bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies of user-generated content: A systematic review
Authors: Naab Teresa K , Sehl Annika
Published: October 2016

This article presents a review of communication research on user-generated content with a special focus on studies which include a content analysis. The trends of research on this comparatively new and rapidly developing subject are systematically discussed and desiderata are identified. The evaluation is based on a content analysis of pertinent approaches in nine relevant international peer-reviewed journals published from 2004 to 2012. From the results, the article concludes that user-generated content is approached by scholars from a variety of perspectives and offers scope for interdisciplinary cooperation but also notes that several of the challenges posed by the continuously changing nature of the content are not fully met.
‘I won’t take part!’: Exploring the multiple identities of the ethnographer in two Ghanaian hospitals
Authors: Aberese-Ako Matilda
Published: October 2016

This article reflects on how an ethnographer’s approach to field entry, the topic of study, her use of ethnographic methods and contextual factors shaped research participants’ perception of her multiple identities in a Ghanaian hospital environment. Her perceived multiple identities influenced trust and distrust relations between her and her research participants, which impacted on the research project. The article discusses the paradox of the researcher’s negotiation of her multiple identities of ‘insider’ and ‘outsider’ and its influence on the process of data collection, understanding and analysis of the study topic. The article argues that research projects give birth to the ethnographer. Obviously, the observations of the ethnographer, who is the main research instrument, of her own position, are an important source for data collection. Participation and positioning in organizational activities can provide the ethnographer with a personal experience of her study topic and data that enhances understanding of organizational processes.
Visioning change: Co-producing a model of involvement and engagement in research (Innovative Practice)
Authors: Swarbrick Caroline M , Doors Open ,   Scottish Dementia Working Group, EDUCATE  , Davis Katie , Keady John
Published: October 2016

The involvement of people living with dementia in research has traditionally been located in the realms of ‘subject’ or ‘participant’. However, there has been an increase in demand for greater transparency by academic bidding teams (particularly within the UK) in demonstrating how people with a lived experience have been and will be involved in the research process. Located within the Economic and Social Research Council/National Institute for Health Research (ESRC/NIHR)-funded Neighbourhoods and Dementia Study (2014–2019), led by The University of Manchester (UK), this paper outlines the development of the CO-researcher INvolvement and Engagement in Dementia (COINED) Model, which was co-produced alongside three independent groups of people living with dementia: Open Doors, the Scottish Dementia Working Group and EDUCATE.
German schools abroad: Hotspots of elite multilingualism?
Authors: Sander Anne E , Admiraal Wilfried
Published: October 2016

While multilingualism itself is a widely analyzed topic, a study about multilingualism at German schools abroad is so far unique. This quantitative study investigates the differences in the size of German expressive and receptive vocabulary between monolingual and multilingual students, aged between 5 and 11 years. A cohort of 65 multilingual students with diverse linguistic backgrounds recruited from a German school abroad in The Hague, The Netherlands, was compared to a group of 880 monolingual students at schools within Germany. To test the children’s vocabulary size, the Wortschatz- und Wortfindungstest für 6- bis 10-Jährige developed by Glück was administered. The study revealed partly significantly lower scores in the expressive vocabulary test for the multilingual students, as hypothesized by the researchers and detected in previous studies examining the difference between populations of multilingual and monolingual speakers of one particular language. In the receptive vocabulary test, the multilingual and monolingual students’ scores did not differ significantly, a result consistent with findings in similar studies.
The Shifting Landscape of Sports Media with Dave Zirin
Authors: Carrington Ben
Published: October 2016

Sport sociologist Ben Carrington talks with the “edge of sports” reporter about nearly a decade of changing coverage.
The King of Compton
Authors: Lee Jooyoung
Published: October 2016

How street dancing provides talented young people an alternative identity option in a world where gangbanging is the more familiar rite of passage.
Domestic Workers Refusing Neo-Slavery in the UAE
Authors: Parreñas Rhacel Salazar , Silvey Rachel
Published: October 2016

Dubai’s Kafala system regulates the lives, labors, and mobility of migrant domestic workers who have seen no new rights with reforms. this is how they resist.
The New Wonder Woman
Authors: Albertson Cory
Published: October 2016

Cory Albertson on a resurgence of “courageous womanhood.”
Where Race Matters Most
Authors: Emeka Amon
Published: October 2016

Amon Emeka on finding the cities where employment discrimination is the lowest.
Soft and Hard Landings in Transatlantic Crossings
Authors: Berezin Mabel
Published: October 2016

Soft and hard landings in transatlantic crossings Mabel Berezin on Strangers No More.
Gender Politics and Taming the Alpha Male Harem Master
Authors: Schippers Mimi
Published: October 2016

Gender politics and taming the alpha male harem master. Mimi Schippers on Out of Eden.
Torture and Scientism
Authors: Ward Steven
Published: October 2016

Steven Ward on two reports revealing the insidious instrumentalism of a social science.
Online auction-based resource scheduling in grid computing networks
Authors: Ding Lili , Chang Long , Wang Lei
Published: October 2016

The aim of this article is to introduce a novel auction-based algorithm for grid computing wireless networks and resolve some incompetence with dynamic mechanisms. We develop a reverse online auction method to allocate grid resources, where the grid resource providers arrive dynamically and user broker has to make a multi-attribute decision whether to sell tasks or not before the end of current round. In our approach, a trade-some-with-forecast algorithm is proposed to help the user broker to utilize his forecast ability to allocate the grid resource in an online setting. Furthermore, two reverse online auction-based protocols are presented to demonstrate the resource scheduling in grid computing wireless networks. Experiments show that the reverse online auction-based with forecast protocol has better performance in comparison with the reverse online auction-based protocol. It is efficient in terms of auction stages, user satisfaction, and successful forecast.
Engine fault diagnosis based on sensor data fusion using evidence theory
Authors: Song Moxian , Jiang Wen
Published: October 2016

Evidence theory is widely used in fault diagnosis due to its efficiency to model and fuse sensor data. However, one shortcoming of the existing evidential fault diagnosis methods is that only the basic probability assignments in singletons can be generated. In this article, a new evidential fault diagnosis method based on sensor data fusion is proposed. Feature matrix and diagnosis matrix are constructed by sensor data. A discrimination degree is defined to measure the difference between the sensor reports and feature vector. The basic probability assignment of each sensor report can be determined by the proposed discrimination degree. One merit of the proposed method is that not only singletons but also multiple hypotheses are considered. The final diagnosis result is obtained by the combination of several sensor reports. A practical fault diagnosis application is illustrated to show the efficiency of the proposed method.
An improved frequency-domain regression method for structural damage detection in wireless sensor network
Authors: Liu Chengyin , Xu Ying , Han Xishuang
Published: October 2016

Distributed computing strategy over a network of wireless sensors has emerged as a promising application in order to enable real-time structural health monitoring. Most previous studies of distributed computing strategy consider relatively simple operations like modal parameters identification (e.g. frequencies and modal shapes) that cannot directly assess structural health condition demanded by many practical engineering applications. This article focuses on developing distributed computing strategy techniques in wireless sensor networks used for direct stiffness estimation of structural damage locations and extent. An improved frequency-domain regression method is proposed to detect and quantify damage in frame structures. In the proposed method, the static condensation technique is adopted to reconstruct the rotational responses on joints, which is considered as inputs to estimate stiffness. Therefore, this improved method provides a more practical and accurate tool for structural damage detection. A numerical simulation of a five-story two-bay frame structure demonstrates that the proposed damage detection method using a limited number of wireless sensors can identify, locate, and quantify the structural stiffness changes accurately.
Ablative fractional laser improves treatment of actinic keratoses with Ingenol Mebutate
Authors: Nisticò Steven , Sannino Mario , Del Duca Ester , Tamburi Federica , Bottoni Ugo , Cannarozzo Giovanni
Published: October 2016

Actinic keratoses (AK) are pre-neoplastic lesions related to an excessive ultraviolet exposure that represent an emerging issue in the area of skin diseases which undergo high risk for developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In this open study, we tested the safety efficacy profile of sequential ablative laser and Ingenol Mebutate gel (IngMeb). Thirteen patients with a total of 99 lesions were selected for this open study. When multiple lesions on the same area were found, the treatment area was split in half. In one group, fractional CO2 laser microablative treatment was performed the day before three daily applications of IngMeb 150 lg/g; the other group received IngMeb without previous laser ablation. Fifty-six lesions were treated with laser and IngMeb and a total of 43 lesions in the second group were treated with IngMeb alone. Results at the 12-week follow-up visit showed that a clearance rate of 50/56 (89.2%) had been achieved. On the side that was not pre-treated with laser, 31 out of 43 lesions were cleared (72.1%). In our opinion, ablative fractional laser treatment could improve topical treatment of AKs, or provide a further therapeutic option for resistant patients.
Tea polyphenol decreased growth and invasion in human ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Huang Qin , Du Ting , Qu Qiu-Xia
Published: October 2016

Tea polyphenols (TP) are functional substances present in tea, which is one of the most promising preventive agents for cancer. This study was carried out to analyze the effects of TP on the ovarian cancer cells and possible mechanisms involved. TP led to inhibition of cell growth in a time- and dose-dependent manner, and promoted entry into the apoptosis-phase of the cell cycle. TP also decreased the invasion of ovarian cancer cells in vitro. In addition, TP treatment upregulated the mRNA expressions rate of Bax/Bcl-2 and downregulated Cyclin D and MMP2 mRNA expressions. Taken together, our data highlight that TP could be a potential therapeutic strategy for ovarian cancer. These findings also suggested that oncogens are involved in the anti-cancer effects of TP.
Acquisition of earthworm-like movement patterns of many-segmented peristaltic crawling robots
Authors: Saga Norihiko , Tesen Satoshi , Sato Toshiyuki , Nagase Jun-Ya
Published: October 2016

In recent years, attention has been increasingly devoted to the development of rescue robots that can protect humans from the inherent risks of rescue work. Particularly, anticipated is the development of a robot that can move deeply through small spaces. We have devoted our attention to peristalsis, the movement mechanism used by earthworms. A reinforcement learning technique used for the derivation of the robot movement pattern, Q-learning, was used to develop a three-segmented peristaltic crawling robot with a motor drive. Characteristically, peristalsis can provide movement capability if at least three segments work, even if a segmented part does not function. Therefore, we had intended to derive the movement pattern of many-segmented peristaltic crawling robots using Q-learning. However, because of the necessary increase in calculations, in the case of many segments, Q-learning cannot be used because of insufficient memory. Therefore, we devoted our attention to a learning method called Actor–Critic, which can be implemented with low memory. Because Actor-Critic methods are TD methods that have a separate memory structure to explicitly represent the policy independent of the value function. Using it, we examined the movement patterns of six-segmented peristaltic crawling robots.
R2T2
Authors: Mondada Francesco , Bonnet Evgeniia , Davrajh Shaniel , Johal Wafa , Stopforth Riaan
Published: October 2016

This paper presents the first cross-continental collaborative robotic event based around education. It was entitled R2T2 and it involved more than 100 children from Europe and Africa. Based on remote programming, video streaming feedback, and a scenario of collaborative space rescue, R2T2 focused on pedagogical elements that are fundamentally different than those characterizing classic robotic competitions. The value of these educational actions is shown through the results of a survey conducted among the participants; the working methodologies by the African students were significantly enhanced and there was a broad inclusion in general, despite the fact that some gender issues lingered. This paper’s contribution is to demonstrate an approach to implementing a north-south collaboration to get school students excited about robotics and the problem-solving skills required in engineering.
Tactile mouse generating velvet hand illusion on human palm
Authors: Rajaei Nadar , Ohka Masahiro , Nomura Hironaga , Komura Hiraku , Matsushita Shojiro , Miyaoka Tetsu
Published: October 2016

To enhance virtual reality (VR) generated by tactile displays, we have focused on a novel tactile illusion, called the Velvet Hand Illusion (VHI). In VHI, moving two parallel wires back and forth between the two hands leads humans to perceive a velvet-like surface between their hands. In earlier studies, we revealed that the intensity of VHI could be controlled by a ratio ( r/ D), where r and D are the wire stroke and wire distance, respectively. According to these findings, we investigate in this study whether a common tactile display is able to produce VHI, and whether the ratio can also control VHI intensity. We prepare a dot-matrix display as a tactile display in which moving one line of the display’s pins is considered as a wire pattern. We investigate the VHI intensity with regard to changing the stroke r and the line distance D using paired comparison. Experimental results show that the VHI intensity is increased or decreased by changing r and D. We conclude that VHI can be created by the tactile display, and the intensity of VHI is controlled by changing the ratio of r/ D.
Generalized dynamic model and control of ambiguous mono axial vehicle robot
Authors: Duchon Frantisek , Rodina Jozef , Hubinsky Peter , Rau David , Kostros Juraj
Published: October 2016

This article deals with the novel concept of ambiguous mono axial vehicle robot. Such robot is a combination of Segway and dicycle, which utilizes the advantages of each chassis. The advantage of dicycle is lower energy consumption during the movement and the higher safety of carried payload. The movable platform inside the ambiguous mono axial vehicle allows using the various sensors or devices. This will change the ambiguous mono axial vehicle to the Segway type robot. Both these modes are necessary to control in the stable mode to ensure the safety of the ambiguous mono axial vehicle’s movement. The main contents of the article contain description of generalized dynamic model of ambiguous mono axial vehicle and related control of ambiguous mono axial vehicle. The proposal is unique in that the same controller is used for both modes. Several simulations verify proposed control schemes and identified parameters. Moreover, the dicycle type of platform has never been used in robotics and that is another novelty.
Fuzzy context-specific intention inference for robotic caregiving
Authors: Liu Rui , Zhang Xiaoli
Published: October 2016

To provide timely and appropriate assistance, robots must have the capability of proactively understanding a user’s personal needs, the so-called human intention inference. In human–human interaction, humans have a natural and implicit way to infer others’ intentions by selecting correlated context features and interpreting these features based on their life experience. However, robots do not have this capability and it is not realistic to build an explicit formula to associate human intentions with context. In this article, a novel fuzzy context-specific intention inference method is developed for human-like implicit human intention inference. With a fuzzy manner, context features are converted into discrete context statuses, which are similar to human subjective feelings. An intention-centered common sense database is developed consisting of correlated fuzzy context statuses, object affordances, and their relationship with human intentions. With this database, a Fuzzy Naïve Bayesian Network algorithm is adopted for implicit intention inference. Home scenario results validated the fuzzy context-specific intention inference methods reliability and lab scenario results validated the fuzzy context-specific intention inference methods effectiveness and robustness. This work is expected to develop intuitive and effective human–robot interaction, consequently enhancing the adoption of assistive technologies and improving the independence of the disabled and elderly in activities of daily living.
Why it is harder to run RoboCup in South Africa
Authors: Ferrein Alexander , Schiffer Stefan , Booysen Tracy , Stopforth Riaan
Published: October 2016

Robots are widely used as a vehicle to spark interest in science and technology in learners. A number of initiatives focus on this issue, for instance, the Roberta Initiative, the FIRST Lego League, the World Robot Olympiad and RoboCup Junior. Robotic competitions are valuable not only for school learners but also for university students, as the RoboCup initiative shows. Besides technical skills, the students get some project exposure and experience what it means to finish their tasks on time. But qualifying students for future high-tech areas should not only be for students from developed countries. In this article, we present our experiences with research and education in robotics within the RoboCup initiative, in Germany and South Africa; we report on our experiences with trying to get the RoboCup initiative in South Africa going. RoboCup has a huge support base of academic institutions in Germany; this is not the case in South Africa. We present our ‘north–south’ collaboration initiatives in RoboCup between Germany and South Africa and discuss some of the reasons why we think it is harder to run RoboCup in South Africa.
Decentralized cooperative unmanned aerial vehicles conflict resolution by neural network-based tree search method
Authors: Yang Jian , Yin Dong , Cheng Qiao , Shen Lincheng , Tan Zheng
Published: October 2016

In this article, a tree search algorithm is proposed to find the near optimal conflict avoidance solutions for unmanned aerial vehicles. In the dynamic environment, the unmodeled elements, such as wind, would make UAVs deviate from nominal traces. It brings about difficulties for conflict detection and resolution. The back propagation neural networks are utilized to approximate the unmodeled dynamics of the environment. To satisfy the online planning requirement, the search length of the tree search algorithm would be limited. Therefore, the algorithm may not be able to reach the goal states in search process. The midterm reward function for assessing each node is devised, with consideration given to two factors, namely, the safe separation requirement and the mission of each unmanned aerial vehicle. The simulation examples and the comparisons with previous approaches are provided to illustrate the smooth and convincing behaviours of the proposed algorithm.
Motion control strategy and stability analysis for high-speed cable-driven camera robots with cable inertia effects
Authors: Wei Huiling , Qiu Yuanying , Su Yu
Published: October 2016

The cable-based parallel camera robots possess characteristics of solitary way force, redundant actuation, and high-speed mobility. Therefore, research and solution on the stability are a challenging problem. In the available research literatures, there are limited studies to analyze the factors on the system stability for the high-speed cable-based parallel robots. However, when long-span cables and high maneuverability are involved, the effects of cable inertia on the dynamics should be carefully taken up. Thus, in this study, the effects of cable inertia on the stability of the high-speed cable-based parallel camera robots are studied. The dynamic model of the cable-based parallel robot is deduced with cable inertia based on the time-varying cable length dynamic model, the end-effector dynamic model, and the drive system dynamic model. Then, a tracking-control strategy for the camera robot is proposed based on a modified proportion-derivative (PD) forward controller in the end-effector position space. Further, the control strategy is demonstrated based on Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, numerical results show that camera robot is of stable-tracking performance. The control strategy is an effective approach to improve the stability of the camera robot.
Development of a wearable exoskeleton rehabilitation system based on hybrid control mode
Authors: Long Yi , Du Zhi-jiang , Wang Weidong , Dong Wei
Published: October 2016

Lower limb rehabilitation exoskeletons usually help patients walk based on fixed gait trajectories. However, it is not suitable for unilateral lower limb disorders. In this article, a hybrid training mode is proposed to be applied in rehabilitation for unilateral lower limb movement disorders. The hybrid training includes two modes, that is, the passive training mode and the active assist mode. At an early stage of the rehabilitation therapy, the passive training mode is utilized, in which microelectromechanical systems-based attitude and heading reference system is used to collect the gait trajectory of the healthy limb. The exoskeleton on the unhealthy limb will be driven to track the joint trajectory of the healthy limb. If the patient’s abilities recovered, the rehabilitation system can be switched to the active assist mode. Two force sensors are imbedded into the interface on the thigh to measure the interaction information in order to detect the patient’s initiative walking intention. In the active mode, the walking gait trajectory is modified and generated based on the gait trajectory of the healthy side via the attitude and heading reference system. In this article, a position close control loop is designed to drive the mechanical leg to help the unhealthy limb walk. Laboratory experiments are performed on a healthy human subject to illustrate the proposed approach. Experimental results show that the proposed method can be applied and extended in the passive and active rehabilitation mode for the unilateral lower limb disorders.
Embedded vision equipment of industrial robot for inline detection of product errors by clustering–classification algorithms
Authors: Zidek Kamil , Maxim Vladislav , Pitel Jan , Hosovsky Alexander
Published: October 2016

The article deals with the design of embedded vision equipment of industrial robots for inline diagnosis of product error during manipulation process. The vision equipment can be attached to the end effector of robots or manipulators, and it provides an image snapshot of part surface before grasp, searches for error during manipulation, and separates products with error from the next operation of manufacturing. The new approach is a methodology based on machine teaching for the automated identification, localization, and diagnosis of systematic errors in products of high-volume production. To achieve this, we used two main data mining algorithms: clustering for accumulation of similar errors and classification methods for the prediction of any new error to proposed class. The presented methodology consists of three separate processing levels: image acquisition for fail parameterization, data clustering for categorizing errors to separate classes, and new pattern prediction with a proposed class model. We choose main representatives of clustering algorithms, for example, K-mean from quantization of vectors, fast library for approximate nearest neighbor from hierarchical clustering, and density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise from algorithm based on the density of the data. For machine learning, we selected six major algorithms of classification: support vector machines, normal Bayesian classifier, K-nearest neighbor, gradient boosted trees, random trees, and neural networks. The selected algorithms were compared for speed and reliability and tested on two platforms: desktop-based computer system and embedded system based on System on Chip (SoC) with vision equipment.
Enabling adaptive system leadership
Authors: Boylan Mark
Published: October 2016

Internationally, there is increasing emphasis on teacher leadership of professional development. This provides opportunities for teachers to initiate and facilitate professional learning activities beyond their own schools. There is a need for theoretical tools to analyse their leadership activity and how to support it. Constructs from complexity leadership theory and the concept of teacher system leadership are used to develop a framework to analyse the purposes and practices of teacher professional development leaders supported by a national programme for mathematics teacher professional development in England. I argue that the teachers’ activities constitute a form of adaptive leadership involving innovating and organising professional development within arenas of leadership, through the processes of mobilising, brokering and the creation of networks. This required engaging in ‘system work’ to fulfil purposes connected to both local and system-wide concerns. The teachers were supported by the enabling leadership of headteachers and by national warrants for exercising leadership. The study demonstrates the value of the analytical framework and indicates that a cadre of teacher system leaders can be developed by attending to the interplay of professional development leadership and a wider system-orientated professional identity and by specific support to develop adaptive leadership capacities and skills.
Risk of incident ischemic stroke according to the metabolic health and obesity states in the Vascular-Metabolic CUN cohort
Authors: Sánchez-Iñigo Laura , Navarro-González David , Fernández-Montero Alejandro , Pastrana-Delgado Juan , Martínez JA
Published: October 2016

Background

Whether obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease in the absence of metabolic comorbidities remains under debate. Indeed, some obese individuals may be at low risk of metabolic-related complications, while normal-weight individuals may not be “healthy.”

Aims

To assess the incidence of ischemic stroke according to the metabolic health and obesity states of 5171 participants from the Vascular-Metabolic CUN cohort.

Methods

A Cox proportional-hazard analysis was conducted to estimate the hazard ratio and their 95% confidence interval of stroke according to the metabolic health and obesity states based on TyG index and Adult Treatment Panel-III criteria, during 9.1 years of follow-up.

Results

After 50,056.2 person-years of follow-up, 162 subjects developed an ischemic stroke (incidence rate 3.23 per 1000 person-years). Metabolically healthy obese subjects did not show greater risk of stroke, while metabolically unhealthy participants, obese and non-obese, had an increased risk of stroke, compared with healthy non-obese. The hazard ratios for the multivariable adjusted model were 1.55 (95% CI: 1.36–1.77) and 1.86 (95% CI: 1.57–2.21), respectively.

Conclusions

Metabolically unhealthy individuals exhibited a greater risk of ischemic stroke than metabolically healthy obese individuals.
Private security companies and domestic violence: A welcome new development?
Authors: Harkin Diarmaid , Fitz-Gibbon Kate
Published: October 2016

Due to the poor reputation of the private security industry and the multiple lines of concerns raised by scholars over the potentially corrosive costs of commercial security provision, it is important to consider whether for-profit companies are a welcome addition to the network of actors who respond to the needs of domestic violence victims. Using the case study of ‘Protective Services’ in Victoria, Australia, who appear to be one of the first known instances of a private security company offering services to victims of domestic violence, we argue that there may be advantages for victims engaging with commercial providers and reasons for optimism that commercial outfits can improve feelings of safety for a particularly vulnerable and under-protected population.
CD8+ T cells mediate the regenerative PTH effect in hPDL cells via Wnt10b signaling
Authors: Wolf Michael , Lossdörfer Stefan , Marciniak Jana , Römer Piero , Kirschneck Christian , Craveiro Rogerio , Deschner James , Jäger Andreas
Published: October 2016

It was the aim of the present investigation to examine whether the stimulating effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cell proliferation and differentiation would be enhanced by hPDL/T-cell interaction involving Wnt10b signaling as a mediating pathway. hPDL cells were cultured from healthy premolar tissues of three adolescent orthodontic patients and exposed to PTH(1-34) in monocultures or co-cultures with CD8+ T cells. At harvest, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase-specific activity (ALP), and osteocalcin production were determined by immunofluorescence cytochemistry, real-time PCR, biochemical assay, and ELISA. Wnt10b signaling was analyzed by the use of a specific WNT10b neutralizing antibody. PTH(1-34) stimulation of T cells significantly increased Wnt10b expression and production. Wnt10b exposure of hPDL cells enhanced proliferation and differentiation. PDL cells co-cultured with T cells showed a Wnt10b-dependent regulation of proliferation and differentiation parameters. The addition of a Wnt10b-neutralizing Ab to the co-culture medium resulted in a significant inhibition of the PTH(1-34) effect on proliferation, ALP-specific activity, and osteocalcin protein expression. Our findings provide novel insight into the mechanism of action of PTH on hPDL cells and establish the interplay of T cells and hPDL cells via the Wnt10b pathway as a modulating factor for the anabolic properties of the hormone in periodontal regeneration.
Unlearning modernity: A realist method for critical international relations?
Authors: Rösch Felix
Published: October 2016

Recent re-readings of classical realism in International Relations have demonstrated that in their critique of modernity, mid-twentieth century realists put their focus on the development of a (self)critical and sceptical epistemology, a focus that often has been of little concern to other International Relations theories. So far, however, this debate on classical realism has not further elaborated realist methodologies, although this has the potential to make the current theoretical debate more accessible for empirical investigations. To this end, this article argues that mid-twentieth century realists pursued a method of unlearning. Unlearning is being understood as the critique and moving beyond the modern imaginary which preconditions everyday knowledge and intellectual thought in a dehumanizing way through a learning process based upon the study of classical texts. Examining the work of Hans Morgenthau, and the evocative if generally under-appreciated writings of the Japanese thinker Maruyama Masao, the article argues that unlearning is an important part of critical realist thinking.
Immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer treatment: a new frontier
Authors: Thind Komal , Padrnos Leslie J. , Ramanathan Ramesh K. , Borad Mitesh J.
Published: October 2016

Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive and lethal cancer characterized by high invasiveness, local and extensive dissemination at time of diagnosis and resistance to treatment. Few therapies have shown efficacy in the past and even standard of care therapies yield only modest improvements in the mortality of patients with advanced or metastatic disease. Efforts have been undertaken to study the pancreatic tumor microenvironment and have established its complex and immunosuppressive nature which could explain the high resistance to chemotherapy. Novel therapies targeting the tumor microenvironment with an aim to decrease this resistance, improve immune tolerance and increase the efficacy of the current treatment have shown some promising preliminary results in preclinical and clinical trials. We review the current advances in the field of immunotherapy and their effectiveness as a potential treatment strategy in the pancreatic cancer.
Grazoprevir/elbasvir combination therapy for HCV infection
Authors: Vallet-Pichard Anaïs , Pol Stanislas
Published: October 2016

Interferon-free regimens combine different second-wave direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs), which target the main viral proteins involved in the replication cycle of hepatitis C virus (HCV): NS3/4A protease inhibitors (simeprevir or paritaprevir boosted by ritonavir), NS5B nucleos(t)idic (sofosbuvir) and nonnucleos(t)idic (dasabuvir) polymerase inhibitors, NS5A replication complex inhibitors (daclatasvir, ledipasvir, elbasvir, velpatasvir). Combinations of two or three DAAs, given for 8–24 weeks reach sustained virology response (SVR) rates greater than 90% with good tolerance. SVR rates and safety are similar in clinical trials and in real life, usually higher than 95% in the per-protocol analysis. Next-generation DAAs are now expected. To be competitive, these new combinations need to prove their added value regarding the pill burden, the reduced duration of treatment, the drug–drug interaction profile and safety. Zepatier is a fixed-dose combination product coformulating MK-5172 [grazoprevir (GZR), 100 mg QD] and MK-8742 [elbasvir or (EBR) 50 mg QD]: it combines highly potent inhibitors of the HCV NS3/4A protease and NS5A replication complex, respectively. This review provides a summary of the main evidence available for the use of GZR/EBR and highlights the strength of this combination.
Prevalence of end of treatment RNA-positive/sustained viral response in HCV patients treated with sofosbuvir combination therapies
Authors: Malespin Miguel , Benyashvili Tamara , Uprichard Susan L. , Perelson Alan S. , Dahari Harel , Cotler Scott J.
Published: October 2016

Background:

Some chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), genotype 1 infected patients treated with direct antiviral agents (DAAs) remain viremic at end of treatment (EOT+), yet go on to achieve sustained virological response 12 weeks after completion of therapy (SVR12). The incidence of EOT+/SVR in patients with genotype 1 and other genotypes, as well as whether such patients achieve SVR24 remain in question. The aims of this study were to evaluate the frequency and durability of EOT+/SVR12&24 and other response categories in HCV genotype 1, 2, or 3 infected patients treated with DAA in clinical practice.

Methods:

Data from patients treated with all oral sofosbuvir-based regimens at a university hepatology practice by 1 July 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. Responses were categorized based on virus levels during and post DAA treatment. HCV RNA levels were measured by Abbott RealTime HCV (ART) or by Roche CobasTaqMan v2.0 (RCTM) assays.

Results:

The study population included 89 patients. Participants were 62% genotype 1, 19% genotype 2 and 19% genotype 3, 54% cirrhotic and 46% treatment-experienced. A total of 45 received sofosbuvir–simeprevir, 38 sofosbuvir–ribavirin and 6 sofosbuvir–ledipasvir. The SVR12 rate was 82%. A total of 5 patients (6%), all with genotype 1, had EOT+ by ART assay and each achieved SVR12&24.

Conclusions:

A total of 9% of genotype 1 patients (6% overall) treated with DAAs were EOT+ by ART and all EOT+ cases achieved SVR24. EOT+/SVR was not observed with genotype 2 or 3 or by the RCTM assay. In patients treated with DAAs, EOT+ by the ART assay does not indicate treatment failure.
‘White sanction’, institutional, group and individual interaction in the promotion and progression of black and minority ethnic academics and teachers in England
Authors: Miller Paul
Published: October 2016

The promotion and progression of black and minority ethnic academics and teachers in England has been the subject of much debate. Although several theories have been put forward, racial equality has stood out as a major contributing factor. The experiences of black and minority ethnic academics and teachers in England are similar in terms of aspirations, and their experience of organisations also points to similar patterns of exclusions. This integrated study provides thick data from qualitative interviews with academics and teachers, theorised through the lens of whiteness theory and social identity theory, of their experience of promotion and progression, how they feel organisations respond to them and how they, in turn, are responding to promotion and progression challenges. There was a shared view amongst the participants that, for black and minority ethnic academics and teachers to progress in England, they need ‘white sanction’ – a form of endorsement from white colleagues that in itself has an enabling power.
Interrelationships Among Neuroimaging Biomarkers, Neuropsychological Test Data, and Symptom Reporting in a Cohort of Retired National Football League Players
Authors: Kuhn Andrew W. , Zuckerman Scott L. , Solomon Gary S. , Casson Ira R. , Viano David C.
Published: October 2016

Background:

Structural brain changes, potentially resulting from repetitive brain trauma (RBT), have been correlated with neurocognitive decline and increased symptom reporting in retired athletes.

Hypothesis:

In a cohort of retired National Football League (NFL) players, the relationships between 3 neuroimaging parameters, neuropsychological testing, and symptom scores will be significantly correlated.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

Comprehensive magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 45 retired NFL players. Three neuroanatomical parameters were assessed by board-certified radiologists blinded to the purpose of the study: (1) the absence or presence of small or large cavum septum pellucidum, (2) a global mean score of fractional anisotropy (FA), and (3) the presence or absence of microhemorrhages. The subjects underwent a battery of 9 paper-and-pencil neuropsychological tests, a computerized neurocognitive test, and multiple symptom and depression scales. The associations among the neuroimaging results with these outcome measures were assessed utilizing Pearson, Spearman rank, and point-biserial correlations.

Results:

The 45 subjects (mean age, 46.7 ± 9.1 years) reported a mean 6.9 (±6.2) concussions and 13.0 (±7.9) “dings” in the NFL. Ten (22%) did not have a cavum septum pellucidum, while 32 (71%) had a small and 3 (7%) had a large one. Four (9%) had microhemorrhages. Global FA mean was 0.459 (±0.035). The majority (50.8%) of correlations among the neuroimaging parameters and neurocognitive/symptom scores fell below the threshold of “small” effect size ( r < 0.10). The remaining (49.2%) correlations were between “small” and “medium” effect sizes (0.1 < r < 0.3). However, all correlations were statistically nonsignificant.

Conclusion:

There were minimal and statistically nonsignificant correlations among the neuroimaging, neurocognitive, and symptom scores examined in this cohort of NFL retirees.

Clinical Relevance:

Associating the severity of structural brain changes to neurocognitive performance and symptom burden after RBT is complex may involve other moderating variables or biomarkers, and demands further study.
Brexpiprazole and cariprazine: distinguishing two new atypical antipsychotics from the original dopamine stabilizer aripiprazole
Authors: Frankel Joshua S. , Schwartz Thomas L.
Published: October 2016

Background:

Brexpiprazole and cariprazine are the latest US Food and Drug Administration approved atypical antipsychotics available in the United States. Both function as partial agonists of the dopamine-2 receptor (D2R), a mechanism of action shared with aripiprazole. However, all three differ in their affinities for the D2R as well as for serotonin receptors (5-HTRs). This paper seeks to delineate these pharmacodynamic and clinical differences amongst the three dopamine partial agonist atypical antipsychotic drugs.

Methods:

PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov searches were used to generate preclinical and clinical evidence for review. Data derived from animal models and human subjects were used to provide insight on clinical mechanisms and adverse effect potentials. Clinical trial data were reviewed to compare clinical efficacy and adverse effects.

Results:

Efficacies among the three drugs are comparable for their shared indications. Side-effect profile and underlying pharmacodynamic mechanism of action for each drug may differ.

Conclusion:

Partial agonism of the D2R is a similarity of the three drugs reviewed. Each drug varies in affinity for both the D2R and a diverse group of 5-HTRs, generating a distinct profile of clinical indications and adverse effects for each.
Endoscopic classification of the papilla of Vater. Results of an inter‐ and intraobserver agreement study
Authors: Haraldsson E , Lundell L , Swahn F , Enochsson L , Löhr JM , Arnelo U ,   Scandinavian Association for Digestive Endoscopy (SADE) Study Group of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio‐Pancreaticography
Published: October 2016

Background

Many endoscopists acknowledge that the appearance of the papilla of Vater seems to affect biliary cannulation. To assess the association between the macroscopic appearance of the papilla and biliary cannulation and other related clinical issues, a system is needed to define the appearance of the papilla.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to validate an endoscopic classification of the papilla of Vater by assessing the interobserver and intraobserver agreements among endoscopist with varying experience.

Methods

An endoscopic classification, based on pictures captured from 140 different papillae, containing four types of papillae was proposed. The four types are (a) Type 1: regular papilla, no distinctive features, ‘classic appearance’; (b) Type 2: small papilla, often flat, with a diameter ≤ 3 mm (approximately 9 Fr); (c) Type 3: protruding or pendulous papilla, a papilla that is standing out, protruding or bulging into the duodenal lumen or sometimes hanging down, pendulous with the orifice oriented caudally; and (d) Type 4: creased or ridged papilla, where the ductal mucosa seems to extend distally, rather out of the papillary orifice, either on a ridge or in a crease. To assess the level of interobserver agreement, a web‐based survey was sent out to 18 endoscopists, containing 50 sets of still images of the papilla, distributed between the four different types. Three months later a follow‐up survey, with images from the first survey was sent to the same endoscopists.

Results

Interobserver agreement was substantial (κ = 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58–0.65) and were similar for both experts and non‐experts. The intraobserver agreement assessed with the second survey was also substantial (κ = 0.66, 95% CI 0.59–0.72).

Conclusion

The proposed endoscopic classification of the papilla of Vater seems to be easy to use, irrespective of the level of experience of the endoscopist. It carries a substantial inter‐ and intraobserver agreement and now the clinical relevance of the four different papilla types awaits to be determined.
Changing roles of legal
Authors: Timmer Ivar
Published: October 2016

Legal departments play a pivotal role in the quality of contracts and contracting processes within an organization. This article reflects on current developments and innovations in contracting practice and their impact on the role of legal professionals and legal departments within organizations. Based on empirical research among legal professionals and legal departments in Dutch legal practice, the article positions contracts and contracting within the legal function of an organization and discusses developments in contract management, automated contract assembly and legal design and their potential impact on the role of legal professionals and legal departments. Finally, areas for future research are identified. Throughout the article, the focus is on large commercial organizations.
Facebook and the Fun of Drinking Photos: Reproducing Gendered Regimes of Power
Authors: Lyons Antonia C. , Goodwin Ian , Griffin Christine , McCreanor Tim , Moewaka Barnes Helen
Published: October 2016

Young adults regularly engage in heavy drinking episodes with friends and share these practices via digital images and ongoing interactions on social media. This study explored the meanings and values that young adults attach to Facebook social media photo-sharing practices around drinking and socializing, and how these practices were gendered, in what ways, and with what effects. We conducted 24 friendship discussion groups (64 females, 41 males) and 15 individual interviews (10 females, 5 males) in which participants showed and discussed their (screen-recorded) Facebook pages. Analyses demonstrated that drinking photos facilitated valued forms of sociality, visibility, and popularity for all participants, but the labor involved in preparing for, taking, selecting, uploading, tagging, and untagging drinking photos was heavily gendered. The tensions inherent in performing femininity within the “culture of intoxication” meant that young women engaged more intensively with photographic activities related to online self-displays. Although young men have (and engage with) many drinking photos on their Facebook pages, they derided routine and excessive photo-taking and uploading activities, particularly practices around self-imaging/posing, as trivial, silly, and inherently feminine. Sharing drinking images online provides a site of pleasure, leisure, and self-display for both men and women, but was more complex and challenging for young women who are performing identities in a patriarchal, heteronormative, postfeminist, and commercially driven digital environment. The technological practices involved in producing online drinking photos reproduce regimes of gendered power.