bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘White privilege’ and shortcuts to anti-racism
Authors: Aouragh Miriyam
Published: September 2019

By unpacking the way in which the concept of ‘white privilege’ is taking over as a shortcut in the analysis of racism, this article assesses its use in anti-racist movements. Using the author’s experiences as both an academic and an activist of colour in the Netherlands, it focuses on two schisms that are emerging in social movements. The first schism pits class-based against race-based analyses. The second schism is a questioning of solidarity politics, also marked by the rise of political articulations in terms of personalised and skin-colour based positions, with terminologies such as ‘non-black-people-of-colour’ (NBPoC), leading to implied hierarchies of oppression. Drawing on the conceptual legacies of radical black thinkers and activists, from W. E. B. Du Bois, and A. Sivanandan to Assata Shakur and Angela Davis, the article asks how to recover and meaningfully engage with radical universalist principles as a means of overcoming such ‘shortcuts’ whilst fighting racism. The piece builds on an understanding of ‘radical kinship’ and proposes internationalism as a way to recreate a dynamic anti-racist, anti-capitalist movement at a time when racism is on the rise.
A review of childhood maltreatment, latent vulnerability and the brain: implications for clinical practice and prevention
Authors: Gerin Mattia I , Hanson Elly , Viding Essi , McCrory Eamon J
Published: September 2019

There is a well-established association between childhood maltreatment and later poor mental health and increasing recognition that we need to find ways to support children following such experiences to improve long-term outcomes. We suggest that the rationale for such a preventive approach is directly informed by the emerging findings from the field of functional neuroimaging. Here, we review the evidence from four neurocognitive systems: threat processing, reward processing, emotion regulation and executive control. We briefly summarise what is known about each system, review the evidence that altered functioning is implicated in common mental health problems and describe how the functioning of each system is altered following maltreatment. Across domains, these neurocognitive alterations following child maltreatment are in line with those seen in adults presenting with mental health problems yet most maltreated children studied do not have a presenting ‘disorder’. This suggests that these neurocognitive alterations may potentiate the risk of future psychopathology. We discuss this possibility in the context of the theory of latent vulnerability ( McCrory and Viding, 2015 ). According to this model, children may respond to early adverse environments in ways that are potentially adaptive in the short term but which create vulnerability to future mental health problems in the long term. We also consider the clinical implications of the neuroimaging evidence ‒ in particular, the growing need for a more preventive clinical approach.
The Value of Social Science Research in Christian Education Programs
Authors: Barwegen Laura
Published: September 2019

Departments of Christian Education often find themselves in liminal spaces at colleges and universities somewhere between the theology of the humanities and the education of the social sciences, often not educating students well in research epistemologies of either. This article argues for the importance of including social science research methodology as an integral part of any Christian Education program.
Constructing Simple Sentences: Effects of a Writing Fluency Intervention for Middle School Students With Disabilities
Authors: Panos Kristin L. , Datchuk Shawn M.
Published: September 2019

Simple sentence construction is a foundational writing skill that forms the building blocks of advanced writing. Many middle school students with disabilities struggle to consistently construct simple sentences, thereby hindering development of written expression. The present study used a single-case, multiple-baseline across participants design to investigate the effects of a multicomponent intervention on fluency of sentence construction in response to picture-word prompts. During intervention, three middle school students with disabilities completed six explicit instruction lessons, followed by 15 sessions of timed practice, referred to as sentence instruction and frequency building to a performance criterion. After the first few sentence instruction lessons, all students gradually increased the accuracy and frequency of word sequences during intervention. Tau- U values for writing sequences were large. After completing intervention, all students maintained levels similar to intervention. Results are discussed in the context of writing fluency, prior intervention studies, and implications for practice.
Insecure Attachment, Emotion Dysregulation, and Psychological Aggression in Couples
Authors: Cheche Hoover Rachel , Jackson Jeffrey B.
Published: September 2019

According to adult attachment theory, levels of insecure attachment—both anxious and avoidant—are associated with abilities to regulate emotions in a relational context. This study is the first to test emotion dysregulation as a mediator of the association between levels of insecure attachment and psychological aggression using dyadic data. Cross-sectional self-report data were collected from 124 couples presenting for couple or family therapy at an outpatient clinic. Path analysis was used to analyze an actor–partner interdependence mediational model. Results did not support emotion dysregulation mediating the association between level of anxious attachment and psychological aggression, or the association between level of avoidant attachment and psychological aggression. Results indicated a direct actor effect between level of anxious attachment and psychological aggression for women (β = .19, p = .045) and men (β = .19, p = .027). Direct partner effects between people’s own levels of anxious attachment and their partners’ psychological aggression for women (β = .28, p = .001) and men (β = .33, p = .001) were also identified. Results also indicated direct actor effects between anxious attachment and emotion dysregulation in both women (β = .51, p < .001) and men (β = .58, p < .001), whereas direct actor effects between avoidant attachment and emotion dysregulation were only identified among women (β = .32, p < .001). Results suggest that increasing partners’ abilities to effectively manage their own maladaptive attachment-related behaviors may decrease levels of psychological aggression between partners. Limitations and clinical implications for couple therapists are discussed.
Investigation of tribological properties and engine performance of polyol ester–based bio-lubricant: Commercial motorbike engine oil blends
Authors: Kotturu Chandra Mouli VV , Srinivas V , Vandana V , Chebattina Kodanda Rama Rao , Seetha Rama Rao Y
Published: September 2019

This article explores the influence of blending polyol ester–based bio-lubricant with commercial lubricant on engine performance. Polyol esters trimethylolpropane ester and pentaerythritol ester were prepared from Calophyllum inophyllum seeds. Extreme care was taken to minimize deterioration of physicochemical properties when blending bio-lubricant with commercial oil. Blending of bio-lubricant with commercial oil was carried out in 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% volume. The test oils were first investigated for wear and friction properties on a four-ball wear tester. Optimum blending ratio was calculated from results of tribological properties, and the blend with optimum blend ratio was investigated for engine performance. The engine performance of the optimum blends was evaluated by conducting a 60-h endurance test on a motorbike. Significant improvement in tribological properties was observed up to a blending percentage of 15% when blending pentaerythritol ester with commercial oil. In the case of trimethylolpropane ester–based bio-lubricant, 10% blending with commercial oil gave optimum performance. The novel evaluation of engine performance of commercial oil and blends has shown a reduction in the wear of engine components with an encouraging decrease in fuel consumption. Metallographic studies conducted on worn piston rings reveal synergy between additives in the commercial oil and esters in the bio-lubricant in reducing wear and friction, thereby reducing fuel consumption.
Effect of loading frequency on deformations at the bone–implant interface
Authors: Xie Shuqiao , Manda Krishnagoud , Pankaj Pankaj
Published: September 2019

This study considers the time-dependent behaviour of bone in the context of loosening of metal implants, which is one of the typical complications of joint replacement and fracture-fixation surgeries. We employed viscoelastic properties developed from our previous experimental studies for trabecular bone in a representative bone–implant construct, which was subjected to cyclic loading at varying loading frequencies. We found that the separation between the bone and the implant is a function of loading frequency and increases with number of loading cycles applied. Our analysis shows that at the start of cyclic loading, a higher frequency results in a lower displacement response of bone at the bone–implant interface; however, after the bone–implant system has been subjected to a large number of cycles (>500 cycles in this study), higher interfacial displacements are observed at higher loading frequencies. In other words, higher loading frequencies will not result in bone–implant separation if limited number of cycles are applied. In all cases, interfacial displacements increase as bone volume ratio decreases. This simple approach can be used to evaluate the mechanical environment in bone–implant systems due to cyclic loading which commonly used time-independent models that are unable to simulate. The approach can also be used to evaluate implant loosening due to cyclic loading.
Efficacy and safety of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in HIV-infected patients with cerebral toxoplasmosis in Brazil: a single-arm open-label clinical trial
Authors: Pellegrino Daniela , Gryschek Ronaldo , de Oliveira Augusto César Penalva , Marcusso Rosa , Correia Ademir , Vidal José E
Published: September 2019

Cerebral toxoplasmosis continues to cause high morbidity and mortality in developing countries. The association of sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine is considered the standard therapy; however, it has potential disadvantages. This single-arm open-label clinical trial was carried out in a tertiary hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. We included patients of at least 18 years of age, whose HIV infection was confirmed, and clinical and brain computed tomography (CT) findings were compatible with cerebral toxoplasmosis upon admission. Patients received trimethoprim (TMP) 10 mg/kg/day sulfamethoxazole (SMX) 50 mg/kg/day, in two divided doses. Brain CT was performed at study entry and after two weeks. The endpoints of the study were: (i) the proportion of patients with clinical and radiological response after two weeks of TMP-SMX and (ii) the proportion of patients who discontinued TMP-SMX due to adverse events. Forty-six patients were included (23 males, median age 35 years). The main clinical manifestations were headache, hemiparesis and altered mental status. The proportion of patients who obtained clinical and radiological response after two weeks of anti-toxoplasma treatment was 85% (n = 39). Overall, TMP-SMX was safe, with only 2 (4%) discontinuations due to adverse events. In this study, TMP-SMX was effective and safe in the treatment of HIV-related cerebral toxoplasmosis.
An unusual case of post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis in a patient with HIV and visceral leishmaniasis co-infection
Authors: Elliott Tamara , Simpson Jacqueline , Naresh Kikkeri N , Lockwood Diana , Bailey Angela C
Published: September 2019

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a vector-borne disease caused by Leishmania donovani complex. Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a rash that can occur following treatment for VL due to L. donovani species. We describe an unusual case of PKDL occurring during treatment for Leishmania infantum VL in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus-co infection.
Virological failure in children living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy: correlates and predictive value of clinical measurements and CD4 cell count
Authors: Newman Laura P , Pagkas-Bather Jade , Njoroge Anne , Wamalwa Dalton , Nduati Ruth , Overbaugh Julie , Farquhar Carey
Published: September 2019

Clinical correlates and CD4 cell count are used to predict HIV virological failure among children living with HIV in resource-limited settings, but there are limited data on their prediction of treatment failure compared to viral measurement. Using HIV viral load as a gold standard, sensitivity and specificity of longitudinal CD4 responses and clinical changes were defined in children living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for ≥6 months in Kenya. Prevalence and correlates of virological failure were determined using log-binomial regression with robust standard error. Among 223 children who were followed for 12 months, median age in years at HIV diagnosis, ART initiation, and study enrollment were 3.3, 3.6, and 7.5, respectively. Older children at HIV diagnosis and ART initiation were less likely to experience virological failure. Immunological and clinical failure had low sensitivity (0 and 2%, respectively) to identify virological failure. Among those with virological failure, there was no indication from immunological markers and only two (2%) indicated with clinical markers. Clinical and immunological monitoring of HIV were insensitive and poor predictors of virological failure, emphasizing the importance of routine virological monitoring to inform ART treatment decisions for children living with HIV.
Poverty and Puberty: A Neurocognitive Study of Inhibitory Control in the Transition to Adolescence
Authors: Deater-Deckard Kirby , Li Mengjiao , Lee Jacob , King-Casas Brooks , Kim-Spoon Jungmeen
Published: September 2019

Pubertal development during early adolescence is modestly associated with individual differences in slowly developing inhibitory control of impulses—an aspect of self-regulation associated with reward-seeking behaviors such as the onset and frequency of sexual activity. However, this effect may be much stronger in resource-poor environments. On the basis of life-history and r/ K-selection theories, we tested the hypothesis that early pubertal timing would be more strongly associated with less mature neurocognitive inhibitory control in lower-income environments. In an economically diverse Appalachian sample ( N = 157; 138 with complete neuroimaging data) of 14-year-olds (52% male), inhibitory control was measured using the multisource-interference task during functional MRI. Results showed that among poor youths only, more advanced puberty for one’s age was linked with lower inhibitory control for the neural but not the behavioral measure. This finding has implications regarding poverty, neurocognitive development, and health-risk behaviors in adolescence.
Development of an automated non-axisymmetric endwall contour design system for the rotor of a 1-stage research turbine – part 1: System design
Authors: Bergh Jonathan , Snedden Glen , Reddy Daya
Published: September 2019

Secondary flows are a well-known source of loss in turbomachinery flows, contributing up to 30% of the total aerodynamic blade row loss. With the increase in pressure on aero-engine manufacturers to produce lighter, more powerful and increasingly more efficient engines, the mitigation of the losses associated with secondary flow has become significantly more important than in the past. This is because the production of secondary flow is closely related to the amount of loading and hence the work output of a blade row, which then allows part counts and overall engine weight to be reduced. Similarly, higher efficiency engines demand larger engine pressure ratios which in turn lead to reduced blade passage heights in which secondary flows then dominate. This article discusses the design and application of an automated turbine non-axisymmetric endwall contour optimization procedure for the rotor of a low speed, 1-stage research turbine, which was used as part of a research program to determine the most effective objective functions for reducing turbine secondary flows. In order to produce as effective as possible designs, the optimization procedure was coupled to a computational fluid dynamics routine with as high a degree of fidelity as possible and an efficient global optimization scheme based on the so-called efficient global optimization algorithm. In order to compliment the requirements of the efficient global optimization approach, as well as offset some of the computational requirements of the computational fluid dynamics, the DACE metamodel was used as an underlying surrogate model.
Parametric study of injection from the casing in an axial turbine
Authors: Abbasi Sarallah , Gholamalipour Afshin
Published: September 2019

Tip leakage flow reduces both efficiency and performance of axial turbines and damages turbine blades as well. Therefore, it is of great importance to identify and control tip leakage flow. This study investigated the effect of flow injection (from the casing), alongside flow structure, on turbine performance. Additionally, the effect of different injection parameters, including injection mass flow rate, angle, location, and diameter on the turbine performance are evaluated. A numerical analysis of the flow in a two-stage axial turbine was employed by using CFX software. To ensure the accuracy of the results, turbine performance curves were compared with the experimental results, which are in good agreement. Analyses revealed that active control method reduces tip leakage flow, improves turbine performance, and increases the efficiency by 1% to 5% as well. A parametric investigation of the tip injection has sought to identify how various parameters affect the turbine performance. The cross-section diameter and the angle of injection had no significant increase on efficiency. Additionally, results showed that at a point 9 mm further from the leading edge, the injection degree of effectiveness is optimum. Finally, analysis of the flow structure in the tip clearance region supported the tip leakage flow reduction.
Learner-Controlled Practice Difficulty and Task Exploration in an Active-Learning Gaming Environment
Authors: Westlin Joseph , Day Eric Anthony , Hughes Michael G.
Published: September 2019

Background. With the use of computer-based simulations and games becoming increasingly common in education and organizational contexts for delivering training and instruction, learners are being granted unprecedented control over their learning. This increase in learner control leaves large differences in how learners challenge themselves and explore their learning environments. Learners can benefit from task difficulty, an aspect of challenge, when they are neither overwhelmed nor underwhelmed. The purpose of the present lab study was to test a model of how encouraging learners to challenge themselves with greater task difficulty when practicing a video game could be a “double-edged sword” in terms of their skill-based learning.

Method. Using a first-person shooter computer game as the criterion task, 120 undergraduate males were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Half of the participants were encouraged to practice at a difficulty level that matched their skill level, while the other half were encouraged to practice at a difficulty that greatly exceeded their skill. Exploratory behavior was reflected in the variety of weapons used.

Results. Findings supported a model of inconsistent mediation predicting that difficulty encouragement instructions would lead to higher selected practice difficulty, which in turn would have positive direct effects on skill transfer yet negative indirect effects through exploratory behavior.

Discussion. The present study demonstrated that encouraging learners to practice at high levels of task difficulty is a “double-edged sword.” Although high levels of task difficulty can help in the preparation for future difficulties, it can also undermine exploratory behavior which is an important aspect of the learning process. This research speaks to the potential of encouraging learners to practice under difficult conditions without undermining their learning.
Applying the Theory of Social Good to Mass Incarceration and Civil Rights
Authors: Cox Robynn
Published: September 2019

This article illustrates how the underproduction of social goods and services within the domain of diversity and inclusion bolstered mass incarceration in the United States and further marginalized historically oppressed groups, specifically African Americans. The article begins with a discussion of the importance of the social good framework and how it relates to the social problem of mass incarceration. Then, it provides a brief history of racial exclusion within the American context to demonstrate the centrality of race in the social exclusion of African Americans. This is followed by a discussion of the macro-, mezzo-, and micro-roots of mass incarceration, and how the U.S. tolerance for racially based social exclusion helped to propel mass incarceration, especially the overincarceration of African Americans. Finally, this article concludes with suggestions for rectifying this substantial social injustice and the role that social work must play in addressing this issue.
Variation of Human Values and Modernization: Preliminary Results
Authors: Korotayev Andrey , Slinko Elena , Meshcherina Kira , Zinkina Julia
Published: September 2019

The current article investigates the relation between values and modernization applying some elements of the method proposed by Inglehart and Welzel (the authors of the Human Development Sequence Theory) to the data of Shalom Schwartz. The values survey by Schwartz specifies two main value axes, namely, conservation versus openness to change and self-transcendence versus self-enhancement. Our research has revealed that the correlation between these two value axes differs in its direction when estimated for “macro-Europe” (that includes Europe and former settlement colonies of North and South America and Oceania) and “Afroasia” (that includes Asia and Africa). In “macro-Europe,” we deal with a significant positive correlation between openness to change and self-transcendence, whereas in “Afroasia,” this correlation is strong, significant, and negative. We investigate the possible impact of modernization on this difference. To do this, we approximate modernization through such indicators as gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and the proportions of the labor force employed in various sectors of economy. We find that, in both megazones, modernization is accompanied by increasing openness to change values. As for the self-transcendence/self-enhancement axis, we propose two possible explanations of the different dynamics observed in Europe and in “the East” (Asia and North Africa), namely, (a) that Eastern and Western societies find themselves at different modernization stages and (b) that this difference is accounted for by different civilizational patterns. Further analysis suggests that the latter explanation might be more plausible.
Promoting Recovery from Substance Misuse through Engagement with Community Assets: Asset Based Community Engagement
Authors: Collinson Beth , Best David
Published: September 2019

Evidence shows that engagement with community resources can aid the process of recovery from substance misuse, yet systematic approaches to mapping resources and building bridges to these for recovery populations are limited. If done successfully, engagement with resources that are pro-social and afford access to meaningful activities not only provides a platform for personal development, but also has the ability to trigger a social contagion of positive behaviour and improve connectedness within communities. The current paper uses Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) as the basis for an enhanced version called Asset Based Community Engagement (ABCE). The work of ABCD has been pivotal in encouraging citizen-led, strengths-based approaches to community development, yet scientific support for it remains limited. While this approach has gained much traction, it has been subject to criticism for being too optimistic and unsystematic. In response to this, the new framework, ABCE, offers a more structured approach to mapping community resources. It does however advance previous work by acknowledging the need to identify current levels of community engagement and barriers to engagement, in order to support empowerment, maximise personal capital and address barriers to engagement. Identifying barriers to engagement should not draw ABCE away from its strengths-based focus but instead, provide a platform for person-centred, holistic support to be provided to those in recovery. To support the new framework, a workbook has been developed, offering a practical output that is intended to be used by the individual in recovery alongside a member of staff within a professional service supporting the individual.
Prenatal body image questionnaire: Development and psychometric evaluation
Authors: Sohrabi Zahra , Kazemi Ashraf , Farajzadegan Ziba
Published: September 2019

This study was conducted with the aim of developing and psychometric evaluation of prenatal body image questionnaire in Farsi language. For preparation of the prenatal body image questionnaire, psychometric steps were performed on a questionnaire based on the results of a qualitative study. Construct validity was evaluated in a cross-sectional study of 300 Iranian pregnant women undergoing prenatal care in health centers in Isfahan, Iran. The results of the psychometric evaluation showed that the 30-item prenatal body image questionnaire in seven dimensions has a good validity and reliability, which is applicable to research on body image in pregnancy.
Optimizing the anchoring structure for a super large cable-net structure with improved fatigue resistance
Authors: Zhu Wanxu , Sang Runhui , Yang Long , Lei Huan
Published: September 2019

During its operation, the vast cable-net structure of China’s Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope is subject to super high stress amplitude (up to 500 MPa) that the current anchoring structure is unable to bear. As a solution to this problem, this article presents an optimized anchoring structure that includes a main anchor cup and an auxiliary anchor cup. Typically used to compose Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope’s cable-net structure, the S3-type cable is selected as the subject of analysis. In addition to anchoring limit and fatigue tests, a finite element analysis is conducted using the software ANSYS to set up a one-sixth three-dimensional high-precision numerical model to examine the contact–slip relationship between the steel wires and the chill casting. The following combination of structural parameters is found for an optimized design of the S3-type cable anchoring structure: auxiliary cup internal inclination angle, 3°; friction coefficient between anchor cup and chill casting, 0.12; and elastic modulus of the chill casting, 36 GPa. This optimal structural setting eliminates fretting wear in the main cup section; instead, fretting wear most likely occurs at the narrow end of the auxiliary anchor cup. When the structure bears the maximum working load, the slip amplitude between the chill casting and the tendons is 25 μm at the narrow end of the auxiliary anchor cup, and the radial compressive stress of the steel wire is −20 MPa. It is determined that this innovative anchoring structure with the S3-type cable boasts excellent static and dynamic load-bearing qualities with the elastic modulus of the cable remaining almost unchanged during the testing processes, which indicates that this anchorage meets the highly demanding requirements of the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope project and offers a prototype to facilitate future anchoring enhancing efforts.
Dynamic pull-in for micro–electromechanical device with a current-carrying conductor
Authors: He Ji-Huan , Nurakhmetov Daulet , Skrzypacz Piotr , Wei Dongming
Published: September 2019

The initial value problem for a lumped parameter model arising from design of magneto–electromechanical device with a current-carrying conductor is analyzed. The differential equation is nonlinear because it includes the magnetic force term. The analysis for the dynamic pull-in occurring in the system is presented. The pull-in threshold is given analytically in terms of model parameters. Sufficient conditions for the existence of periodic solutions are proved analytically and verified numerically. The results can be useful for understanding and design of one-degree-of-freedom models of magnetically actuated beams.
Accurate approximations of the nonlinear vibration of couple-mass-spring systems with linear and nonlinear stiffnesses
Authors: Hosen Md. Alal , Chowdhury MSH
Published: September 2019

An analytical technique has been developed based on the harmonic balance method to obtain approximate angular frequencies. This technique also offers the periodic solutions to the nonlinear free vibration of a conservative, couple-mass-spring system having linear and nonlinear stiffnesses with cubic nonlinearity. Two real-world cases of these systems are analysed and introduced. After applying the harmonic balance method, a set of complicated higher-order nonlinear algebraic equations are obtained. Analytical investigation of the complicated higher-order nonlinear algebraic equations is cumbersome, especially in the case when the vibration amplitude of the oscillation is large. The proposed technique overcomes this limitation to utilize the iterative method based on the homotopy perturbation method. This produces desired results for small as well as large values of vibration amplitude of the oscillation. In addition, a suitable truncation principle has been used in which the solution achieves better results than existing solutions. Comparing with published results and the exact ones, the approximated angular frequencies and corresponding periodic solutions show excellent agreement. This proposed technique provides results of high accuracy and a simple solution procedure. It could be widely applicable to other nonlinear oscillatory problems arising in science and engineering.
Experiences of Youth Mentoring Through Street Dance
Authors: Gunay Amber , Bacon Alison M.
Published: September 2019

There has been limited research regarding the effectiveness of mentoring for at-risk youth in the United Kingdom and none focussing on a dance-based intervention. This study explored experiences of a mentoring through street dance programme. Eight participants (aged 16–18) and their mentor took part in semi-structured interviews which were transcribed verbatim and the data subjected to thematic analysis. Three emergent themes were identified: Relationship with mentor, changes in outlook and coping with emotions. Data indicated that the programme resulted in increased mental wellbeing, desistance from antisocial behaviours, positive future outlook and greater awareness of life opportunities. A trusting, non-hierarchical mentor-mentee relationship was central. Inclusion of mentor narratives was a novel aspect of the study and allowed for insight into how this was achieved. Street dance itself provided a framework for confidence building, social levelling and bonding. Results are discussed in terms of future directions for good practice.
Multi-requests satisfied based on energy optimization for the service composition in wireless sensor network
Authors: Du Cong , Shao Sujie , Qi Feng , Meng Luoming
Published: September 2019

Wireless sensor network based on service-oriented architecture has provided important support for Internet of Things in smart city; therefore, multi-requests can be satisfied through service composition. However, as the number and complexity of requests increase, the dynamic and low energy of sensors in wireless sensor network gradually limit the development of the service-oriented architecture in Internet of Things; therefore, optimizing energy under the condition that multi-requests can be satisfied in the dynamic wireless sensor network becomes an important problem. To address this challenge, first, this paper analyzes the mobility of sensors to predict the path stability and manage the information and capabilities on them so that we can find the satisfactory service provider candidates. Then, this article proposes a service mapping pre-process to achieve the work flow reduction in a service layer to save energy in advance and a service mapping process to find the optimal sensors in a network layer that can satisfy the requests. Simulation results show that our strategies can achieve the goal of energy conservation, load balancing, and network lifetime extension under the premise of guaranteeing requests function and non-function attributes and have better performance than traditional ones.
Fungicidal Impact ofSalvadora PersicaL. (Miswak) Extract on Growth of Foodborne Pathogens,AspergillusSpecies
Authors: Saddiq Amna Ali , Alkinani Monagi H.
Published: September 2019

Several investigations have focused on studying the suppressing influence of Salvadora persica (miswak) on oral microbes; however, studies regarding its fungicidal activity versus human aspergillosis-related illness are still scarce. The current research was designed to evaluate the fungicidal action of S persica aquatic root extract in terms of radial growth rate and inhibition zone (IZO) versus 3 pathogenic Aspergillus species, namely, A niger, A flavus, and A fumigatus in vitro. The results revealed that the plant extract (50 and 100 mg/mL) exhibited a prohibiting influence on the growth of the tested fungal species. The high concentration (100 mg/mL) of the plant extract was efficient in prohibiting the growing rate of the tested Aspergillus species after 6 days exposure period. Aspergillus niger and A flavus showed the largest inhibition ratios (60% and 54.4%, respectively) and IZO (33.00 ± 0.05 mm and 25.50 ± 0.18 mm, respectively) versus the control counterparts. Aspergillus fumigatus showed the minimum inhibition ratio (39%) and IZO (20.31 ± 0.05). The present data showed that the extract of S persica possesses potential fungicidal influence versus the tested pathogenic Aspergillus species and this may support the utilization of this extract as a promising antifungal agent versus aspergillosis.
Novel multi-drugs incorporating hybrid-structured nanofibers enhance alkylating agent activity in malignant gliomas
Authors: Liu Shih-Jung , Yang Shun-Tai , Chen Shu-Mei , Huang Yin-Chen , Lee Wei-Hwa , Ho Jui , Chen Yin-Chun , Tseng Yuan-Yun
Published: September 2019

Background:

Malignant gliomas (MGs) are highly chemotherapy-resistant. Temozolomide (TMZ) and carmustine (BiCNU) are alkylating agents clinically used for treating MGs. However, their effectiveness is restrained by overexpression of the DNA repair protein O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) in tumors. O6-benzylguanine (O6-BG) is a nonreversible inhibitor of MGMT, it promotes the cytotoxicity of alkylating chemotherapy. The authors have developed a hybrid-structured nanofibrous membrane (HSNM) that sequentially delivers high concentrations of O6-BG, BiCNU, and TMZ in an attempt to provide an alternative to the current therapeutic options for MGs.

Methods:

The HSNMs were implanted onto the cerebral surface of pathogen-free rats following surgical craniectomy, while the in vivo release behaviors of O6-BG, TMZ, and BiCNU from the HSNMs were explored. Subsequently, the HSNMs were surgically implanted onto the brain surface of two types of tumor-bearing rats. The survival rate, tumor volume, malignancy of tumor, and apoptotic cell death were evaluated and compared with other treatment regimens.

Results:

The biodegradable HSNMs sequentially and sustainably delivered high concentrations of O6-BG, BiCNU, and TMZ for more than 14 weeks. The tumor-bearing rats treated with HSNMs demonstrated therapeutic advantages in terms of retarded and restricted tumor growth, prolonged survival time, and attenuated malignancy.

Conclusion:

The results demonstrated that O6-BG potentiates the effects of interstitially transported BiCNU and TMZ. Therefore, O6-BG may be required for alkylating agents to offer maximum therapeutic benefits for the treatment of MGMT-expressing tumors. In addition, the HSNM-supported chemoprotective gene therapy enhanced chemotherapy tolerance and efficacy. It can, therefore, potentially provide an improved therapeutic alternative for MGs.
Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas: Clinical-pathological features and management, a single-center experience
Authors: Hansen Carsten Palnaes , Kristensen Thomas Skaarup , Storkholm Jan Henrik , Federspiel Birgitte Hartnack
Published: September 2019

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas is a rare tumor of low malignancy that occurs most often in females. The study describes the clinicopathologic characteristics of the tumor and common differential diagnoses. Data were collected from a prospectively maintained database. Of 1661 patients operated for pancreatic tumors between January 2001 and September 2018, 15 patients were recorded. Patients included 12 females and 3 males, median age 40 (range 10 -87) years. Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging was diagnostic in eight patients and a preoperative biopsy in eight out of 10 patients. Median tumor size was 5 cm (range 2 -16 cm), 12 tumors were in the head, six in the body, and three in the tail of the gland. All patients except one had radical resection including one with hepatic and lymph node metastases, no patient underwent oncologic treatment. All patients are alive from 17.5 to 209.4 months postoperatively and without recurrence. Radical operation is usually curative and should also be offered to patients with metastases or recurrence as oncologic treatment has limited effect.
Insulin-like growth factor 1 stimulates the angiogenic activity of adipose tissue–derived microvascular fragments
Authors: Laschke Matthias W , Kontaxi Elena , Scheuer Claudia , Heß Alexander , Karschnia Philipp , Menger Michael D
Published: September 2019

Angiogenesis in adipose tissue is promoted by insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling. We analyzed whether this regulatory mechanism also improves the angiogenic activity of adipose tissue–derived microvascular fragments. Murine adipose tissue–derived microvascular fragments were cultivated for 24 h in the University of Wisconsin (UW) solution supplemented with vehicle, insulin-like growth factor 1, or a combination of insulin-like growth factor 1 and insulin-like growth factor–binding protein 4. Subsequently, we assessed their cellular composition, viability, proliferation, and growth factor expression. Moreover, cultivated adipose tissue–derived microvascular fragments were seeded onto collagen–glycosaminoglycan scaffolds, which were implanted into dorsal skinfold chambers to study their vascularization and incorporation. Insulin-like growth factor 1 increased the viability and growth factor expression of adipose tissue–derived microvascular fragments without affecting their cellular composition and proliferation. Accordingly, scaffolds containing insulin-like growth factor 1–stimulated adipose tissue–derived microvascular fragments exhibited an enhanced in vivo vascularization and incorporation. These positive insulin-like growth factor 1 effects were reversed by additional exposure of adipose tissue–derived microvascular fragments to insulin-like growth factor–binding protein 4. Our findings indicate that insulin-like growth factor 1 stimulation of adipose tissue–derived microvascular fragments is suitable to improve their vascularization capacity.
Mimickers of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension on imaging tests: a review
Authors: Narechania Shraddha , Renapurkar Rahul , Heresi Gustavo A.
Published: September 2019

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is caused by mechanical obstruction of large pulmonary arteries secondary to one or more episodes of pulmonary embolism. Ventilation perfusion scan is the recommended initial screening test for this condition and typically shows multiple large mismatched perfusion defects. However, not all patients with an abnormal ventilation perfusion scan have CTEPH since there are other conditions that be associated with a positive ventilation perfusion scan. These conditions include in situ thrombosis, pulmonary artery sarcoma, fibrosing mediastinitis, pulmonary vasculitis and sarcoidosis, among others. Although these conditions cannot be distinguished from CTEPH using a ventilation perfusion scan, they have certain characteristic radiological features that can be demonstrated on other imaging techniques such as computed tomography scan and can help in differentiation of these conditions. In this review, we have summarized some key clinical and radiological features that can help differentiate CTEPH from the CTEPH mimics.
Metabolomics of exercise pulmonary hypertension are intermediate between controls and patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Sanders Jason L. , Han Yuchi , Urbina Mariana F. , Systrom David M. , Waxman Aaron B.
Published: September 2019

Mechanisms underlying pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remain elusive. Pulmonary arterial hypertension and exercise PH share similar physiologic consequences; it is debated whether they share biologic mechanisms and if exercise PH represents an early phase of pulmonary arterial hypertension. We conducted an observational study to test if there is a graded metabolic disturbance along the severity of PH, which may indicate shared or disparate pathophysiology. Individuals referred to an academic medical dyspnea center with unexplained exertional intolerance underwent invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing. We identified controls with no hemodynamic exercise limitation, individuals with exercise PH (mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) < 25 mmHg at rest but ≥ 30 mmHg during exercise without pulmonary venous hypertension) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (mPAP > 25 mmHg at rest without pulmonary venous hypertension) (n = 26 in each group). Unbiased metabolomics with chromatography mass spectrometry was performed on pulmonary arterial blood at rest and peak exercise. Random forest analysis and hierarchical clustering were used to quantify metabolite prediction of group membership and rank metabolites which were significantly different between groups. Compared to controls, pulmonary arterial hypertension subjects exhibited perturbations in pathways involving glycolysis, TCA cycle, fatty acid and complex lipid oxidation, collagen deposition and fibrosis, nucleotide metabolism, and others. The metabolic signature of exercise PH was uniquely between that of control and pulmonary arterial hypertension subjects. Accuracy predicting control, exercise PH, and pulmonary arterial hypertension group was 96%, 90%, and 88%, respectively, using paired rest‐exercise metabolic changes. Our data suggest the metabolic profile of exercise PH is between that of controls and patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
What KPIs Are Key? Evaluating Performance Metrics for Social Media Influencers
Authors: Gräve Jan-Frederik
Published: September 2019

Measuring the impact of social media communication is a prominent and pertinent challenge; the commercialization of social media influencers (SMIs) in the form of so-called influencer marketing makes this effort even more complicated. Companies that embrace influencer marketing have limited control over content and context, so they must evaluate both the SMIs and the content they post, prior to and during their collaborations. Although quantitative success metrics (e.g., number of followers, number of likes) are readily available, it remains unclear whether such metrics offer appropriate proxies for evaluating an SMIs or the outcomes of an influencer marketing campaign. By combining secondary data on influencer marketing campaigns from Instagram with an online survey among marketers, this study finds that professionals generally rely on an SMI’s reach and number of interactions as success metrics. When they must trade off across multiple metrics, these professionals predominantly rely on comment sentiment, indicating their implicit awareness that the commonly used metrics are inadequate. A regression analysis affirms that only the sentiment measure correlates positively with professional content evaluations, so this study both challenges the use of common quantitative metrics to evaluate SMI content and emphasizes the relevance of content-based metrics.
Navigating Minority and Majority Cultures in Emerging Adulthood: A Pilot Study of Young Hearing Adults of Deaf Parents and Young Heterosexual Adults of Lesbian/Gay Parents
Authors: Onken Steven J. , O’Brien Catherine “Katie”
Published: September 2019

This exploratory study examined the navigation of emerging adulthood for six young hearing adults raised by Deaf parents and six young heterosexual adults raised by lesbian or gay parents. Qualitative analysis of semistructured in-depth interviews conveyed the state of unfinished adulthood—emerging adulthood—a betweenness of not quite adult but not “not” an adult. This sense of betweenness was compounded by and carried into identity and culture—feeling outside but being viewed as inside majority (heteronormative, hearing-normative) culture, while feeling inside but being viewed outside of minority (lesbian/gay, Deaf) culture. The two groups articulated similar challenges, stresses, and opportunities given this betweenness as well as unique struggles and opportunities as to the sense of fit with, value of, and affirmation by minority and majority cultures and the impact on emerging adulthood tasks. Further analysis identified helpful strategies and coping mechanisms used in navigating this transition.
Breakthrough Therapy, PRIME and Sakigake: A Comparison Between Neuroscience and Oncology in Obtaining Preferred Regulatory Status
Authors: Muensterman Elena Tomaselli , Luo Yijia , Parker Jonathon M.
Published: September 2019

Background:

Because of the increasing demand for drugs addressing life-threatening and rare diseases, regulatory agencies have developed a variety of accelerated regulatory pathways. These programs are aimed at prioritizing the most promising drug candidates for diseases lacking satisfactory treatments. The most prominent accelerated programs introduced have been Breakthrough-Therapy Designation (BTD) in the United States, Priority Medicine (PRIME) in the European Union and Sakigake in Japan. This article reviews these designations and looks at differences in how they are granted across the 3 jurisdictions focusing on neuroscience and oncology.

Methods:

Our objective was to analyze BTD, PRIME, and Sakigake approvals between 2012 and 2019 with a focus on numerical disparities of designations granted between the 2 therapeutic areas. A search of public sources pertaining to topics of BTD, PRIME, and Sakigake was undertaken.

Results:

This analysis revealed that 48% of BTD were granted in oncology, while neuroscience received 8% of these designations, for PRIME designations were 27% received by oncology and 15% by neuroscience and in Japan, 50% of Sakigake were granted to oncology and 22% to neuroscience products.

Conclusion:

Given the global nature of drug development and relative similarity of these regulatory mechanisms, there is an apparent disparity between the US granting special status at 6:1 (oncology: neuroscience) and both the EU and Japan granting at 2:1. This disproportionate ratio is likely impacted by multifactorial issues; however, this difference is worth further investigation.