bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mucosal HPV E6/E7 Peptide Vaccination in Combination with Immune Checkpoint Modulation Induces Regression of HPV+ Oral Cancers
Authors: Dorta-Estremera Stephanie , Chin Renee L. , Sierra Gloria , Nicholas Courtney , Yanamandra Ananta V. , Nookala Sita M.K. , Yang Guojun , Singh Shail , Curran Michael A. , Sastry K. Jagannadha
Published: July 2018

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV)–associated squamous cell carcinomas of the oropharynx (SCCOP) are among the fastest growing cancers. After standard-of-care treatment, however, patients with HPV+ SCCOP have better overall and disease-specific survival than patients with HPV− SCCOP, suggesting the importance of HPV-specific immunity. We reasoned that therapeutic vaccination targeting the HPV-16 E6 and E7 oncogenes could elicit high-affinity, high-frequency tumor antigen–specific T-cell responses, which could then be augmented and shielded from suppression in the tumor microenvironment by immune checkpoint modulation. In this study, we used a preclinical syngeneic mouse model of oral cancer comprised of mouse tonsil-derived epithelial cells stably expressing HPV-16 E6 and E7 genes along with H-ras oncogene (mEER) to identify combinations of vaccination and checkpoint antibodies capable of promoting tumor regression. Intranasal HPV E6/E7 peptide vaccination and single checkpoint antibodies failed to elicit responses in more than half of animals; however, 4-1BB agonist antibody along with either CD40 agonist antibody or CTLA-4 blockade eliminated the majority of established mEER tumors. The combination of intranasal HPV peptide vaccine and α4-1BB and αCTLA-4 antibodies produced curative efficacy and a better safety profile against orally implanted mEER tumors. Correlates of protective immunity included enhanced intratumoral levels of CD8 T cells relative to immunosuppressive regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Overall, our results demonstrate combination vaccine-immunotherapy modalities as novel treatment options for HPV+ SCCOP.

Significance: Combinations of vaccine and checkpoint modulation are effective and safe treatment options for HPV+ oral cancers. Cancer Res; 78(18); 5327–39. ©2018 AACR.
A Biological Signature for Breast Ductal Carcinoma In Situ to Predict Radiotherapy Benefit and Assess Recurrence Risk
Authors: Bremer Troy , Whitworth Pat W. , Patel Rakesh , Savala Jess , Barry Todd , Lyle Stephen , Leesman Glen , Linke Steven P. , Jirström Karin , Zhou Wenjing , Amini Rose-Marie , Wärnberg Fredrik
Published: July 2018

Purpose:

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) patients and their physicians currently face challenging treatment decisions with limited information about the individual's subsequent breast cancer risk or treatment benefit. The DCISionRT biological signature developed in this study provides recurrence risk and predicts radiotherapy (RT) benefit for DCIS patients following breast-conserving surgery (BCS).

Experimental Design:

A biological signature that calculates an individualized Decision Score (DS) was developed and cross-validated in 526 DCIS patients treated with BCS ± RT. The relationship was assessed between DS and 10-year risk of invasive breast cancer (IBC) or any ipsilateral breast event (IBE), including IBC or DCIS. RT benefit was evaluated by risk group and as a function of DS.

Results:

The DS was significantly associated with IBC and IBE risk, HR (per 5 units) of 4.2 and 3.1, respectively. For patients treated without RT, DS identified a Low Group with 10-year IBC risk of 4% (7% IBE) and an Elevated Risk Group with IBC risk of 15% (23% IBE). In analysis of DS and RT by group, the Elevated Risk Group received significant RT benefit, HR of 0.3 for IBC and IBE. In a clinicopathologically low-risk subset, DS reclassified 42% of patients into the Elevated Risk Group. In an interaction analysis of DS and RT, patients with elevated DS had significant RT benefit over baseline.

Conclusions:

The DS was prognostic for risk and predicted RT benefit for DCIS patients. DS identified a clinically meaningful low-risk group and a group with elevated 10-year risks that received substantial RT benefit over baseline.
Risk Factors for Recurrence in Low-Risk Endometrial Cancer: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Güngördük Kemal , Firat Cüylan Zeliha , Kahramanoglu Ilker , Oge Tufan , Akbayir Ozgur , Dede Murat , Taşkın Salih , Ozgul Nejat , Simsek Tayup , Turan Hasan , Gülseren Varol , Ozdemir Aykut , Meydanlı Mehmet M. , Ayhan Ali
Published: July 2018

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for recurrence in patients with low-risk endometrial cancer (EC). Patients and Methods: This retrospective study was performed using 10 gynecological oncology department databases. Patients who met the following criteria were included in the study: (a) endometrioid-type histology, (b) histological grade 1 or 2, (c) no or < 50% myometrial invasion, (d) no intraoperative evidence of extrauterine spread, and (e) the patient underwent at least a pelvic lymphadenectomy. Recurrence was detected in 56 patients who were histologically diagnosed with low-risk EC, and these patients made up the case group. A total of 224 patients with low-risk EC without recurrence were selected (control group) using a dependent random sampling method. The case and control groups were match-paired in terms of grade, stage, and operative technique. Results: Lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) (odds ratio (OR) 5.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0-16.9; p = 0.001) and primary tumor diameter (PTD) ≥ 20 mm (OR 6.6, 95% CI 2.7-15.8; p < 0.001) were found to be independent risk factors for recurrence in women with low-risk EC. Conclusion: The presence of LVSI and PTD ≥ 20 mm seem to be significant risk factors for recurrence in women with low-risk EC.
Skin Conductance Feedback Meditation: Evaluation of a Novel Physiology-Assisted Meditation Style
Authors: Hinterberger Thilo , Baierlein Felicitas , Breitenbach Natalie
Published: July 2018

Background: Mindfulness meditation (MM) can be regarded as a practice for calming the mind, while the focus on their breathing can help meditators maintain a state of mindful presence. We have developed and evaluated an alternative method for reaching conscious states of pure being without the aid of a focus of attention. Methods: Skin conductance feedback was provided in real-time during meditation sessions (SCFM) and the practicability of this novel approach was evaluated. 30 participants - 15 meditation experts and 15 non-meditators - attended 6 sessions of meditation over the course of 3 days; 4 SCFM and 2 ordinary MM sessions were conducted. Each session was evaluated with physiological measures and a feedback questionnaire assessing subjective changes in body-related, emotional, and mental self-perception. Results: On average, 78.3% of the participants felt more integrated and connected, 84.2% perceived themselves as more calm and balanced, and 50% felt vitalized after SCFM sessions, while only 5% or less felt more agitated or depressed after the sessions. SCFM was not significantly different from MM. The positive effect of SCFM correlated positively with mindfulness self-ratings. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that SCFM is a viable method for performing a satisfying and consciousness-expanding meditation session.
Cystine and Theanine Improve Survival after Gut Ischemia-Reperfusion
Authors: Miyakuni Taiki , Fukatsu Kazuhiko , Ri Motonari , Murakoshi Satoshi , Inoue Yoshiko , Kurihara Shigekazu , Takayama Tadatoshi , Yasuhara Hiroshi
Published: July 2018

Background and Aim: Oral administration of cystine and theanine (CT) may modulate antioxidant glutathione (GSH) metabolism, thereby improving outcomes after gut ischemia reperfusion. Methods: Experiment 1: Institute of Cancer Research mice (n = 35) were assigned to a Vehicle (n = 11), a CT140 (n = 14), or a CT280 (n = 10) group. The CT140 and 280 groups were given CT at respective dosages of 140 and 280 mg/kg (cystine: theanine = 5: 2) once daily via gavage for 5 days. All mice underwent 75-min occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Survival after reperfusion was observed. Experiment 2: Mice (n = 67) were pretreated for 5 days (Vehicle: n = 24, CT280: n = 20, vehicle/sham: n = 23). The Vehicle and CT280 groups underwent 60-min SMA occlusion. Levels of GSH, the oxidized form of GSH, Glutathione-S-S-Glutathione (GSSG), and GSH-related amino acids (cysteine and glutamic acid) in the small intestine, and plasma cytokine (IL-6, IL-1β, TNFα) levels, were evaluated before (0 h), 3, 6, or 9 h after reperfusion. Results: Experiment 1: The CT280 group showed significantly better survival than the Vehicle group. Experiment 2: Gut GSSG, cysteine, and glutamic acid levels were higher in the CT280 than in the Vehicle group after reperfusion. Plasma IL-6 and TNFα levels rose more rapidly in the CT280 than in the Vehicle group. Conclusion: Oral administration of CT improves survival after gut I/R, possibly through the modulation of the GSH-redox cycle and cytokine responses.
Serum Uric Acid Levels as an Indicator for Metabolically Unhealthy Obesity in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Rocha Edrienny Patrícia Alves Accioly , Vogel Mandy , Stanik Juraj , Pietzner Diana , Willenberg Anja , Körner Antje , Kiess Wieland
Published: July 2018

Background: Metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) refers to those individuals who do not show cardiometabolic abnormalities. Our aim was to identify potential clinical and metabolic indicators that may help to distinguish between metabolically healthy and unhealthy individuals amongst overweight and obese children and adolescents. Methods: The study involved 246 overweight/obese and 212 normal-weight individuals enrolled in the LIFE Child study, aged between 6 and 18 years. Overweight/obese individuals without cardiovascular risk factors (fasting serum lipids, blood pressure, and glucose) were classified as MHO. Individuals meeting 1 or more criteria of cardiovascular risk factors were classified as metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO). Results: Among the 246 overweight/obese individuals, 173 (70%) were MHO and 73 (30%) were MUO. The MHO individuals were younger, more likely to be male, and had lower BMI SDS. In the logistic regression models, uric acid (UA) SDS (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.1–2.6, p = 0.004), waist circumference SDS (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.2–6.4, p = 0.017), and C-peptide (OR 4.05, 95% CI 3.5–91, p = 0.003) were significant indicators of MUO. Conclusion: Our results suggest that nearly one-third of overweight/obese children are already identified as MUO. Serum levels of UA can be used as an indicator of unhealthy obesity in youth, where lower levels of UA indicate a lower risk and higher levels suggest a higher risk of MUO. We note that the relevance of identifying potential indicators remains the first most important step in future clinical research.
Trendelenburg Positioning in Large Vessel Ischaemic Stroke: A Pre-Post Observational Study Using Propensity Score Matching
Authors: Gauthier Alexandre , Gérardin Patrick , Renou Pauline , Sagnier Sharmila , Debruxelles Sabrina , Poli Mathilde , Rouanet François , Olindo Stéphane , Sibon Igor
Published: July 2018

Background: Along with pharmacological and mechanical recanalization, improving cerebral perfusion through the recruitment of collateral vessels during the acute phase of ischaemic stroke (IS) is a clinical challenge. Our objective was to assess the effectiveness and safety of Trendelenburg positioning (TP), a procedure intended to increase cerebral blood flow, on the outcome of IS. Methods: Two cohorts of patients with an acute supratentorial IS related to a large artery occlusion were compared. In the first cohort (n = 119), we used standard positioning (0 to +30°); in the second cohort (n = 90), we used TP (0 to –15°). The primary outcome measure was the improvement of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score between admission and day 2. Factors associated with an improvement ≥4 points of NIHSS score were assessed using multiple logistic regression and propensity score (PS) matching analyses. Results: TP was significantly associated with a greater improvement of NIHSS score within 48 h following stroke onset (4.0 ± 5.7 vs. 1.8 ± 5.9, p = 0.011) but also at discharge (p = 0.005). Multiple logistic regression analysis suggested that TP was an independent predictor of early neurological improvement (adjusted OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.00–3.27) in a model controlling recanalization and haemoglobin level. In addition, PS matching analysis confirmed the possible effectiveness of TP (unadjusted OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.04–3.82), especially in male subjects. The effect of TP was more pronounced in patients with admission mean arterial blood pressure ≥100 mm Hg, those exhibiting a good collateral vessel network on admission CT-angiography or experiencing an effective recanalization. Furthermore, TP was not associated with life-threatening complications. Conclusion: TP could be an effective and safe strategy in patients with large IS resulting from the proximal occlusion of a large vessel.
Ophthalmologic Manifestations of Wolfram Syndrome: Report of 14 Cases
Authors: Soares Andreia , Mota Ágata , Fonseca Sofia , Faria Olinda , Brandão Elisete , Falcão dos Reis Fernando , Gentil Rita , Guimarães Sandra , Mendonça Luís
Published: July 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe ophthalmological abnormalities in 14 cases of Wolfram syndrome belonging to 9 different families. Methods: Patients were submitted to a complete ophthalmological, neurological, otorhinolaryngological, urological, and genetic evaluation. Results: Our sample comprised 14 Caucasian patients belonging to 9 different families. Their ages ranged from 10 to 38 years. The mean duration of known disease was 11.3 ± 8.7 years. Genetic confirmation was obtained in 7 families. There was a parental consanguinity history in 2 families. Five families were homozygous for a mutation of exon 8 of the WFS1 gene (Chr. 4), and 2 patients were heterozygous. Diabetes mellitus was the first manifestation in all except 1 patient. The mean age at diagnosis was 8.7 years (range 3–22). None had diabetic retinopathy. The mean age at diagnosis of optic atrophy was 11.1 years (range 8–35). The best-corrected visual acuity ranged from counting fingers to 20/50. Conclusions: Association of optic atrophy with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus should raise the suspicion of Wolfram syndrome.
Spectrum of Allergens and Allergen Biology in India
Authors: Bhattacharya Kashinath , Sircar Gaurab , Dasgupta Angira , Gupta Bhattacharya Swati
Published: July 2018

The growing prevalence of allergy and asthma in India has become a major health concern with symptoms ranging from mild rhinitis to severe asthma and even life-threatening anaphylaxis. The “allergen repertoire” of this subcontinent is highly diverse due to the varied climate, flora, and food habits. The proper identification, purification, and molecular characterization of allergy-eliciting molecules are essential in order to facilitate an accurate diagnosis and to design immunotherapeutic vaccines. Although several reports on prevalent allergens are available, most of these studies were based on preliminary detection and identification of the allergens. Only a few of these allergen molecules have been characterized by recombinant technology and structural biology. The present review first describes the composition, distribution pattern, and natural sources of the predominant allergens in India along with the prevalence of sensitization to these allergens across the country. We go on to present a comprehensive report on the biochemical, immunological, and molecular information on the allergens reported so far from India. The review also covers the studies on allergy- related biosafety assessment of transgenic plants. Finally, we discuss the allergen-specific immunotherapy trials performed in India.
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Modulates the Expression of TNF-α and IL-8 in Human Sebocytes via the MyD88-p65NF-κB/p38MAPK Signaling Pathways
Authors: Hou Xiao-Xiao , Chen Guangjie , Hossini Amir M. , Hu Tingting , Wang Lanqi , Pan Zhanyan , Lu Lingyi , Cao Ke , Ma Ying , Zouboulis Christos C. , Xia Longqing , Ju Qiang
Published: July 2018

Activation of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 and subsequent inflammatory response contribute to lesion development in acne vulgaris. A cross-talk between aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a cytosolic receptor protein that responds to environmental and physiological stress, and TLRs has recently been reported. In this study, we explored the possible role of AhR in the effects induced on cultured human SZ95 sebocytes by peptidoglycan (PGN), a classic TLR2 agonist. PGN-induced secretion of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-8 in human SZ95 sebocytes was suppressed after knockdown of AhR and pretreatment with the AhR antagonist CH223191. In addition, the AhR agonist 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) enhanced TNF-α and IL-8 secretion in PGN-pretreated sebocytes. Furthermore, PGN-induced expression of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), phospho-p38MAPK (p-p38MAPK), and p-p65NF-κB was strengthened by TCDD and repressed by CH223191. AhR inhibition by transfecting shRNA blocked the ability of PGN to stimulate phosphorylation of p38MAPK and p65NF-κB in SZ95 sebocytes. Overall, these data demonstrate that AhR is able to modulate PGN-induced expression of TNF-α and IL-8 in human SZ95 sebocytes involving the MyD88-p65NF-κB/p38MAPK signaling pathway, which probably indicates a new mechanism in TLR2-mediated acne.
A revision of and keys to the genera of the Mantispinae of the Oriental and Palearctic regions (Neuroptera: Mantispidae)
Authors: SNYMAN LOUWRENS P. , SOLE CATHERINE L. , OHL MICHAEL
Published: July 2018

The Mantispinae (Neuroptera: Mantispidae) genera of the Oriental and Palearctic regions are revised. A morphological key to the genera is generated. Austroclimaciella, Campancella, Mantispa, Mantispilla, Necyla, Stenomantispa and Tuberonotha are redescribed. The Ohl (2004) catalogue is updated for the relevant genera. Sagittalata (= Perlamantispa) is assigned as a synonym of Mantispilla which is restored as a valid genus. Orientispa is assigned as a synonym of Necyla.
Efficacy of online lifestyle interventions targeting lifestyle behaviour change in depressed populations: A systematic review
Authors: Young Claire L , Trapani Karen , Dawson Samantha , O’Neil Adrienne , Kay-Lambkin Frances , Berk Michael , Jacka Felice N
Published: July 2018

Background:

It is well established that depression and non-communicable diseases are highly co-morbid and bi-directional in nature. ‘Lifestyle medicine’ has recently gained traction in the field of psychiatry, aimed at improvement of both physical and mental health. Online interventions can be an effective and inexpensive alternative or supplement to therapy that is delivered using more traditional modes, overcoming barriers that may prohibit people from accessing treatment by promoting flexibility and accessibility.

Methods:

This systematic review evaluates the existing evidence for the efficacy or effectiveness of lifestyle interventions for (1) individuals with depressive symptoms, (2) clinically depressed populations or discussing the outcomes of depression within a subset of a larger cohort that are delivered online or via smart phone. Included studies were randomised controlled trials, with active comparator conditions, in adult populations and with reported lifestyle and depression-related outcomes. The analysis examined attrition, engagement, adherence and behaviour change techniques employed to achieve the target behaviours.

Results:

Seven studies were included in the review and targeted behaviour change in five domains: alcohol reduction, improved sleep quality/insomnia reduction, increased physical activity, reduced/cessation of substance abuse and smoking cessation. Four of the studies achieved significant improvements in the targeted behaviour; of these three also reported significant improvements in depressive symptoms. No studies reported significant improvements in depressive symptoms without a change in the target lifestyle behaviour.

Conclusion:

The results of this review highlight the potential of online lifestyle interventions as adjunctive treatments for depression, and the possibility of achieving significant improvements in depressive symptoms when targeting lifestyle behaviour change.
Earthquake brain: Impairment of spatial memory following long-term earthquake-related stress
Authors: Bell Caroline J , Frampton Chris M , Colhoun Helen C , Douglas Katie M , McIntosh Virginia VW , Carter Frances A , Jordan Jennifer , Carter Janet D , Smith Rebekah A , Marie Leila MA , Loughlin Alex , Porter Richard J
Published: July 2018

Objectives:

The primary aim of this study was to investigate neuropsychological function in patients with earthquake-related posttraumatic stress disorder, compared with earthquake-exposed but resilient controls. We hypothesised that individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder would have poorer neuropsychological performance on tests of verbal and visuospatial learning and memory compared with the earthquake-exposed control group. The availability of groups of healthy patients from previous studies who had been tested on similar neuropsychological tasks prior to the earthquakes allowed a further non-exposed comparison.

Method:

In all, 28 individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder and 89 earthquake-exposed controls completed tests of verbal and visuospatial learning and memory and psychomotor speed. Further comparisons were made with non-exposed controls who had been tested before the earthquakes.

Results:

No significant difference in performance on tests of verbal or visuospatial memory was found between the earthquake-exposed groups (with and without posttraumatic stress disorder), but the posttraumatic stress disorder group was significantly slowed on tests of psychomotor speed. Supplementary comparison with historical, non-exposed control groups showed that both earthquake-exposed groups had poorer performance on a test of visuospatial learning.

Conclusion:

The key finding from this study is that there were no differences in verbal or visuospatial learning and memory in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder compared with similarly earthquake-exposed controls. Compared with non-exposed controls, both earthquake-exposed groups had poorer performance on a test of visuospatial (but not verbal) learning and memory. This offers preliminary evidence suggesting that it is earthquake (trauma) exposure itself, rather than the presence of posttraumatic stress disorder that affects aspects of neuropsychological functioning. If replicated, this may have important implications for how information is communicated in a post-disaster context.
Student voice: Student feelings as they journey through National Assessment (NAPLAN)
Authors: Swain Katharine , Pendergast Donna
Published: July 2018

This study explored students’ feelings during the Australian National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy. It features student voice depicted as self-drawn images accompanied by words as they journeyed through four phases of the NAPLAN process: preparation, participation, completion and results. The 34 students in Years 3, 5 and 7 attended one of two Queensland primary schools with divergent approaches to National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy. One-hundred and thirty-six images accompanied by 372 words were collected. School A allocated considerable time to test readiness and emphasised the importance of National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy while School B engaged in minimal preparation and did not highlight National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy as important. We explored similarities or differences in how students from each site reported their feelings. Our exploration reveals an overall trend of negative images and words during the preparation and participation phases followed by more positive depictions when the tests are complete and results are received. Furthermore, School A participants reported more negative feelings in the preparation and testing phases across all year levels.
Shared Responsibility for Societal Problems: The Role of Internal Activists in Reframing Corporate Responsibility
Authors: Girschik Verena
Published: July 2018

This article addresses intraorganizational pressures for organizational transformation toward more responsible business practices by exploring the role of internal activists. Building on the interactive framing perspective, I ask how internal activists develop a framing of their company’s responsibilities as they attempt to transform its business practices from the inside out. I explore this question in the context of a Danish pharmaceutical company’s responsibilities regarding the rising diabetes problem. Grounded in an inductive, interpretive analysis, I show how internal activists developed a framing of the company’s responsibility over time and eventually instigated new ways of thinking about and doing business in their organization. I theorize the constitutive processes that strengthened frame alignment and allowed the internal activists to shape business practices. My study contributes to the literature on corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication by explaining how intraorganizational processes of meaning making may constitute more responsible business practices and by explicating the distinct role of internal activists as agents of organizational transformation.
Item Selection Criteria With Practical Constraints in Cognitive Diagnostic Computerized Adaptive Testing
Authors: Lin Chuan-Ju , Chang Hua-Hua
Published: July 2018

For item selection in cognitive diagnostic computerized adaptive testing (CD-CAT), ideally, a single item selection index should be created to simultaneously regulate precision, exposure status, and attribute balancing. For this purpose, in this study, we first proposed an attribute-balanced item selection criterion, namely, the standardized weighted deviation global discrimination index (SWDGDI), and subsequently formulated the constrained progressive index (CP_SWDGDI) by casting the SWDGDI in a progressive algorithm. A simulation study revealed that the SWDGDI method was effective in balancing attribute coverage and the CP_SWDGDI method was able to simultaneously balance attribute coverage and item pool usage while maintaining acceptable estimation precision. This research also demonstrates the advantage of a relatively low number of attributes in CD-CAT applications.
Using Episodic Future Thinking to Pre-Experience Climate Change Increases Pro-Environmental Behavior
Authors: Lee Pei-Shan , Sung Yu-Hsien , Wu Chia-Chun , Ho Liang-Chu , Chiou Wen-Bin
Published: July 2018

Research has found that many people view climate change as a psychologically distant, future threat, which leads them to be less motivated to engage in pro-environmental behavior. Engaging in episodic future thinking (EFT; projecting the self into the future to pre-experience future events) may facilitate the perception of future events as psychologically close, thereby increasing the perceived risk associated with those events. Therefore, engagement in EFT regarding climate change–related risks should induce higher risk perceptions and lead to acting pro-environmentally. In two experiments, we demonstrated that engaging in EFT to pre-experience climate change–related risk events was associated with a higher level of risk perception and a greater tendency toward pro-environmental behavior, including energy-saving use of air-conditioning (Experiment 1), willingness to participate in beach cleaning (Experiment 2), and choice of a meal with lower environmental impact (Experiment 2). The current research provides experimental evidence for an innovative approach to improving public engagement with climate change.
Political attitudes as predictors of the multiple dimensions of mental health stigma
Authors: DeLuca Joseph S , Vaccaro John , Seda Jenna , Yanos Philip T
Published: July 2018

Background:

Mental health (MH) stigma is multidimensional and remains common in the United States and throughout the world. While sociopolitical attitudes such as right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) have emerged as strong predictors of some aspects of MH stigma, no study has assessed the relationship between RWA and multidimensional components of MH stigma, or linked this relationship to a theory of stigma.

Aims:

The association between RWA and multiple stigma outcomes, including stereotypes, attributions/negative affect, social distance, microaggressions and help-seeking self-stigma was assessed controlling for covariates, including education, age, social desirability, race/ethnicity, gender, geographic location and prior contact with mental illness.

Method:

A total of 518 US residents (from all geographic regions; convenience sample) completed an online survey.

Results:

Findings indicated that RWA was significantly associated with all MH stigma dimensions analyzed, even after controlling for covariates. A hypothesized mediator for this relationship, dangerous world beliefs, was not supported as a theoretical explanation.

Conclusion:

Right-wing authoritarianism predicts various dimensions of mental health stigma, but more research is needed to determine the theoretical underpinnings. These current findings may guide research in this area and be used to target a variety of conservative audiences for stigma reduction.
Experimental investigation of the fatigue behavior of glass/epoxy composites evaluated by the stiffness degradation and damage accumulation
Authors: Roundi Walid , El Mahi Abderrahim , El Gharad Abdellah , Rebiere Jean-Luc
Published: July 2018

The present paper deals with the mechanical behavior of glass/epoxy composite materials under static and cyclic tensile loading. The tested specimens have been made with different stacking sequences ([02/902]s; [902/02]s; [03/90]s; [903/0]s) according to the vacuum infusion procedure. The results of this investigation show the static behavior of the tested laminated composites characterized by the strain to failure, Young's modulus and tensile strength. Wöhler curves corresponding to each stacking sequence were plotted in order to observe the evolution of the maximum stress Smax according to the number of cycles. Fatigue Tests were performed under various applied loading levels ( r), and these values were chosen to evaluate the effect of loading level on the stiffness degradation and damage growth in the tested specimens. Afterward the evolution of the global damage factor ( D) according to the number of cycles was calculated in function of the core characteristics, applied loading level ( r) and type of loading. The cyclic behavior of the composite laminates mainly depends on the progressive developments of damage mechanisms such as matrix cracking, delamination, and fiber breakage.
Rationalizing Delinquency: Understanding the Person-situation Interaction through Item Response Theory
Authors: Thomas Kyle J.
Published: July 2018

Objectives:

I argue that a person-situation complex of delinquent rationalizations can be conceptualized by relating rationalizations to item response theory (IRT), where approval of delinquency is predominately a function of the individual willingness to rationalize ( θ j) and situational difficulty of applying a rationalization ( bi). This framework offers testable predictions and addresses extant criticisms.

Method:

Adolescents from a public high school ( N = 223) and subjects from the National Youth Survey ( N = 1,436) were asked their degree of approval for delinquency under various circumstances. Graded response models assessed the joint effects of individual and situational characteristics on approval of delinquency. I test whether differences in self-reported offending (SRO) and willingness to offend (WTO) are consistent with predictions derived from IRT models.

Results:

Approval of delinquency is a joint function of individual and situational characteristics. Some situations are so “easy” to rationalize that most everyone is predicted to approve of delinquency, and others are so “difficult” that only those very high in θ are predicted to express approval. SRO and WTO differences between individuals and situations are consistent with the IRT predictions.

Conclusion:

The findings demonstrate the utility of IRT for understanding delinquent rationalizations. The implications of the findings for theory and person-situation explanations are discussed.
A rat model of nerve stimulator-guided brachial plexus blockade
Authors: Zhang Yanzi , Cui Bo , Gong Chunyu , Tang Yidan , Zhou Jianxiong , He Yi , Liu Jin , Yang Jing
Published: July 2018

It is important to develop a feasible animal model of regional anesthesia other than sciatic nerve blockade for pharmacokinetic investigations of new local anesthetics or analgesia in upper extremity surgery. Herein, we explored a nerve stimulator (NS)-guided brachial plexus block (BPB) in a rat model. The anatomy of the brachial plexus in rats was delineated in cadavers, and various BPBs were examined. The puncture point was located 0.5–1.0 cm below the lateral one-third of the clavicle. The efficacy and safety of the NS-guided BPB were evaluated using an injection of 2% lidocaine or 0.5% bupivacaine in 16 live animals; saline injection was used as a control. Both sides of the brachial plexus were located successfully using the NS-guided technique. Sensory blockade (nociception assessment) and motor blockade (grasping and straightening tests) appeared after application of the two classical local anesthetics, but not normal saline. The motor and sensory blockade induced by bupivacaine exhibited a longer duration than that induced by lidocaine ( p < 0.05). All rats recovered uneventfully from general anesthesia and BPB. No abnormal results were found in pathological studies or behavioral observations. Thus, a rat model of NS-guided BPB was established, and BPB induced an overall reversible sensory and motor blockade in the thoracic limbs. Evaluation of the efficacy and safety demonstrated that this rat BPB model was feasible, reproducible, and safe.
Interfaith activity and the governance of religious diversity in the United Kingdom
Authors: Prideaux Mel , Dawson Andrew
Published: July 2018

This article analyses the governance of religious diversity in the United Kingdom by focussing upon a number of faith-based organisations undertaking interreligious and multireligious activities in and around the northern English city of Leeds. The piece opens by delineating the ‘UK religion policy window’ which has existed for a number of decades and comprises a range of changing political priorities and programmatic approaches that inform the governance of religious diversity in the United Kingdom. A subsequent section provides a detailed engagement with selected examples of multifaith activities and interfaith organisations in and around the city of Leeds. This grounded reading of exemplar organisations is then developed by a concluding section that reflects upon the mutually constitutive dynamics of contemporary governance mechanisms as they play out through the partnerships embodied by the interfaith sector and framed by the UK religion policy window.
Striving and Dreaming: A Grounded Theory of the Transition to Adulthood for Cross-Systems Youth
Authors: Bowen Elizabeth , Ball Annahita , Semanchin Jones Annette , Irish Andrew
Published: July 2018

The transition to adulthood is an underresearched topic for cross-systems youth, defined as young people who have experienced homelessness, child welfare system involvement, and educational challenges. This qualitative study explored processes of resilience in the transition to adulthood for cross-systems youth aged 18 to 24 ( n = 20). Analysis of in-depth interviews using a grounded theory open coding process revealed two thematic concepts, striving and dreaming. As illustrated in two case studies, striving was characterized by participants having specific educational and career goals and making strategic choices about programs and resources. In contrast, the dreaming concept indicated participants having little understanding of the steps and resources needed to achieve their goals. Implications for practice include the importance of helping cross-systems youth maintain supportive relationships with families of origin and peers to enhance striving, and the use of motivational interviewing to assist emerging adults in gauging their readiness and motivation to set and pursue goals.
Paid vacation use: The role of works councils
Authors: Goerke Laszlo , Jeworrek Sabrina
Published: July 2018

The article investigates the relationship between codetermination at the plant level and paid vacation in Germany. From a legal perspective, works councils have no impact on vacation entitlements, but they can affect their use. Employing data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP), the study finds that male employees who work in an establishment, in which a works council exists, take almost two additional days of paid vacation annually, relative to employees in an establishment without such institution. The effect for females is much smaller, if discernible at all. The data suggest that this gender gap might be due to the fact that women exploit vacation entitlements more comprehensively than men already in the absence of a works council.
The political agency and social movements of Japanese individually-affiliated unions
Authors: Watanabe Hiroaki Richard
Published: July 2018

In contrast to dominant enterprise unions, individually-affiliated unions in Japan such as community and general unions are eager to ameliorate the precarious working conditions of non-regular workers and regular workers in small- and medium-size enterprises. While these unions have assisted workers in resolving labour disputes in similar ways despite their small power resources, they have been different in terms of effectiveness in impacting public policy and improving working conditions of those workers. This article addresses the question of why this difference exists from the perspective of unions’ strategies, especially those related to ‘political agency’ and ‘social movement unionism’. The article conducts case studies of three individually-affiliated unions for young, female and migrant workers respectively, and argues that political agency and social movement unionism have contributed to the different performance among those individually-affiliated unions.
Job Satisfaction and Union Participation: The Role of Fit
Authors: Wiegand Justin P. , Bruno Robert
Published: July 2018

Job satisfaction’s role as an antecedent to union participation has often been proposed as a negative relationship, but empirical support is lacking. To clarify boundary conditions of this relationship, we turn to the exit-voice tradeoff and the attraction-selection-attrition framework. We suggest a negative job satisfaction–union participation relationship exists only among workers lacking fit with their colleagues (“person-workgroup fit”). We employed a distance-based measure of person-workgroup fit to analyze data from 777 workers across three unions (90 percent public sector) located in a large Midwestern city. Results indicate fit’s moderating role—relatively high fit workers participate in union activities irrespective of their job satisfaction, but workers with relatively low fit participate more when dissatisfied with their jobs. Our findings inform theory on antecedents of union participation and the strategic choices unions face in organizing and reinvigorating lay activism.
Premises, Perils, and Promises of ASEAN Integration
Authors: Juan David Michael M. San
Published: July 2018

This article is aimed at analyzing the premises, perils, and promises of ASEAN integration. Beyond examining the region’s situation, this article will also draw lessons from the European Union and various incipient Latin American integration projects. Specifically, this article will address the following questions: (a) How does the ASEAN’s founding myth affect the ASEAN integration project’s general direction? (b) What is wrong with ASEAN’s current neoliberal framework? (c) What country will be the likely hegemon of the ASEAN economic and socio-cultural community? (d) Is a solidarity-based, people-centered, grassroots-driven, and non-neoliberal model for ASEAN integration possible and sustainable? (e) What lessons can be drawn from the European and Latin American integration schemes?
Toxicologic Pathology Forum Opinion Paper*: Recommendations for a Tiered Approach to Nonclinical Mechanistic Nephrotoxicity Evaluation
Authors: Ennulat Daniela , Ringenberg Michael , Frazier Kendall S.
Published: July 2018

Nephrotoxicity is one of the more common causes of attrition in nonclinical drug development. Like most tissues, the kidney has a limited number of ways of responding to toxicological insults from diverse mechanistic pathways, which can limit the ability to determine mechanisms of renal injury using the assays routinely performed in preclinical toxicologic studies. In situations where the renal injury is unusual in morphology or if a therapeutic margin is low, additional investigative techniques may be needed to identify a potential mechanism of toxicity in order to inform clinical risk assessment or establish human relevance and translatability of the toxicity. While routine microscopic evaluation can suggest a specific pathogenesis, understanding the mechanism of renal injury often requires additional hypothesis-driven investigations and specialized techniques to obtain the data necessary to identify a nephrotoxic mechanism. Nonclinical mechanistic investigations can be resource-intensive and often yield limited new information. Although there are multiple avenues to investigate renal toxicity, no single mechanistic study or prescriptive battery of tests will identify the pathophysiologic basis for every potential mechanism of renal injury. To aid the nonclinical investigator, we outline a tiered approach for prioritizing investigations to provide a rational and linear road map for the exploration of mechanisms of drug-induced kidney injury.

[Box: see text]
Why have few journalists been prosecuted for incitement to war crimes?
Authors: Hickman John
Published: July 2018

Why have few journalists ever stood in the dock for incitement to violate international humanitarian law? Their work as propagandists has been essential to governments committing war crimes, crimes against peace and genocide. The answer matters both because impunity emboldens further violation and because the traditional distinctions between news reporting, news commentary and propaganda, and between journalists, commentators and activists, have eroded due to global news markets and social media. After presenting a brief history of prosecutions and non-prosecutions to establish the relative infrequency of prosecutions, this article reviews possible explanations, several of which are revealed in the foregoing historical survey. This investigation will suggest a multi-causal explanation that leans heavily on assumptions about the privileged position of journalists in liberal societies.
The effect of a novel turbulence-controlled suction system in the prevention of hemolysis and platelet dysfunction in autologous surgery blood
Authors: Budde Holger , Riggert Joachim , Vormfelde Steffen , Tirilomis Theodor , Friedrich Martin G.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Re-transfusion of autologous blood is an important aspect of intraoperative blood management. Hemolysis and platelet dysfunction due to turbulence in the blood suction system strongly impede later usage of suction blood for re-transfusion. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a novel surgical-blood suction system with an automatic control setup for minimization of turbulence in the blood flow.

Methods:

We compared the turbulence-controlled suction system (TCSS) with a conventional suction system and untreated control blood in vitro. Blood cell counts, hemolysis levels according to free hemoglobin (fHb) and platelet function were analyzed to determine the integrity of the suction blood.

Results:

In the conventional suction system, we found a strong increase of the fHb levels. In contrast, erythrocyte integrity was almost completely preserved when using the TCSS. We obtained similar results regarding platelet function. The expression of platelet glycoproteins, such as GP IIb/IIIa and P-selectin, native or after stimulation with ADP, were markedly impaired by the conventional system, but not by the TCSS. In addition, platelet aggregometry revealed significant platelet dysfunction in conventional suction blood, but less aggregation impairments were present in blood samples from the TCSS.

Conclusion:

Our findings on an in vitro assessment show major improvements in red blood cell integrity and platelet function of suction blood when using the TCSS compared to a conventional suction system. These results reflect a significant benefit for autologous re-transfusion. We suggest testing the TCSS in surgery for clinical evaluation.
Constraint-aware learning of policies by demonstration
Authors: Armesto Leopoldo , Moura João , Ivan Vladimir , Erden Mustafa Suphi , Sala Antonio , Vijayakumar Sethu
Published: July 2018

Many practical tasks in robotic systems, such as cleaning windows, writing, or grasping, are inherently constrained. Learning policies subject to constraints is a challenging problem. In this paper, we propose a method of constraint-aware learning that solves the policy learning problem using redundant robots that execute a policy that is acting in the null space of a constraint. In particular, we are interested in generalizing learned null-space policies across constraints that were not known during the training. We split the combined problem of learning constraints and policies into two: first estimating the constraint, and then estimating a null-space policy using the remaining degrees of freedom. For a linear parametrization, we provide a closed-form solution of the problem. We also define a metric for comparing the similarity of estimated constraints, which is useful to pre-process the trajectories recorded in the demonstrations. We have validated our method by learning a wiping task from human demonstration on flat surfaces and reproducing it on an unknown curved surface using a force- or torque-based controller to achieve tool alignment. We show that, despite the differences between the training and validation scenarios, we learn a policy that still provides the desired wiping motion.
‘The sun without a permit’: Serbian solar politics, informational risk cascades, and the Great Disappearing Act of August 1999
Authors: Jankovic Vladimir
Published: July 2018

In the summer of 1999, the Serbian Ministry of Health issued a public health warning about the environmental risks associated with the total solar eclipse to took place on 11 August. The warning contained a list of phantom symptoms unknown to medical profession. Some of these included severe itching, hypertension, cardiac palpitation and frequent urination. Despite the warning’s patent absurdity, the Serbian public widely observed it by seeking indoor and underground shelter from the lunar shadow, participating in what I term a ‘great public disappearing act’. By contrast, the rest of Europe and the Middle East embraced the event as a public spectacle, with millions thronging the streets and observation posts. This paper raises two key questions: Why did the Serbian government issue the odd warning? And why did the Serbian public observe it? In contrast to the conventional readings of the event as a compound effect of a political manipulation and a lack of public scientific education, I argue that the public behavior on the eclipse day was a meaningful response to the social, political and environmental circumstances in the worn-torn Serbia. Using insights from the social amplification of risk framework, I demonstrate that the great disappearing act was a paradigmatic example of herd behavior governed by the media-driven informational cascades. I further argue that the actors involved in the production and reproduction of phantom ecliptic risks – doctors, journalists, government officials, ordinary citizens – jointly enhanced their plausibility in a way that eventually eliminated the possibility of any behavior not mediated by the cascading processes of risk production.