele , Bonito Giacomo , Celsa Simone , de Felice Carlo
Published: November 2017

Background

The effect of gadolinium-based contrast agents on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) measurements of breast lesions is still not clear.

Purpose

To investigate gadolinium effects on DWI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in breast lesions and normal parenchyma with 3 Tesla contrast-enhanced MRI.

Material and Methods

Pre- and post-contrast DWI (b = 0 and b = 1000 s/mm2) were acquired in 47 patients. Measured ADC values, pre- and post-contrast T2 signal intensity (T2 SI) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were compared with Wilcoxon signed-rank and rank-sum test ( P < 0.05).

Results

Post-contrast ADC was reduced only in malignant lesions (−34%), T2 SI was reduced both in malignant (−50%) and benign (−36%) lesions. Post-contrast CNR was reduced in all groups except for benign lesions.

Conclusion

Gadolinium-based contrast agent causes a significant reduction in ADC values of malignant breast lesions.
Police Legitimacy and Compliance With the Law Among Chinese Youth
Authors: Liu Siyu , Liu Jianhong
Published: November 2017

The process-based model of policing garnered considerable support in the discourse on police legitimacy. However, findings are largely based on Western contexts, and little attention has been paid to the model advanced by Tyler that police legitimacy helps promote compliance. Using a high school sample ( N = 711) from China, we follow Tankebe’s operationalization and examine the role of legitimacy in youth support for the police and whether legitimacy helps predict compliance with the law. Findings indicate that procedural justice and shared values are strong predictors of youth support to the police, and this support positively predicts compliance with the law. Distributive fairness exerts an independent effect on compliance while having been questioned by the police is negatively related to compliance.
Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia: Research Update
Authors: Kumra Sanjiv , Shaw Maryanne , Merka Patricia , Nakayama Emilie , Augustin Rachel
Published: November 2017

This review is a research update of recent literature related to childhood-onset schizophrenia (onset of psychotic symptoms by age 12 years). This subgroup of patients has attracted considerable research interest because patients with a childhood onset may represent a more homogeneous patient population in which to search for risk or etiologic factors. We examine data indicating that childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS) shares the same clinical and neurobiologic features as later-onset forms of the disorder. Compared with adults with schizophrenia, however, this subgroup of patients appears to have more severe premorbid neurodevelopmental abnormalties, more cytogenetic anomalies, and potentially greater family histories of schizophrenia and associated spectrum disorders. While preliminary, these data indicate that a greater genetic vulnerability may be one of the underpinnings of COS. Future studies of this subgroup may provide important clues as to the genetic basis for schizophrenia and how gene products influence certain features of the disease, such as age of onset and mode of inheritance.
School Dropout and Conduct Disorder in Brazilian Elementary School Students
Authors: Tramontina Silzá , Martins Silvia , Michalowski Mariana B , Ketzer Carla R , Eizirik Mariana , Biederman Joseph , Rohde Luis A
Published: November 2017

Objectives:

To evaluate the association between DSM-IV conduct disorder (CD) and school dropout in a sample of students from the third and fourth elementary grades at state schools in the capital of the southernmost state of Brazil.

Methods:

In this case-control study, students that dropped out of schools ( n = 44) and a control group who continued attending schools ( n = 44) were assessed for CD and other prevalent mental disorders, using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children, Epidemiological Version (K-SADS-E).

Results:

The prevalence of DSM-IV CD was significantly higher in the school-dropout group than in control subjects ( P < 0.001), both in the entire sample and in a subsample including only subjects under age 12 years ( P = 0.001). Also, the odds ratio (OR) for school dropout was significantly higher in the presence of DSM-IV CD, even after controlling for potential confounding factors (age, estimated IQ, school repetition, family structure, and income) ( P < 0.01).

Conclusion:

Our results extend to children and young adolescents previous findings from studies of older adolescents, suggesting an association between school dropout and CD.
Tracheostomy as a Comfort Measure in Children With Life-Limiting Conditions
Authors: Marshall Valerie , Holt Francesca , Crowe Suzanne
Published: November 2017

Palliative care for children who can expect only a short life has expanded over the last decade. Greater understanding of the measures required to ensure comfort and acceptable quality of life within the critical care environment has grown in tandem. Some more invasive interventions may be considered a “step too far” by some practitioners, including feeding gastrostomy, contracture release, and tracheostomy. Tracheostomy can facilitate a number of measures, which may enhance the brief life of the child and their family. However, tracheostomy is associated with some challenges, which may make it less suitable for some families. We discuss 3 cases where this intervention was carried out.
Chitosan-based coatings in the prevention of intravascular catheter-associated infections
Authors: Mendoza Gracia , Regiel-Futyra Anna , Tamayo Alejandra , Monzon Marta , Irusta Silvia , de Gregorio Miguel Angel , Kyzioł Agnieszka , Arruebo Manuel
Published: November 2017

Central venous access devices play an important role in patients with prolonged intravenous administration requirements. In the last years, the coating of these devices with bactericidal compounds has emerged as a potential tool to prevent bacterial colonization. Our study describes the modification of 3D-printed reservoirs and silicone-based catheters, mimicking central venous access devices, through different approaches including their coating with the well known biocompatible and bactericidal polymer chitosan, with the anionic polysaccharide alginate; also, plasma treated surfaces were included in the study to promote polymer adhesion. The evaluation of the antimicrobial action of those surface modifications compared to that exerted by a model antibiotic (ciprofloxacin) adsorbed on the surface of the devices was carried out. Surface characterization was developed by different methodologies and the bactericidal effects of the different coatings were assayed in an in vitro model of Staphylococcus aureus infection. Our results showed a significant reduction in the reservoir roughness (≤73%) after coating though no changes were observed for coated catheters which was also confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, pointing to the importance of the surface device topography for the successful attachment of the coating and for the subsequent development of bactericidal effects. Furthermore, the single presence of chitosan on the reservoirs was enough to fully inhibit bacterial growth exerting the same efficiency as that showed by the model antibiotic. Importantly, chitosan coating showed low cytotoxicity against human keratinocytes, human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells, and murine colon carcinoma cells displaying viability percentages in the range of the control samples (>95%). Chitosan-based coatings are proposed as an effective and promising solution in the prevention of microbial infections associated to medical devices.
Foam morphology and sound transmission loss of foamed wood flour/low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/nanoclay composites
Authors: Molkara Fariba , Najafi Saeed Kazemi , Ghasemi Ismail
Published: November 2017

In this research, the effects of foaming and of nanoclay on foam morphology and soundproofing of wood flour/low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composites were investigated. For this purpose, LDPE, wood flour, foaming agent, and nanoclay were mixed in an internal mixer to produce test samples. The standard circular samples were made using compression molding method in a hot press machine. Sound transmission loss (STL) was measured by an impedance tube. Results showed that foaming and nanoclay increase the STL of the composites at frequencies above 2000 Hz. The biggest increase in STL has been found for the foamed composites containing nanoclay. The addition of nanoclay decreased the average cell size and increased the cell density of foamed composites.
Heritage as theatre: Reconceptualizing heritage-making in urban China
Authors: Wang Cangbai
Published: November 2017

Since China’s signing of UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention in 1985, cultural heritage in China has become a booming industry and a key area of scholarly investigation. The mainstream literature on China’s heritage and urbanization tends to view heritage as a civilizing agent to regulate and improve the urban population. Drawing on Clifford Geertz’s notion of ‘theatre state’ and through a case study of Jiangmen, this article reconceptualizes China’s urban heritage industry as ‘theatre’. It shifts the focus away from neat political rationalities to messy ‘magical assemblages’, such as dramatic museum representation, monumental architecture and expressive ceremonies, in state-led heritage-making processes. It argues that the Chinese government makes heritage by using not only the means of political rationalities but also, and perhaps more importantly, the power of spectacle, sensation and awe. China’s heritage industry is thus as much ‘a technique of enchantment’ as ‘a technique of government’, revealing complicated processes of China’s negotiation with the Western-centred conceptualization of modernity and cultural heritage. Additionally, it draws attention to diasporic resources in urban heritage-making, broadening the existing research that has predominantly focused on the employment of nostalgic and/or exotic appeal for city branding and development.
Functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes by loading phosphorylated chitosan
Authors: Xue Baoxia , Peng Yun , Song Yinghao , Bai Jie , Niu Mei , Yang Yongzhen , Liu Xuguang
Published: November 2017

Novel flame-retardant phosphorylated chitosan-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PCS-MWCNTs) were obtained by the loading of PCS on the surface of MWCNTs by a chemical deposition cross-linking method. A series of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composites were prepared by melt compounding with MWCNTs or PCS-MWCNTs to investigate the flame-retardant properties. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry were employed to characterize the morphology, chemical structure, and functionalization effect of MWCNTs. The coating degree and thermal stability of PCS-MWCNTs were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Thermal decomposition products after TGA and flame-retardant properties of PET composites were characterized by FTIR and CONE measurements, respectively. The results indicated that PCS is loaded on the MWCNT surface. Modified PCS-MWCNTs exhibited better dispersion and efficient flame retardancy. TGA data indicated that PCS-MWCNTs can enhance the onset temperature of PET and increase the amount of the char residues. The char residue with 1 wt% PCS-MWCNTs/PET increased from 12.62% (pure PET) to 15.46%. The analysis of the decomposition products and morphology of the char residue indicated that PCS-MWCNTs not only retain the effect of alternating couplet carbon (C) and physical barrier by MWCNTs, but also form P–C compounds, improving the flame retardancy of PET. CONE tests demonstrated that the PCS-MWCNTs lead to the efficient decrease in the flammability parameters, such as the heat release rate (HRR), total release heat rate (THR), total smoke production (TSP), mean mass loss rate (MMLR), and the total combustion time. The peak HRR value decreased from 513.22 kW m−2 to 341 kW m−2. The THR, TSP, and MMLR values decreased by 20.38 MJ m−2, 1.1 m2, and 1.32 g s−1, respectively. The total combustion time decreased by 98 s, from 388 s to 290 s, indicating that PCS-MWCNTs extinguish fire.
A slack optimization unified model of regrouping and sequencing batches for β1 → β2 manufacturing system
Authors: Jia Wenyou , Chen Hao , Liu Li , Jiang Zhibin , Li You
Published: November 2017

It is challenging to schedule batch processing machine in the semiconductor wafer fabrication system. Based on the rolling horizon scheme, the overall horizon is decomposed into many time windows. One time window corresponds to one sub-problem. Regarding each sub-problem, a multiple-phase scheduling strategy is performed, which consists of three phases: to update parameters, to sequence the regrouping batches, and to dispatch the priority-batch. A unified scheduling model of unifying β2 batch regrouping and sequencing is focused on in the β1 → β2 type. In the model, the objective is a minimum total tardiness for sequencing the regrouping batches. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed approach, the experiments are implemented on a virtual semiconductor manufacturing test line. The results show that it can obtain satisfied solution.
Further assessment of the plastic instability of thin-walled tubes in double-sided hydro-bulging process with verification experiments
Authors: Cui Xiao-Lei , Wang Xiao-Song , Yuan SJ
Published: November 2017

An interesting process of double-sided tube hydro-bulging was proposed to provide a beneficial three-dimensional stress state in the deformation zone of the tube, so as to delay the occurrence of bursting on the tube. Previously proposed forming limit theory models with consideration of through-thickness normal stress found that the external pressure could lead to a deferred occurrence of plastic instability, but it has not been confirmed experimentally. In this article, the tensile plastic instability of tubes under double-sided pressures is further assessed based on the classical plastic instability theory. However, it is seen that the occurrence of plastic instability has not found delay when high external pressure was exerted on the outside surface of tube simultaneously, which is opposite to the previous forming limit models. In addition, an experiment investigation about double-sided tube hydro-bulging is conducted to verify the theoretical results, and the experimental results show that the external pressure has hardly any influence on forming limit strain of the 2A12 aluminum alloy tube before the occurrence of necking. Moreover, the contradiction between our results and the previously proposed forming limit theory models is that the previous models ignored the thickness item in the equilibrium equation.
Thermo-hydrodynamic analysis of large-eccentricity hydrodynamic bearings with texture on journal surface
Authors: Wang Lin , Han Zhanhai , Chen Guoding , Su Hua
Published: November 2017

To improve the performance of a heavy-loaded and high-speed hydrodynamic bearing, partial texture is designed on the journal surface. A three-dimensional thermo-hydrodynamic analysis model is developed based on the computational fluid dynamics method. Thermal conduction of bearing bush and journal, heat convection on the air-bearing surface, viscosity–temperature effect, and cavitation effect are taken into account. Performance of textured and un-textured high-speed journal bearing under different eccentricity ratios and different external loads is compared. The results indicated that partial texture on journal surface can play a positive role for large eccentricity ratio conditions in this study, and the textured bearing has a higher load carrying capacity, a lower maximum oil pressure, and a lower oil temperature rise than the un-textured bearing based on an optimal design of texture.
Ventral Mesencephalic Grafts in the Neostriatum of the Weaver Mutant Mouse: Structural Molecule and Receptor Studies
Authors: Triarhou L.C. , Solà C. , Mengod G. , García-Ladona F.J. , Landwehrmeyer B. , Ghetti B. , Palacios J. M.
Published: November 2017

Mesencephalic cell suspensions were prepared from E12 wild-type (+/+) mouse embryos and stereotaxically implanted into the dorsal neostriatum of weaver mutant mice (wv/wv), which have a genetic mesostriatal dopamine (DA) deficiency. Survival of DA neurons in the grafts was documented by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunocytochemistry. Axon growth was monitored by immunocytochemistry using a battery of antibody markers, and the cellular localization of structural protein and receptor RNA transcripts was studied by in situ hybridization histochemistry using [32P]oigo-nucleotide probes. The cellw suspension grafts exhibited strong immunoreactivity for neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM), growth-associated phosphoprotein GAP-43, micro-tubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2), β-amyloid protein precursor (βAPP), and phosphorylated neurofilament epitopes (clone SMI-31); intermediate-to-high levels of immunoreactivity were seen for synaptophysin. High levels of hybridization were found in the grafts for the RNA transcripts of GAP-43, MAP2, and isoforms βAPP695, βAPP714 and βAPP751 of the βAPP. No hybridization signal was detected in the grafts for DA D2 or neurotensin receptor mRNAs, both of which are normally expressed by nigral DA neurons. DA receptor autoradiography using the D2/D3 agonist [3H]CV 205-502 as a ligand showed no binding in the transplants, indicating an apparent abnormality of grafted cells; neurotensin binding sites, labeled with [125I]neurotensin, were visualized in the suspensions, indicating the possibility that receptors could be present but that RNA message levels might be too low to allow detection. These findings offer a molecular correlate of axonal, dendritic and structural protein expression by transplanted mesencephalic neurons; further, they suggest that specific functional properties of grafted nigral cells are maintained after transplantation, while other aspects of their cellular biology may be compromised.
How do Fetal Grafts of the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus Communicate with the Host Brain?
Authors: Lehman Michael N. , Lesauter Joseph , Kim Charles , Berriman Sandra J. , Tresco Patrick A. , Silver Rae
Published: November 2017

Fetal grafts containing the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the site of an endogenous circadian pacemaker, can reinstate behavioral rhythms in lesioned recipients but the precise routes of communication between the graft and the host brain remain unknown. Grafts containing the SCN may convey temporal information to the host brain via neural efferents, diffusible factors, or a combination of both. We examined graft-host connections in anterior hypothalamic homografts (hamster-to hamster) and heterografts (rat-to hamster) implanted in the third ventricle by: (a) applying the carbocyanine dye, dil, directly onto homo- and heterografts in fixed tissue sections; and (b) using a donor-specific neurofilament (NF) antibody to immuno-cytochemically visualize heterograft efferents. Dil applied onto either homografts or heterografts labeled relatively few graft efferents which could be followed only short distances into the host brain. In contrast, NF-labeled heterograft efferents were both more numerous and extended for longer distances into the host brain than anticipated on the basis of dil tract tracing. The results suggest that anterior hypothalamic grafts implanted in the third ventricle provide substantial input to the adjacent host hypothalamus although it is not known whether these projections arise from SCN cells or from other extra-SCN hypothalamic tissue within these grafts. Nor is it known whether these projections are functional. To determine if neural efferents are required for the restoration of rhythmicity after grafting, we have encapsulated fetal anterior hypothalamus in a permselective polymer which prevents neurite outgrowth but allows diffusible signals to reach the host brain. Polymer-encapsulated grafts of fetal anterior hypothalamus from wild-type hamster fetuses have been implanted into the third ventricle of heterozygote tau mutant, SCN-lesioned hamsters. Because the free-running period of tau mutant hamsters is significantly shorter than that of wild-type hamsters, restored rhythms when they occur can be unambiguously attributed to the presence of donor tissue. Encapsulated grafts that survive contain neuropeptide cell markers characteristic of the intact SCN, but the survival rate of encapsulated neural tissue is low. Nevertheless, if we find that even a few encapsulated grafts restore donor-specific rhythms, this would suggest that diffusible signals emitted from SCN grafts may be sufficient to support circadian function. It may be that the SCN in the intact animal communicates with the rest of the brain by redundant signals, either efferent fibers or diffusible signals. Alternatively, different circadian rhythms may be mediated by distinct output signals from the SCN.
Polymer-Encapsulated Schwannoma Cells Expressing Human Nerve Growth Factor Promote the Survival of Cholinergic Neurons after a Fimbria-Fornix Transection
Authors: Schinstine Malcolm , Fiore Deborah M. , Winn Shelley R. , Emerich Dwaine F.
Published: November 2017

Many investigators have recently used genetically modified primary fibroblasts of fibroblast cell lines (e.g., 3T3, 208F, or BHK cells) to deliver recombinant nerve growth factor (NGF) into the CNS. In the current study, SCT-1 cells, a Schwannoma cell line derived from a transgenic mouse, were transfected with a human NGF (hNGF) cDNA. After selection, these cells were encased within a polymer capsule and implanted into the ventricles of fimbria-fornix lesioned rats. Encapsulated, non-transfected cells served as controls. Results demonstrated that the hNGF transgene is expressed for at least 3 weeks after implantation. Moreover, the cells did not overgrow the capsule. Recombinant hNGF was able to save >70% of lesioned cholinergic neurons, as assessed by NGF-receptor (NGFr) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunohistochemistry, from cell death. The number of cholinergic neurons in animals that received control capsules (i.e., nontransfected SCT-1 cells) was similar to lesion only animals (i.e., ~27% and ~33% for NGFr- and ChAT-positive neurons, respectively. These results show that SCT-1 cells can be used to deliver biologically active hNGF into the lesioned rat brain.
Neither Intraocular Grafts of Retinal Cell Homogenates Nor Live Non-Retinal Neurons Produce Behavioral Recovery in Rats with Light-Damaged Retinas
Authors: Del Cerro Manuel , Diloreto David , Cox Christopher , Lazar Eliot S. , Grover Donald A. , Del Cerro Constancia
Published: November 2017

Previously we have observed that fetal retinal cells grafted to the subretinal space of blind rats produced a functional recovery as determined by testing the visual inhibition of the startle response. Following those studies, we performed experiments to test whether the injection itself, cell by-products, or unrelated neural cells could also produce an effect. Visual function was tested by examining the inhibitory effect of a brief light flash (300 Ix) on the acoustic startle response to an immediately following intense noise burst in light blinded Fischer 344 rats. Animals were tested before and after grafts of fetal retinal cell homogenates, dissociated perinatal cerebellar cells, and sham injections in the subretinal space. Behavioral testing continued every 2 wk for 14 wk after the graft. In the pretests, the light flash inhibited the startle response, maximal at intervals of 40-70 ms with recovery thereafter. In contrast, after exposure for 4 wk to fluorescent light (300 lx) and a rest in a normal 12/12 h light/ dark environment the rats showed reflex facilitation to the light, maximal at an interval of 110 ms, followed by a late period of reflex inhibition. The light flash had no effect on other rats that had been blinded by bilateral enucleation. Light blinded animals receiving either cerebellar grafts or retinal cell homogenates were no different in performance from their sham injected control animals. The present data suggest that neither subretinal injections of neural cells nor nonspecific neurochemical factors are able to elicit a positive behavioral response in visually impaired animals.
Two Decades of Geographical Targeting in Food Distribution: Drawing Lessons from an Indian State
Authors: Bedamatta Rajshree
Published: November 2017

Reports emerging from recent studies on public distribution system (PDS) in India show significant improvements in consumption of food grains distributed through the PDS. Odisha is categorized as one of the states which has seen some sort of a revival of PDS (Khera, 2011). This article takes a long-term view of PDS in the State of Odisha, and argues that geographical targeting in Odisha had created a complex system of targeting, leading to large-scale errors of exclusion and information distortions at the ground level. The state subsidy provided by the Government of Odisha had in the past contributed to increased consumption of PDS rice immediately after introduction of targeting. However, in August 2008, the Government of Odisha wound up geographical targeting and started following a uniform price policy which seems to have contributed to a better performing PDS in the state. However, evidences show that in districts where universal PDS is in place, there are still large numbers of families outside the fold of PDS.
The Holy Cow: Unravelling the Mystery of its Holiness
Authors: Khanna Vandita
Published: November 2017

This article aims at debunking the sanctity of the cow that has gained ground as a political vehicle in contemporary times, and exposing the selective reading of texts employed otherwise to further particular religious leanings. Through the course of this article, a wide array of evidence from religious scriptures, legal texts, archaeological materials, epics, commentaries, edicts, foreign travellers’ accounts, debates, statutes and judicial decisions have been resorted to, in order to enable a comprehensive understanding of the trajectory of the cow from sacrificial slaughter to prohibitory injunctions on beef consumption. This article, to begin with, traces the treatment of the cow to the earliest Vedic texts through an academic survey to demystify popular misconceptions regarding religious injunctions against cow slaughter and the inherent sacredness of the cow. It then explores an amalgamation of theories put forth to explicate the transition from cow killing to the present inviolability of the cow. Finally, this article examines the legal and juridical discourse on sanctifying the cow, by tracing Constituent Assembly debates and a series of judgements on cow slaughter under the colonial administration and post-Independence, to conclude that judicial intervention has failed to engage with the religious debate satisfactorily and has made a mockery of constitutional secularism in promoting and normalizing a single dominant-caste Hindu narrative.
Moral Economy and Moral Capital in the Community of Clinical Practice
Authors: Jaye Chrystal , Young Jessica , Egan Tony , Williamson Martyn
Published: November 2017

This New Zealand study used focused ethnography to explore the activities of communities of clinical practice (CoCP) in a community-based long-term conditions management program within a large primary health care clinic. CoCP are the informal vehicles by which patient care was delivered within the program. Here, we describe the CoCP as a micro-level moral economy within which values such as trust, respect, authenticity, reciprocity, and obligation circulate as a kind of moral capital. As taxpayers, citizens who become patients are credited with moral capital because the public health system is funded by taxes. This moral capital can be paid forward, accrued, banked, redeemed, exchanged, and forfeited by patients and their health care professionals during the course of a patient’s journey. The concept of moral capital offers another route into the “black box” of clinical work by providing an alternative theoretic for explaining the relational aspects of patient care.
Implementing Video Modeling to Improve Transitions Within Activities in Inclusive Classrooms
Authors: Hall Carrie , Hollingshead Aleksandra , Christman Jennifer
Published: November 2017

With an increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and the importance of providing inclusive educational settings, it is important for all teachers to utilize strategies that support learners’ needs. Due to the complexity of their needs, some students with ASD struggle with transitions within and across activities in schools. Transitions are defined as a change in activities or settings such as moving from one activity to another or moving from one step of an activity to the next. There are many strategies to support transitions in an inclusive classroom, however many of these strategies are traditionally associated with special education, and general education teachers may not feel prepared to implement them. This article focuses on possible applications of video modeling to support daily transitions in inclusive classrooms.
When one brain needs to learn from another: the case of observational facilitation of list learning in macaques
Authors: Gasser Brad , Arbib Michael
Published: November 2017

Given a neural system that equips an agent to attempt to carry out some learning task based on its own interaction with the “non-social” world, what extra neural machinery is required to enable learning to be facilitated by (repeated) observation of successful completion of that task by another agent? We provide one answer by exploiting an understanding of data and models on mirror neurons to extend a prior neurocomputational model of list learning by macaques, SCP1, which addressed results of the simultaneous chaining paradigm (SCP) to yield a new model, SCP2, that addresses social facilitation (observational learning) effects based on the SCP. SCP2 extends SCP1 by adding action-recognition elements and (vicarious) reward-processing elements to facilitate performance following observation of a demonstrator. Our simulations suggest prior experience is important for the observed facilitation and serves to bridge the (separately collected) neurophysiological and behavioral data. Crucially, the inner workings of SCP1, as distinct from its successful performance on the SCP dataset, are irrelevant. What is crucial is the “wrapping” of the “do it alone” model to support social facilitation. This study provides an example of dyadic brain modeling, simulating brain models of interacting agents, in the case in which the behavior of only one member of the dyad is affected by the behavior of the other.
Political Effects of Having Undocumented Parents
Authors: Street Alex , Jones-Correa Michael , Zepeda-Millán Chris
Published: November 2017

The current US undocumented population is large and settled. As a result, millions of US-born citizens are growing up with undocumented parents or siblings. In this paper, we use original survey data to study the politics of the US-citizen offspring of undocumented migrants. We test theories of parental political socialization, which imply that having undocumented parents may have chilling effects on political engagement. We also test theories of social activism, which predict that the offspring of the undocumented may be motivated to make use of their rights as US citizens by protesting on behalf of their parents. We find no evidence of lower political engagement among those with undocumented parents. Instead, we find that the offspring of the undocumented are more likely to protest on immigration issues, and more optimistic that popular protest can induce political change. We use an instrumental variables design to test whether these differences warrant a causal interpretation, and find tentative evidence that having undocumented parents does indeed have mobilizing political effects.
First Metatarsal Head Osteochondral Defect Treatment With Particulated Juvenile Cartilage Allograft Transplantation: A Case Series
Authors: Van Dyke Bryan , Berlet Gregory C. , Daigre Justin L. , Hyer Christopher F. , Philbin Terrence M.
Published: November 2017

Background:

Focal damage to articular cartilage, also called an osteochondral defect (OCD), can be a cause of pain and decreased range of motion. Recent advancements have led to transplantation techniques using particulated juvenile articular cartilage allograft. This technique has been applied to the first metatarsal head to a very limited degree, with no published results to our knowledge. The aim of this study was to review the clinical results of patients who underwent particulated juvenile cartilage allograft implantation for first metatarsal head OCDs.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective consecutive case series study. Nine patients, at an average age of 41 years, were treated for symptomatic focal osteochondral defects of the first metatarsal head with particulate cartilage grafting from 2010 to 2016. Patients were contacted by phone to assess interest in returning to the office for follow-up, where weightbearing radiographs of the foot were obtained and a foot examination was performed.

Results:

At an average follow-up of 3.3 years, 7 of 9 patients reported no pain with recreational activities and no patient required further operations. This patient cohort was physically active, with 6 of 9 listing running as a regular activity. The average overall American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale questionnaire score was 85 (maximum 100), AOFAS pain 35.6 (maximum 40), and AOFAS function 40.1 (maximum 45). Patient satisfaction surveys correlated with the AOFAS scores and revealed that 7 of 9 patients were very satisfied with their results, 1 was satisfied, and 1 patient was very dissatisfied.

Conclusion:

Particulated juvenile cartilage allograft transplantation is a promising treatment option for symptomatic first metatarsophalangeal focal articular cartilage lesions. Further study is needed to demonstrate which lesions respond better to this type of cartilage graft versus traditional marrow-stimulating procedures.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Do We Need Biomarkers for Disc Degeneration?
Authors: Gruber Helen E. , Hanley Edward N.
Published: November 2017

Disc degeneration plays a major role in this country's medical, social and economic structure. The life-time prevalence of low back pain, which has disc degeneration as its cause, is about 80% in the general population. It is a primary cause of disability and estimated costs related to low back disorders exceed $100 billion per year in the U.S. alone. Biomarkers are becoming increasingly important as indicators of the presence of disease, and in evaluating outcomes during clinical treatment. Cell-based biologic therapies which are currently being developed to treat disc degeneration are going to be most efficacious when applied to the early stages of disc disease. In this article we ask: 1) Whether there are existing biomarkers which could play a role in detecting early stages of disc degeneration, and 2) Highlight exciting potentials in future biomarker screening for disc degeneration.