bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Design of Contactors Based on the Niching Multiobjective Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Yang Wenying , Guo Jiuwei , Liu Yang , Zhai Guofu
Published: July 2018

Contactors are important components in circuits. To solve the multiobjective optimization problems (MOPs) of contactors, a niching multiobjective particle swarm optimization (NMOPSO) with the entropy weight ideal point theory is proposed in this paper. The new algorithm selecting and archiving the nondominated solutions based on the niching theory to ensure the diversity of the nondominated solutions. To avoid missing the extreme solutions of each objective during the multiobjective optimization process, extra particle swarms used to search the independent optimal solution of each objective are supplemented in this algorithm. In order to determine the best compromise solution, a method to select the compromise solution based on entropy weight ideal point theory is also proposed in this paper. Using the algorithm to optimize the characteristics of a typical direct‐acting contactor, the results show that the proposed algorithm can obtain the best compromise solution in MOPs.
Impact of Bone Marrow Aspirate Tregs on the Response Rate of Younger Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients
Authors: Delia Mario , Carluccio Paola , Mestice Anna , Brunetti Claudia , Albano Francesco , Specchia Giorgina
Published: July 2018

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is widely considered a distinct clinical entity with a well-defined molecular and genetics-based prognosis. Particularly in a younger patient, the therapeutic approach depends largely on diagnostic risk stratification, which has an impact on the outcome after therapy. We added Treg evaluation to the usual molecular and cytogenetics profile in the AML younger patients’ diagnostic bone marrow aspirate (dBMA) in order to search for any correlation between Tregs and overall response (OR) as well as survival (OS) rates. We studied 23 AML young patients, all treated with standard induction chemotherapy: OR (complete remission (CR) + CR incomplete (CRi)) was documented in 10 of 23 patients (44%); there were two partial responder patients. The optimal dBMA Treg cut-off value for predicting response to treatment (≥21/μL) was obtained by ROC curve analysis. However, in multivariate analysis, apart from the expected impact of the molecular/cytogenetic risk (p=0.049) and NPM mutation (p=0.001), dBMA Tregs ≥ 21/μL was not correlated with OR. Actually, higher dBMA Tregs were associated with the good intermediate molecular/cytogenetic risk group (p=0.02), whose median OS was confirmed to be better as compared with that of the poor risk group (18 versus 5 months,p=0.05) and equal to the dBMA Tregs ≥ 21/μL group (5 versus 5 months,p=0.902), respectively. The possible prognostic value of such an immunological player as BMA Tregs in the diagnostic and successive phases of AML needs to be confirmed in larger patient numbers.
Therapeutic Targeting of KDM1A/LSD1 in Ewing Sarcoma with SP-2509 Engages the Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response
Authors: Pishas Kathleen I. , Drenberg Christina D. , Taslim Cenny , Theisen Emily R. , Johnson Kirsten M. , Saund Ranajeet S. , Pop Ioana L. , Crompton Brian D. , Lawlor Elizabeth R. , Tirode Franck , Mora Jaume , Delattre Olivier , Beckerle Mary C. , Callen David F. , Sharma Sunil , Lessnick Stephen L.
Published: July 2018

Multi-agent chemotherapeutic regimes remain the cornerstone treatment for Ewing sarcoma, the second most common bone malignancy diagnosed in pediatric and young adolescent populations. We have reached a therapeutic ceiling with conventional cytotoxic agents, highlighting the need to adopt novel approaches that specifically target the drivers of Ewing sarcoma oncogenesis. As KDM1A/lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is highly expressed in Ewing sarcoma cell lines and tumors, with elevated expression levels associated with worse overall survival (P = 0.033), this study has examined biomarkers of sensitivity and mechanisms of cytotoxicity to targeted KDM1A inhibition using SP-2509 (reversible KDM1A inhibitor). We report, that innate resistance to SP-2509 was not observed in our Ewing sarcoma cell line cohort (n = 17; IC50 range, 81 –1,593 nmol/L), in contrast resistance to the next-generation KDM1A irreversible inhibitor GSK-LSD1 was observed across multiple cell lines (IC50 > 300 μmol/L). Although TP53/STAG2/CDKN2A status and basal KDM1A mRNA and protein levels did not correlate with SP-2509 response, induction of KDM1B following SP-2509 treatment was strongly associated with SP-2509 hypersensitivity. We show that the transcriptional profile driven by SP-2509 strongly mirrors KDM1A genetic depletion. Mechanistically, RNA-seq analysis revealed that SP-2509 imparts robust apoptosis through engagement of the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway. In addition, ETS1/HIST1H2BM were specifically induced/repressed, respectively following SP-2509 treatment only in our hypersensitive cell lines. Together, our findings provide key insights into the mechanisms of SP-2509 cytotoxicity as well as biomarkers that can be used to predict KDM1A inhibitor sensitivity in Ewing sarcoma. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(9); 1902–16. ©2018 AACR.
Pharmacogenetic Warfarin Dosing Algorithms: Validity in Egyptian Patients
Authors: Selim Tarek E. , Azzam Hanan A. , Ghoneim Hayam R. , Mohamed Ahmed A. , El Wakeel Hossam , Abu Bakr Helmy M.
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Data from previous reports, addressing the significance of genotype-guided dosing of warfarin in Egyptian patients, are infrequent and controversial. This study is aimed at demonstrating the validity of genetic dosing algorithms in Egyptian patients on warfarin therapy. Methods: A total of 100 Egyptian patients on a stable maintenance daily dose of warfarin were enrolled. The predicted warfarin dose for each patient was calculated using the warfarin dosing table, the Gage and the International Warfarin Pharmacogenetics Consortium (IWPC) clinical algorithms and the Gage and the IWPC genetic algorithms and compared to the actual dose. The accuracy of warfarin dosing algorithms was assessed by using the linear regression analysis. Results: The most accurate model in predicting the ideal dose was the Gage genetic algorithm by R2 of 50.4% and the IWPC genetic algorithm by R2 of 42.3%, followed by the warfarin dosing table by R2 of 19.1%, and the Gage clinical algorithm by R2 of 18.9% and the least accurate was the IWPC clinical algorithm by R2 of 9.4%. Conclusions: The Gage ­genetic warfarin dosing algorithm is the best model that could be implemented in Egyptian patients starting warfarin therapy.
The Respiratory System in Autoimmune Vascular Diseases
Authors: Nasser Mouhamad , Cottin Vincent
Published: July 2018

The respiratory system may be involved in all types of systemic vasculitis with varying significance and frequency. ANCA-associated vasculitis, including granulomatosis with polyangiitis, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and microscopic polyangiitis, affects the respiratory tract more commonly than other vasculitis types. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is always associated with upper or lower respiratory tract involvement. Pulmonary and ENT involvements are the hallmark feature of the disease and are present in 90 and 80% of cases, respectively, with frequent skin or gastrointestinal involvement. In about 10% of cases, the lung is the only organ affected. Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis is always associated with hypereosinophilia and asthma which usually precedes the systemic manifestations by several years; however, onset of asthma and of the vasculitis may be concomitant. Parenchymal infiltrates may be migratory and rapidly resolve upon corticosteroid treatment. Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and renal failure are typical features of microscopic polyangiitis. The former is the leading manifestation of anti-glomerular basement membrane disease and is usually part of a pulmonary-renal syndrome. Takayasu arteritis has a distinct clinical presentation due to pulmonary arteritis and may present with massive hemoptysis, chest pain, and rarely symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. Behçet disease is the most common cause of pulmonary artery aneurysm and can also cause in situ thrombosis of the pulmonary arteries. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents are the mainstay of treatment. In conclusion, systemic vasculitis is a frequent cause of respiratory system involvement with diverse manifestations of distinct severity and outcome.
Cerebral Haemodynamics following Acute Ischaemic Stroke: Effects of Stroke Severity and Stroke Subtype
Authors: Llwyd Osian , Salinet Angela S.M. , Panerai Ronney B. , Lam Man Y. , Saeed Nazia P. , Brodie Fiona , Bor-Seng-Shu Edson , Robinson Thompson G. , Nogueira Ricardo C.
Published: July 2018

Background: Acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients often show impaired cerebral autoregulation (CA). We tested the hypothesis that CA impairment and other alterations in cerebral haemodynamics are associated with stroke subtype and severity. Methods: AIS patients (n = 143) were amalgamated from similar studies. Data from baseline (< 48 h stroke onset) physiological recordings (beat-to-beat blood pressure [BP], cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) from bilateral insonation of the middle cerebral arteries) were calculated for mean values and autoregulation index (ARI). Differences were assessed between stroke subtype (Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project [OCSP] classification) and severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score < 5 and 5–25). Correlation coefficients assessed associations between NIHSS and physiological measurements. Results: Thirty-two percent of AIS patients had impaired CA (ARI < 4) in affected hemisphere (AH) that was similar between stroke subtypes and severity. CBFV in AH was comparable between stroke subtype and severity. In unaffected hemisphere (UH), differences existed in mean CBFV between lacunar and total anterior circulation OCSP subtypes (42 vs. 56 cm•s–1, p < 0.01), and mild and moderate-to-severe stroke severity (45 vs. 51 cm•s–1, p = 0.04). NIHSS was associated with peripheral (diastolic and mean arterial BP) and cerebral haemodynamic parameters (CBFV and ARI) in the UH. Conclusions: AIS patients with different OCSP subtypes and severity have homogeneity in CA capability. Cerebral haemodynamic measurements in the UH were distinguishable between stroke subtype and severity, including the association between deteriorating ARI in UH with stroke severity. More studies are needed to determine their clinical significance and to understand the determinants of CA impairment in AIS patients.
The Relationship between White Matter and Reading Acquisition, Refinement and Maintenance
Authors: Cheema Kulpreet , Cummine Jacqueline ,   for the Pediatric Imaging, Neurocognition, and Genetics Study
Published: July 2018

Reading requires efficient communication between brain regions that are situated all over the cortex. These brain areas are structurally connected by white-matter pathways that develop over the period of reading acquisition. Here, we conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the relationship between white-matter tracts and reading performance across the lifespan. Methods: Behavioral (reading performance) and neuroimaging (diffusion tensor imaging [DTI]) data were collected from participants aged 3–21 years as a part of the multi-site project called the pediatric imaging neurocognition genetics study. DTI measures (fractional anisotropy [FA], mean diffusivity, radial diffusivity and axial diffusivity) of bilateral dorsal tracts (arcuate fasciculus, superior longitudinal fasciculus, and posterior superior longitudinal fasciculus) and ventral tracts (uncinate fasciculus, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, and inferior longitudinal fasciculus) were extracted. Reading performance was calculated as the number of items correctly read (words for older children and letters in the case of young children). Correlational and regression analyses were conducted between the DTI measures and reading scores. Results: During the early stages of reading acquisition (ages 3–6), the dorsal tracts were positively related to reading performance (as FA goes up, reading performance goes up). For ages 6–10, the dorsal tracts remain positively associated with reading performance and a relationship between ventral tracts and reading performance emerges. From the age of 10 onwards, the dorsal tracts no longer correlate with reading performance, and a brain-behavior relationship in the right ventral tracts begins to shift, whereby higher FA is associated with lower reading performance. In addition to the involvement of left hemispheric tracts, this study revealed the initial engagement of right hemispheric tracts during the early stages of reading acquisition. Conclusion: We discuss these different associations of white-matter tracts with reading during development in the context of the biological processes model of myelination and pruning.
Role of Field Staining in the Cytological Assessment of Intraoperative Surgical Specimens
Authors: Ojha Sandeep S. , Jain Rubal , Jalay Meenai Farah , Sawke Gopal Krishna , Sawke Nilima Gopal
Published: July 2018

Objective: To study the role of Field staining in scrape smears for intraoperative cytological (IOC) diagnosis. Specimens were assessed for categorizing among benign and malignant lesions, lymph node status, and adequacy of surgical cut margins as per specimen. Technique, adequacy, and quality were assessed along with comparison of cytological diagnosis with final histopathological diagnosis obtained on routine hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides. Study Design: A prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 1 year from November 2016 to October 2017 in the Department of Pathology of our Institute. Results: 50 cases were studied, and scrape smears were stained with Field stain. Results were satisfactory in terms of adequacy and attaining the objectives of the study. A diagnostic accuracy of 98% was observed with an average turnaround time of 5 min. A single case of low-grade glioma was found to be discordant. Conclusions: Use of Field staining for intraoper­ative cytological assessment of surgical specimens has 98% concordance with the final histopathological diagnosis and achieved the aim of the study. With its low costs, easy availability, short turnaround time, and simple technique, it will be helpful in IOC as an alternative to present techniques especially in financially constrained settings.
Positive Association between Preoperative Total Testosterone Levels and Risk of Positive Surgical Margins by Prostate Cancer: Results in 476 Consecutive Patients Treated Only by Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Porcaro Antonio Benito , Tafuri Alessandro , Sebben Marco , Corsi Paolo , Pocessali Tania , Pirozzi Marco , Amigoni Nelia , Rizzetto Riccardo , Mariotto Arianna , Inverardi Davide , Brunelli Matteo , Iacovelli Roberto , Romano Mario , Siracusano Salvatore , Artibani Walter
Published: July 2018

Objective: To evaluate preoperative total testosterone (TT) as a predictor of positive surgical margins (PSM) in prostate cancer (PCA). Patients and methods: During the period from November 2014 to July 2017, preoperative TT was measured in 476 PCA patients undergoing only radical prostatectomy (RP) and including all risk classes. Surgical margins were stated negative, focal positive (single and less than 1 mL), and multifocal positive (more than 1). The risk of TT and clinical factors associated with the risk of PSM (focal or multifocal versus negative) was evaluated by the multinomial logistic regression model. Results: Overall, PSM were detected in 149 cases (31.3%), which included 99 patients with focal cancer invasion (20.8%) and 50 subjects with multifocal cancer invasion (10.5%). In univariate analysis, PSM associated with higher median levels of TT and prostate-specific antigen than controls. Multifocal PSM associated with higher rates of high-risk PCA (42%) than focal (22.2%) or control cases (18.3%). In multivariate analysis, TT was the only independent factor positively associated with the risk of focal PSM when compared to controls (OR 1.002; p = 0.035). TT (OR 1.003; p = 0.002) and high-risk PCA (OR 1.002; p = 0.047) were independent factors, which positively associated with the risk of multifocal PSM when compared to controls. Risk models were computed. Conclusions: In a large and contemporary cohort of patients elected to primary RP, TT was an ­independent positive factor associated with the risk of focal and multifocal PSM. TT associated with aggressive PCA biology.
Deep RNA Sequencing Reveals a Repertoire of Human Fibroblast Circular RNAs Associated with Cellular Responses to Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Infection
Authors: Shi Jiandong , Hu Ningzhu , Mo Ling , Zeng Zhaoping , Sun Jing , Hu Yunzhang
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a new class of regulators of gene expression, are involved in diverse physiological and pathogenic processes. However, their role in cellular responses to virus infection is yet unclear. Methods: A human lung fibroblast cell line was infected or mock infected by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). Deep RNA sequencing was used to profile the global changes in circRNAs, genes, and miRNAs following HSV-1 infection. Altered circRNAs, genes, and miRNAs were validated using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). An integration analysis of circRNAs, genes, and miRNAs was applied to investigate the putative function of the dysregulated circRNAs. Results: A total of 536 circRNAs, 3,885 genes, and 207 miRNAs were significantly dysregulated after HSV-1 infection. An integration analysis of circRNAs, genes, and miRNAs revealed the alleged involvement of dysregulated circRNAs in cellular responses to HSV-1 infection via the circRNA-miRNA-gene regulatory axis. These genes regulated by circRNAs were enriched to NOD-like receptor/JAK-STAT signaling pathway, and pathways of apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and cell death, all of which may be implicated in the viral pathogenesis and cellular immunity. Conclusions: These data present a comprehensive view for circRNAs induced by HSV-1 and their interplay with miRNAs and genes during HSV-1 infection, thus offering new insights into the mechanisms of interactions between HSV-1 and the host.
The Molecular Mechanism of Alpha-Synuclein Dependent Regulation of Protein Phosphatase 2A Activity
Authors: Qu Jing , Yan Hongxia , Zheng Yuan , Xue Fenqin , Zheng Yan , Fang Hongjuan , Chang Yongchang , Yang Hui , Zhang Jianliang
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) is a neuronal protein that is highly implicated in Parkinson’s disease (PD), and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is an important serine/threonine phosphatase that is associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as PD. α-Syn can directly upregulate PP2A activity, but the underling mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the molecular mechanism of α-Syn regulating PP2A activity. Methods: α-Syn and its truncations were expressed in E.coli, and purified by affinity chromatography. PP2A Cα and its mutants were expressed in recombinant baculovirus, and purified by affinity chromatography combined with gel filtration chromatography. The interaction between α-Syn and PP2A Cα was detected by GST pull-down assay. PP2A activity was investigated by the colorimetric assay. Results: The hydrophobic non-amyloid component (NAC) domain of α-Syn interacted with PP2A Cα and upregulated its activity. α-Syn aggregates reduced its ability to upregulate PP2A activity, since the hydrophobic domain of α-Syn was blocked during aggregation. Furthermore, in the hydrophobic center of PP2A Cα, the residue of I123 was responsible for PP2A to interact with α-Syn, and its hydrophilic mutation blocked its interaction with α-Syn as well as its activity upregulation by α-Syn. Conclusions: α-Syn bound to PP2A Cα by the hydrophobic interaction and upregulated its activity. Blocking the hydrophobic domain of α-Syn or hydrophilic mutation on the residue I123 in PP2A Cα all reduced PP2A activity upregulation by α-Syn. Overall, we explored the mechanism of α-Syn regulating PP2A activity, which might offer much insight into the basis underlying PD pathogenesis.
O Que Pensam os Professores a Respeito do Problem Based Learning como Estratégia de Ensino na Contabilidade?
Authors: Vendramin Elisabeth de Oliveira , Lima João Paulo Resende de , Farias Raíssa Silveira de , Araujo Adriana Maria Procópio de
Published: July 2018

O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar a percepção docente a respeito da utilização da estratégia de ensino Problem Based Learning (PBL) em cursos de Contabilidade. O foco no docente justifica-se com base na afirmação de Martins e Espejo (2015) de que o docente é um dos três elementos principais da metodologia, contudo são poucos os estudos que o abordam. Para alcançar o objetivo proposto foi adotada a abordagem qualitativa de pesquisa por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com quatro docentes. A seleção dos participantes ocorreu de forma não probabilística e intencional, pois o foco do trabalho exigiu que o docente estivesse inserido em curso de Ciências Contábeis e já tenha utilizado a estratégia PBL. O guia de entrevista, desenvolvido com base no trabalho de Grishan, Martiniul, Negin e Wright (2015), abrange três tópicos principais: (i) identificação do participante; (ii) primeiro contato; e (iii) utilização do PBL. O principal resultado do estudo indicou uma falha na formação pedagógica do docente, resultado que corrobora estudos anteriores. Os entrevistados foram unânimes ao dizer que conheceram o PBL somente após começarem a atuar como docentes, o que auxilia na justificativa da divergência de opiniões a respeito de qual é o papel do docente perante o PBL, o que pode colocar em xeque os benefícios da utilização do método.
Importance of Considering Competing Risks in Time-to-Event Analyses
Authors: Abdel-Qadir Husam , Fang Jiming , Lee Douglas S. , Tu Jack V. , Amir Eitan , Austin Peter C. , Anderson Geoffrey M.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Ignoring competing risks in time-to-event analyses can lead to biased risk estimates, particularly for elderly patients with multimorbidity. We aimed to demonstrate the impact of considering competing risks when estimating the cumulative incidence and risk of stroke among elderly atrial fibrillation patients.

Methods and Results:

Using linked administrative databases, we identified patients with atrial fibrillation aged ≥66 years discharged from hospital in ON, Canada between January 1, 2007, and March 31, 2011. We estimated the cumulative incidence of stroke hospitalization using the complement of the Kaplan–Meier function and the cumulative incidence function. This was repeated after stratifying the cohort by presence of prespecified comorbidities: chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, or dementia. The full cohort was used to regress components of the CHA
2
DS
2
VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes mellitus, stroke, vascular disease, sex) score on the hazard of stroke hospitalization using the Fine-Gray and Cox methods. These models were subsequently used to predict the 5-year risk of stroke hospitalization. Among 136 156 patients, the median CHA
2
DS
2
VASc score was 4 and 84 728 patients (62.2%) had ≥1 prespecified comorbidity. The 5-year cumulative incidence of stroke was 5.4% (95% confidence interval, 5.3%–5.5%), whereas that of death without stroke was 48.8% (95% confidence interval, 48.5%–49.1%). The incidence of both events was overestimated by the Kaplan–Meier method; stroke incidence was overestimated by a relative factor of 39%. The degree of overestimation was larger among patients with non-CHA
2
DS
2
VASc comorbidity because of higher incidence of death without stroke. The Fine-Gray model demonstrated better calibration than the Cox model, which consistently overpredicted stroke incidence.

Conclusions:

The incidence of death without stroke was 9-fold higher than that of stroke, leading to biased estimates of stroke risk with traditional time-to-event methods. Statistical methods that appropriately account for competing risks should be used to mitigate this bias.
Two new species of the genus Ishigakia (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae, Acaenitinae) from Vietnam based on morphological and molecular evidence
Authors: PHAM NHI THI , ITO MASATO , MATSUMOTO RIKIO , VAN ACHTERBERG KEES
Published: July 2018

The genus Ishigakia is reported from Vietnam for the first time, and two new species (I. babeensis sp. nov. and I. duongi sp. nov.) are described from Northeast Vietnam using morphological and genetic data. These new species are also inserted in the key to world species of Ishigakia provided by Ito & Maeto (2016).
A new species of grass spider, Agelenopsis riechertii, from the Southwestern USA, with notes on its courtship behavior (Araneae: Agelenidae)
Authors: BOSCO JENNIFER M. , CHUANG ANGELA
Published: July 2018

We describe a new spider species of the genus Agelenopsis Giebel 1869 (Agelenidae) from adult males and females. Agelenopsis riechertii is found in dry desert scrub habitats in the southwestern United States. While A. riechertii is similar to other sympatric congeners (A. aleenae, A. aperta, and A. spatula) in morphology and courtship behavior, it can be distinguished by an examination of its genitalia. Males possess an embolus that gradually narrows into a twisted tip which displays a convex edge from the lateral view. The female epigyna are harder to distinguish from congeners, but have a flatter anterior atrial edge that lacks strong bi-lobing. The spermatheca in female A. riechertii are also more elongate and comma-shaped than the other species. We describe the sequence of courtship behaviors exhibited by males, including the use of web pulses, abdomen waggling, and web flexing, in which males with fewer pauses, longer waggling bouts, and fewer web flexes are more likely to successfully copulate.
Le Profil des AVQ adapté au rôle de parent : Une étude exploratoire
Authors: Major Sabrina , Gilbert Véronique , Dutil Elisabeth , Pituch Evelina , Bottari Carolina
Published: July 2018

Description.

Devenir parent implique plusieurs défis quotidiens, particulièrement pour les parents ayant des incapacités physiques et cognitives. Néanmoins, aucun outil d’évaluation n’existe pour soutenir les ergothérapeutes dans l’évaluation de l’indépendance à prendre soin d’un bébé.

But.

Cette étude visait à (a) développer des activités spécifiques à l’évaluation des habiletés parentales auprès de bébés à l’intérieur du Profil des AVQ et (b) réaliser une étude pilote pour explorer les besoins des parents avec incapacités.

Méthodologie.

Les activités ont été sélectionnées par une approche participative avec des ergothérapeutes experts ( n = 3) et l’évaluation a été expérimentée auprès de parents ( n = 4) avec incapacités physiques et cognitives.

Résultats.

Six activités parentales ont été développées et celles-ci ont permis de conclure sur l'indépendance d’un parent à prendre soin de son bébé.

Conséquences.

Par l’ajout d’activités parentales, le Profil des AVQ a le potentiel d’outiller les ergothérapeutes dans leurs recommandations reliées au rôle de parent.
Women, biographies, and philanthropic inspiration in nineteenth-century Bengali periodicals
Authors: Chatterjee Sukla
Published: July 2018

This article reviews conceptions of philanthropy and charity in nineteenth-century colonial Bengali society and examines how Bengali Hindu women appropriated these concepts via Western role models. Bengali Hindu women’s perceptions of the presence or lack of humanitarian ideals in their society, and their search for alternative models and ideals in Western women, are also explored. The focus of this paper is not the tangible results of Bengali women’s charitable work; instead, the primary focus is on how prototypical biographies of Western women — tracts, stories, life narratives, and advice columns — were reconstructed and rewritten in notable Bengali periodicals of the time, to encourage and inspire Bengali women to participate in charitable acts.
The case for courts
Authors: Sievert Jacqueline M
Published: July 2018

Authoritarian regimes are not known for adopting independent courts, yet the frequency of states empowering their judiciaries has steadily increased. In 1961 only 9% of autocracies had a partially or fully independent court, but by 1987 more than one-third of authoritarian states had reformed their judiciaries. Initiating judicial reform is risky for a regime that seeks to maintain its authority over its populace, including risks to their preferred policy positions and judgments that run contrary to the preferences of the regime. Given these risks, why do authoritarian leaders often relinquish authority to independent courts? This article argues regime leaders will choose to empower at least nominally independent courts in order to resolve information problems that lead to bargaining failures and civil war. This project uses propensity score matching to account for the complex relationship between institutional arrangement and civil war, and finds that states that adopt an independent court reduce their risk of civil war between 54% and 75% when compared to states that are equally likely to have adopted an independent court, but did not. These results suggest that leaders seeking to reduce uncertainty when bargaining with potential oppositions groups have strong incentives to implement independent judiciaries, and improve our understanding of how and why authoritarian leaders choose to delegate authority to independent judicial institutions.
Influences of number of adults and adult: child ratios on the quantity of adult language input across childcare settings
Authors: Soderstrom Melanie , Grauer Elizabeth , Dufault Brenden , McDivitt Karmen
Published: July 2018

New approaches to examining the language environment are putting greater emphasis on the use of highly naturalistic audio recordings and questions about cross-cultural differences in children’s real-world language experiences. These new approaches and questions require careful examination of different kinds of variables that may influence children’s language experiences. The current study examines the influence of the number of adults and adult:child ratio on the number of words heard by young children across three childcare settings (home, home daycare and daycare centre). The home setting was characterized by a high number of one-on-one interactions, while children in daycare centres were exposed to larger numbers of adults present. While a linear relationship was found between the number/ratio of adults and words heard in the home setting, these relationships were more complex in daycare centres, and no relationships were found in home daycares.
A Darker Side of Hope: Harmony-Focused Hope Decreases Collective Action Intentions Among the Disadvantaged
Authors: Hasan-Aslih Siwar , Pliskin Ruthie , van Zomeren Martijn , Halperin Eran , Saguy Tamar
Published: July 2018

Hope is viewed as a positive emotion associated with the motivation to change existing conditions. As such, it is highly relevant for social change, particularly when considering disadvantaged groups. We propose that, in the context of unequal intergroup relations, hope may actually undermine motivation for change among disadvantaged group members. Specifically, we distinguish between hope targeted at harmony with the outgroup and hope targeted at social equality between groups. Drawing on insights regarding the consequences of positive intergroup interactions, we predict that hope for harmony with the outgroup can undermine the constructive tension that motivates the disadvantaged toward equality. Across four studies, involving different intergroup contexts, hope for harmony was negatively associated with disadvantaged group members’ motivation for collective action. We further found that high identifiers from the disadvantaged group were immune to this effect. We discuss theoretical and practical implications for the role of hope in social change.
Perception of Sibling Relationships and Birth Order Among Asian American and European American Emerging Adults
Authors: Wu Kaidi , Kim Jacqueline H. J. , Nagata Donna K. , Kim Stephanie I.
Published: July 2018

Drawing from an ecological systems framework, we qualitatively explored how Confucian-heritage Asian American emerging adults compared with non-Hispanic European American emerging adults on views of sibling relationships and birth order. Thematic analysis of 48 semistructured interviews revealed positive sibling relationship themes for both ethnocultural groups: mutual support, companionship, and appreciation; comfort from shared burden of negative parental interactions; and pride in one another. Birth order themes were also similar across the groups. Firstborns reported a strong pressure to be a role model to later-borns, provide sibling care, assume family responsibilities, and not expect to rely on younger siblings. Despite these similarities, Asian American firstborns were unique in taking comfort in having siblings who share a less traditional Asian cultural perspective than their parents. They also described additional pressure from being the oldest within an immigrant family.
Microbiological monitoring of heater-cooler unit to keep free of Mycobacterium chimaera infection
Authors: Chan Tanee , Ling Moi Lin , Teng Siew Yan , Chiu Kit Yi , James Esther Magdalane
Published: July 2018

Introduction:

The association of Mycobacterium chimaera infection in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with the use of heater-cooler units (HCU) has been reported in various literature. We described microbiological monitoring and the extent of microbiological contamination of HCUs utilized in our centre and strategies employed to reduce the high microbial load.

Methods:

Since August 2016, we have been following the new Instructions for Use from the manufacturer for the cleaning and disinfection of three units of Stöckert 3T and four units of Stöckert 1T HCU at the National Heart Centre Singapore. Microbiological monitoring began in January 2017 and included acid-fast bacilli (AFB) culture, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, total colony and total coliform count. Methods, such as increasing disinfection frequency and making the HCU inactive by keeping it empty in storage, were used to reduce the high colony count.

Results:

All three units of Stöckert 3T and two units of Stöckert 1T were contaminated with Mycobacterium chimaera. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and total coliform count were consistently <1 colony-forming unit (CFU)/100 mL in every water sample of each HCU. High colony counts were encountered initially in all units. Step-up frequency of disinfection was found to be not as effective as keeping the HCU inactive in bringing the total colony count to an acceptable level.

Conclusions:

All monitoring and maintenance measures of HCUs need to be established and maintained to mitigate potential infection risks to patients. Strict adherence to all cleaning and disinfection processes and keeping the HCU inactive maintained the water quality of the HCU at acceptable levels.
Towards a biomarker model for cognitive improvement: No change in memory-related prefrontal engagement following a negative cognitive remediation trial in bipolar disorder
Authors: Macoveanu Julian , Demant Kirsa M , Vinberg Maj , Siebner Hartwig R , Kessing Lars V , Miskowiak Kamilla W
Published: July 2018

Background:

Cognitive deficits are prevalent in bipolar disorder during remission but effective cognition treatments are lacking due to insufficient insight into the neurobiological targets of cognitive improvement. Emerging data suggest that dorsal prefrontal cortex target engagement is a key neurocircuitry biomarker of pro-cognitive treatment effects.

Aims:

In this randomized controlled functional magnetic resonance imaging study, we test this hypothesis by investigating the effects of an ineffective cognitive remediation intervention on dorsal prefrontal response during strategic memory encoding and working memory engagement.

Methods:

Bipolar disorder patients in partial remission with subjective cognitive difficulties were randomized to receive 12-week group-based cognitive remediation ( n = 13) or to continue their standard treatment ( n = 14). The patients performed a strategic episodic picture encoding task and a spatial n-back working memory task under functional magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and following cognitive remediation or standard treatment.

Results:

The right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was commonly activated by both strategic memory tasks across all patients. The task-related prefrontal engagement was not altered by cognitive remediation relative to standard treatment. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex response was not significantly associated with recall accuracy or working memory performance.

Conclusions:

As hypothesized, no task-related change in prefrontal activity was observed in a negative cognitive remediation trial in remitted bipolar disorder patients. By complementing previous findings linking cognitive improvement with increased dorsolateral prefrontal cortex engagement, our negative findings provide additional validity evidence to the dorsal prefrontal target engagement biomarker model of cognitive improvement by strengthening the proposed causality between modulation of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex engagement and pro-cognitive effects.
Feminist legal geographies of intimate-image sexual abuse: Using copyright logic to combat the unauthorized distribution of celebrity intimate images in cyberspaces
Authors: Farries Elizabeth , Sturm Tristan
Published: July 2018

Women’s rights are often curtailed online due to the pervasive internet atmosphere of cybermisogyny. Extreme examples include ‘image-based sexual abuse’, a term which encompasses the non-consensual creation and/or distribution of private sexual images. The harms attached to this phenomenon are well documented. In this paper, we explore how copyright logic, despite its male-centric and property oriented worldview, presents one legal solution to this problem. We assert that Digital Millennium Copyright Act Takedown Notices, a copyright mechanism that notifies websites they are hosting infringing content and requires the prompt removal of the content, represents a novel legal mechanism to force websites to remove image-based sexual abuse from women’s online spaces. By using critical discourse analysis to review how Digital Millennium Copyright Act Takedown Notices attempt to provide solutions to the socio-spatial problem of image-based sexual abuse, we argue that copyright can subvert its current leanings to return to its original purpose: supporting creativity. Supporting creativity also helps to protect against the reproduction of gendered harms, from the real world to virtual spaces. This theorization represents not just legal geography but a feminist legal geography, in that it recognizes the internet should be a safe and legal space for women. In endorsing a pragmatic legal solution for women to regulate the sexually violent and nonconsensual distribution of their intimate images online, copyright is one mechanism that affirms women’s right to cyberspaces.
Convergent Validity of the A-ToM (Adult Theory of Mind) Test for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Brewer Neil , Zoanetti Jordana , Young Robyn L.
Published: July 2018

Brewer, Young, and Barnett reported a comprehensive psychometric evaluation of a new adult theory of mind measure (A-ToM) with a sample of high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) adults. Although correlations with existing theory of mind (ToM) instruments (i.e., the Strange Stories; the Frith- Happé animations) were reported, relationships with independent putative indicators of ToM development such as social–behavioral and interpersonal proficiencies were not examined. Here, we provide convergent validity data by examining the relations between A-ToM performance, and the social–behavioral skills and interpersonal relationships of ASD adults with IQs exceeding 85. ToM predicted interpersonal relationship quality via the mediating variable, social–behavioral skills, providing evidence of convergent validity for the A-ToM. Alternative models of the relationship between the three variables are described, as are the challenges associated with the interpretation of self-report social and interpersonal functioning measures.
Childhood Socioeconomic Status and Later Life Cognition: Evidence From the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study
Authors: Greenfield Emily A. , Moorman Sara M.
Published: July 2018

Objectives:This study examined childhood socioeconomic status (SES) as a predictor of later life cognition and the extent to which midlife SES accounts for associations. Methods: Data came from 5,074 participants in the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study. Measures from adolescence included parents’ educational attainment, father’s occupational status, and household income. Memory and language/executive function were assessed at ages 65 and 72 years. Results: Global childhood SES was a stronger predictor of baseline levels of language/executive function than baseline memory. Associations involving parents’ education were reduced in size and by statistical significance when accounting for participants’ midlife SES, whereas associations involving parental income and occupational status became statistically nonsignificant. We found no associations between childhood SES and change in cognition. Discussion: Findings contribute to growing evidence that socioeconomic differences in childhood have potential consequences for later life cognition, particularly in terms of the disparate levels of cognition with which people enter later life.
Analysis of natural convective flow of non-Newtonian fluid under the effects of nanoparticles of different materials
Authors: Hassan Mohsan , Ellahi Rahmat , Zeeshan Ahmed , Bhatti Muhammad Mubashir
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of natural convection flow of viscoelastic polydimethylsiloxane non-Newtonian nanofluid under the impact of nanoparticles of different materials past a vertical cone. The implications for operating parameters have been investigated using tables and it is noticed that the nanoparticles unveil substantial impact on the thermal conductivity of base fluid. The temperature profile and the rate of heat transfer behave as an increasing function of nanoparticles. It is found that tiny size particles are more efficacious as compared to large particles on the rate of heat transfer and fluid motion. To validate the current methodology, a numerical comparison is posed with previously published data.
Use of railway wheel wear and damage prediction tools to improve maintenance efficiency through the use of economic tyre turning
Authors: Muhamedsalih Yousif , Stow Julian , Bevan Adam
Published: July 2018

This paper investigates the wear rate and pattern for wheels turned with thin flanges using economic tyre turning. Economic tyre turning refers to the process of turning wheels to a profile that has the same tread shape but a thinner flange than the design case profile, allowing less material to be removed from the wheel diameter during re-profiling. Modern wheel lathes are typically capable of turning such profiles but the GB railway group standards do not currently permit their use. The paper demonstrates how the wheel profile damage model (WPDM) can be used, with a good degree of accuracy, to predict both the magnitude of wheel wear and the worn profile shape of the design and economic tyre turning re-profiled wheels for service mileages exceeding 100,000 miles. The WPDM simulations were run for two typical electric multiple units (one suburban and one intercity train fleet) and a two-axle freight wagon. Additionally, it discusses the calibration methodology used to adjust the wear coefficients contained within the Archard wear model to improve the accuracy of the WPDM simulation results for specific routes and vehicle types. Furthermore, this paper presents the findings of a trial of economic tyre turning on a fleet of intercity trains. The analysis is extended to predict the effect of using economic tyre turning on rail rolling contact fatigue for typical routes and operating conditions using a series of vehicle dynamic simulations. The analysis considers new 56E1 and 60E2 rails together with a selection of worn wheel. The research provides valuable evidence to support a future change to the standards which will allow train operators/maintainers to implement economic tyre turning policies.
Effect of filling pressure in jetting dispenser on the performance of blood glucose test strips using immersion gold-plated printed circuit board
Authors: Kim Kun-Yong , Chang Ho , Lee Yi-Cheng , Lee Win-Der , Lee Jen-Fang , Lin Fu-Chuan
Published: July 2018

To ensure accurate glucose readings when dispensing glucose oxidase enzyme solution from a jetting dispenser onto glucose test strips fabricated from an immersion gold-plated printed circuit board, every drop of the enzyme solution needs to have nearly the same weight and to be dispensed on the reaction zone of the test strips. Experimental results in this study show that the filling pressure in the fluid reservoir containing the glucose enzyme solution to dispense onto the test strips significantly affect the glucose test results. A filling pressure of 12 psi produces test strips with lower coefficient of variation and standard deviation than 10 and 14 psi. Proper filling pressure for dispensing glucose enzyme onto glucose test strips needs to be determined for any enzyme compound formulation.
Characteristics of Female Germline Stem Cells from Porcine Ovaries at Sexual Maturity
Authors: Hou Lin , Wang Jian , Li Xinyue , Wang Hu , Liu Guishu , Xu Bo , Mei Xingxing , Hua Xiuguo , Wu Ji
Published: July 2018

Pigs share many anatomical and physiological features with humans, offering a unique and viable model for biomedical research. Although porcine female germline stem cells (FGSCs) were identified in the juvenile ovary, no reports described the isolation and purification of FGSCs from the pig at sexual maturity. Here, we isolated, purified, and cultured FGSCs from porcine ovaries at sexual maturity. Furthermore, we established and characterized the porcine FGSC (pFGSC) lines. In addition, we found that pFGSC lines could differentiate into oocytes when injection into tissue grafts, including human ovarian tissues. The results show that FGSCs exist in ovaries of Banna mini-pigs at juvenile and sexually maturity. These findings have implications in animal biotechnology applications and regeneration medicine.
Marketing a Taboo Product: Tackling the Consumer Mind-set in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Nida Aslam
Published: July 2018

The case focuses on the marketing and promotional activities of contraceptives in an emerging market that is also culturally conservative—such as that of Pakistan. The case will explore the cultural and the societal barriers faced by the brand team during the process of designing marketing activities for contraceptives in a country where anything related to the topic of sex is a taboo and is seen as disrespectful and religiously controversial. The case highlights the challenges of marketing a contraceptive brand in such a situation, and the strategies and steps that could be employed to overcome these barriers. Moreover, the case also explores how a controversial brand/product may be established strongly in such a society using strategic marketing. Overall, the case explores marketing and branding challenges and strategies through influencing and changing consumer perceptions and behaviours regarding contraceptives in conservative societies.