bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LRP1 Deficiency in Vascular SMC Leads to Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension That Is Reversed by PPARγ Activation
Authors: Calvier Laurent , Boucher Philippe , Herz Joachim , Hansmann Georg
Published: April 2019

Rationale:

Arterial remodeling—a hallmark of many cardiovascular pathologies including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)—is regulated by TGFβ1 (transforming growth factor-β1)–TGFβ receptors and the antagonistic, vasoprotective BMPR2 (bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2)–PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ) axis. However, it is unclear which factors drive detrimental TGFβ1 pathways in the hypertensive pulmonary vasculature.

Objective:

We hypothesized that LRP1 (low-density lipoprotein receptor–related protein 1) expression is decreased in PAH, leading to enhancement (disinhibition) of TGFβ1 signals and that the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone can restore vascular homeostasis and prevent PAH resulting from LRP1 deletion in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs).

Methods and Results:

Targeted deletion of LRP1 in vascular SMC (smLRP1
−/−
) in mice disinhibited TGFβ1–CTGF (connective tissue growth factor) signaling, leading to spontaneous PAH and distal pulmonary arterial muscularization as assessed by closed-chest cardiac catheterization and anti-αSMA staining. Pioglitazone inhibited the canonical TGFβ1–CTGF axis in human pulmonary artery SMC and smLRP1
−/−
main pulmonary artery (CTGF and NOX4) and reversed PAH in smLRP1
−/−
mice. TGFβ1 boosted pSmad3 in PASMC from smLRP1
−/−
mice versus controls. Pioglitazone-activated PPARγ binds to Smad3 in human pulmonary artery SMC (coimmunoprecipitation), thereby blocking its phosphorylation and overriding LRP1 deficiency. Finally, mRNA and protein expression of LRP1 was decreased in pulmonary plexiform lesions of patients with end-stage idiopathic PAH (laser capture microdissection, qPCR, and immunohistochemistry). Downregulation of LRP1 protein was also demonstrated in explanted PASMC from patients with PAH and accompanied by enhanced TGFβ1–pSmad3–CTGF signaling and increased TGFβ1–induced PASMC proliferation that was prevented by pioglitazone.

Conclusions:

Here, we identify LRP1 as an integrator of TGFβ1–mediated mechanisms that regulate vascular remodeling in mice and clinical PAH and PPARγ as a therapeutic target that controls canonical TGFβ1 pathways. Hence, pharmacologic PPARγ activation represents a promising new therapy for patients with PAH who lack the vasoprotective LRP1 in vascular SMC.
Nexus of Mobility
Authors: Kwee (郭慧娟) Hui Kian
Published: April 2019

In historical studies of Chinese diaspora, an increasing focus is currently being placed on Chinese “organizational genius,” that is, Chinese are said to have been adept at providing mutual aid and promoting economic ventures overseas, and also effective in governing their own internal affairs and fending off racial discrimination in the age of Euro-American imperialism. This paper examines Chinese migration to West Borneo in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. It argues that Chinese social imaginaries and organizational forms ultimately relied on two cardinal institutions: the Chinese deity cults and ancestral cults, with their associated rituals. By studying an early case of Chinese migration to Southeast Asia, this paper hopes to lay a foundation for comparative research on similar organizations developed by Fujian and Guangdong people in Taiwan, China and other parts of the world; and argues that the nexus of Chinese mobility and Chinese people’s relatively successful economic achievements should be located in these symbolic institutions.
Becoming a Rooted Cosmopolitan? The Case Study of 1.5 Generation New Chinese Migrants in New Zealand
Authors: Wang (王炳钰) Bingyu
Published: April 2019

Drawing on qualitative research with 45 Chinese 1.5 generation migrants in New Zealand, this paper examines how migration processes intersect with cosmopolitan manifestations at an everyday level. Theoretically, it takes shape within a growing body of literature on cosmopolitanism that provides new insights into understanding migration and mobilities. Empirically, it is situated within the context of a growing trend of Chinese migration to New Zealand, a country experiencing increasing ethnic diversity. Employing the concept of “rooted cosmopolitanism,” the paper explores how different degrees of a sense of rootedness interrelate with the strength of cosmopolitan openness to cultural others, as displayed in daily interactions. It demonstrates that rootedness and cosmopolitan openness are not mutually exclusive, but simultaneously coexist and even mutually strengthen each other. It argues that the process of becoming a rooted cosmopolitan is not straightforward but demands constant work to strategically negotiate the interacting dynamics between openness and its seeming counter-discourse–rootedness.
Pilgrims, Prostitutes, and Ritual Seks
Authors: Gottowik Volker
Published: April 2019

The general fixation on globally spreading forms of Islam and other religions (agama) has contributed to an undervaluing of the current and parallel boom in local, often heterodox ritual practices (adat). These ritual practices include forms of pilgrimage that encourage the performance of a sexual act on the tombs of saints, which is regarded as conducive to the redemption of the wishes and hopes associated with such a pilgrimage. The possible sexual partners involved in ritual seks (ritual sex) include not only husband and wife, but also other pilgrims to whom one is not married; even prostitutes are regarded as completely legitimate partners. For a number of years, pilgrimage sites known for this remarkable conjunction of religion and sexuality have been experiencing an unprecedented boom, in sharp contrast to the often diagnosed Islamization of Indonesian society. Against this background, this article examines the media discourses that are controversially related to ritual seks and supports the thesis that the current religious boom (‘religionization’) not only involves globalized Islam, but all religious forms, even the deviant.
Character state variation within Dendrothrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) with a revision of the species from China
Authors: WANG ZHAOHONG , MOUND LAURENCE A. , TONG XIAOLI
Published: April 2019

Character state variation among species within Dendrothrips Uzel is discussed, with seven species-groups suggested based on sculpture of body and fore wing surface. Sexual dimorphism in pronotal sculpture and posteroangular setae is described in D. magnoliae. The major host plants of several species are indicated, and the wide distribution across Asia of some species emphasised. Species of Dendrothrips from China are reviewed, D. octosparsus sp. n. is described from Oleaceae, and a key presented to the ten species from China. Two species previously known only from Japan, D. magnoliae Kudô and D. latimaculatus Nonaka & Okajima, are newly recorded from China along with the first description of their males. The male of D. homalii Zhang & Tong is described and illustrated. The record from China of D. mendax Bhatti is considered a misidentification of D. latimaculatus. D. schmiae Kudô is synonymized with D. minowai Priesner.
Improved Parameterization of Ice Particle Size Distributions Using Uncorrelated Mass Spectrum Parameters: Results from GCPEx
Authors: Borque Paloma , Harnos Kirstin J. , Nesbitt Stephen W. , McFarquhar Greg M.
Published: April 2019

Satellite retrieval algorithms and model microphysical parameterizations require guidance from observations to improve the representation of ice-phase microphysical quantities and processes. Here, a parameterization for ice-phase particle size distributions (PSDs) is developed using in situ measurements of cloud microphysical properties collected during the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Cold-Season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx). This parameterization takes advantage of the relation between the gamma-shape parameter μ and the mass-weighted mean diameter Dm of the ice-phase PSD sampled during GCPEx. The retrieval of effective reflectivity Ze and ice water content (IWC) from the reconstructed PSD using the μ–Dm relationship was tested with independent measurements of Ze and IWC and overall leads to a mean error of 8% in both variables. This represents an improvement when compared with errors using the Field et al. parameterization of 10% in IWC and 37% in Ze. Current radar precipitation retrieval algorithms from GPM assume that the PSD follows a gamma distribution with μ = 3. This assumption leads to a mean overestimation of 5% in the retrieved Ze, whereas applying the μ–Dm relationship found here reduces this bias to an overestimation of less than 1%. Proper selection of the a and b coefficients in the mass–dimension relationship is also of crucial importance for retrievals. An inappropriate selection of a and b, even from values observed in previous studies in similar environments and cloud types, can lead to more than 100% bias in IWC and Ze for the ice-phase particles analyzed here.
Estimation of Snowfall Properties at a Mountainous Site in Norway Using Combined Radar and In Situ Microphysical Observations
Authors: Schirle Claire E. , Cooper Steven J. , Wolff Mareile Astrid , Pettersen Claire , Wood Norman B. , L’Ecuyer Tristan S. , Ilmo Trond , Nygård Knut
Published: April 2019

The ability of in situ snowflake microphysical observations to constrain estimates of surface snowfall accumulations derived from coincident, ground-based radar observations is explored. As part of the High-Latitude Measurement of Snowfall (HiLaMS) field campaign, a Micro Rain Radar (MRR), Precipitation Imaging Package (PIP), and Multi-Angle Snow Camera (MASC) were deployed to the Haukeliseter Test Site run by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute during winter 2016/17. This measurement site lies near an elevation of 1000 m in the mountains of southern Norway and houses a double-fence automated reference (DFAR) snow gauge and a comprehensive set of meteorological observations. MASC and PIP observations provided estimates of particle size distribution (PSD), fall speed, and habit. These properties were used as input for a snowfall retrieval algorithm using coincident MRR reflectivity measurements. Retrieved surface snowfall accumulations were evaluated against DFAR observations to quantify retrieval performance as a function of meteorological conditions for the Haukeliseter site. These analyses found differences of less than 10% between DFAR- and MRR-retrieved estimates over the field season when using either PIP or MASC observations for low wind “upslope” events. Larger biases of at least 50% were found for high wind “pulsed” events likely because of sampling limitations in the in situ observations used to constrain the retrieval. However, assumptions of MRR Doppler velocity for mean particle fall speed and a temperature-based PSD parameterization reduced this difference to +16% for the pulsed events. Although promising, these results ultimately depend upon selection of a snowflake particle model that is well matched to scene environmental conditions.
Updated List of Light-Sensitive Oral Medications
Authors: Perkins Scott , Evans Adam , King Allison
Published: April 2019

The Campbell University Drug Information Center supports health professionals by providing responses to drug-related inquiries. An inquiry was received by the Drug Information Center for a comprehensive list of oral solutions which should be protected from light. In investigating this request for information, a list of light-sensitive oral prescription drug products published in Hospital Pharmacy in 2009 was identified. This discovery highlighted the need for both an updated list and one which distinguished oral solid products and oral liquid products. The purpose of this project was to update the previously published list and to distinguish between oral solid and liquid dosage forms. The process of updating this list entailed several professional resources. A list of all oral products was obtained and then sorted to clearly identify which products were available in oral solid dosage form only, oral liquid dosage form only, and both dosage forms. Once delineated, the product labels for each medication were scoured for language indicating the product is light sensitive.
New Medications in the Treatment of Acute Migraine
Authors: Walker Scot
Published: April 2019

Migraine is a common disorder affecting 12% of the US population. Use of triptans results in migraine pain relief within 2 hours in 16% to 51% of patients. However, due to their vasoconstrictive properties, triptans are contraindicated in patients with cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and uncontrolled hypertension because of the potential for ischemia. This article will review 2 new classes of drugs being developed for the treatment of acute migraine without vasoconstrictive effects.
The Saliva Metabolome in Association to Oral Health Status
Authors: Liebsch C. , Pitchika V. , Pink C. , Samietz S. , Kastenmüller G. , Artati A. , Suhre K. , Adamski J. , Nauck M. , Völzke H. , Friedrich N. , Kocher T. , Holtfreter B. , Pietzner M.
Published: April 2019

Periodontitis is one of the most prevalent oral diseases worldwide and is caused by multifactorial interactions between host and oral bacteria. Altered cellular metabolism of host and microbes releases a number of intermediary end products known as metabolites. There is an increasing interest in identifying metabolites from oral fluids such as saliva to widen the understanding of the complex pathogenesis of periodontitis. It is believed that some metabolites might serve as indicators toward early detection and screening of periodontitis and perhaps even for monitoring its prognosis in the future. Because contemporary periodontal screening methods are deficient, there is an urgent need for novel approaches in periodontal screening procedures. To this end, we associated oral parameters (clinical attachment level, periodontal probing depth, supragingival plaque, supragingival calculus, number of missing teeth, and removable denture) with a large set of salivary metabolites ( n = 284) obtained by mass spectrometry among a subsample ( n = 909) of nondiabetic participants from the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-Trend-0). Linear regression analyses were performed in age-stratified groups and adjusted for potential confounders. A multifaceted image of associated metabolites ( n = 107) was revealed with considerable differences according to age groups. In the young (20 to 39 y) and middle-aged (40 to 59 y) groups, metabolites were predominantly associated with periodontal variables, whereas among the older subjects (≥60 y), tooth loss was strongly associated with metabolite levels. Metabolites associated with periodontal variables were clearly linked to tissue destruction, host defense mechanisms, and bacterial metabolism. Across all age groups, the bacterial metabolite phenylacetate was significantly associated with periodontal variables. Our results revealed alterations of the salivary metabolome in association with age and oral health status. Among our comprehensive panel of metabolites, periodontitis was significantly associated with the bacterial metabolite phenylacetate, a promising substance for further biomarker research.
Investigating the impact of teacher practices and noncognitive factors on mathematics achievement
Authors: Hann Tristan
Published: April 2019

It is with increasing importance that mathematics education research considers the role of noncognitive motivation variables alongside elements of the classroom context in investigations of student mathematics performance. This study uses a hierarchical linear modeling framework to predict mathematics achievement from three classroom variables, project-based learning, group collaboration, and student-driven curriculum, and two noncognitive factors, mathematics anxiety and mathematics self-concept, utilizing data from the 2012 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) United States sample. Findings suggest that mathematics classroom contexts that are student-driven and integrate project-based learning positively impact mathematics achievement, and that both mathematics anxiety and mathematics self-concept contribute significantly towards explaining variation in mathematics achievement after accounting for gender, race, socioeconomic status, truancy, and school-level poverty.
Journalism, solidarity and the civil sphere: The case of Charlie Hebdo
Authors: Luengo María , Ihlebæk Karoline Andrea
Published: April 2019

On 7 January 2015, Said and Chérif Kouachi assaulted the offices of the French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo, leaving 12 people dead. The terrorist attack soon became a highly symbolic event, reflecting the core struggle between free speech and religious values that escalated after the ‘cartoon crisis’ in 2005. In this article, we wish to explore media discourses in the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo attack in three European countries – Spain, Norway and the United Kingdom. In particular, we investigate if and how journalism performed their role as ‘vital centre’ in the ‘civil sphere’. We find that the patterns of in-group and out-group were carefully constructed to avoid polarization between ‘ordinary’ Muslims and the West in most newspapers. By doing so, most of the newspapers managed to work for the construction of an idealized civil sphere that exists beyond race, nationality or religion.
Real-time dynamics of soft and continuum robots based on Cosserat rod models
Authors: Till John , Aloi Vincent , Rucker Caleb
Published: April 2019

The dynamic equations of many continuum and soft robot designs can be succinctly formulated as a set of partial differential equations (PDEs) based on classical Cosserat rod theory, which includes bending, torsion, shear, and extension. In this work we present a numerical approach for forward dynamics simulation of Cosserat-based robot models in real time. The approach implicitly discretizes the time derivatives in the PDEs and then solves the resulting ordinary differential equation (ODE) boundary value problem (BVP) in arc length at each timestep. We show that this strategy can encompass a wide variety of robot models and numerical schemes in both time and space, with minimal symbolic manipulation required. Computational efficiency is gained owing to the stability of implicit methods at large timesteps, and implementation is relatively simple, which we demonstrate by providing a short MATLAB-coded example. We investigate and quantify the tradeoffs associated with several numerical subroutines, and we validate accuracy compared with dynamic rod data gathered with a high-speed camera system. To demonstrate the method’s application to continuum and soft robots, we derive several Cosserat-based dynamic models for robots using various actuation schemes (extensible rods, tendons, and fluidic chambers) and apply our approach to achieve real-time simulation in each case, with additional experimental validation on a tendon robot. Results show that these models capture several important phenomena, such as stability transitions and the effect of a compressible working fluid.
Altered spontaneous brain activity in retinal vein occlusion as determined by regional homogeneity: a resting-state fMRI study
Authors: Wen Si-Min , Min You-Lan , Yuan Qing , Li Biao , Lin Qi , Zhu Pei-Wen , Shi Wen-Qing , Shu Yong-Qiang , Shao Yi , Zhou Qiong
Published: April 2019

Background

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is among the commonest retinal vascular conditions that can cause severe visual loss. However, the relationship between RVO and altered spontaneous brain activity is still unknown.

Purpose

To apply regional homogeneity (ReHo) for the evaluation of abnormal brain activity in patients with RVO and explore the relationship between anomalous cerebral activity and behavioral manifestations.

Material and Methods

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) was performed in 26 patients with RVO (12 men, 14 women) and 24 healthy controls (12 men, 12 women) matched by age, sex, and education. ReHo was used to evaluate the local characteristics of spontaneous brain activity. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to classify RVO and healthy control characteristics. Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between the ReHo value of specific brain regions and clinical manifestations in RVO patients.

Results

ReHo values of the right posterior lobe of the cerebellum, fusiform gyrus, and right inferior temporal gyrus of patients with RVO were remarkably higher than those of controls (P < 0.05). ReHo values of the right cuneus in patients with RVO were significantly lower than those of controls (P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis of each brain region revealed a perfect accuracy of the areas under the curve (AUC). There was a negative correlation between the ReHo values of some regions and clinical manifestations.

Conclusion

RVO may cause dysfunction in many brain regions, which may help reveal the neural mechanisms underlying RVO.
Capacity Modeling of Weaving Areas on Urban Expressways with Exclusive Bus Lanes Based on Gap Acceptance Theory
Authors: Chen Xumei , Han Xiaomi , Jia Xianchao , Yu Lei , Wan Tao
Published: April 2019

Intense lane-changing maneuvers at weaving sections often cause traffic turbulence on expressways, especially in the presence of a concurrent medium exclusive bus lane (XBL) and general purpose lanes. Such intense lane-changing activity usually affects the operation and reduces the capacity of weaving sections in relation to their equivalent basic expressway segments. In this context, a study on the capacity model of weaving areas on an expressway with a median XBL is conducted based on the analysis of lane-change behaviors using gap acceptance theory. Two weaving sections on expressways with median XBL are selected as case studies to obtain the estimated capacity as well as the maximum traffic throughput under a certain bus saturation on the XBL. The results show that estimated capacity is larger than maximum traffic throughput because of low utilization rate of buses on the XBL, and capacity is significantly affected by weaving demand. Error measures based on the estimated and observed maximum traffic throughput are analyzed to verify the validity of the proposed model. A sensitivity analysis shows that, compared with the increase of on-ramp bus flow ratio, the increase of off-ramp bus flow ratio results in a more obvious trend of the reduction of capacity and maximum traffic throughput.
IP3R and RyR channels are involved in traffic-related PM2.5-induced disorders of calcium homeostasis
Authors: Zhao Huichao , Tong Guoqiang , Liu Jiejing , Wang Jing , Zhang Hongmei , Bai Jianying , Hou Lifang , Zhang Zhihong
Published: April 2019

Traffic-related PM2.5 can result in immune system damage and diseases; however, the possible mechanism of its effect remains unclear. Calcium (Ca2+) is a critical signaling molecule in a variety of cells. Indeed, Ca2+ is involved in numerous basic functions, including cell growth and death. In this study, Jurkat T cells were used to explore the possible mechanisms of PM2.5-elicited intracellular Ca2+signal responses. The results indicate that PM2.5 could raise the level of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). The [Ca2+]i in Jurkat T cells significantly decreased after treatment with heparin as an inhibitor of inositol trisphosphate receptors (IP3 R), or procaine as an inhibitor of ryanodine receptors (RyR). The expression of calmodulin (CAM) protein decreased in a time-dependent manner after exposure to PM2.5, whereas the activity of Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase seemed to show a slight drop trend after exposure to PM2.5. Our findings demonstrate that PM2.5 stimulation to Jurkat T cells would result in an increase in [Ca2+]i, which is modulated by IP3 R and RyR, as well as CAM.
Artificial neural network modeling for prediction of cutting forces in turning unreinforced and reinforced polyamide
Authors: Özden Gökçe , Mata Francisco , Öteyaka Mustafa Özgür
Published: April 2019

Cutting force measurement in manufacturing is very important to optimize the machining process. The parameters, such as the type of material, feed rate, cutting speed, and cutting tool, affect the cutting forces in the turning operation. In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) model is used to predict the cutting forces during the turning operation of unreinforced and reinforced polyamide (PA) with 30 v/v% carbon fibers using the cutting tools K15 and polycrystalline diamond (PCD). The cutting speed (50–200 m/min), feed rate (0.05–0.2 mm/rev), type of material, and cutting tools (K15 and PCD) are defined as input parameters of the system. The predicted values obtained from ANN model and experimental results are compared in terms of the coefficient of determination ( R2) and the mean absolute percentage error. The results of the model are in good agreement with the experimental data and show the effectiveness of the ANN method in predicting cutting forces in the turning operation of PA.
Vocational Psychology and the Future: The Role of Telepsychology in Shaping Research
Authors: Varghese Femina P. , Nolan Jon , Ali Saba Rasheed , Anderson Evan , Southerland Ryan
Published: April 2019

Vocational psychologists have predicted the utilization of telepsychology in career interventions, yet vocational research have not capitalized on this modality. The purpose of this article is to describe how telepsychology could be used effectively in vocational psychology research to expand the reach and application of the field’s scholarship to real-world practice. We discuss challenges and ethical issues of this modality and the limitations of vocational psychology scholarship. We argue that telepsychology can overcome current challenges in the field by allowing vocational psychology research to extend to underserved populations, to produce scholarship that might better fill the research to practice gap, and to have practical application to better meet the challenges of the rapidly transforming world of work. In this article, each of these research areas is explored and potential research questions are highlighted.
Design, analysis, and performance verification of a water jet thruster for amphibious jumping robot
Authors: Mo Jixue , Miao Zhihuai , Li Bing , Zhang Yunlu , Song Zhendong
Published: April 2019

In nature, certain aquatic animals and seabirds are capable of leaping from water surface and overcoming aquatic obstacles with ease. Inspired by that, researchers have developed various underwater robots, which can perform the aquatic jumping motion. Although there are several ways to achieve it, the water jet propulsion is the most appropriate approach for the amphibious jumping robot, which is under development. In this paper, a high-performance water jet thruster powered by liquid nitrogen is proposed to be the potential actuator for the amphibious jumping robot. The theoretical jumping model is built to optimize the initial volume fraction of water inside thruster and analyze its parameters' variation during water jet. Then the computational fluid dynamics simulations by ANSYS FLUENT software are carried out to analyze the self-pressurization process of liquid nitrogen as well as the water jet process. Finally, the proof-of-concept outdoor experiments present that the 3.7 kg thruster's maximum aquatic and terrestrial jumping heights are 25.1 m and 24.4 m, respectively. A simple heat transfer analysis between water and liquid nitrogen is also conducted, and the order of magnitude estimation of heat transfer coefficient is given to be 265W/ (m2·K) based on the experimental reaction time.
Effects of anisotropic composite skin on electrothermal anti-icing system
Authors: Shen Xiaobin , Liu Xiaochuan , Lin Guiping , Bu Xueqin , Wen Dongsheng
Published: April 2019

To study the effects of anisotropic thermal conductivity of composite aircraft skin on the heat transfer characteristics of electrothermal anti-icing system, the differential equation of anisotropic heat conduction was established using coordinate transformation of principal anisotropy axis. In addition, it was coupled with the heat and mass transfer model of the runback water film on the anti-icing surface to perform numerical simulation of the electrothermal anti-icing system. The temperature results of the vertical and cylindrical orthotropic thermal conduction in the rectangular and semi-cylindrical composite skin were consistent with those obtained by the traditional orthotropic model, which verified the anisotropic heat conduction model. The temperature distribution of anti-icing surface agreed well with the literature data, which validated the coupled heat and mass model of the runback water flow and the anisotropic skin. The anisotropic thermal conductivity of composite skin would make temperature change more gradual, and the effect was more significant where the curvature of the temperature curve was greater. However, the anti-icing surface of the electrothermal anti-icing system was slightly affected by the anisotropic heat conduction of the multilayered composite skin.
Nurses’ experiences of compassion when giving palliative care at home
Authors: Devik Siri Andreassen , Enmarker Ingela , Hellzen Ove
Published: April 2019

Background:

Compassion is seen as a core professional value in nursing and as essential in the effort of relieving suffering and promoting well-being in palliative care patients. Despite the advances in modern healthcare systems, there is a growing clinical and scientific concern that the value of compassion in palliative care is being less emphasised.

Objective:

This study aimed to explore nurses’ experiences of compassion when caring for palliative patients in home nursing care.

Design and participants:

A secondary qualitative analysis inspired by hermeneutic circling was performed on narrative interviews with 10 registered nurses recruited from municipal home nursing care facilities in Mid-Norway.

Ethical considerations:

The Norwegian Social Science Data Services granted permission for the study (No. 34299) and the re-use of the data.

Findings:

The compassionate experience was illuminated by one overarching theme: valuing caring interactions as positive, negative or neutral, which entailed three themes: (1) perceiving the patient’s plea, (2) interpreting feelings and (3) reasoning about accountability and action, with subsequent subthemes.

Discussion:

In contrast to most studies on compassion, our results highlight that a lack of compassion entails experiences of both negative and neutral content.

Conclusion:

The phenomenon of neutral caring interactions and lack of compassion demands further explorations from both a patient – and a nurse perspective.
Encouraging Students’ Pro-environmental Behaviour: Examining the Interplay Between Student Characteristics and the Situational Strength of Schools
Authors: Runhaar Piety , Wagenaar Klaartje , Wesselink Renate , Runhaar Hens
Published: April 2019

The goal of this article is to understand how the pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) of secondary school students can be encouraged. In an exploratory study, we examine to what extent pro-environmental cues—that is, ‘situational strength’ (Mischel, Psychological Review, 80(4):252, 1973)—were present in schools and whether students in ‘stronger’ situations reported higher levels of PEB than students in ‘weaker’ ones. Moreover, we examined relationships between student characteristics—gender, perceived behavioural control (PBC), pro-environmental attitudes (PEA) and intentions (Fishbein & Ajzen, Belief, attitudes, intention, and behavior. An introduction to theory and research. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley, 1975)—and their PEB. A sequential mixed method was used, utilizing data from three Dutch secondary schools. Survey data covering 179 students showed relationships among students’ gender, PEA and intentions, and PEB. Qualitative data—derived from semi-structured interviews with staff members, structured assignments for students and observations—showed differences in situational strength between the schools. Moreover, the data suggest an interplay between student characteristics and situational strength in affecting PEB.
A novel prediction of simulated fluid responsiveness by echocardiography assessment of tricuspid annulus tissue velocity with passive leg raising
Authors: Ünlüer Erden Erol , Karagöz Arif , Bayata Serdar , Çatalkaya Sibel , Bozdemir Hüseyin
Published: April 2019

Background:

Fluid responsiveness can be predicted by the effect of passive leg raising on cardiac output.

Objectives:

This research aimed to compare the changes in cardiac output and the peak systolic velocity values of Tricuspid annulus velocity at the free wall (S’) before and after passive leg raising in healthy volunteers.

Methods:

The study was approved by ethical commission. The desired sample size was 28, and 57 volunteers were included after they signed informed consent. The first measurements, including vital signs, S’, and cardiac output, were taken with the participants lying supine and were performed in the morning after 12 h fast. The participants were then asked to lie in a semirecumbent position for 3 min. After 3 min, the head of the bed was lowered to the supine position and the participants’ legs were elevated at 45°. Secondary measurements were repeated in this position. The differences between vital signs, cardiac output, and S’ measurements before and after passive leg raising were statistically compared. The level of significance was set as p < 0.05.

Results:

The mean values of cardiac output and S’ before passive leg raising was 9.59 L/min and 11.57 cm/s, respectively; however, those increased to 11.44 L/min and 13.72 cm/s after passive leg raising. The average increases were 16.17% for cardiac output and 15.67% for S’. The changes of cardiac output and S’ were statistically significant. The changes of vital signs before and after passive leg raising were statistically insignificant.

Conclusion:

This study has demonstrated the concordance of rise in cardiac output with S’ change by passive leg raising in healthy subjects. Further studies are needed to validate the use of S’ values in critically ill subjects.
Recurrent diclofenac-induced acute myocardial infarction: An interesting case with wandering ST-segment elevation
Authors: Özdemir Emre , Karakaya Zeynep , Karaca Mustafa , Topal Fatih , Payza Umut
Published: April 2019

Introduction:

Allergic acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation is rare, and vasoconstrictor mediators released from mast cells are responsible for its pathogenesis. Several medications have been reported to lead to acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation, as a part of systemic allergic reactions and this entity is known as Kounis syndrome (KS).

Case presentation:

We presented a patient with recurrent KS who had no allergic reactions, except coronary spasm after parenteral diclofenac administration. First, she experienced anterior myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation after administration of diclofenac 2 years ago. The second presentation was acute inferior-posterior myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation with atrioventricular complete block leading to cardiogenic shock. She had no significant coronary stenosis responsible for each myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation. However, she had a catheter-induced coronary spasm of non-dominant right coronary artery. She was considered to have a recurrent allergic myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation due to parenteral diclofenac usage and treated with a calcium antagonist, statin, and dual antiplatelet agent.

Discussion:

KS can manifest as same as acute coronary syndrome. All drugs or any allergen can cause this event.KS had three variants but In all three conditions, treatment is antithrombotic or vasodilatator regime.

Conclusion:

As atherosclerosis events on coronary, allergic coronary events also may recurs. However, unlike the literature, our case is differentiated by recurrence of similar events in different coronary vessels.
Engaging Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Families of Children with Disabilities
Authors: Gerzel-Short Lydia , Kiru Elisheba W. , Hsiao Yun-Ju , Hovey Katrina A. , Wei Yan , Miller Rhonda D.
Published: April 2019

Classrooms are increasingly more diverse, and student success can be enhanced through family engagement, especially for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students with disabilities. Too often teachers are stymied by how to engage CLD families of children with disabilities. Common practices of parent involvement are ineffective and fail to appreciate families as members of the educational team. Family engagement seeks to establish and maintain authentic family-school partnerships based on mutual respect and shared agency for student academic and social success. This column provides specific family engagement strategies that teachers and schools can implement in an effort to provide reciprocal collaboration.
The Role of Factor V Leiden, Prothrombin G20210A, and MTHFR C677T Mutations in Neonatal Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis
Authors: Garrido-Barbero Maria , Arnaez Juan , Loureiro Begoña , Arca Gemma , Agut Thais , Garcia-Alix Alfredo
Published: April 2019

Little is known about the pathogenesis of cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) in the neonate. Although thrombophilia has been described as increasing the risk of CSVT in adults, it remains controversial in pediatric patients, and prospective case–control studies regarding neonatal CSVT are lacking. From 2008 to 2017, all 26 consecutive newborn infants ≥35 weeks of gestation diagnosed with neonatal CSVT, and their mothers, were tested for factor V Leiden (FV) G1691A, FII G20210A, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T (MTHFR C677T) mutations. Eighty-five mother–infant pairs were recruited as controls. All infants except 1 with CSVT were suspected due to clinical symptoms, mainly seizures (22/25). Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 24/26 infants. Heterozygous FV G1691A, FII G20210A, and homozygous MTHFR C677T mutations were present in 1/26, 3/26, and 3/20 infants with CSVT, respectively. FII (odds ratio: 10.96; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-110.35) and male sex (3.93; 95% CI: 1.43-10.76) were associated with CSVT. When FII G20210A analysis was adjusted for sex, the OR for FII G20210A was 6.70 (95% CI: 0.65-69.22). No differences were found for FV G1691A or homozygous MTHFR mutations between neonates with CSVT and their mothers, compared to controls.
Helpful Ingredients in the Treatment of Long-Term Substance Use Disorders: A Collaborative Narrative Study
Authors: Pettersen Henning , Landheim Anne , Skeie Ivar , Biong Stian , Brodahl Morten , Benson Victoria , Davidson Larry
Published: April 2019

Relatively few individuals with a substance use disorder (SUD) seek or receive treatment, and knowledge about the effective ingredients in SUD treatment, from the perspective of those who receive it, is scarce. Our study purpose was to explore the experiences of those with long-term SUDs and the aspects they found helpful during treatment and long-term recovery. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 participants, each of whom had been diagnosed with a long-term SUD, and who had been abstinent for at least 5 years. A resource group of peer consultants in long-term recovery from SUDs contributed to study planning, preparation, and initial analyses. Participants preferred individualized, long-term treatment, and support from both therapists and other clients. They further acknowledged the importance of their own sense of responsibility for their treatment and recovery success. Greater focus should be placed on viewing long-term SUD as a long-term condition, similar to somatic diseases, and SUD treatment services should place greater emphasis on developing partnership care models, long-term monitoring and support, and actively engaging recovered clients in the care of others in SUD treatment.
Utilizing Multi-Theory Model in Determining Intentions to Smoking Cessation Among Smokers
Authors: Nahar Vinayak K , Wilkerson Amanda H , Patel Falguni C , Kim Richard W , Stephens Philip M , Sharma Manoj
Published: April 2019

Background:

Smoking is a risk factor for lung cancers, and a myriad of other acute and chronic ailments. The purpose of this study was to predict initiation and sustenance of smoking cessation among smokers using a fourth-generation behavioral framework, multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change.

Methods:

A convenience sample of smokers from a shopping mall in rural, Appalachian Kentucky county was invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. A 38-item, face and content validated, MTM-based survey instrument was administered to the participants.

Results:

A total of 148 participants completed the study. The mean age of the participants was 35.53 (SD = 14.52) years. Most were male (58.1%) and Caucasian (95.9%). Participants reported smoking for an average of 16.45 (SD = 13.12) years. Participatory dialogue (β = 0.235, P = .003) and behavioral confidence (β = 0.305, P = .005) were significant predictors of intention for initiation for smoking cessation behavior. Emotional transformation (β = 0.319, P = .001) was a significant predictor of intention for sustenance for smoking cessation behavior.

Discussion:

Two of the MTM constructs for initiation and one of the MTM constructs for sustenance of change accounted for a moderate amount of variance in initiation and sustenance of smoking cessation behavior among community members in a rural, Kentucky county. MTM has utility for predicting both initiation and sustenance of smoking cessation behavior. Future interventions using MTM constructs should be developed for smoking cessation behavior change.
The social spaces of hearing apps: problems, partners and intermediaries
Authors: Matthews Nicole , Boisvert Isabelle , McMahon Catherine , Lumby Catharine
Published: April 2019

This article offers an analysis of the development of three hearing and communication apps, drawing on interviews with people involved in their production. While a central figure in the media studies literature on apps is the self-managing individual health consumer, this article argues that physical and social environments and relationships within them are central to the way the hearing apps are produced, circulated and used. Often emerging from commercial start-ups, hearing apps become aligned with – or indeed stand in for – various kinds of governmental initiatives, not only in health but also in education and economic development. Partnerships between government, research and commercial organisations and the need to work through app intermediaries to find their end users shaped the way apps create recognisable ‘problems’ to address. This problematising function of apps and its impact on the uptake and use of apps are the key areas for future research.
Tribological behavior of various ceramic materials sliding against CF/PTFE/graphite-filled PEEK under seawater lubrication
Authors: Yin Fang-long , Ji Hui , Nie Song-lin
Published: April 2019

In order to select appropriate antifriction and wear resistance material combinations for key frictional pairs in seawater hydraulic components, tribological characteristics of SiC, Si3N4, Al2O3, and ZrO2 ceramics sliding against carbon fiber/polytetrafluoroethylene/graphite-filled polyetheretherketone composite lubricated with seawater were comparatively investigated with a ring-on-ring test rig. The results show that the nonoxide ceramics (Si3N4 and SiC), especially the Si3N4 ceramic, exhibited lower friction coefficients and smaller wear rates than those of oxide ceramics (Al2O3 and ZrO2). And the tribological behaviors of polyetheretherketone/Si3N4 tribopair under dry friction, pure water, and seawater lubrications are further comparatively studied to explore the effect of lubricating medium on the tribological characteristics of Si3N4 ceramic. It is found that the lubricating effect of SiO2 and Si(OH)4 films generated by tribo-chemical reaction between Si3N4 and water is the main factor for the relatively low friction coefficient and wear rate of polyetheretherketone/Si3N4 tribopair under aqueous lubrication. Under seawater lubrication, the Mg(OH)2 and CaCO3 deposition layers caused by the chemical reaction of Mg2+ and Ca2+ in seawater could inhibit the generation of SiO2 and Si(OH)4 films and increase the counterface roughness. As a result, the tribological behaviors of polyetheretherketone/Si3N4 tribopair are worse under seawater lubrication than that of pure water lubrication.
Towards an International Political Ergonomics
Authors: Austin Jonathan Luke
Published: April 2019

This article introduces International Political Ergonomics. International Political Ergonomics is a novel research programme focused on achieving political change through the ergonomic (re)design of world politics. The approach is grounded on a shift across International Relations which recognizes that its epistemic (i.e. knowledge-producing) core is often inadequate to achieve change. Insights from the practice turn and behaviouralist International Relations, as well as from philosophy, sociology and neuroscience, demonstrate that much international behaviour is driven by the ‘unconscious’ or ‘non-reflexive’ re-articulation of repertoires of actions even where the pathologies of this process are known. This implies that knowledge production and dissemination (i.e. to policymakers, global publics) is often unable to effect influence over social practices. What is thus required is a non-epistemic means of producing world political change. International Political Ergonomics is a research programme that takes up this task. It does so by describing how small material interventions into world politics can radically shift individual behaviours by encouraging greater rationality, reflexivity and deliberation. After laying out the theoretical basis for this claim, the article demonstrates it by detailing the application of International Political Ergonomics to violence-prevention efforts. The article concludes by reflecting on the radical implications that International Political Ergonomics has for the vocation of International Relations.
Fertility-Dependent Acoustic Variation in Women’s Voices Previously Shown to Affect Listener Physiology and Perception
Authors: Shoup-Knox Melanie L. , Ostrander Grant M. , Reimann Gabrielle E. , Pipitone R. Nathan
Published: April 2019

Previous research demonstrates that listeners perceive women’s voices as more attractive when recorded at high compared to low fertility phases of the menstrual cycle. This effect has been repeated with multiple voice recording samples, but one stimuli set has shown particularly robust replications. First collected by Pipitone and Gallup (2008), women were recorded counting from 1–10 on approximately the same day and time once a week for 4 weeks. Repeatedly, studies using these recordings have shown that naturally cycling women recorded at high fertility are rated as more attractive compared to voices of the same women at low fertility. Additionally, these stimuli have been shown to elicit autonomic nervous system arousal and precipitate a rise in testosterone levels among listeners. Although previous studies have examined the acoustic properties of voices across the menstrual cycle, they reach little consensus. The current study evaluates Pipitone and Gallup’s voice stimuli from an acoustic perspective, analyzing specific vocal characteristics of both naturally cycling women and women taking hormonal contraceptives. Results show that among naturally cycling women, variation in vocal amplitude (shimmer) was significantly lower in high fertility recordings compared to the women’s voices at low fertility. Harmonics-to-noise ratio and variation in voice pitch (jitter) also fluctuated systematically across voices sampled at different times during the menstrual cycle, though these effects were not statistically significant. It is possible that these acoustic changes could account for some of the replicated perceptual, hormonal, and physiological changes documented in prior literature using these voice stimuli.