bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Robust Fault-Tolerant Synchronization Control for a Dual Redundant Hydraulic Actuation System with Common-Mode Fault
Authors: Li Ting , Yang Ting , Cao Yuyan , Xie Rong , Wang Xinmin
Published: October 2018

This paper investigates the fault-tolerant synchronization control (FTSC) problem for a dual redundant hydraulic actuation system (DRHAS), which works on active/active (A/A) mode and suffers from a kind of common-mode fault (CMF), i.e., internal leakage faults occurring in both hydraulic actuator (HA) channels simultaneously due to a common cause. Firstly, in order to follow the position command and synchronize the force outputs of the two channels, a desired trajectory generator derived from the dynamics of the control surface is employed. Then, considering model uncertainties and nonlinear dynamics of the plant, an FTSC controller is designed based on adaptive robust control (ARC) theory and backstepping technology. The controller parameters, closely related to the fault parameters, are updated online to make the controller adapt to the fault condition only when the system performance degradation exceeds a prescribed tolerable level. It has been verified that the proposed FTSC scheme can guarantee the bounded stability of output tracking error system under common-mode fault. Finally, simulation results under two scenarios demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed FTSC scheme.
Topological Nodal States in Circuit Lattice
Authors: Luo Kaifa , Yu Rui , Weng Hongming
Published: October 2018

The search for artificial structure with tunable topological properties is an interesting research direction of today’s topological physics. Here, we introduce a scheme to realize topological nodal states with a three-dimensional periodic inductor-capacitor (LC) circuit lattice, where the topological nodal line state and Weyl state can be achieved by tuning the parameters of inductors and capacitors. A tight-binding-like model is derived to analyze the topological properties of the LC circuit lattice. The key characters of the topological states, such as the drumhead-like surface bands for nodal line state and the Fermi arc-like surface bands for Weyl state, are found in these systems. We also show that the Weyl points are stable with the fabrication errors of electric devices.
A Retrospective Study on the Risk of Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Singleton Pregnancies with Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes between 24+0 and 36+6 Weeks, Using Regression Analysis for Various Factors
Authors: Niesłuchowska-Hoxha Anna , Cnota Wojciech , Czuba Bartosz , Ruci Aleksandra , Ciaciura-Jarno Magdalena , Jagielska Agnieszka , Wójtowicz Dominik , Kierach Rafał , Dąbrowski Krzysztof , Sidorowicz Marcin , Skrzypulec-Plinta Wioletta , Wloch Agata , Borowski Dariusz , Węgrzyn Piotr
Published: October 2018

Aim. This study aimed to investigate the cause of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in neonates from singleton pregnancies with preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) between 24+0 and 36+6 weeks by using regression analysis for various factors. Methods. In 175 singleton pregnancies with pPROM, 95 cases of RDS (54,29%) were diagnosed. In all cases the following information was collected: latency period of PROM, gestational age at birth, Umbilical Artery Pulsatility Index (UA PI), Middle Cerebral Artery Pulsatility Index (MCA PI), fetal distress, antenatal steroids use, delivery type, pregnancy hypertension disease, gestational glucose intolerance or diabetes, neonatal laboratory parameters, gender, weight, Apgar score, and other neonatal complications. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the effect of variables on RDS. Results. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that the following variables are closely correlated with RDS: female gender (OR=0.52; 95%CI:0.28-0,97), antenatal steroids use (OR=0,46; 95%CI:0,34-0,64), abnormal UA PI and MCA PI (OR=2.96; 95%CI:1,43-6,12) (OR=2.05; 95%CI:1,07-3,95), fetal distress (OR=2.33; 95%CI:1,16-4,71), maternal HGB (OR=0.69; 95%CI:0,5-0,96), and neonatal RBC, HGB (OR=0.32; 95%CI:0,19-0,55) (OR=0.75; 95%CI:0,65-0,88). Conclusions. The main RDS risk factors in premature neonates are gender, abnormal fetoplacental circulation, and fetal distress. The laboratory parameters such as lower RBC and HGB count are observed in infants with RDS.
Evaluation of Serum Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin for the Diagnosis of Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Jiu , Wu Guolin , Li Youdi
Published: October 2018

Aim. To explore the diagnostic efficacy of des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) in hepatitis B virus- (HBV-) related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods. A retrospective study of 459 cases from June 2016 to March 2018 was undertaken, and records of the DCP levels were extracted. The sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff points were calculated using SPSS 17.0 software. A systematic search in PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed for articles published in English from 1997 to 2017, focusing on serum DCP for HBV-related HCC. Data on sensitivity, specificity, the positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were extracted from five studies by systematic search and one study of our own. The summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curve was obtained, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was calculated. Results. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, and DOR were 0.71 (95% CI: 0.59, 0.80), 0.93 (95% CI: 0.87, 0.96), 9.5 (95% CI: 5.2, 17.5), 0.32 (95% CI: 0.22, 0.46), and 30 (95% CI: 13, 72), respectively. The AUROC curve was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.88, 0.93). Conclusions. In the diagnosis of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), DCP is an ideal marker that should be considered for surveillance purposes.
Self-Stabilized Precipitation Polymerization and Its Application
Authors: Liu Zhenjie , Chen Dong , Zhang Jinfang , Liao Haodong , Chen Yanzhao , Sun Yingfa , Deng Jianyuan , Yang Wantai
Published: October 2018

An effective, value-added use of the large amounts of olefinic compounds produced in the processing of petroleum, aside from ethylene and propylene, has been a long outstanding challenge. Here, we developed a novel heterogeneous polymerization method, beyond emulsion/dispersion/suspension, termed self-stabilized precipitation (2SP) polymerization, which involves the nucleation and growth of nanoparticles (NPs) of a well-defined size without the use of any stabilizers and multifunctional monomers (crosslinker). This technique leads to two revolutionary advances: (1) the generation of functional copolymer particles from single olefinic monomer or complex olefinic mixtures (including C4/C5/C9 fractions) in large quantities, which open a new way to transform huge amount of unused olefinic compounds in C4/C5/C9 fractions into valuable copolymers, and (2) the resultant polymeric NPs possess a self-limiting size and narrow size distribution, therefore being one of the most simple, efficient, and green strategies to produce uniform, size-tunable, and functional polymeric nanoparticles. More importantly, the separation of the NPs from the reaction medium is simple and the supernatant liquid can be reused; hence this new synthetic strategy has great potential for industrial production.
Optimization of Gantry Crane Scheduling in Container Sea-Rail Intermodal Transport Yard
Authors: Luo Tian , Chang Daofang , Gao Yinping
Published: October 2018

In the face of rising container throughput and the tasks associated with collecting and dispatching these containers, contributions to the development of sea-rail intermodal transport are required to improve the capacity of container transportation. According to the characteristics and the requirements of the operation of sea-rail intermodal transport, this paper puts forward a design for the transport yard which facilitates container loading and unloading. Through the establishment of a mixed integer programming model, a flexible schedule for gantry crane operation can be realized, so that, during the planned period, the amount of task overflow in loading and unloading operations and the distance covered by all gantry cranes in the yard is minimized. In addition, a genetic algorithm is designed to solve this model. Finally, a specific example of the loading and unloading of a container train at the sea-rail intermodal transport yard is selected to verify the model and the algorithm. The results show that the algorithm can reasonably schedule the gantry cranes to improve their loading and unloading efficiencies in the sea-rail intermodal transport yard.
Synthetic DNA-Encoded Monoclonal Antibody Delivery of Anti–CTLA-4 Antibodies Induces Tumor ShrinkageIn Vivo
Authors: Duperret Elizabeth K. , Trautz Aspen , Stoltz Regina , Patel Ami , Wise Megan C. , Perales-Puchalt Alfredo , Smith Trevor , Broderick Kate E. , Masteller Emma , Kim J. Joseph , Humeau Laurent , Muthumani Kar , Weiner David B.
Published: October 2018

Antibody-based immune therapies targeting the T-cell checkpoint molecules CTLA-4 and PD-1 have affected cancer therapy. However, this immune therapy requires complex manufacturing and frequent dosing, limiting the global use of this treatment. Here, we focused on the development of a DNA-encoded monoclonal antibody (DMAb) approach for delivery of anti–CTLA-4 monoclonal antibodies in vivo. With this technology, engineered and formulated DMAb plasmids encoding IgG inserts were directly injected into muscle and delivered intracellularly by electroporation, leading to in vivo expression and secretion of the encoded IgG. DMAb expression from a single dose can continue for several months without the need for repeated administration. Delivery of an optimized DMAb encoding anti-mouse CTLA-4 IgG resulted in high serum levels of the antibody as well as tumor regression in Sa1N and CT26 tumor models. DNA-delivery of the anti-human CTLA-4 antibodies ipilimumab and tremelimumab in mice achieved potent peak levels of approximately 85 and 58 μg/mL, respectively. These DMAb exhibited prolonged expression, with maintenance of serum levels at or above 15 μg/mL for over a year. Anti-human CTLA-4 DMAbs produced in vivo bound to human CTLA-4 protein expressed on stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and induced T-cell activation in a functional assay ex vivo. In summary, direct in vivo expression of DMAb encoding checkpoint inhibitors serves as a novel tool for immunotherapy that could significantly improve availability and provide broader access to such therapies.

Significance: DNA-encoded monoclonal antibodies represent a novel technology for delivery and expression of immune checkpoint blockade antibodies, thus expanding patient access to, and possible clinical applications of, these therapies. Cancer Res; 78(22); 6363–70. ©2018 AACR.
Use of Self-Medication with Homeopathy in Germany: Results of an Online Questionnaire Survey
Authors: Achstetter Katharina , Teut Michael
Published: October 2018

Background: Little is known about self-medication with homeopathic drugs in Germany. The aim of this study was to gain information about users, sources of information and the selection process of the drugs. Methods: An online questionnaire survey among users of self-medication with homeopathy was conducted via social media and email newsletters. Results: A total of 665 users who responded to the questionnaire were included. Most of the respondents were women (92%) in their mid-forties with high educational status. In total, 43% of the participants reported a household member working in the health sector. Books (65%) and Internet (47%) were the most common sources of information. Consultations in pharmacies - with a mean duration of 10 min - were likely to be used (60%). Homeopathic drugs were mainly used in the potency D12 (55%), for a duration of 5 days, 3 times daily, with 5 globules. Homeopathic drugs were mainly used due to good therapeutic experiences in the past (82%). Indications for use were acute diseases (91%), particularly colds (86%), as well as chronic diseases (51%) and prevention (47%). The selection of a homeopathic drug took the participants 25 min on average. Conclusion: Homeopathic self-medication is understood by users as a resource to regain, maintain, and promote health. Further research about the quality and applicability of information for homeopathic self-medication is necessary.
Energy (Im-)Balance in Frugivorous Lemurs in Southern Madagascar: A Preliminary Study in Lemur catta and Eulemur rufifrons × collaris
Authors: Simmen Bruno , Rasamimanana Hanta
Published: October 2018

The reproductive cycle of several lemur species is synchronized by photoperiodic changes and it is attuned to the seasonal fluctuations in food supply. Nevertheless, irregular periods of food shortage occur in Madagascar, which can result in a negative energy balance and reduced fitness, especially in frugivorous species. Here, we tested whether ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) and brown lemurs (Eulemur rufifrons × collaris) use fat stores to maintain their energy balance in a gallery forest of Madagascar (Berenty Reserve). We assessed the energy intake from weight-based estimates of food intake (mouthful count) and macronutrient contents in the diet during dry and wet months. The metabolizable energy ingested by these frugivorous/folivorous species was high during the late wet season, but it was insufficient to meet their energy requirements during the dry season. These preliminary data suggest that these lemurs must store sufficient amount of fat mass during the period of food abundance to meet their maintenance requirements and to cope with the energetic burden of the mating season. Estimates based on models assuming no fiber digestibility during the dry season are consistent with the prediction that brown lemurs should supplement their daytime diet with nighttime feeding in addition to the use of body fat stores.
Cytologic Features of SMARCA4-Deficient Thoracic Sarcoma: A Case Report and Comparison with Other SWI/SNF Complex-Deficient Tumors
Authors: Matsushita Michiko , Kuwamoto Satoshi
Published: October 2018

Background: SMARCA4-deficient thoracic sarcoma is a recently proposed entity of soft tissue tumors associated with an extremely poor prognosis. Its cytologic features have not been well described in the literature yet. Case: A woman in her early 30s who presented with chest pain was found to have a tumor in the right chest wall. Cytologic smears revealed numerous atypical round-to-polygonal cells appearing singly or in loosely cohesive clusters. These cells had a well-defined cell border, scant-to-moderate cytoplasm, and enlarged vesicular nuclei with prominent nucleoli. In addition, some cells with eosinophilic globular intracytoplasmic inclusions and eccentrically located nuclei, consistent with rhabdoid cells, were observed. Immunocytochemically, the cells were at least focally positive for cytokeratin CAM5.2 and CD34 and showed a significantly reduced BRG1/SMARCA4 expression. The diagnosis was confirmed by histological, immunohistochemical, and genetic analysis of a metastatic lesion to the left axillary lymph node. Conclusion: Although the cytologic features of SMARCA4-deficient thoracic sarcoma are not fully unique, they are sufficiently characteristic to suspect this tumor in cases of supporting clinical and radiological features, which may promote additional immunological or molecular testing to establish a definitive diagnosis.
Reimagining Social and Emotional Development: Accommodation and Resistance to Dominant Ideologies in the Identities and Friendships of Boys of Color
Authors: Rogers Leoandra Onnie , Way Niobe
Published: October 2018

Human development is largely studied as a process of internalizing or accommodating to dominant cultural ideologies, with the implicit assumption that such a process is healthy and desirable. Ideologies, however, not only entail positive beliefs (e.g., family is important); they also contain dehumanizing ones (e.g., men are more important than women). Thus, some dominant ideologies must be resisted for healthy development. This paper draws from our longitudinal research with boys of color over three decades to reimagine social and emotional development as a process by which youth accommodate to and resist dominant ideologies in the construction of their identities and friendships. We reveal that patterns of accommodation and resistance are implicit and explicit, change over time, and are associated with adjustment. Framing social and emotional development as a process by which individuals negotiate cultural ideologies offers a more agentic conceptualization of human development and allows for a better understanding of how to help youth thrive.
Long Non-Coding RNA H19 Regulates Human Lens Epithelial Cells Function
Authors: Liu Xin , Liu Chang , Shan Kun , Zhang Shujie , Lu Yi , Yan Biao , Luo Yi
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: Age-related cataract (ARC) remains the leading cause of visual impairment among the elderly population. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as potential regulators in many ocular diseases. However, the role of lncRNAs in nuclear ARC, a subtype of ARC, requires further elucidation. Methods: LncRNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs between the capsules of transparent and nuclear ARC lenses. Expression validation was confirmed by qRT-PCR. MTT assay, Calcein-AM and propidium iodide double staining, Rhodamine 123 and Hoechst double staining, EdU and transwell assay were used to determine the role of H19 or miR-675 in the viability, apoptosis, proliferation and migration of primary cultured human lens epithelial cells (HLECs). Bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assays were used to identify the binding target of miR-675. Results: Sixty-three lncRNAs are differentially expressed between the capsules of transparent and nuclear ARC lenses. One top abundantly expressed lncRNA, H19, is significantly up-regulated in the nuclear ARC lens capsules and positively associated with nuclear ARC grade. H19 knockdown accelerates apoptosis development and reduces the proliferation and migration of HLECs upon oxidative stress. H19 is the precursor of miR-675, and a reduction of H19 inhibits miR-675 expression. miR-675 regulates CRYAA expression by targeting the binding site within the 3’UTR. Moreover, miR-675 increases the proliferation and migration while decreasing the apoptosis of HLECs upon oxidative stress. Conclusion: H19 regulates HLECs function through miR-675-mediated CRYAA expression. This finding would provide a novel insight into the pathogenesis of nuclear ARC.
Zinc Supplementation Attenuates Cardiac Remodeling After Experimental Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Gonçalves Andrea F. , Polegato Bertha F. , Fernandes Ana Angélica , Ishikawa Larissa Lumi , Okoshi Katashi , Bazan Silméia G. Z. , Minicucci Marcos F. , Azevedo Paula S. , Ikoma Maura R. , Penitenti Marcimara , Chiuso-Minicucci Fernanda , R Paiva Sergio A. , Zornoff Leonardo A. M.
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: The objective of our study was to evaluate the effects of zinc supplementation on cardiac remodeling following acute myocardial infarction in rats. Methods: Animals were subdivided into 4 groups and observed for 3 months: 1) Sham Control; 2) Sham Zinc: Sham animals receiving zinc supplementation; 3) Infarction Control; 4) Infarction Zinc. After the followup period, we studied hypertrophy and ventricular geometry, functional alterations in vivo and in vitro, changes related to collagen, oxidative stress, and inflammation, assessed by echocardiogram, isolated heart study, western blot, flow cytometer, morphometry, and spectrophotometry. Results: Infarction induced a significant worsening of the functional variables. On the other hand, zinc attenuated both systolic and diastolic cardiac dysfunction induced by infarction. Considering the infarct size, there was no difference between the groups. Catalase and superoxide dismutase decreased in infarcted animals, and zinc increased its activity. We found higher expression of collagens I and III in infarcted animals, but there was no effect of zinc supplementation. Likewise, infarcted animals had higher levels of IL-10, but without zinc interference. Nrf-2 values were not different among the groups. Infarction increased the amount of Treg cells in the spleen as well as the amount of total lymphocytes. Zinc increased the amount of CD4+ in infarcted animals, but we did not observe effects in relation to Treg cells. Conclusion: zinc attenuates cardiac remodeling after infarction in rats; this effect is associated with modulation of antioxidant enzymes, but without the involvement of collagens I and III, Nrf-2, IL-10, and Treg cells.
Cardiac Fibrosis in Proteotoxic Cardiac Disease is Dependent Upon Myofibroblast TGF‐β Signaling
Authors: Bhandary Bidur , Meng Qinghang , James Jeanne , Osinska Hanna , Gulick James , Valiente‐Alandi Iñigo , Sargent Michelle A. , Bhuiyan Md. Shenuarin , Blaxall Burns C. , Molkentin Jeffery D. , Robbins Jeffrey
Published: October 2018

Background

Transforming growth factor beta (
TGF
‐β) is an important cytokine in mediating the cardiac fibrosis that often accompanies pathogenic cardiac remodeling. Cardiomyocyte‐specific expression of a mutant αB‐crystallin (Cry

AB
R

120G
), which causes human desmin‐related cardiomyopathy, results in significant cardiac fibrosis. During onset of fibrosis, fibroblasts are activated to the so‐called myofibroblast state and
TGF
‐β binding mediates an essential signaling pathway underlying this process. Here, we test the hypothesis that fibroblast‐based
TGF
‐β signaling can result in significant cardiac fibrosis in a disease model of cardiac proteotoxicity that has an exclusive cardiomyocyte‐based etiology.

Methods and Results

Against the background of cardiomyocyte‐restricted expression of Cry

AB
R

120G
, we have partially ablated
TGF
‐β signaling in cardiac myofibroblasts to observe whether cardiac fibrosis is reduced despite the ongoing pathogenic stimulus of Cry

AB
R

120G
production. Transgenic Cry

AB
R

120G
mice were crossed with mice containing a floxed allele of
TGF
‐β receptor 2 (
Tgfbr2

f/f

). The double transgenic animals were subsequently crossed to another transgenic line in which
Cre
expression was driven from the periostin locus (
Postn
) so that
Tgfbr2
would be ablated with myofibroblast conversion. Structural and functional assays were then used to determine whether general fibrosis was affected and cardiac function rescued in Cry

AB
R

120G
mice lacking
Tgfbr2
in the myofibroblasts. Ablation of myofibroblast specific
TGF
‐β signaling led to decreased morbidity in a proteotoxic disease resulting from cardiomyocyte autonomous expression of Cry

AB
R

120G
. Cardiac fibrosis was decreased and hypertrophy was also significantly attenuated, with a significant improvement in survival probability over time, even though the primary proteotoxic insult continued.

Conclusions

Myofibroblast‐targeted knockdown of
Tgfbr2
signaling resulted in reduced fibrosis and improved cardiac function, leading to improved probability of survival.
The Northern California Wildfires of 8–9 October 2017: The Role of a Major Downslope Wind Event
Authors: Mass Clifford F. , Ovens David
Published: October 2018

A series of large wildfires began over the terrain north of San Francisco, California, during the evening of 8 October 2017 and spread across nearly 250,000 acres, including areas near the towns of Santa Rosa and Napa. These “Wine Country” wildfires were the most destructive in California history, with 44 deaths; the loss of 9,000 buildings; damage to approximately 21,000 structures; $10 billion of insured losses; and substantially greater total economic loss.

This paper describes the synoptic and mesoscale conditions that were associated with the wildfires, with strong, easterly “Diablo” winds playing a central role in both initiating and supporting the fires. The climatological conditions preceding the fires are reviewed, including near-normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures during the summer, as well as much above-normal precipitation the previous winter, which led to abundant dry grass that provided fuel for the wind-driven fires.

High-resolution meteorological modeling realistically simulated the strong winds associated with this event. Importantly, operational mesoscale forecast models provided excellent forecasts of the high winds several days in advance. It appears that a vulnerable power system, urbanization of fire-prone areas, flammable invasive species, and poor communication of dangerous conditions contributed to this catastrophic event. The potential for mitigating or preventing such destructive wildfires using skillful weather prediction is examined, as well as the possible role of global warming.
Establishment of glycated albumin unit conversion equation from the standardized value (mmol/mol) to the routinely used value (%)
Authors: Sato Asako , Yada Sayo , Hosoba Emiko , Kanno Hiroko , Miura Hitomi
Published: October 2018

Background

To promote glycated albumin standardization, the Committee on Diabetes Mellitus Indices, Japan Society of Clinical Chemistry published the recommended reference method and is supplying the reference standard material (JCCRM 611). In this study, we evaluated the basic performance of ‘standardized enzymatic method’ that is traceable to JCCRM 611 and established a unit conversion formula from standardized glycated albumin value (mmol/mol) to the routinely used glycated albumin value (%).

Methods

To evaluate the accuracy and within-run reproducibility of the ‘standardized enzymatic method’, JCCRM 611 was measured 20 times. To establish the unit conversion formula, serum specimens with known HbA1c concentrations were collected, and their glycated albumin (%) and glycated albumin (mmol/mol) were measured.

Results

The accuracy of glycated albumin value of the ‘standardized enzymatic method’ was 100.8–103.0%. The within-run reproducibility CV (coefficient of variation, %) of glycated albumin value was 0.6–0.9%. In total, 240 serum specimens were collected, and the distribution of their HbA1c values was HbA1c ≤ 4.9% ( n = 23), 5.0–5.9% ( n = 50), 6.0–6.9%, ( n = 44), 7.0–7.9% ( n = 40), 8.0–8.9% ( n = 37) and ≥9.0% ( n = 46). The unit conversion equation was defined as: GA (%) = 0.05652 × GA (mmol/mol)–0.4217 ( r = 0.999). Glycated albumin (%) calculated by the equation was in close agreement (96.6–104.2%) with the actual measured glycated albumin (%).

Conclusions

The glycated albumin unit conversion formula was established from mmol/mol to %. This formula provides an easy method to convert the unit and is expected to be useful for the standardization of glycated albumin measurement.
Psychiatrists and psychiatry in late colonial India
Authors: Rajpal Shilpi
Published: October 2018

The history of professionalisation of psychiatry in India is an array of parallel histories. The article describes the variegated processes of professionalisation, modernisation and Indianisation and the impediments that colonialism created in their path. It charts the reification of the professional identity of a psychiatrist which was uniquely different from the Western counterpart. The process that began at the turn of the twentieth century was far from complete even on the eve of independence. It argues that psychiatry remained at the margins of medicine and the colonial state maintained an indifferent attitude towards development of the mental sciences. Highlighting contributions of individual psychiatrists and juxtaposing them with those of the state, this article situates psychiatrists as historical actors and how the emergence of psychiatry was enmeshed with political histories of the period.
Home Care in Ontario: Perspectives on Equity
Authors: Yakerson Alla
Published: October 2018

Home care is an integral aspect of the Canadian health care system. Services provided to individuals allow them to live with independence and dignity within the comfort of their own residences. This article examines the historical evolution of Ontario’s home care reform and the current challenges faced by staff members, patients, and their caregivers in reference to health equity. Political economy and feminist lenses are used to highlight the impact of market-based health care reforms on gendered experiences and access to home care services. Research and reports are used to critique the development of the home care system to date. Findings suggest that the current home care system is underfunded, understaffed, and inequitable in access to care. At this time, policies strategically remain blinded to the harsh realities of the home care sector in order to justify cost cutting, deregulation, and privatization of services.
The Impact of Candidates’ Negative Traits on Vote Choice in New Democracies: A Test Based on Presidential Elections in South Korea
Authors: Kim HeeMin , Roh Jungho
Published: October 2018

The impact of candidates’ negative traits (CNTs) on voting behavior has received significant attention in election studies in recent decades. However, scholarly efforts have focused primarily on elections in advanced Western democracies, largely overlooking the relationship between candidates’ personal traits and the electorate’s voting behaviors in the context of new democracies. In this study, we fill this gap by investigating the impact of CNTs on the electorate’s vote choices in South Korean presidential elections. Our study of CNTs in South Korea shows that CNTs have statistically significant effects on the electorate’s vote choices. Our findings are particularly relevant because many new democracies are implementing fair and free elections, and the elites under previous authoritarian regimes are running in these elections.
Sales Force Downsizing and Firm-Idiosyncratic Risk: The Contingent Role of Investors’ Screening and Firm’s Signaling Processes
Authors: Panagopoulos Nikolaos G. , Mullins Ryan , Avramidis Panagiotis
Published: October 2018

Although sales force downsizing represents a challenging marketing resource change that can signal uncertainty about future firm performance, little is known about its impact on financial-market performance. Drawing from information economics, the authors address this knowledge gap by developing a comprehensive framework to (1) examine the impact of the size of a firm’s sales force downsizing on firm-idiosyncratic risk, (2) uncover investors’ screening processes that influence this relationship, and (3) identify firms’ mitigating signaling processes that can alleviate investor uncertainty linked to downsizing. The authors draw from several secondary sources to assemble a longitudinal data set of 314 U.S. public firms over 12 years and model their framework using a robust econometric approach. Findings show that larger sales force reductions are associated with greater firm-idiosyncratic risk. Furthermore, this increase in risk is amplified when firms face high levels of future competitive threats and lack transparency in financial reporting. However, chief executive officers can mitigate these deleterious moderating effects by signaling a commitment to growth (i.e., increasing advertising expenditures) and formally communicating an external strategic focus to Wall Street.
The Seesaw Self: Possessions, Identity (De)activation, and Task Performance
Authors: Chung Jaeyeon , Johar Gita V.
Published: October 2018

Research has shown that possessions have the power to change consumers’ self-construal and activate different aspects of the self. Building on this literature, the authors suggest that the salience of product ownership not only activates the product-related self but also simultaneously deactivates product-unrelated selves, resulting in impaired performance on tasks unrelated to the activated self. In five experiments, we first elicit feelings of ownership over a product (e.g., a calculator) to activate a product-related identity (e.g., the math self). Participants then engage in a task that is labeled as being a product-related task (e.g., a math task) or a product-unrelated task (e.g., a visual task). Although the task is the same, participants in the ownership condition perform worse on a task labeled as product-unrelated than those in the baseline condition do. Support for the underlying identity activation process comes from the finding that performance impairment is more likely to hold under conditions of low self-concept clarity, in which identity is malleable. The authors discuss the theoretical and practical implications of this finding.
Perspectives of a Transgender Music Education Student
Authors: Silveira Jason M.
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study was to present a narrative account of one gender-variant music student and his experiences as a music education major at a small private college. The question guiding this study was as follows: In what ways can one transgender music education student’s lived experiences and identity development inform discourse in the music education community? A semistructured interview protocol was used, with approximately 14 weekly one-on-one meetings with the student. The student was allowed to share his perspectives as a transgender student throughout public school and leading to his decision to major in music education via the interview protocol. Data were coded based on recurring patterns that emerged from the interviews and participant-generated artifacts. Member checks and a peer examiner were used to ensure faithful interpretation of the data. The participant’s family interaction influenced his transgender identity development, his internalized transphobia gave way to self-acceptance, and he eventually took an active role in advocating for fellow transgender individuals. Implications for music teacher preparation programs and professional development are discussed, and future directions for research are recommended.
Evidence-Based Teacher Preparation: Policy Context and What We Know
Authors: Goldhaber Dan
Published: October 2018

Teacher preparation programs (TPPs) have received a great deal of policy and research attention of late. And despite the commonsense notion that preparation for formal classroom responsibilities should improve the readiness of teacher candidates, the value of formalized preservice teacher education is unclear. In this review of the quantitative evidence about TPPs, I find that most studies show only minor differences in the value added of teachers who graduate from different programs, and that there are only a few studies that focus on the association between the features of teacher preparation and teacher workforce outcomes. The lack of evidence on the importance of the features of teacher preparation is primarily due to data deficiencies: data often do not permit connections between TPP features and teacher workforce outcomes. As a consequence, feedback loops that could theoretically provide TPPs with actionable information about program design typically do not exist.
Rethinking ‘Dutchness’: Learning from the intersections between religion, gender and national identity after conversion to Islam
Authors: Midden Eva
Published: October 2018

This article aims to investigate the relationship between religion and national identity through the experiences of female converts to Islam. Gender is essential in this conjuncture, as many national, religious and secular markers are gendered and, most of the time, specifically focused on women and their bodily practices. Through a literature review and discussion of preliminary interview results, we will investigate how female converts negotiate their multiple belongings, especially regarding the relationship between religion and national identity. The focus is not on self-understanding of converts, but on in/exclusion of Muslims in European nations. The final aim is to explore options for more inclusive interpretations of ‘Dutchness’, in order to counter the idea that Islam and ‘Dutchness’ are not compatible.
A Matter of Perspectives: Studying the Persistence of Fourth-Year Urban Teachers From Two Preparation Programs
Authors: Luet Kathryn McGinn , Shealey Monika Williams
Published: October 2018

Recognizing the pressing problem of low teacher retention in urban schools, this qualitative study explores how two post-baccalaureate teacher education programs at the same university prepare candidates to persist in the profession. Through data analysis, it became clear that graduates of the Urban Teacher Residency program approached their students with an asset-based perspective, whereas graduates of the Master’s of Science in Teaching program often used deficit language to describe their students. We explore potential reasons for these varying approaches and consider how these perceptions relate to persistence. We conclude with recommendations for program design and delivery that emphasize asset-based approaches.
Social Inequality and Mental Health in Chile, Ecuador, and Colombia
Authors: Quijada Yanet , Villagrán Loreto , Vaccari Jiménez Pamela , Reyes Carlos , Gallardo Luz Dary
Published: October 2018

The results of a comparative study of social inequality and mental health show that Chile and Colombia, which have enormous social gaps despite their economic growth, are characterized by poor mental health indicators and social discontent, while the better equity indicators in Ecuador are not clearly linked to mental health. The concept of social defeat is suggested as a mediator between social inequality and individual and collective mental health, and participation and empowerment are suggested as ways of improving social well-being.

Los resultados de un estudio comparativo de desigualdad social y salud mental muestran que Chile y Colombia, que tienen enormes brechas sociales a pesar de su crecimiento económico, se caracterizan por indicadores de salud mental deficientes y descontento social, mientras que los mejores indicadores de equidad en Ecuador no están claramente vinculados a la salud mental. El concepto de derrota social se sugiere como un mediador entre la desigualdad social y la salud mental individual y colectiva, y la participación y el empoderamiento se sugieren como formas de mejorar el bienestar social.
Negotiating new racism: ‘It’s not racist or sexist. It’s just the way it is’
Authors: Hunt Whitney
Published: October 2018

Comic books are being adapted into film and television series, encouraging underrepresented voices to become more prominent in comic book culture. White men continue to dominate the culture as creators and principle characters. Yet, women and people of color are consuming comic books and films at increasing rates prompting fans to use social media outlets and online forums to engage in conversations about race in pop culture. Employing a qualitative content analysis of an online forum tailored to comic book culture, this research investigates how fans negotiate their continued fandom of comics amid claims that the industry is discriminatory toward people of color. Findings reveal forum discussion is adopting framings of new racism when accounting for a lack of diversity in comic book films. Specifically, this research shows how fans rely on White racial framings throughout discussion. Central themes indicate most forum participants suggest only overt discrimination implies that race matters and minimize the effects of historical processes. Moreover, few fans challenge traditional representations normalizing White dominance. This study contributes to research on new racism and the prevalence of White racial framings in contemporary American society.
Perceptions of Collective Efficacy Among Single Mothers: Insights for Conceptualization and Measurement
Authors: Barnhart Sheila , Gearhart Michael C. , Maguire-Jack Kathryn
Published: October 2018

Neighborhoods with higher levels of collective efficacy are associated with more favorable family outcomes such as lower teen pregnancy rates and less antisocial behavior among children. Collective efficacy is traditionally measured by combining the constructs of social cohesion and informal social control, yet these two constructs may have unique influences on family outcomes. While prior studies have examined collective efficacy’s factor structure, there is limited understanding of this construct among single-mother families, who have unique social and economic characteristics. In this exploratory study, we tested a single-factor model and two-factor model separating social cohesion and informal social control to examine the underlying factor structure of collective efficacy with a diverse sample of 2,084 unmarried mothers who participated in the third wave in-home survey of the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing study. Results support that informal social control and social cohesion were best modeled as two distinct, but related, constructs.
Different Vascular Responses to a Bare Nitinol Stent in Porcine Femoral and Femoropopliteal Arteries
Authors: Sakaoka Atsushi , Souba Junko , Rousselle Serge D. , Matsuda Takato , Tellez Armando , Hagiwara Hitomi , Nagano Kasuke , Tasaki Masako
Published: October 2018

Nitinol stents are widely used for the treatment of peripheral arterial diseases in lower extremity arteries and have shown different clinical outcomes depending on implanted arterial segments. We aimed to compare histopathological responses to nitinol stents in femoral artery (FA) with those in femoropopliteal artery (FPA), which is markedly bended during knee flexion. A single nitinol stent was implanted in FA and FPA of 21 domestic swine. The stented vessels were angiographically assessed and then harvested for histopathology at 1 and 3 months after implantation. Angiographic late lumen loss was significantly greater in FPA than in FA at 3 months. Neointimal area decreased in FA and increased in FPA from 1 to 3 months. Compared with FA, peri-strut area of FPA showed more pronounced hemorrhage and fibrin deposition at 1 month and angiogenesis and inflammation at 1 and 3 months. Injury to internal elastic lamina or media was minimal in both FA and FPA at both time points. In conclusion, vascular responses to nitinol stents were different between FA and FPA with respect to time course of neointimal formation and progress of healing, suggesting that repetitive interaction between stent and vessel wall during dynamic vessel motion affected vascular responses.
Asymptomatic dislocation of a Watchman left atrial appendage occluder
Authors: Takayuki Gyoten , Grimmig Oliver , Sören Just , Dirk Fritzsche
Published: October 2018

Device dislocation associated with left atrial appendage closure with a Watchman device is rare. Few cases of surgical treatment have been reported. Therefore, surgical options and the effects of the surgery on subsequent operations are unknown. This device was implanted in 2 patients in another hospital because of frequent brain and intestinal bleeding related to coagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation. However, routine echocardiography revealed dislocation from the left atrial appendage orifice in the early and late postoperative periods. Emergency surgical removal of the devices was performed. Perioperative device management and treatment strategies are discussed briefly.
Autistic Traits in the Neurotypical Population do not Predict Increased Response Conservativeness in Perceptual Decision Making
Authors: Pirrone Angelo , Wen Wen , Li Sheng , Baker Daniel H. , Milne Elizabeth
Published: October 2018

Recent research has shown that adults and children with autism spectrum disorders have a more conservative decision criterion in perceptual decision making compared to neurotypical individuals, meaning that autistic participants prioritise accuracy over speed of a decision. Here, we test whether autistic traits in the neurotypical population correlate with increased response conservativeness. We employed three different tasks; for two tasks we recruited participants from China ( N = 39) and for one task from the United Kingdom ( N = 37). Our results show that autistic traits in the neurotypical population do not predict variation in response criterion. We also failed to replicate previous work showing a relationship between autistic traits and sensitivity to coherent motion and static orientation. Following the argument proposed by Gregory and Plaisted-Grant, we discuss why perceptual differences between autistic and neurotypical participants do not necessarily predict perceptual differences between neurotypical participants with high and low autistic traits.
Residential mobility and neighbourhood attachment in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Li Si-ming , Mao Sanqin , Du Huimin
Published: October 2018

Wholesale redevelopment, suburbanization and increased population mobility in recent decades have brought significant social and spatial changes to urban neighbourhoods in Chinese cities, not least the subjective feelings of residents about their neighbourhoods. While there is a substantial literature on urban restructuring and migration at different geographical scales, relatively little is known about how feelings such as neighbourhood attachment are conditioned upon residential mobility and neighbourhood change in Chinese cities. To address this deficiency in the literature, multi-level models are employed to explore the extent to which residential mobility affects three different dimensions of neighbourhood attachment based on a large-scale household survey conducted in Guangzhou in 2012. The findings show that mobility experience and neighbourhood-related factors exert discernible influences on the attitudes towards the neighbourhood. Specifically, while people staying in reform/work-unit housing compounds tend to have better knowledge of their neighbours, those moving from reform/work-unit compounds to commodity housing estates exhibits greater involvements in the affairs of the new neighbourhood. The built environment, population size and frequency of population turnovers of the neighbourhood underpin residents’ attachment to it.
Plastic bag usage in a taxed environment: Investigation on the deterrent nature of plastic levy in Maun, Botswana
Authors: Mogomotsi Patricia K , Mogomotsi Goemeone EJ , Phonchi Nametso D
Published: October 2018

Following the discovery of diamonds in Botswana, there was widespread use of plastic bags, possibly as a positive reaction to the change in economic and financial landscape of the country. The excessive use of plastic bags by consumers throughout Botswana, however, imposed several negative externalities to the environment and consequently to livelihoods through their effects on wildlife and livestock. The government of Botswana, in an effort to mitigate the negative impacts of plastic bags on the environment, introduced both a ban of plastics with less than minimum thickness and a plastic bag levy. This study assesses if the plastic bag levy regulation by the government is achieving its goal of reducing the use of plastic bags in Botswana, where Maun is used as a case study. It analyses consumers’ perceptions about the plastic levy and its effects on their consumption. A total of 154 semi-structured questionnaires were administered through random selections of respondents at two shopping malls in Maun. In conclusion, the study established that although the levy is well targeted on consumers as sources of plastic bag litter, the levy is yet to attain its intended purpose of effecting a reduction of plastic bags demanded and/or consumed in Maun.