bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Molecular Subtype on Efficacy of Chemotherapy and Checkpoint Inhibition in Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Kubota Yohei , Kawazoe Akihito , Sasaki Akinori , Mishima Saori , Sawada Kentaro , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Kotani Daisuke , Kuboki Yasutoshi , Taniguchi Hiroya , Kojima Takashi , Doi Toshihiko , Yoshino Takayuki , Ishii Genichiro , Kuwata Takeshi , Shitara Kohei
Published: March 2020

Purpose:

We evaluated the association between molecular subtypes of advanced gastric cancer (AGC) and the efficacy of standard chemotherapy or immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Experimental Design:

Patients with AGC who received systemic chemotherapy from October 2015 to July 2018 with available molecular features were analyzed. We investigated the efficacy of standard first- (fluoropyrimidine + platinum ± trastuzumab) and second-line (taxanes ± ramucirumab) chemotherapy, and subsequent anti–PD-1 therapy in patients with four molecular subtypes: MMR-D (mismatch repair deficient), EBV+, HER2+, and all negative.

Results:

410 patients were analyzed: MMR-D 5.9%, EBV+ 4.1%, HER2+ 13.7%, and all negative 76.3%. In 285 patients who received standard first-line chemotherapy, the median progression-free survival (PFS) times were 4.2, 6.0, 7.5, and 7.6 months and the objective response rates (ORR) were 31%, 62%, 60%, and 49% in MMR-D, EBV+, HER2+, and all-negative subtypes, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed shorter PFS in MMR-D versus all-negative patients [HR, 1.97; 95% CIs, 1.09–3.53; P = 0.022]. In second-line setting, there were no significant differences in efficacy. In 110 patients who received anti–PD-1 therapy, median PFS times were 13.0, 3.7, 1.6, and 1.9 months and the ORRs were 58%, 33%, 7%, and 13%, respectively. Twelve patients with MMR-D received subsequent anti–PD-1 therapy and showed longer PFS compared with that in 10 (83%) patients who received earlier-line chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

MMR-D might result in shorter PFS with first-line chemotherapy for AGC. Subsequent anti–PD-1 therapy achieved higher ORR and longer PFS than prior chemotherapy in most patients with MMR-D, supporting the earlier use of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Decitabine Response in Breast Cancer Requires Efficient Drug Processing and Is Not Limited by Multidrug Resistance
Authors: Dahn Margaret L. , Cruickshank Brianne M. , Jackson Ainsleigh J. , Dean Cheryl , Holloway Ryan W. , Hall Steven R. , Coyle Krysta M. , Maillet Hillary , Waisman David M. , Goralski Kerry B. , Giacomantonio Carman A. , Weaver Ian C.G. , Marcato Paola
Published: March 2020

Dysregulation of DNA methylation is an established feature of breast cancers. DNA demethylating therapies like decitabine are proposed for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) and indicators of response need to be identified. For this purpose, we characterized the effects of decitabine in a panel of 10 breast cancer cell lines and observed a range of sensitivity to decitabine that was not subtype specific. Knockdown of potential key effectors demonstrated the requirement of deoxycytidine kinase (DCK) for decitabine response in breast cancer cells. In treatment-naïve breast tumors, DCK was higher in TNBCs, and DCK levels were sustained or increased post chemotherapy treatment. This suggests that limited DCK levels will not be a barrier to response in patients with TNBC treated with decitabine as a second-line treatment or in a clinical trial. Methylome analysis revealed that genome-wide, region-specific, tumor suppressor gene–specific methylation, and decitabine-induced demethylation did not predict response to decitabine. Gene set enrichment analysis of transcriptome data demonstrated that decitabine induced genes within apoptosis, cell cycle, stress, and immune pathways. Induced genes included those characterized by the viral mimicry response; however, knockdown of key effectors of the pathway did not affect decitabine sensitivity suggesting that breast cancer growth suppression by decitabine is independent of viral mimicry. Finally, taxol-resistant breast cancer cells expressing high levels of multidrug resistance transporter ABCB1 remained sensitive to decitabine, suggesting that the drug could be used as second-line treatment for chemoresistant patients.
Mechanical, Team‐Focused, Video‐Reviewed Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Improves Return of Spontaneous Circulation After Emergency Department Implementation
Authors: Rolston Daniel M. , Li Timmy , Owens Casey , Haddad Ghania , Palmieri Timothy J. , Blinder Veronika , Wolff Jennifer L. , Cassara Michael , Zhou Qiuping , Becker Lance B.
Published: March 2020

Background

Outcomes in cardiac arrest remain suboptimal. Mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (
CPR
) has not demonstrated clear clinical benefit; however, video review provides the capability to monitor
CPR
quality and provide constructive feedback to individuals and teams to improve their performance. The aim of our study was to evaluate cardiac arrest outcomes before and after initiation of a mechanical, team‐focused, video‐reviewed CPR intervention.

Methods and Results

In 2018, our emergency department began using mechanical
CPR
; a new team‐focused strategy with nurse‐led Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support; and biweekly, multidisciplinary video review of cardiac arrests. A revised approach to resuscitation was generated from a performance improvement session, and in situ simulation was used to disseminate our approach. The primary outcome of this study was the return of spontaneous circulation rate before and after our mechanical, team‐focused, video‐reviewed CPR intervention. Secondary outcomes included survival to admission and discharge. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used. The pre‐ and postintervention groups were similar at baseline. A total of 248 patients were included in our study (97 before and 151 after mechanical, team‐focused, video‐reviewed CPR). Return of spontaneous circulation was higher in the intervention group (41% versus 26%;
P
=0.014). There were nonsignificant increases in survival to admission (26% versus 20%;
P
=0.257) and survival to discharge (7% versus 3%;
P
=0.163). After controlling for covariates, the odds of return of spontaneous circulation remained higher after the intervention (odds ratio, 2.11; 95%
CI
, 1.14–3.89).

Conclusions

Implementation of our mechanical, team‐focused, video‐reviewed CPR intervention for cardiac arrest patients in our emergency department improved return of spontaneous circulation rates. Survival to hospital admission and discharge did not improve.
Distinct patterns of thought mediate the link between brain functional connectomes and well-being
Authors: Vatansever Deniz , Karapanagiotidis Theodoros , Margulies Daniel S. , Jefferies Elizabeth , Smallwood Jonathan
Published: March 2020

Ongoing thought patterns constitute important aspects of both healthy and abnormal human cognition. However, the neural mechanisms behind these daily experiences and their contribution to well-being remain a matter of debate. Here, using resting-state fMRI and retrospective thought sampling in a large neurotypical cohort ( n = 211), we identified two distinct patterns of thought, broadly describing the participants’ current concerns and future plans, that significantly explained variability in the individual functional connectomes. Consistent with the view that ongoing thoughts are an emergent property of multiple neural systems, network-based analysis highlighted the central importance of both unimodal and transmodal cortices in the generation of these experiences. Importantly, while state-dependent current concerns predicted better psychological health, mediating the effect of functional connectomes, trait-level future plans were related to better social health, yet with no mediatory influence. Collectively, we show that ongoing thoughts can influence the link between brain physiology and well-being.
For Douglas Crimp
Authors: Levine Sherrie
Published: March 2020

Sherrie Levine is an artist who lives and works in New York.
On Douglas Crimp
Authors: Mauss Nick
Published: March 2020

A personal account of the influence of Douglas Crimp's writings and ethos.
Description of a new snake eel Ophichthus olivaceus (Teleostei: Anguilliformes, Ophichthidae) from the Red Sea
Authors: McCOSKER JOHN E. , BOGORODSKY SERGEY V. , MAL AHMAD O. , ALPERMANN TILMAN J.
Published: March 2020

A new species of snake eel Ophichthus olivaceus is described based on two specimens trawled from a depth of 35–63 m from a soft substratum off Jizan, Red Sea coast of southern Saudi Arabia. It differs from its congeners by the following combination of characters: vertebrae 141–145; tail moderately short (2.15 in TL); head short (9.6–11.1 in TL); uniserial teeth in jaws and on vomer; pectoral fins slightly elongate, not lanceolate, upper rays longer than the lower; dorsal-fin origin above middle of pectoral fin; and a generally uniform, dark tan body with an olivaceous hue shading to tan or pale orange ventrally, with two pale yellow blotches above pectoral-fin base, snout and lower jaw dark brown, and olivaceous median fins. Its divergence from other mitochondrial-analyzed species is shown by phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial COI barcoding region. A key to the Indian Ocean species is provided.
Disappearing ‘formal organization’: How organization studies dissolved its ‘core object’, and what follows from this
Authors: du Gay Paul
Published: March 2020

This article addresses itself to accounting for how and why the situation has arisen whereby much, though by no means all, of what self-identifies as organizational analysis – whether in sociology or organization studies – isn’t actually organizational, and to exploring what follows from this. The article argues that the specificity of ‘organizational analysis’ – which requires its proponents to think (and, indeed, act) ‘organizationally’ – has been returned to the amorphous world of ‘social explanation’. The article therefore attempts to highlight the manner in which the tropes of social explanation deployed within contemporary sociology and organization studies reduce ‘formal organization’ to the status of a social container. In making this case, the article commends an alternative stance towards organization that precisely eschews ‘talking about organizations’ epiphenomenally. It does so by seeking to highlight key aspects of the practical disposition towards organization adopted by classic organization theories and other related approaches throughout the history of organization analysis. In approaching organizational matters in this way, it also attempts to upend the reflex accusation of naivety, rationalism and contemporary irrelevance directed towards the ‘historical artefacts’ of organizational theorizing from the present, and indeed to suggest how classical preoccupations can be applied to pressing matters of contemporary organizational concern without any need to ‘update’ them.
Tra utopia e riformismo, il teatro pubblico di Paolo Grassi e Giorgio Strehler
Authors: Garavaglia Valentina
Published: March 2020

L’incontro tra Paolo Grassi e Giorgio Strehler avvenuto nella Milano del dopoguerra, segna l’inizio di un sodalizio, artistico e umano, che ha concorso a scrivere importanti pagine della storia del teatro non solo italiano, ma soprattutto ha contribuito ad arricchire la storia della cultura di ispirazione socialista nel nostro paese. Il legame tra il Piccolo Teatro di Milano, nei suoi primi 25 anni di vita, e la storia del socialismo riformista si racconta attraverso drammaturgie di impegno politico, scelte di regia e di politica culturale nelle quali si intrecciano le biografie del regista e dell’ideologo, uniti nell’impegno per la realizzazione di un teatro d’arte per tutti a partire dall’eredità della Resistenza. Attraverso l’analisi degli appunti di regia, della corrispondenza privata, della critica e degli allestimenti, l’articolo si propone di ripercorrere gli anni dalla fondazione del Piccolo Teatro, nel 1947, fino al 1972, anno in cui Paolo Grassi passerà alla direzione del Teatro alla Scala. A partire dal primo allestimento di Giorgio Strehler, L’albergo dei poveri di Gor’kij, le scelte drammaturgiche e stilistiche del primo teatro stabile pubblico italiano si rivelano emblematiche della continua tensione ideale tra arte e politica, tra attenzione rivolta all’uomo e riflessione sulla collettività.
Multiple Shades of China’s Taiwan Policy after the 19th Party Congress
Authors: Lee Wei-chin
Published: March 2020

The study begins with descriptions of the changing political landscape of Taiwan’s domestic politics and China’s increasingly influential role in global politics to show the strategic terrain of asymmetric relations between the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan (cross-Strait relations) and some lessons of Taiwan’s 2016 elections. It attempts to delineate the 19th Party Congress report for meaningful contemplation of and conjecture about China’s purposes and policies in dealing with the prickly Taiwan issue. In essence, China’s policy under Xi Jinping after the 19th Party Congress has been characterized by a dualist approach in which a soft power charm offensive has been the primary strategy to appeal to the Taiwanese public, whereas coercive measures in the diplomatic arena and military sphere have served as the supplementary approach to pressure the Democratic Progressive Party government.
Robustness of Projective IRT to Misspecification of the Underlying Multidimensional Model
Authors: Strachan Tyler , Ip Edward , Fu Yanyan , Ackerman Terry , Chen Shyh-Huei , Willse John
Published: March 2020

As a method to derive a “purified” measure along a dimension of interest from response data that are potentially multidimensional in nature, the projective item response theory (PIRT) approach requires first fitting a multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) model to the data before projecting onto a dimension of interest. This study aims to explore how accurate the PIRT results are when the estimated MIRT model is misspecified. Specifically, we focus on using a (potentially misspecified) two-dimensional (2D)-MIRT for projection because of its advantages, including interpretability, identifiability, and computational stability, over higher dimensional models. Two large simulation studies (I and II) were conducted. Both studies examined whether the fitting of a 2D-MIRT is sufficient to recover the PIRT parameters when multiple nuisance dimensions exist in the test items, which were generated, respectively, under compensatory MIRT and bifactor models. Various factors were manipulated, including sample size, test length, latent factor correlation, and number of nuisance dimensions. The results from simulation studies I and II showed that the PIRT was overall robust to a misspecified 2D-MIRT. Smaller third and fourth simulation studies were done to evaluate recovery of the PIRT model parameters when the correctly specified higher dimensional MIRT or bifactor model was fitted with the response data. In addition, a real data set was used to illustrate the robustness of PIRT.
Sensor-floors: Changing Work and Values in Care for Frail Older Persons
Authors: Grosen Sidsel Lond , Hansen Agnete Meldgaard
Published: March 2020

Based on an ethnographic study in a Danish residential care center, this article shows how the interplay of a sensor-floor technology and currently influential values of person-centeredness, privacy, and security in care transforms care work and care interactions between residents and care workers. Based on an understanding of care as realized in a heterogeneous collective of human and nonhuman actors, this article illustrates how new modes of monitoring and interpreting residents’ care needs at a distance arise, and how a new organization of work focusing on quick and responsive care is established. These new care practices lead to conflicts between the values of privacy and security, to ambivalent experiences among care workers of simultaneously increased security and insecurity in work, and, paradoxically, also often to a decentering rather than person-centering of care. Instead of accommodating simultaneous compliance to the values of privacy, security, and person-centeredness, the use of the sensor-floors makes the tensions between these values continuously and loudly present in daily care practices.
Entrenchment in status positions and the adoption of new norm-deviant organizational practices: Evidence from the Japanese banking industry, 1983–2005
Authors: Edman Jesper , Makarevich Alex
Published: March 2020

We examine the effect of status entrenchment on the adoption of new norm-deviant organizational practices. Identifying organizational age and status mobility as factors affecting entrenchment, we extend the middle-status conformity theory by explicating how entrenchment moderates the relationship between status and adoption. Using original data from the Japanese loan syndication market, we show that young and new-in-status banks have a lower propensity to follow status-based adoption behavior than actors entrenched in the same status positions. We discuss implication of these results for the understanding of new practice adoption and organizational status effects.
Dietary nitrate supplementation effect on dynamic cerebral autoregulation in normoxia and acute hypoxia
Authors: Horiuchi Masahiro , Rossetti Gabriella MK , Oliver Samuel J
Published: March 2020

We tested the hypothesis that increasing the nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability by dietary nitrate would recover the hypoxia-induced reduction in dynamic cerebral autoregulation (CA). Twelve healthy males (age 21 ± 2 years) completed four days of dietary supplementation with a placebo or inorganic nitrate drink (140-ml beetroot juice per day) followed by 60-min of normoxia or hypoxia (fraction of inspired oxygen [FiO2] = 13%). Duplex ultrasonography was used to perform volumetric change-based assessment of dynamic CA in the internal carotid artery (ICA). Dynamic CA was assessed by rate of regulation (RoR) of vascular conductance using the thigh-cuff method. Four days of beetroot supplementation increased circulating nitrate by 208 [171,245] μM (mean difference [95% confidence interval]) compared with placebo. Dynamic CA was lower in hypoxia than normoxia (RoR Δ−0.085 [−0.116, −0.054]). Compared with placebo, nitrate did not alter dynamic CA in normoxia (RoR Δ−0.022 [−0.060, 0.016]) or hypoxia (RoR Δ0.017 [−0.019, 0.053]). Further, nitrate did not affect ICA vessel diameter, blood velocity or flow in either normoxia or hypoxia. Increased bioavailability of NO through dietary nitrate supplementation did not recover the hypoxia-induced reduction in dynamic CA. This suggests the mechanism of hypoxia-induced reduction in dynamic CA does not relate to the availability of NO.
Sodium butyrate attenuated neuronal apoptosis via GPR41/Gβγ/PI3K/Akt pathway after MCAO in rats
Authors: Zhou Zhenhua , Xu Ningbo , Matei Nathanael , McBride Devin W , Ding Yan , Liang Hui , Tang Jiping , Zhang John H
Published: March 2020

Sodium butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, is predominantly produced by gut microbiota fermentation of dietary fiber and serves as an important neuromodulator in the central nervous system. Recent experimental evidence has suggested that sodium butyrate may be an endogenous ligand for two orphan G protein-coupled receptors, GPR41 and GP43, which regulate apoptosis and inflammation in ischemia-related pathologies, including stroke. In the present study, we evaluated the potential efficacy and mechanism of action of short-chain fatty acids in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Fatty acids were intranasally administered 1 h post MCAO. Short-chain fatty acids, especially sodium butyrate, reduced infarct volume and improved neurological function at 24 and 72 h after MCAO. At 24 h, the effects of MCAO, increased apoptosis, were ameliorated after treatment with sodium butyrate, which increased the expressions of GPR41, PI3K and phosphorylated Akt. To confirm these mechanistic links and characterize the GPR active subunit, PC12 cells were subjected to oxygen–glucose deprivation and reoxygenation, and pharmacological and siRNA interventions were used to reverse efficacy. Taken together, intranasal administration of sodium butyrate activated PI3K/Akt via GPR41/Gβγ and attenuated neuronal apoptosis after MCAO.
Sampling Methods
Authors: Berndt Andrea E.
Published: March 2020

Knowledge of sampling methods is essential to design quality research. Critical questions are provided to help researchers choose a sampling method. This article reviews probability and non-probability sampling methods, lists and defines specific sampling techniques, and provides pros and cons for consideration. In addition, issues related to sampling methods are described to highlight potential problems.
Experimental research on the deep-hole boring of pure niobium tube
Authors: Han Xiaolan , Liu Zhanfeng , Feng Yazhou
Published: March 2020

In the deep-hole boring process on pure niobium tube, there exist some problems including serious tool wear, tough chips, and poor surface quality. In order to bore high-quality deep holes on rolled niobium tube, the cutting tool structure and boring process parameters suitable for machining rolled niobium tube were designed and two experimental schemes were proposed. The results showed that the geometric parameters of the cutting tool and process parameters have important influences on the tool wear, chip morphologies, hole-axis deflection, and hole surface roughness. By adjusting the geometric parameters of the cutting tool and boring process parameters, reasonable geometric parameters of the cutting tool and boring process parameters were obtained.
An experimental study for effect factors of the roller tappet induced impact noise in high-pressure fuel system of GDi engine
Authors: Shen Hui-Min , Tang Pei , Lian Chong , Hu Liangliang , Wei Shuang
Published: March 2020

With the wide application of gasoline direct injection system, its noise problem is becoming increasingly prominent under serious competitive environment. As the primary noise source of the engine in idle condition, the significant noise generated by the low-to-high pressure transmission part of high-pressure fuel pump becomes more and more serious. This paper focuses on the driving component of high-pressure fuel pump, the roller tappet, and experimentally studies effect factors of impact noise induced by it at engine idle. Both the impact occurrence time and position are analyzed from the combined vibration acceleration and crankshaft/camshaft rotation angle signals in the time domain according to the structure and kinematic mechanism of the roller tappet. The influences of the axial clearance between roller and tappet shell, the engine rotation speed and the lubrication conditions are investigated by experiments. The experimental results show that the lubrication is the primary factor for the roller tappet induced impact noise reduction. A significant improvement about 83% can be achieved under pressure lubrication.
Protective effects of lycopene on hippocampal neurotoxicity and memory impairment induced by bisphenol A in rats
Authors: El Morsy EM , Ahmed MAE
Published: March 2020

Bisphenol A (BPA) is used to produce polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins which are used in many consumer products. Most people encounter BPA in their daily routines. However, it has been heavily reported that BPA has a neurotoxic effect. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of lycopene on cognitive deficits induced by a high dose of BPA focusing on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and memory retrieval in adult male rats. Therefore, 72 rats were divided into four groups: control group, BPA group (50 mg/kg body weight (bw)) 3 days a week for 42 days, lycopene group (10 mg/kg bw) daily for 42 days, and lycopene + BPA group. Concurrent treatment of lycopene with BPA improved the learning and cognition memory in Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests along with an increase in acetylcholine esterase activity as well as inhibition of oxidative stress by restoring reduced glutathione and suppressing malondialdehyde hippocampal level to their normal levels. Mechanistically, lycopene upregulated the protein expression of tyrosine receptor kinase B, which resulted in an upsurge in its downstream cascades MAPK/ERK1/2/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway in the hippocampus of BPA-intoxicated rats. Furthermore, concurrent treatment of lycopene with BPA prevented apoptosis by marked decrease in Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) gene expression and caspase 3 activity while restoring B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) gene expression. In conclusion, the present study provided evidence that lycopene exerted a neuroprotective effect against BPA intoxication in hippocampi of rats via its antioxidant properties, activation of MAPK/ERK pathway, and inhibiting a neuronal apoptosis which reflected on improving the learning and cognition memory.
‘Can I take a look at your phone?’: Police powers to search mobile phones
Authors: Bradfield Rebecca
Published: March 2020

This article examines whether there is sufficient clarity around the power of police officers to search a person’s mobile phone without a warrant and whether further legislative protections are needed. It examines the law in different Australian jurisdictions and argues that the law is uncertain and that greater clarity and safeguards are required to set the appropriate boundaries for the exercise of police powers to ensure that the rights of individuals are adequately protected.
Evaluation of handling, storage, and disposal practices of oral anticancer medications among cancer patients and their caregivers at home setting in the Princess Noorah Oncology Center
Authors: Algethami Ashwag A , Alshamrani Majed A , AlHarbi Atika M , AlAzmi Aeshah A , Khan Mansoor A , AlHadidi Rawad A
Published: March 2020

Backgroud:

Oral medications are commonly prescribed for many cancer patients. Unfortunately, most of them are dispensed without proper counseling about handling practices. We aimed to evaluate the handling, storage, and disposal practices of oral anticancer medications among cancer patients and their caregivers at home.

Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire was filled in by adult cancer patients or caregivers who received oral anticancers and/or visited an outpatient pharmacy over two months.

Results

A total of 201 participants were interviewed, 67% were female, and nearly 44% were between 40 and 60 years of age. The majority of participants were educated (78%). The top five medications involved were: tamoxifen, capecitabine, letrozole, dasatinib, and imatinib. More than 95% of participants reported that medications were kept away from children and pets in the original container and stored away from extreme heat, cold, and humidity. Hand washing and wearing gloves were not consistently practiced. Only 5% reported “Always” wearing gloves, while 24% reported “Always” washing hands after handling anticancer medications. The participants reported that they had been informed about safe handling and storage by their physician (39%) and pharmacist (25%), while 34% had not been informed. In terms of disposal practices, 66% of patients have not had any unused or expired medications, 29% disposed them in the trash, and 27% returned them.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that patients and caregivers’ handling practices of oral anticancer medications are inconsistent with the published recommendations. Hence, appropriate and comprehensive education is needed to mitigate the risk of exposure to these agents in the home setting.
Genre instruction, textual borrowing, and foreign language writing: Graduate teaching assistant perspectives and practices
Authors: Allen Heather Willis , Paesani Kate
Published: March 2020

Although writing plays a significant role in communication, 21st century literacies and academic foreign language learning, little research has investigated approaches to and instructional practices of writing in foreign language (FL) contexts. To address this gap, the current study explores how postsecondary FL teachers conceptualize writing instruction and apply their conceptual knowledge in the classroom. Using a sociocultural theory perspective, this qualitative study focuses on genre-based writing instruction and the teaching of textual borrowing among three graduate teaching assistants in a lower-level French as a FL course. Findings, based on analysis of classroom observations, teaching materials, and interviews, demonstrate that participants’ conceptualizations and implementation of textual borrowing were emergent, variable, and influenced by their everyday understandings and experiences of writing. These findings suggest several implications for FL writing instruction and teacher professional development and lay the groundwork for future investigations into how writing pedagogy is implemented in postsecondary FL programs.
New Insights on Psychological Factors for the Development of Women Entrepreneurs in Indonesia
Authors: Riantoputra Corina D. , Muis Ismarli
Published: March 2020

The Problem

Despite efforts to develop women entrepreneurs in Indonesia, the majority of them are unable to grow their businesses. The literature suggests that cultural factors (i.e., non-egalitarian sex roles) may limit the actualization of psychological factors that are critical for their successes.

The Solution

To investigate the motivation, challenges, and opportunities facing women entrepreneurs in Indonesia, this article focused on (a) characteristics of women entrepreneurs based on their motives: necessity- versus growth-oriented, and (b) psychological factors that influence their success. Focusing on micro and small enterprises, we collected data from 200 (87 necessity-oriented, and 113 growth-oriented) women entrepreneurs in Indonesia. The study findings demonstrate that the success of women entrepreneurs in Indonesia is associated with their identity conflict (i.e., induced by non-egalitarian sex-role culture), passion, and future time orientation, all of which interplay differently for necessity- and growth-oriented women entrepreneurs.

The Stakeholders

This article is important for scholars, practitioners, and government officers in a non-egalitarian sex-role country like Indonesia. It informs involved stakeholders of the specific aspects that need to be considered in coaching and leadership training for women entrepreneurs who are managing micro and small enterprises.
Randomized Feasibility Study of Meditative Practices in Hospitalized Cancer Patients
Authors: Narayanan Santhosshi , Reddy Akhila , Lopez Gabriel , Liu Wenli , Wu Jimin , Liu Diane , Manzano Joana , Williams Janet L. , Mallaiah Smitha , George Marina , Amaram Jaya , Subramaniam Balachandar , Cohen Lorenzo , Bruera Eduardo
Published: March 2020

Introduction: There is limited research regarding the benefits of mind-body practices such as meditation in hospitalized patients with an active diagnosis of any cancer type. Methods: We conducted a prospective, randomized, clinical trial (NCT03445572) comparing 2 meditative practices—Isha Kriya (IK) and meditative slow breathing (MSB)—versus wait-list controls in hospitalized cancer patients. Our aim was to determine the feasibility of meditation practice in cancer inpatients. Feasibility was defined as recruitment of more than 50% of the eligible patients approached and at least 60% of the patients having meditated at least 4 days by day 7. Acceptability was assessed on day 7 as a positive response on at least 2 questions on the modified Global Symptom Evaluation (GSE) scale. Results: Forty patients (39% of the eligible patients approached) consented to participate in the study and were randomly assigned to the MSB (n = 13), IK (n = 14), or wait-list (n = 13) groups. Of the 27 patients assigned to receive MSB and IK meditations, day 7 data were available for 18 patients. Fifteen of the 18 patients meditated at least once in the first 7 days, and most (12/15) responded positively on the GSE. Conclusion: Both IK and MSB meditations were acceptable among the hospitalized cancer patients. Feasibility for enrollment and practice was likely not achieved due to limited uninterrupted time for daily meditation, high levels of morbidity in some participants, and limited research staff support. Shorter term outcomes should be explored in future meditation studies involving hospitalized cancer patients.
Exploration of baseline patient-reported side effect bother from cancer therapy
Authors: Roydhouse Jessica K , King-Kallimanis Bellinda L , Roy Pourab , Weinstock Chana , Krol Danielle , Daniels Selena R , Suzman Daniel L , Beaver Julia A , Kluetz Paul G
Published: March 2020

Background:

Patient reports of expected treatment side effects are increasingly collected as part of the assessment of patient experience in clinical trials. A global side effect item that is patient-reported has the potential to inform overall tolerability. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the completion and distribution of such a global single-item measure of side effect burden in five cancer clinical trials.

Methods:

Data from five trials from internal Food and Drug Administration databases that included the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General single-item measure of overall side effect burden (i.e. impact on degree of bother) were analyzed. Completion rates for the side effect bother item, items adjacent to this item, and two non-adjacent items on the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General that are related to health-related quality of life were calculated at the baseline assessment and at the 3-month assessment. To evaluate the distribution, the percentage of patients reporting high levels (quite a bit or very much bother) of side effect bother at baseline and 3 months was assessed.

Results:

Completion rates for all items were at least 80% regardless of time point or trial population. However, in three of the five trials, completion rates for the side effect bother item were lower at baseline compared to adjacent and non-adjacent items. This difference was not observed at 3 months. Up to 9.4% of patients reported high levels of side effect bother at baseline.

Conclusion:

Patients may enter trials already reporting some bother from side effects. This can make interpretation of results with respect to the investigational agent under study challenging. Patients may skip an item evaluating side effect bother at baseline, suggesting some difficulty with interpretation of what is being asked. Further study of the wording and utility of a baseline side effect bother assessment is warranted.
Lonely, Poor, and Ugly? How Cultural Practices and Forms of Capital Relate to Physical Unattractiveness
Authors: Schneickert Christian , Steckermeier Leonie C. , Brand Lisa-Marie
Published: March 2020

Physical attractiveness is increasingly framed as a meritocratic good that involves individual benefits, such as higher wages or success in the partner market. Investing in one’s physical appearance is thereby seen as a means to increase one’s human capital. While the positive effects are well documented, its counterpart, the dark side of physical appearance, has received much less attention from social science research. This article sheds light on the negative effects of physical appearance using a theoretical framework based on the cultural sociology of Bourdieu, integrating both structure and agency perspectives. Using data from the German General Social Survey (ALLBUS) from 2014, we demonstrate that unattractiveness is socially stratified by economic, cultural, and social capital. The article highlights the relevance of cultural factors (e.g. forms of cultural capital and cultural practices) for the analysis of the interplay between physical appearance and stratification as well as the relevance of physical appearance for cultural sociology.
A Comparison of Patient and Surgeon Expectations of Spine Surgical Outcomes
Authors: Aoude Ahmed , Litowski Madison , Aldebeyan Sultan , Fisher Charles , Hall Hamilton , Manson Neil , Bailey Christopher S. , Ahn Henry , Abraham Edward , Nataraj Andrew , Paquet Jerome , Stratton Alexandra , Christie Sean , Cadotte David , Nicholls Fred , Soroceanu Alex , Rampersaud Y. Raja , Thomas Kenneth C.
Published: March 2020

Study Design:

Ambispective cohort study.

Objective:

Limited data exists comparing surgeon and patient expectations of outcome following spine surgery. The objective of this study was to elicit whether any differences exist between patient and surgeon expectations for common spine surgeries.

Methods:

Ten common age-appropriate clinical scenarios were generated and sent to Canadian spine surgeons to determine surgeon expectations for standard spine surgeries. Patients in the Canadian Spine Outcomes and Research Network (CSORN) registry matching the clinical scenarios were identified. Aggregated patient expectations were compared with surgeon responses for each scenario. A χ2 analysis was then completed to determine discrepancies between surgeon and patient expectations for each scenario.

Results:

A total of 51 Canadian spine surgeons completed the survey on surgical expectations. A total of 919 patients from multiple centers were identified within the CSORN database that matched the clinical scenarios. Our results demonstrated that patients tend to be more optimistic about the expected outcomes of surgery compared with the treating surgeon. The majority of patients in all clinical scenarios anticipated improvement in back or neck pain after surgery, which differed from surgeon expectations. Results also highlighted the effect of patient age on both patient and surgeon expectations. Discrepancies between patient and surgeon expectations were higher for older patients.

Conclusion:

We present data on patient and surgeon expectations for spine surgeries and show that differences exist particularly concerning the improvement of neck or back pain. Patient age plays a role in the agreement between the treating physicians and patients in regard to surgical expectations. The reasons for the discrepancies remain unclear.
The role of power in community participation: Relocation as climate change adaptation in Fiji
Authors: Bertana Amanda
Published: March 2020

As the impacts of climate change intensify, potential relocation is becoming more of a reality for coastal communities throughout the world. This is furthering the demand for the implementation of governance relocation frameworks. In order to stay true to the principles of environmental justice while at the same time ensuring an effective policy that meets the needs and wants of affected communities, an adaptive relocation framework requires collaboration between state and non-state actors. It is thus important to pay attention to how non-state actors are incorporated into public participatory climate change adaptation efforts. In order to affectively address previous limitations of public participation, stakeholders must pay attention to already existing power systems. Through a case study approach of a village relocation project in Fiji, I examine the role of power in a climate change adaptation plan that involved the community of Vunidogoloa, local government, and national government stakeholders. I employ Steven Lukes’s three-dimensional framework of power to the case of Vunidogoloa, a Fijian village that relocated inland due to coastal erosion and shoreline flooding, to illustrate how the political arrangement of participation reinforced existing hierarchies between the village and the government.
Tracing CLL-biased stereotyped immunoglobulin gene rearrangements in normal B cell subsets using a high-throughput immunogenetic approach
Authors: Colombo Monica , Bagnara Davide , Reverberi Daniele , Matis Serena , Cardillo Martina , Massara Rosanna , Mastracci Luca , Ravetti Jean Louis , Agnelli Luca , Neri Antonino , Mazzocco Michela , Squillario Margherita , Mazzarello Andrea Nicola , Cutrona Giovanna , Agathangelidis Andreas , Stamatopoulos Kostas , Ferrarini Manlio , Fais Franco
Published: March 2020

Background

B cell receptor Immunoglobulin (BcR IG) repertoire of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is characterized by the expression of quasi-identical BcR IG. These are observed in approximately 30% of patients, defined as stereotyped receptors and subdivided into subsets based on specific VH CDR3 aa motifs and phylogenetically related IGHV genes. Although relevant to CLL ontogeny, the distribution of CLL-biased stereotyped immunoglobulin rearrangements (CBS-IG) in normal B cells has not been so far specifically addressed using modern sequencing technologies. Here, we have investigated the presence of CBS-IG in splenic B cell subpopulations (s-BCS) and in CD5+ and CD5− B cells from the spleen and peripheral blood (PB).

Methods

Fractionation of splenic B cells into 9 different B cell subsets and that of spleen and PB into CD5+ and CD5− cells were carried out by FACS sorting. cDNA sequences of BcR IG gene rearrangements were obtained by NGS. Identification of amino acidic motifs typical of CLL stereotyped subsets was carried out on IGHV1-carrying gene sequences and statistical evaluation has been subsequently performed to assess stereotypes distribution.

Results

CBS-IG represented the 0.26% average of IGHV1 genes expressing sequences, were detected in all of the BCS investigated. CBS-IG were more abundant in splenic and circulating CD5+ B (0.57%) cells compared to CD5− B cells (0.17%). In all instances, most CBS IG did not exhibit somatic hypermutation similar to CLL stereotyped receptors. However, compared to CLL, they exhibited a different CLL subset distribution and a broader utilization of the genes of the IGHV1 family.

Conclusions

CBS-IG receptors appear to represent a part of the “public” BcR repertoire in normal B cells. This repertoire is observed in all BCS excluding the hypothesis that CLL stereotyped BcR accumulate in a specific B cell subset, potentially capable of originating a leukemic clone. The different relative representation of CBS-IG in normal B cell subgroups suggests the requirement for additional selective processes before a full transformation into CLL is achieved.
Slower, shorter, sadder: a qualitative study exploring how dog walks change when the canine participant develops osteoarthritis
Authors: Belshaw Zoe , Dean Rachel , Asher Lucy
Published: March 2020

Background

Dog walking may have multiple physical and mental health advantages, but not all dog owners appear to benefit. Dog health is a described barrier to dog walking activity, but specific causes and impacts of reduced exercise in owners of dogs with health problems have not previously been reported. The current study used a qualitative methodology to explore the impact of canine osteoarthritis on dog walking activity.

Methods

Owners of dogs with osteoarthritis living in the United Kingdom (UK) were recruited through veterinary practices for semi-structured interview about life with an osteoarthritic dog. Participants were asked to reflect on walks that they had taken with their dog before he/she developed osteoarthritis, and to describe how those walks had changed. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to construct key themes.

Results

Forty owners of 35 osteoarthritic dogs were interviewed. Prior to their dog’s development of osteoarthritis, dog walking distance, speed and location were usually decided by the owner to satisfy the needs and enjoyment of dog and walker. A diagnosis of canine osteoarthritis led to both dogs and their owners altering the walks undertaken. Walks were typically slower, shorter and limited to locations where physical infrastructure, underfoot surface and gradients were perceived by the owner to be navigable by their dog. Most owners did not go on additional walks without their dog due to feelings of guilt and because walking without a dog was less enjoyable. Many owners described negative effects on their own physical health and diminished enjoyment of walking as a result of their dog’s condition.

Conclusion

Our research suggests that osteoarthritic dogs may reduce the walking exercise their owners are able or willing to undertake. Since osteoarthritis is a common condition in older dogs, this is an important finding for those advocating dog ownership as a positive public health intervention. Strategies may be needed to ensure that owners of dogs that develop physical incapacities can continue to enjoy the health benefits they previously associated with dog walking. Future studies investigating dog walking activity should ensure that the health status of the dog has been considered.
Ascarid infection in wild Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) in China
Authors: Peng Zhi-wei , Ning Yao , Liu Dan , Sun Ying , Wang Li-xin , Zhai Qi-an , Hou Zhi-jun , Chai Hong-liang , Jiang Guang-shun
Published: March 2020

Background

Wild Amur tigers are a sparsely populated species, and the conservation of this species is of great concern worldwide, but as an important health risk factor, parasite infection in them is not fully understanding.

Results

In this study, sixty-two faecal samples were collected to investigate the frequency and infection intensity ofToxocara catiandToxascaris leoninain wild Amur tigers. TheT. catiandT. leoninaeggs were preliminary identified by microscopy, and confirmed by molecular techniques. Infection intensity was determined by the modified McMaster technique. Phylogenetic trees demonstrated thatT. catiof wild Amur tiger had a closer relationship with which of other wild felines than that of domestic cats.T. leoninaof Amur tiger and other felines clustered into one clade, showing a closer relationship than canines. The average frequency ofT. catiwas 77.42% (48/62), and the frequency in 2016 (100%) were higher than those in 2013 (P = 0.051, < 0.1; 66.6%) and 2014 (P = 0.079, < 0.1; 72.2%). The infection intensity ofT. catiranged from 316.6 n/g to 1084.1 n/g. ForT. leonina, only three samples presented eggs when the saturated sodium chloride floating method was performed, indicating that the frequency is 4.83% (3/62). Unfortunately, the egg number in faecal smears is lower than the detective limitation, so the infection intensity ofT. leoninais missed.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that ascarids are broadly prevalent, andT. catiis a dominant parasite species in the wild Amur tiger population.