bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating Tumor Cells Exhibit Metastatic Tropism and Reveal Brain Metastasis Drivers
Authors: Klotz Remi , Thomas Amal , Teng Teng , Han Sung Min , Iriondo Oihana , Li Lin , Restrepo-Vassalli Sara , Wang Alan , Izadian Negeen , MacKay Matthew , Moon Byoung-San , Liu Kevin J. , Ganesan Sathish Kumar , Lee Grace , Kang Diane S. , Walmsley Charlotte S. , Pinto Christopher , Press Michael F. , Lu Wange , Lu Janice , Juric Dejan , Bardia Aditya , Hicks James , Salhia Bodour , Attenello Frank , Smith Andrew D. , Yu Min
Published: October 2019

Hematogenous metastasis is initiated by a subset of circulating tumor cells (CTC) shed from primary or metastatic tumors into the blood circulation. Thus, CTCs provide a unique patient biopsy resource to decipher the cellular subpopulations that initiate metastasis and their molecular properties. However, one crucial question is whether CTCs derived and expanded ex vivo from patients recapitulate human metastatic disease in an animal model. Here, we show that CTC lines established from patients with breast cancer are capable of generating metastases in mice with a pattern recapitulating most major organs from corresponding patients. Genome-wide sequencing analyses of metastatic variants identified semaphorin 4D as a regulator of tumor cell transmigration through the blood–brain barrier and MYC as a crucial regulator for the adaptation of disseminated tumor cells to the activated brain microenvironment. These data provide the direct experimental evidence of the promising role of CTCs as a prognostic factor for site-specific metastasis.

Significance:

Interests abound in gaining new knowledge of the physiopathology of brain metastasis. In a direct metastatic tropism analysis, we demonstrated that ex vivo–cultured CTCs from 4 patients with breast cancer showed organotropism, revealing molecular features that allow a subset of CTCs to enter and grow in the brain.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1
Activation During Sinus Rhythm in Ventricles With Healed Infarction
Authors: Rottmann Markus , Kleber Andre G. , Barkagan Michael , Sroubek Jakub , Leshem Eran , Shapira-Daniels Ayelet , Buxton Alfred E. , Anter Elad
Published: October 2019

Background:

In infarct-related ventricular tachycardia (VT), the circuit often corresponds to a location characterized by activation slowing during sinus rhythm (SR). However, the relationship between activation slowing during SR and vulnerability for reentry and correlation to components of the VT circuit are unknown. This study examined the relationship between activation slowing during SR and vulnerability for reentry and correlated these areas with components of the circuit.

Methods:

In a porcine model of healed infarction, the spatial distribution of endocardial activation velocity was compared between SR and VT. Isthmus sites were defined using activation and entrainment mapping as areas exhibiting diastolic activity within the circuit while bystanders were defined as areas displaying diastolic activity outside the circuit.

Results:

Of 15 swine, 9 had inducible VT (5.2±3.0 per animal) while in 6 swine VT could not be induced despite stimulation from 4 RV and LV sites at 2 drive trains with 6 extra-stimuli down to refractoriness. Infarcts with VT had a greater magnitude of activation slowing during SR. A minimal endocardial activation velocity cutoff ≤0.1 m/s differentiated inducible from noninducible infarctions (
P
=0.015). Regions of maximal endocardial slowing during SR corresponded to the VT isthmus (area under curve=0.84 95% CI, 0.78–0.90) while bystander sites exhibited near-normal activation during SR. VT circuits were complex with 41.7% exhibiting discontinuous propagation with intramural bridges of slow conduction and delayed quasi-simultaneous endocardial activation. Regions forming the VT isthmus borders had faster activation during SR while regions forming the inner isthmus were activated faster during VT.

Conclusions:

Endocardial activation slowing during SR may differentiate infarctions vulnerable for VT from those less vulnerable for VT. Sites of slow activation during SR correspond to sites forming the VT isthmus but not to bystander sites.
Caveolae‐Mediated Activation of Mechanosensitive Chloride Channels in Pulmonary Veins Triggers Atrial Arrhythmogenesis
Authors: Egorov Yuriy V. , Lang Di , Tyan Leonid , Turner Daniel , Lim Evi , Piro Zachary D. , Hernandez Jonathan J. , Lodin Rylie , Wang Rose , Schmuck Eric G. , Raval Amish N. , Ralphe Carter J. , Kamp Timothy J. , Rosenshtraukh Leonid V. , Glukhov Alexey V.
Published: October 2019

Background

Atrial fibrillation often occurs in the setting of hypertension and associated atrial dilation with pathologically increased cardiomyocyte stretch. In the setting of atrial dilation, mechanoelectric feedback has been linked to the development of ectopic beats that trigger paroxysmal atrial fibrillation mainly originating from pulmonary veins (
PVs
). However, the precise mechanisms remain poorly understood.

Methods and Results

We identify mechanosensitive, swelling‐activated chloride ion channels (

I
C

l,swell
) as a crucial component of the caveolar mechanosensitive complex in rat and human cardiomyocytes. In vitro optical mapping of rat
PV
, single rat
PV
, and human cardiomyocyte patch clamp studies showed that stretch‐induced activation of
I
Cl,swell
leads to membrane depolarization and decreased action potential amplitude, which trigger conduction discontinuities and both ectopic and reentrant activities within the
PV
. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, and coimmunoprecipitation studies showed that
I
Cl,swell
likely consists of at least 2 components produced by mechanosensitive ClC‐3 (chloride channel‐3) and
SWELL
1 (also known as LRRC8A [leucine rich repeat containing protein 8A]) chloride channels, which form a macromolecular complex with caveolar scaffolding protein Cav3 (caveolin 3). Downregulation of Cav3 protein expression and disruption of caveolae structures during chronic hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats facilitates activation of
I
Cl,swell
and increases
PV
sensitivity to stretch 10‐ to 50‐fold, promoting the development of atrial fibrillation.

Conclusions

Our findings identify caveolae‐mediated activation of mechanosensitive
I
Cl,swell
as a critical cause of
PV
ectopic beats that can initiate atrial arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation. This mechanism is exacerbated in the setting of chronically elevated blood pressures.
Causal Effect of Lp(a) [Lipoprotein(a)] Level on Ischemic Stroke and Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Pan Yuesong , Li Hao , Wang Yilong , Meng Xia , Wang Yongjun
Published: October 2019

Background and Purpose—

Stroke and Alzheimer disease are 2 major causes of neurological disability in aged people and shared overlapping predictors. In recent prospective studies, high Lp(a) [lipoprotein(a)] level is associated with high risk of stroke but low risk of Alzheimer disease. Whether this reflects a causal association remains to be established. The aim of this study is to examine the causal associations of Lp(a) concentrations on ischemic stroke, ischemic stroke subtypes, and Alzheimer disease.

Methods—

We used 9 single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with Lp(a) concentrations as instrumental variables. Summary-level data on ischemic stroke and its subtypes were obtained from the Multiancestry Genome-Wide Association Study of Stroke consortium with European individuals ≤446 696 individuals. Summary-level data on Alzheimer disease were obtained from the International Genomics of Alzheimer Project With European individuals ≤54 162 individuals. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) estimates were calculated with inverse-variance weighted, penalized inverse-variance weighted, simple median, weighted median, and MR Pleiotropy Residual Sum and Outlier approaches, and MR-Egger regression was used to explore pleiotropy.

Results—

Genetically predicted 1-SD log-transformed increase in Lp(a) concentrations was associated with a substantial increase in risk of large artery stroke (odds ratio, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.11–1.30;
P
<0.001) and a reduce in risk of small vessel stroke (odds ratio, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.88–0.97;
P
=0.001) and Alzheimer disease (odds ratio, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.91–0.97;
P
<0.001) using inverse-variance weighted method. No significant association was observed for total ischemic stroke or cardioembolic stroke. MR-Egger indicated no evidence of pleiotropic bias. Results were broadly consistent in sensitivity analyses using penalized inverse-variance weighted, simple median, weighted median, and MR Pleiotropy Residual Sum and Outlier approaches accounting for potential genetic pleiotropy or outliers.

Conclusions—

This study provides evidence to support that high Lp(a) concentrations was causally associated with an increased risk of large artery stroke but a decreased risk of small vessel stroke and Alzheimer disease. The mechanism underlying the double-edged sword effect of Lp(a) concentrations on neurological system requires further investigation.
Institutions of International Law: How International Law Secures Orderliness in International Affairs
Authors: Roeben Volker
Published: October 2019

This article is a plea for adopting a reinvigorated, analytic perspective on contemporary international law, building on MacCormick’s powerful insights into law’s essential structure. The article proposes that international law as whole forms an institutional normative order. The idea of institutional normative order has certain conditions. These link a normative conception of international law with the means of achieving it. The article makes three arguments on these conditions. It first argues that the function of international law is to create order in the sense of orderliness for its principal users, States and international organizations. It then claims that international law establishes normative order through international rules that are binding from the viewpoint of States and international organizations. An international process of rule-making embedded in State practice turns norms into such rules. The process is being held as a bindingness-creating mechanism because it formalizes rules through recognized means and organizes collective consent to authorize them. States and international organizations then apply these rules by exercising international legal powers under a defeasible presumption of legality. Third, the article argues that this normative order becomes institutionalized. The institutions of international law are grounded in ideas about agencies, arrangements, and master-norms that integrate the mass of international rules and principles. The article exemplifies these arguments for UN-driven international law with the relating recent jurisprudence of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) and Annex vii tribunals, and the Court of Justice of the European Union. The upshot of this idea of international law as institutional normative order is unity, or indeed a system. No part of international law can be seen outside of this context and hence the burden of argumentation is on those wishing to make the case for divergence.
The Institutional and Constitutional Aspects of the Arab Maghreb Union and the Dispute on Western Sahara as an Obstacle: What Role does the European Union Play in Promoting Maghreb Regional Integration?
Authors: Almosly Mohamed Riyad M.
Published: October 2019

The current era is witnessing a proliferation of challenges of a transnational character that do not recognize the geographical limits of sovereign States, such as human traficking and pollution. Therefore, States have to establish new regional cooperative methods to find effective solutions for these challenges. Although the Maghreb States (i.e. Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia) have been suffering from the negative impacts of such challenges over the last few decades, they have not yet created an effective regional cooperative framework. In this respect, since its establishment in 1989 among the Maghreb States, the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU, Union) has not been successful in stimulating Maghreb regional integration. The current study addresses a topic that has not yet been fully exploited by legal studies in the English language. It examines, first, the genesis and institutional structure of the AMU as well as the constitutional aspects of the 1989 AMU Treaty; second, the role of the EU’s multilateral and bilateral instruments in promoting Maghreb regional integration; and third, the dispute on Western Sahara between Morocco and the Polisario Front and its effect on Maghreb regional integration. The article concludes that Maghreb regional integration has so far failed due to the institutional and constitutional limits of the AMU Treaty and the political division among the Maghreb States resulting from the Western Sahara conflict. In addition, the EU so far has not followed a consistent and single approach in promoting the Maghreb integration nor did it play any role in solving the dispute on Western Sahara.
Catherine II’s Anglophilia and Lord Cathcart’s “Extraordinary Embassy” in St. Petersburg, 1768–1772
Authors: Smilianskaia Elena Borisovna
Published: October 2019

Looking at eighteenth-century relations between Russia and the West through the prism of diplomatic culture and rituals, this article concentrates on a “happy period” in Anglo-Russian contacts in 1768–1772, when Sir Charles Cathcart was dispatched to St. Petersburg to negotiate a treaty between the British and Russian Empires. The article argues that close relations between Great Britain and Russia at that time influenced ceremonial practices, individual contacts, and the transfer of the British culture to the Russian court. Study of the Cathcart’s archive points to the peculiar character of his mission – to the leading role that he, as British ambassador, played among diplomats in Russia; to the role of his wife, who became the first ambassadrice officially presented to Catherine ii; to their residence, which they transformed into an exemplar of “British taste” in St. Petersburg. The Cathcart case study opens up new perspectives on the diplomats in the Age of the Enlightenment.
Income Inequality and Food Insecurity in Russia
Authors: Remington Thomas F.
Published: October 2019

The transition in Russia to a partially market-driven economy has failed to produce sustained and broad-based economic growth. The gains of economic growth are concentrated at the top of the income distribution, leaving a sizable part of the population trapped in conditions of low incomes. While abject poverty has largely been eliminated, around 40% of the population struggle to purchase more than basic consumer necessities. Spending on food occupies nearly half of household budgets for the lowest income decile. State social spending, which constitutes an increasing share of total income, is relatively non-progressive. Most is not means-based, but preserves the categorical benefits structure of the Soviet era. A combination of the bureaucratic-authoritarian institutional framework for decision-making and the strongly rent-based relationship between economic and political elites, severely limits policy options.
Lactarius brunneocinnamomeus, a new species of Lactarius subgenus Russularia from West Bengal, India

Authors: PALOI SOUMITRA , VERBEKEN ANNEMIEKE , ACHARYA KRISHNENDU
Published: October 2019

Lactarius brunneocinnamomeus found in Shorea robusta (‎Dipterocarpaceae) dominated forest, is proposed as a new species. The species belongs to L. subg. Russularia, sect. Russularia. It is easily recognized by a light brown to orange brown pileus with concentric zones, milky white latex and a palisade to trichopalisade as a pileipellis. Its phylogenetic position inside the genus is based on the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. A complete description, drawings and photographs of the new species are provided. The new species is compared with morphologically similar and phylogenetically allied species.
Ascomycetes (Fungi) from the relic forest of Fagus grandifolia subsp. mexicana in eastern Mexico

Authors: RAYMUNDO TANIA , VALENZUELA RICARDO , GARCÍA-MARTÍNEZ YENITZE , BRAVO-ÁLVAREZ MARCO ANTONIO , RAMÍREZ-MARTÍNEZ JULIO CÉSAR , BAUTISTA-HERNÁNDEZ SILVIA , PALACIOS-PACHECO MAURICIO , LUNA-VEGA ISOLDA
Published: October 2019

An intensive recollection of Ascomycetes was carried out within the best-known preserved Mexican tropical montane cloud forest patch dominated by Fagus grandifolia subsp. mexicana. This relict tree species has a fragmented and restricted distribution in the mountains of eastern Mexico. Other Mexican endemic Fagaceae species show dominance in this forest patch. Historically, records of Ascomycetes fungi in this type of forest are scarce. The present study found 170 specimens belonging to 61 species, of which 30 are new records for the state, while 10 species are cited for the first time in the country. Most of the recorded Ascomycetes species are intimately associated to Fagaceae tree species (Fagus and Quercus). From these, many are endophytes belonging to the Order Xylariales, while others grow on decaying wood, fallen branches, leaves and/or litter (possibly mycorrhizal). This interesting close relationship between fungi and Fagaceae trees must be studied and analyzed.
Mechanisms Reducing ENSO Amplitude and Asymmetry via an Enhanced Seasonal Cycle in the Mid-Holocene
Authors: Iwakiri Tomoki , Watanabe Masahiro
Published: October 2019

Paleo proxy records have suggested that El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability during the mid-Holocene [8200 to 4200 years ago (8.2–4.2 ka)] was weaker than during the instrumental periods, but the mechanisms remain unclear. We examined processes of ENSO suppression using a coupled general circulation model (CGCM) that simulates ENSO amplitude and skewness under the present climate reasonably well. Two long simulations were performed: one using the preindustrial condition (CTRL) and the other using the 8-ka insolation having a greater seasonal cycle (MH8K). Consistent with proxy records and previous modeling studies, the ENSO amplitude weakened by 20% in MH8K compared to CTRL, mainly because of reduced thermocline feedback during the mature and decay phases. The weak thermocline feedback, likely a result of the loose equatorial thermocline in the mid-Holocene, suppresses the occurrence of extreme El Niño events and consequently explains the reduction in both ENSO amplitude and asymmetry. In MH8K, strengthened trade winds over the western-central Pacific Ocean act to cool the surface via evaporation while warmer water in the southern subtropical Pacific is transported beneath the equatorial thermocline, both contributing to diffuse the thermocline. Multimodel simulations for the mid-Holocene showed mean state changes and ENSO weakening similar to MH8K, but most models did not show reduced ENSO skewness, probably because of the failure in reproducing extreme El Niño events under the present climate.
Cytomegalic Inclusion Disease of the Developing Fetus: A Potentially Preventable Cause of Congenital Mental Defect
Authors: Elliott G. B. , Elliott K. A.
Published: October 2019

Infection after infancy by salivary gland virus produces an apparently harmless salivary cytomegaly, Huge inclusion bodies develop which equal nuclei in size. Specific antibodies appear in the serum.

The infection is a serious risk to the fetus when transmitted during early pregnancy, despite lack of clinical illness shown by the mother. Actively growing fetal tissues, especially those of brain and liver, show necrosis without reaction which progresses silently for up to six months before birth. Shortly after bjrth, a characteristic clinical picture may supervene which imitates “erythroblastosis fetalis” or “neonatal hepatitis.” The concurrent brain injury has a highly characteristic periventricular location. Full cerebral development is blocked, leading to mental defect, spasticity, micro or obstructive-hydrocephaly, sometimes recognizable at birth.
Central Softening of the Cerebral Hemispheres in the Newborn: Its Possible Relation to Chronic Infantile Cystic Degeneration of the Cerebral White Matter
Authors: Young Ethel F. , Courville Cyril B.
Published: October 2019

This contribution on central softening of the cerebral hemispheres in the newborn seems to confirm that this type of lesion does occur in newborn infants. In none of the “primary” cases (those without obvious cause) was there any evidence of difficult labor. In the only two instances with thrombosis of any part of the internal venous system of Galen, the thrombosis was obviously due to dehydration and sepsis (marantic thrombosis). This series of cases suggests that focal central softenings in the newborn are the result either of asphyxia, when found within the first few days of life (“primary” type), or of an intracranial infection of suppurative type when found somewhat later (“secondary” type). The fact that such focal softenings of the cerebral centrum are almost invariably fatal within a short time raises grave doubt that they serve as a progenitor state to chronic cystic degeneration of the cerebral centrum of infancy.
Identification of power output of diesel engine by analysis of the vibration signal
Authors: Gao Zhilong , Jiang Zhinong , Zhang Jinjie
Published: October 2019

Power output is one of the main working parameters of a diesel engine, which not only reflects its dynamic performance but also acts as an important indicator of its operating state. At present, diesel engine power monitoring mainly depends on dynamometers, but most engines cannot be so equipped during operation. In addition, other techniques, such as in-cylinder pressure measurements used to gauge power output are invasive and have higher requirements for sealing and reliability. Therefore, it is important to study other means for achieving real-time monitoring of engine power that do not damage the engine. In this paper, we use the vibration acceleration of the combustion phase in the angle domain as the original signal to identify the output power. However, the signal contains many interference signals and must be pre-processed by purification techniques such as filtering, de-noising and empirical mode decomposition. Finally, the automatic identification of the power of a diesel engine is realized by means of inductive monitoring system algorithms. The test results show that the recognition accuracy under the five different working loads ranges between 83% and 95%, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The Role of Accompaniment Quality in Band Directors’ Evaluations of Solo Instrumental Performance
Authors: Silvey Brian A. , Springer D. Gregory
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this replication study was to examine the effects of accompaniment on evaluations of solo instrumental performances. Although previous findings have indicated that instrumental music education majors’ evaluations of soloists were not independent of accompaniment, it is unknown whether more experienced evaluators are similarly affected by accompaniment. In addition to using a new population (in-service band directors), we also extended the previous study by asking participants whether they believed their evaluations of a soloist were influenced by the accompaniment provided. Participants ( N = 58) listened to six excerpts of Haydn’s Concerto for Trumpet, which we created by pairing different recordings of solo trumpet performance (good or bad) with piano accompaniment (good, bad, or none). Participants evaluated the accuracy and expressivity of the soloist in each excerpt. Similar to the previous study, results indicated that participants discriminated between good and bad solo performances successfully, but a significant three-way interaction among solo, accompaniment, and order indicated that these differences were further influenced by the quality/presence of accompaniment and order. Most participants (72.4%) believed that their evaluations of the soloist were not influenced by the piano accompaniment, primarily because they were able to focus on the soloist or because they followed the instructions provided.
Research on monitoring method for thinning spinning process of the ultra-thin-walled cylinder based on the drum shape
Authors: Wen Xue , Tan Jian-ping , Liu Su-qi , Li Xin-he
Published: October 2019

In order to perceive the state of the process of reverse thinning spinning of the ultra-thin wall tube, a monitoring method based on drum shape is proposed. The method uses the non-uniform rational basis spline curve fitting method based on the moving least squares method to reconstruct the outer contour data of the spinning zone collected by the line laser displacement sensor and extracts the outer contour curve of the drum zone according to the spinning characteristics. Then, the dynamic time warping algorithm is used to analyze the similarity between the current and previous drum curves in order to judge whether the current spinning state is abrupt or not. At the same time, the current spinning state is judged by combining the curvature comb of the drum curve, the number of convex areas of the drum curve, the drum ratio, and the drum change trend. Finally, the drum shape detection and the spinning condition monitoring experiments are carried out. The experimental results show that this method can obtain the outer contour shape of the drum section at one time, and the accuracy is 0.05 mm with respect to the measured value of the three coordinates. The method can realize the visual monitoring of the abrupt change of the spinning process by judging the similarity of the drum curve at the adjacent time under different spinning states. In the state of instability, the curvature comb of the drum curve is discontinuous, the curve is G0 continuous, the drum ratio exceeds the critical drum ratio 2.0, and there is more than one convex region, which realizes the monitoring of spinning state more accurately. The experimental results verify the correctness of the proposed method and prove that the method can be used as a new method to judge the stability of the ultra-thin-walled cylinder spinning process.
Central pattern generator–based coupling control method for synchronously controlling the two-degrees-of-freedom robot
Authors: Fu Qiang , Luo Tianhong , Pan Chunpeng , Wu Guoguo
Published: October 2019

Synchronous control is a fundamental and significant problem for controlling a multi-joint robot. In this article, by applying two coupled Rayleigh oscillators as the referred central pattern generator models for the two joints of a two-degrees-of-freedom robot, the central pattern generator–based coupling control method is proposed for controlling the two-degrees-of-freedom robot’s joints. On these bases, the co-simulation model of the two-degrees-of-freedom robot with the proposed central pattern generator–based coupling control method is established via ADAMS and MATLAB/Simulink, and the performance of the central pattern generator–based coupling control method on synchronizing two motions of two-degrees-of-freedom robot’s joints is numerically simulated. Furthermore, the experimental setup of a two-degrees-of-freedom robot is established based on the real-time simulations system via the proposed central pattern generator–based coupling control method. And experiments are carried out on the established setup. Simulations and experimental results show that the phase of the controlled two-degrees-of-freedom robot’s joints is mutual locked to other, and their motion pattern can be adjusted through the coupling parameter in the central pattern generator–based coupling control method. In conclusion, the proposed central pattern generator–based coupling control method can control the two-degrees-of-freedom robot’s joints to produce the coordinated motions and adjust the rhythmic pattern of the two-degrees-of-freedom robot.
A dynamic modeling approach for the winding spindle during start-up with a coupled flexible support system
Authors: Wang Yongxing , Zhang Lijun , Hou Xi , Yan Jiang , Li Shujia , Wang Shengze
Published: October 2019

A polyester filament winding spindle is the most complex winding rotor system, due to its high speed, heavy load, and frequency-dependent parameters; furthermore, the spindle's rotating speed constantly changes and it is continually crossing the critical speed points. This paper presents an approach to establish the finite element model of the winding spindle to predict its dynamic behavior characteristics during start-up. Firstly, three finite element models of the discrete single component were developed based on the Timoshenko beam theory. The bending, transverse shear effect, and gyroscopic moment were considered in these models. The flexible supporting system, which consists of a deep groove ball bearing and several rubber O-rings, is simplified by a nonlinear spring and damper. Its frequency-dependent dynamic supporting parameters are identified by experiment. Secondly, a fully dynamic model of the polyester winding spindle system, which consists of the cantilever supporting arm, shaft, and sleeve, as well as the flexible and rigid coupling elements, was established. Thirdly, the Newmark method was used to develop a program for solving the dynamic equations of the spindle system in MATLAB®. Based on the model of the spindle system and the computation program, the effects of the supporting stiffness, damping, and start-up time on the spindle's unbalanced response were investigated. The results indicate that the model of the spindle system presented in this paper is suitable for the prediction of the dynamic performance during its start-up.
The Church as Family
Authors: Brandner Tobias
Published: October 2019

This article discusses the significance and impact of the family as an ecclesiological metaphor in the Chinese context. It describes how a specific Confucian understanding of the family shapes congregational life. It argues that, while the metaphor of the family is a possible obstacle in ecumenical church relations, it has also significantly contributed to the growth of Christianity in China.
The relation between religiosity dimensions and support for interreligious conflict in Indonesia
Authors: Setiawan Tery , De Jong Edwin BP , Scheepers Peer LH , Sterkens Carl JA
Published: October 2019

In this study, we explain differences in support for interreligious lawful and violent protests against the religious outgroup. Combining religiosity and social identity approaches, we take three dimensions of religiosity (namely, practices, beliefs and salience) into consideration related to support for interreligious conflict, next to relevant control characteristics. The analysis is based on survey data ( N = 2026) collected among a random sample of Muslims ( n = 1451) and Christians ( n = 575) across the Indonesian archipelago. Our findings show that members of the Muslim community are, on average, more inclined to support interreligious conflict, both lawful and violent protests. Participation in rites of passage is a crucial aspect of religious practices found to be positively related to both kinds of protest. Religious beliefs show great importance but vary in their influence: particularistic views and intratextual fundamentalism are related to support for lawful protest, whereas religiocentrism is related to support both for lawful and violent protests. In contrast, salience reduces support for violent protest. As such, the findings offer a differentiated way to understand present-day interreligious conflicts among the general population in Indonesia.
Entanglements of Time, Temperature, Technology, and Place in Ancient DNA Research: The Case of the Denisovan Hominin
Authors: Oikkonen Venla
Published: October 2019

The study of ancient DNA (aDNA) has gained increasing attention in science and society as a tool for tracing hominin evolution. While aDNA research overlaps with the history of population genetics, it embodies a specific configuration of technology, temporality, temperature, and place that, this article suggests, cannot be fully unpacked with existing science and technology studies approaches to population genetics. This article explores this configuration through the 2010 discovery of the Denisovan hominin based on aDNA retrieved from a finger bone and tooth in Siberia. The analysis explores how the Denisovan was enacted as a technoscientific object through the cool and even temperatures of Denisova Cave, assumptions about the connection between individual and population, the status of populations as evolutionary entities, and underlying colonialist and imperialist imaginaries of Siberia and Melanesia. The analysis sheds light on how aDNA research is changing the parameters within which evolutionary history is imagined and conceptualized. Through the case study, it also outlines some ways in which the specific technoscientific and cultural entanglements of aDNA can be critically explored.
Improving Attitudes to Volunteering Among Older Adults: A Randomized Trial Approach
Authors: Jongenelis Michelle I. , Jackson Ben , Warburton Jeni , Newton Robert U. , Pettigrew Simone
Published: October 2019

Promoting engagement in formal volunteering represents a potential means of facilitating healthy aging. Given reluctance to participate in volunteering has been partially attributed to negative perceptions of various aspects of this activity, this study assessed whether trialing volunteering can improve perceptions among older people. Using a parallel-group design, Australians aged 60+ years ( n = 445) were randomly assigned to one of two conditions, one in which they were encouraged to trial volunteering and one in which they were asked to continue their usual activities. Perceptions and attitudes among those in the volunteering condition became significantly more favorable over 6 months relative to those in the control condition, with this change predicted by several aspects of the volunteering experience (e.g., acquisition of skills, increased social connectedness). Providing access to roles that cater to the learning and social needs of older adults appears to be important for improving attitudes toward engaging in volunteer work.
Parasocial forgiveness: The roles of parasocial closeness and offense perceptions
Authors: Osterman Lindsey L. , Hecmanczuk Theresa A.
Published: October 2019

Recent research suggests that robust predictors of interpersonal forgiveness, such as relationship closeness and offense severity, also predict forgiveness of a parasocial target. We extend this work using an interpersonal forgiveness measure to examine forgiveness of parasocial targets as a function of parasocial closeness and offense perceptions. Across two studies, we found that pre-offense closeness was associated with greater forgiveness and current closeness, and that forgiveness significantly mediated the relationship between pre-offense and current closeness. In Study 2, we additionally found that perceptions of apology sincerity were associated with greater forgiveness and current parasocial closeness. Finally, we found that a brief measure of parasocial closeness was comparable to the Parasocial Interaction Scale in its associations with forgiveness and related outcomes. Implications regarding similarities and differences in interpersonal and parasocial forgiveness are discussed. Additionally, possible benefits of using of a brief, face-valid, and versatile set of items to assess parasocial closeness are suggested.
Action observation therapy in pediatric patients with neuromotor deficits of the upper limbs secondary to central nervous system tumors
Authors: Chisari Marco , Sensi Raffaella , Clerici Carlo Alfredo , Gariboldi Fulvia Angela , Spreafico Filippo , Biassoni Veronica , Schiavello Elisabetta , Gasparini Patrizia , Caraceni Augusto Tommaso , Ferrari Andrea , Massimino Maura
Published: October 2019

This study reports a case series of patients with upper limb neuromotor deficits following pediatric central nervous system tumor and treated with rehabilitative therapy according to action observation therapy (AOT). AOT is based on the “mirror neurons” system and had positive results in various non-oncologic neurologic pathologies. This study is the first experience in the oncology field, and included 6 patients, 4 of whom were fully evaluated at 6-month follow-up. In all patients, therapy showed improvement in all assessment tests. These promising results lead to further studies to confirm their effectiveness.
Two icebergs: Difference in feminist political economy
Authors: Collard Rosemary-Claire , Dempsey Jessica
Published: October 2019

In economic geography and beyond, a call for attention to difference or multiplicity – of logics, subjects, geographies – within capitalist and economic relations is often interpreted as a critique in the vein of JK Gibson-Graham: a call to explore capitalism’s alternatives, weaknesses – ‘cracks and fissures’. But there are feminist political economists for whom the multiplicity within and outside capitalism is a source of capitalism’s power; capitalism functions, accumulates and reproduces itself through heterogeneity. In this commentary, we focus on a particular underused theorist who exemplifies such an approach: Maria Mies. We put Mies in conversation with the much better-known Gibson-Graham via each of their depictions of economic relations as an iceberg. We consider each iceberg (and the understanding of capitalism they represent) in relation to capitalist natures scholarship in particular, drawing on our research on the production of emaciated caribou natures in Canada as a mini ‘field test’ for where the icebergs direct our analytical attention. We present these icebergs as a small step towards opening up a broader terrain of feminist theorisations of capitalism and difference than is sometimes recognised in economic geography and political ecology.
Headache due to spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid leak secondary to cerebrospinal fluid-venous fistula: Case series
Authors: Duvall Jaclyn R , Robertson Carrie E , Cutsforth-Gregory Jeremy K , Carr Carrie M , Atkinson John LD , Garza Ivan
Published: October 2019

Objective

Cerebrospinal fluid-venous fistula is an uncommon cause of spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid leak (SSCSFL). We aim to describe the clinical presentation, imaging evaluation, treatment and outcome of SSCSFL secondary to cerebrospinal fluid-venous fistula.

Methods

A retrospective review was undertaken of SSCSFL cases secondary to cerebrospinal fluid-venous fistula confirmed radiologically or intraoperatively, seen at our institution from January 1994 to March 2019. Cases with undetermined SSCSFL etiology, alternative etiology or unconfirmed fistula were excluded.

Results

Forty-four of 156 patients met the inclusion criteria (31 women, 13 men). Mean age of symptom onset was 52.6 years (SD 8.7, range 33–71 years). Headache was the presenting symptom in almost all, typically daily (69%), and most often in occipital/suboccipital regions. Headache character was most commonly pressure (38%), followed by throbbing/pulsing (21.4%). Orthostatic headache worsening occurred in 69% and an even greater percentage of patients (88%) reported Valsalva-induced headache exacerbation or precipitation. Headache occurred in isolation to Valsalva maneuvers in 12%. Of 37 patients with documented cerebrospinal fluid opening pressure, 13% were <6 cmH2O; 84%, 7–20 cmH2O; and one, 25 cmH2O. Fistulas were almost exclusively thoracic (95.5%). Only one patient responded definitively to epidural blood patch (EBP). Forty-two patients underwent surgery. Most improved following surgery; 48.7% were completely headache free and 26.8% had at least 50% improvement.

Conclusion

In our series, cerebrospinal fluid-venous fistula was associated with a greater occurrence of Valsalva-induced headache exacerbation or precipitation than orthostatic headache and did not respond to EBP. Surgery provided significant improvement. Cerebrospinal fluid-venous fistula should be considered early in the differential diagnosis of Valsalva-induced (“cough”) headache.
Comparative study on the pyrolysis kinetics of polyurethane foam from waste refrigerators
Authors: Yao Zhitong , Yu Shaoqi , Su Weiping , Wu Weihong , Tang Junhong , Qi Wei
Published: October 2019

Thermal treatment offers advantages of significant volume reduction and energy recovery for the polyurethane foam from waste refrigerators. In this work, the pyrolysis kinetics of polyurethane foam was investigated using the model-fitting, model-free and distributed activation energy model methods. The thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the polyurethane foam decomposition could be divided into three stages with temperatures of 38°C–400°C, 400°C–550°C and 550°C–1000°C. Peak temperatures for the major decomposition stage (<400°C) were determined as 324°C, 342°C and 344°C for heating rates of 5, 15 and 25 K min-1, respectively. The activation energy ( Eα) from the Friedman, Flynn–Wall–Ozawa and Tang methods increased with degree of conversion ( α) in the range of 0.05 to 0.5. The coefficients from the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa method were larger and the resulted Eα values fell into the range of 163.980–328.190 kJ mol-1 with an average of 206.099 kJ mol-1. For the Coats–Redfern method, the diffusion models offered higher coefficients, but the E values were smaller than that from the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa method. The Eα values derived from the distributed activation energy model method were determined as 163.536–334.231 kJ mol-1, with an average of 206.799 kJ mol-1. The peak of activation energy distribution curve was located at 205.929 kJ mol-1, consistent with the thermogravimetric results. The Flynn–Wall–Ozawa and distributed activation energy model methods were more reliable for describing the polyurethane foam pyrolysis process.
Congenital Cardiothoracic Surgeons and Palliative Care: A National Survey Study
Authors: Morell Emily , Thompson Jess , Rajagopal Satish , Blume Elizabeth D. , May Rachna
Published: October 2019

Background:

The majority of children with advanced heart disease in the inpatient setting die in an intensive care unit under 1 year of age following multiple interventions. While pediatric cardiology and palliative care provider attitudes have been described, little is known about pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon attitudes toward palliative care in children with advanced heart disease.

Objective:

To describe perspectives of pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons regarding palliative care in pediatric heart disease.

Design:

Cross-sectional web-based national survey.

Results:

Of the 220 surgeons who were e-mailed the survey, 36 opened the survey and 5 did not meet inclusion criteria (n = 31). Median years of practice was 23.5 (range: 12-41 years), and 87.1% were male. Almost all (90%) reported that they had experience consulting palliative care. While 68% felt palliative care consultation was initiated at the appropriate time, 29% felt it occurred too late. When asked the appropriate timing for palliative care consultation in hypoplastic left heart syndrome, 45% selected “at time of prenatal diagnosis” and 30% selected “when surgical and transcatheter options have been exhausted.” Common barriers to palliative care involvement included the perception of “giving up” (40%) and concern for undermining parental hope (36%).

Conclusions:

While a majority of pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons are familiar with palliative care, there is variation in perception of appropriate timing of consultation. Significant barriers to consultation still exist, including concern that parents will think they are “giving” up, undermining parental hope, and influence of palliative care on the medical care team’s approach.
Analyzing Citizen Participation and Engagement in European Smart Cities
Authors: Cortés-Cediel María E. , Cantador Iván , Bolívar Manuel Pedro Rodríguez
Published: October 2019

With the advent of smart cities (SCs), governance has been placed at the core of the debate on how to create public value and achieve a high quality of life in urban environments. In particular, given that public value is rooted in democratic theory and new technologies that promote networking spaces have emerged, citizen participation represents one of the principal instruments to make government open and close to the citizenry needs. Participation in urban governance has undergone a great development: from the first postmodernist ideals of countering expert dominance to today’s focus on learning and social innovation, where citizen participation is conceptualized as co-creation and co-production. Despite this development, there is a lack of research to know how this new governance context is taking place in the SC arena. Addressing this situation, in this article, we present an exhaustive survey of the research literature and a deep study of the experience in participative initiatives followed by SCs in Europe. Through an analysis of 149 SC initiatives from 76 European cities, we provide interesting insights about how participatory models have been introduced in the different areas and dimensions of the cities, how citizen engagement is promoted in SC initiatives, and whether the so-called creative SCs are those with a higher number of projects governed in a participatory way.
Charting a new path toward economic prosperity: Comparing policies for higher education hubs in Hong Kong and South Korea
Authors: Beecher Bradley , Streitwieser Bernhard , Zhou Joy
Published: October 2019

This article presents a comparative analysis of national policies, implementation strategies, and regional and global aspirations to establish education hubs in Hong Kong and South Korea. The authors argue that existing definitions of education hubs do not yet sufficiently consider whether a hub’s orientation is global or regional and how its funding sources direct its mission and vision. The authors first review current definitions of education hubs and then use Ranga and Etzkowitz’s Triple Helix conceptual framework to analyze Hong Kong and South Korea’s national policies and their hubs’ distinct vision, goals, strategies, rationales, and major stakeholders. The article concludes with an updated definition for education hubs which is inclusive of purpose, mission, role in the knowledge economy, and relationships between key stakeholders, including government, higher education institutions, and industry. This research identifies key indicators of a successful hub and provides additional necessary insights for policy makers working to develop future education hubs.
Writing, archives and exhibits: Piloting partnerships between special collections and writing classes
Authors: Crowe Katherine , Gilmor Robert , Macey Rebecca
Published: October 2019

The University of Denver (DU) Libraries has been producing exhibitions for close to a decade and has recently increased its efforts to partner with classes, campus units and community organizations to integrate exhibit practices and resources into curricular and co-curricular opportunities. Student- and class-curated exhibitions feature prominently in the DU Libraries’ strategic plan, and the long-term partnerships between the Libraries and the DU Writing Program are central to the library’s agenda. Through an interdisciplinary lens of critical information literacy, archival theory, museology and Writing Studies, this article explores the 5-year collaboration and exhibition project between DU Special Collections and Archives and a faculty member of the DU Writing Program. The authors cover the background of the partnership, the evolution of the instructive and creative elements of the course, with a particular focus on the integration of archival research and exhibition practice, and examples of various iterations of the student-curated exhibits produced as part of the coursework. The article concludes with a discussion of the cross-disciplinary outcomes and challenges of initiating and managing a collaborative university writing and research course incorporating archives and exhibition in an academic library in the United States.