bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wealth Inequality and Accumulation
Authors: Killewald Alexandra , Pfeffer Fabian T. , Schachner Jared N.
Published: May 2017

Research on wealth inequality and accumulation and the data upon which it relies have expanded substantially in the twenty-first century. Although the field has experienced rapid growth, conceptual and methodological challenges remain. We begin by discussing two major unresolved methodological concerns facing wealth research: how to address challenges to causal inference posed by wealth's cumulative nature and how to operationalize net worth given its highly skewed distribution. Next, we provide an overview of data sources available for wealth research. To underscore the need for continued empirical attention to net worth, we review trends in wealth levels and inequality and evaluate wealth's distinctiveness as an indicator of social stratification. We then review recent empirical evidence on the effects of wealth on other social outcomes, as well as research on the determinants of wealth. We close with a list of promising avenues for future research on wealth, its causes, and its consequences.
Ethnographies of Race, Crime, and Justice: Toward a Sociological Double-Consciousness
Authors: Rios Victor M. , Carney Nikita , Kelekay Jasmine
Published: May 2017

This review discusses contemporary developments in qualitative research on race, crime, and criminal justice, focusing on ethnographic studies of race and policing, criminal justice, prisons, and mass incarceration. These ethnographies inform us about the day-to-day contexts in which crime, law, and punishment are produced. They help to make visible structures of power that contribute to inequality, push for a more reflexive approach to ethnography, and sophisticate our understanding of culture. A methodological paradigm has emerged that informs the research process and helps us understand the root causes and consequences of some of the most pressing issues in the United States: race and racism in the justice system, police harassment, police violence, police–community relations, antiauthoritarian social movements, crime prevention, and reentry. This body of scholarship is collectively developing a more reflexive paradigm in ethnography, which we term the sociological double-consciousness approach.
An miRNA Expression Signature for the Human Colonic Stem Cell Niche Distinguishes Malignant from Normal Epithelia
Authors: Viswanathan Vignesh , Damle Shirish , Zhang Tao , Opdenaker Lynn , Modarai Shirin , Accerbi Monica , Schmidt Skye , Green Pamela , Galileo Deni , Palazzo Juan , Fields Jeremy , Haghighat Sepehr , Rigoutsos Isidore , Gonye Greg , Boman Bruce M.
Published: May 2017

Malignant transformation of tissue stem cells (SC) may be the root of most cancer. Accordingly, we identified miRNA expression patterns in the normal human colonic SC niche to understand how cancer stem cells (CSC) may arise. In profiling miRNA expression in SC-enriched crypt subsections isolated from fresh, normal surgical specimens, we identified 16 miRNAs that were differentially expressed in the crypt bottom, creating an SC signature for normal colonic epithelia (NCE). A parallel analysis of colorectal cancer tissues showed differential expression of 83 miRNAs relative to NCE. Within the 16 miRNA signature for the normal SC niche, we found that miR-206, miR-007-3, and miR-23b individually could distinguish colorectal cancer from NCE. Notably, miR-23b, which was increased in colorectal cancer, was predicted to target the SC-expressed G protein-coupled receptor LGR5. Cell biology investigations showed that miR-23b regulated CSC phenotypes globally at the level of proliferation, cell cycle, self-renewal, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, invasion, and resistance to the colorectal cancer chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil. In mechanistic experiments, we found that miR-23b decreased LGR5 expression and increased ALDH+ CSCs. CSC analyses confirmed that levels of LGR5 and miR-23b are inversely correlated in ALDH+ CSCs and that distinct subpopulations of LGR5+ and ALDH+ CSCs exist. Overall, our results define a critical function for miR-23b, which, by targeting LGR5, contributes to overpopulation of ALDH+ CSCs and colorectal cancer. Cancer Res; 77(14); 3778–90. ©2017 AACR.
Monitoring Tumor Response to Antivascular Therapy Using Non-Contrast Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion-Weighted MRI
Authors: Shi Changzheng , Liu Dexiang , Xiao Zeyu , Zhang Dong , Liu Guanfu , Liu Guanshu , Chen Hanwei , Luo Liangping
Published: May 2017

Antivascular therapy is a promising approach to the treatment of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), where an imaging modality capable of longitudinally monitoring treatment response could provide early prediction of the outcome. In this study, we sought to investigate the feasibility of using intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion MRI to quantitatively assess the efficacy of the treatments of a vascular-disrupting agent CA4P or its combination with bevacizumab on experimental NSCLC tumors. CA4P caused a strong but reversible effect on tumor vasculature; all perfusion-related parameters—D*, f, fD*, and Ktrans—initially showed a decrease of 30% to 60% at 2 hours and then fully recovered to baseline on day 2 for CA4P treatment or on days 4 to 8 for CA4P + bevacizumab treatment; the diffusion coefficient in tumors decreased initially at 2 hours and then increased from day 2 to day 8. We observed a good correlation between IVIM parameters and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI; Ktrans). We also found that the relative change in f and fD* at 2 hours correlated well with changes in tumor volume on day 8. In conclusion, our results suggest that IVIM is a promising alternative to DCE-MRI for the assessment of the change in tumor perfusion as a result of antivascular agents and can be used to predict the efficacy of antivascular therapies without the need for contrast media injection. Cancer Res; 77(13); 3491–501. ©2017 AACR.
EGFR Signals through a DOCK180-MLK3 Axis to Drive Glioblastoma Cell Invasion
Authors: Misek Sean A. , Chen Jian , Schroeder Laura , Rattanasinchai Chotirat , Sample Ashley , Sarkaria Jann N. , Gallo Kathleen A.
Published: May 2017

A hallmark of glioblastoma (GBM) tumors is their highly invasive behavior. Tumor dissemination into surrounding brain tissue is responsible for incomplete surgical resection, and subsequent tumor recurrence. Identification of targets that control GBM cell dissemination is critical for developing effective therapies to treat GBM. A majority of GBM tumors have dysregulated EGFR signaling, due most frequently to EGFR amplification or the presence of a constitutively active EGFRvIII mutant. Mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3) is a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAP3K) that can activate multiple MAPK pathways. In this study, evidence is provided that MLK3 is essential for GBM cell migration and invasion, and that an MLK inhibitor blocks EGF-induced migration and invasion. MLK3 silencing or MLK inhibition blocks EGF-induced JNK activation, suggesting that MLK3-JNK signaling promotes invasion of GBM cells. Mechanistically, it is demonstrated that DOCK180, a RAC1 guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) overexpressed in invasive GBM cells, activates the MLK3-JNK signaling axis in a RAC1-dependent manner. In summary, this investigation identifies an EGFR–DOCK180–RAC1–MLK3–JNK signaling axis that drives glioblastoma cell migration and dissemination.

Implications: On the basis of these findings, MLK3 emerges as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of glioblastoma. Mol Cancer Res; 15(8); 1085–95. ©2017 AACR.
Calcium/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II Activity Persists During Chronic β-Adrenoceptor Blockade in Experimental and Human Heart Failure
Authors: Dewenter Matthias , Neef Stefan , Vettel Christiane , Lämmle Simon , Beushausen Christina , Zelarayan Laura C. , Katz Sylvia , von der Lieth Albert , Meyer-Roxlau Stefanie , Weber Silvio , Wieland Thomas , Sossalla Samuel , Backs Johannes , Brown Joan H. , Maier Lars S. , El-Armouche Ali
Published: May 2017

Background—

Considerable evidence suggests that calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) overactivity plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF), a condition characterized by excessive β-adrenoceptor (β-AR) stimulation. Recent studies indicate a significant cross talk between β-AR signaling and CaMKII activation presenting CaMKII as a possible downstream mediator of detrimental β-AR signaling in HF. In this study, we investigated the effect of chronic β-AR blocker treatment on CaMKII activity in human and experimental HF.

Methods and Results—

Immunoblot analysis of myocardium from end-stage HF patients (n=12) and non-HF subjects undergoing cardiac surgery (n=12) treated with β-AR blockers revealed no difference in CaMKII activity when compared with non–β-AR blocker–treated patients. CaMKII activity was judged by analysis of CaMKII expression, autophosphorylation, and oxidation and by investigating the phosphorylation status of CaMKII downstream targets. To further evaluate these findings, CaMKIIδ
C
transgenic mice were treated with the β
1
-AR blocker metoprolol (270 mg/kg*d). Metoprolol significantly reduced transgene-associated mortality (n≥29;
P
<0.001), attenuated the development of cardiac hypertrophy (−14±6% heart weight/tibia length;
P
<0.05), and strongly reduced ventricular arrhythmias (−70±22% premature ventricular contractions;
P
<0.05). On a molecular level, metoprolol expectedly decreased protein kinase A–dependent phospholamban and ryanodine receptor 2 phosphorylation (−42±9% for P-phospholamban-S16 and −22±7% for P-ryanodine receptor 2-S2808;
P
<0.05). However, this was paralled neither by a reduction in CaMKII autophosphorylation, oxidation, and substrate binding nor a change in the phosphorylation of CaMKII downstream target proteins (n≥11). The lack of CaMKII modulation by β-AR blocker treatment was confirmed in healthy wild-type mice receiving metoprolol.

Conclusions—

Chronic β-AR blocker therapy in patients and in a mouse model of CaMKII-induced HF is not associated with a change in CaMKII activity. Thus, our data suggest that the molecular effects of β-AR blockers are not based on a modulation of CaMKII. Directly targeting CaMKII may, therefore, further improve HF therapy in addition to β-AR blockade.
Aortic Valve Annular Sizing
Authors: George Isaac , Guglielmetti Laura C. , Bettinger Nicolas , Moss Andrew , Wang Catherine , Kheysin Nathan , Hahn Rebecca , Kodali Susheel , Leon Martin , Bapat Vinayak , Borger Michael A. , Williams Mathew , Smith Craig , Khalique Omar K.
Published: May 2017

Background—

Appropriate valve sizing is critical in aortic valve replacement. We hypothesized that direct intraoperative valve sizing results in smaller aortic annular diameters compared with sizing based on systolic-phase multidetector computerized tomographic (MDCT) imaging.

Methods and Results—

We retrospectively analyzed 78 patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis between 2012 and 2014 at our institution. Preoperative MDCT measurements of the aortic annulus served as basis for assignment to a theoretical surgical valve size, which was then (1) compared to the implanted valve size and (2) to a theoretical transcatheter aortic valve replacement valve size. To quantify the resulting differences, geometric orifice areas (GOA) were calculated. MDCT-based sizing produced the same valve size for n=34 patients (group CT-same), a larger valve with a 25% increased GOA in n=32 patients (group CT-Lg) and a smaller GOA by 22% in n=12 patients (group CT-Sm). On the basis of MDCT measurements, 41% of valves implanted were undersized. The comparison of intraoperative implanted to a theoretical transcatheter aortic valve replacement valve size resulted in GOAs 25% larger for patients in group CT-same, 40.6% larger in group CT-Lg and 14.6% larger in group CT-Sm.

Conclusions—

Preoperative MDCT measurements differ substantially from direct intraoperative assessment of the aortic annulus. Implanted surgical aortic valve replacement valves were smaller relative to MDCT-based sizing in 41% of patients, and the potential GOA was between 25% and 40.6% larger if patients had undergone transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
Heart Rate Recovery and Risk of Cardiovascular Events and All‐Cause Mortality: A Meta‐Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Qiu Shanhu , Cai Xue , Sun Zilin , Li Ling , Zuegel Martina , Steinacker Juergen Michael , Schumann Uwe
Published: May 2017

Background

Heart rate recovery (
HRR
) is a noninvasive assessment of autonomic dysfunction and has been implicated with risk of cardiovascular events and all‐cause mortality. However, evidence has not been systematically assessed. We performed a meta‐analysis of prospective cohort studies to quantify these associations in the general population.

Methods and Results

A literature search using 3 databases up to August 2016 was conducted for studies that reported hazard ratios with 95%
CI
s for the association between baseline
HRR
and outcomes of interest. The overall hazard ratios were calculated using a random‐effects model. There were 9 eligible studies in total, with 5 for cardiovascular events enrolling 1061 cases from 34 267 participants, and 9 for all‐cause mortality enrolling 2082 cases from 41 600 participants. The pooled hazard ratios associated with attenuated
HRR
versus fast
HRR
that served as the referent were 1.69 (95%
CI
1.05–2.71) for cardiovascular events and 1.68 (95%
CI
1.51–1.88) for all‐cause mortality. For every 10 beats per minute decrements in
HRR
, the hazard ratios were 1.13 (95%
CI
1.05–1.21) and 1.09 (95%
CI
1.01–1.19), respectively. Further analyses suggested that the associations observed between attenuated
HRR
and risk of fatal cardiovascular events and all‐cause mortality were independent of traditional metabolic factors for cardiovascular disease (all
P
<0.05).

Conclusions

Attenuated
HRR
is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events and all‐cause mortality, which supports the recommendation of recording
HRR
for risk assessment in clinical practice as a routine.
Haptoglobin Hp2 Variant Promotes Premature Cardiovascular Death in Stroke Survivors
Authors: Ijäs Petra , Melkas Susanna , Saksi Jani , Jula Antti , Jauhiainen Matti , Oksala Niku , Pohjasvaara Tarja , Kaste Markku , Karhunen Pekka J. , Lindsberg Perttu , Erkinjuntti Timo
Published: May 2017

Background and Purpose—

Haptoglobin (Hp) is an acute phase plasma protein protecting tissues from oxidative damage. It exists in 2 variant alleles (
hp1/hp2
) giving rise to 3 protein isoforms with different biochemical properties and efficiency to limit oxidative stress. We previously found that
hp2
variant is associated with stroke risk in the patients with carotid stenosis and the risk of ischemic cardiovascular events in a general population cohort. This study examined the hypothesis that Hp genotype is associated with general cardiovascular risk in patients with stroke.

Methods—

Hp was genotyped in SAM study (Helsinki Stroke Aging Memory, n=378). A total of 1426 individuals ascertained from a nationally representative cross-sectional health survey served as population controls.

Results—

Hp genotype frequencies were 15.6% (
hp1-1
), 44.2% (
hp1-2
), and 40.2% (
hp2-2
) in patients with stroke. During a mean of 7.5-year follow-up after first-ever stroke,
hp2
carriers had a substantially higher rate of cardiac deaths (24.5% versus 8.5%;
P
=0.006) and a trend toward more fatal strokes (23.5% versus 13.6%;
P
=0.122). The combined risk of ischemic cardiovascular deaths was 2.4-fold higher among
hp2
carriers (95% confidence interval, 1.28–4.43) after adjustment for major cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusions—

Hp2
allele is associated with premature ischemic cardiovascular deaths after first-ever ischemic stroke.
Dietary Protein Intake and Stroke Risk in a General Japanese Population
Authors: Ozawa Mio , Yoshida Daigo , Hata Jun , Ohara Tomoyuki , Mukai Naoko , Shibata Mao , Uchida Kazuhiro , Nagata Masashi , Kitazono Takanari , Kiyohara Yutaka , Ninomiya Toshiharu
Published: May 2017

Background and Purpose—

The influence of dietary protein intake on stroke risk is an area of interest. We investigated the association between dietary protein intake and stroke risk in Japanese, considering sources of protein.

Methods—

A total of 2400 subjects aged 40 to 79 years were followed up for 19 years. Dietary protein intake was estimated using a 70-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. The risk estimates for incident stroke and its subtypes were calculated using a Cox proportional hazards model.

Results—

During the follow-up, 254 participants experienced stroke events; of these, 172 had ischemic stroke, and 58 had intracerebral hemorrhage. Higher total protein intake was significantly associated with lower risks of stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage (both
P
for trend <0.05). With regard to sources of protein, the risks of total stroke and ischemic stroke significantly decreased by 40% (95% confidence interval, 12%–59%) and 40% (5%–62%), respectively, in subjects with the highest quartile of vegetable protein intake compared with those with the lowest one. In contrast, subjects with the highest quartile of animal protein intake had a 53% (4%–77%) lower risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. Vegetable protein intake was positively correlated with intakes of soybean products, vegetable, and algae, whereas animal protein intake was positively correlated with intakes of fish, meat, eggs, and milk/dairy products. Both types of protein intakes were negatively correlated with intakes of rice and alcohol.

Conclusions—

Our findings suggest that higher dietary protein intake is associated with a reduced risk of stroke in the general Japanese population.
Poststroke Sonic Hedgehog Agonist Treatment Improves Functional Recovery by Enhancing Neurogenesis and Angiogenesis
Authors: Jin Yongming , Barnett Austin , Zhang Yifan , Yu Xin , Luo Yu
Published: May 2017

Background and Purpose—

Because of the limitation in treatment window of the r-tPA (recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator), the development of delayed treatment for stroke is needed. In this study, we examined the efficacy of delayed poststroke treatment (post 3–8 days) of the sonic hedgehog pathway agonist on functional recovery and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods—

We evaluated functional recovery at 1 month after stroke using locomotion analysis and Barnes maze test for cognitive function. We used a genetically inducible neural stem cell–specific reporter mouse line (nestin-CreERT2-R26R-YFP) to label and track their proliferation, survival, and differentiation in ischemic brain. Brain tissue damage, angiogenesis, and cerebral blood flow recovery was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging techniques and immunostaining.

Results—

Our results show that delayed treatment of sonic hedgehog pathway agonist in stroke mice results in enhanced functional recovery both in locomotor function and in cognitive function at 1 month after stroke. Furthermore, using the Nestincre-ERT2-YFP mice, we showed that poststroke sonic hedgehog pathway agonist treatment increased surviving newly born cells derived from both subventricular zone and subgranular zone neural stem cells, total surviving DCX+ (Doublecortin) neuroblast cells, and neurons (NeuN+/YFP+) in the ischemic brain. Sonic hedgehog pathway agonist treatment also improved the brain tissue repair in ischemic region supported by our T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, cerebral blood flow map by arterial spin labeling, and immunohistochemistry (α-smooth muscle actin and CD31 immunostaining).

Conclusions—

These data confirm an important role for the hedgehog pathway in poststroke brain repair and functional recovery, suggesting a prolonged treatment window for potential treatment strategy to modulate sonic hedgehog pathway after stroke.
Clinical Significance of Isolated Atypical Transient Symptoms in a Cohort With Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Lavallée Philippa C. , Sissani Leila , Labreuche Julien , Meseguer Elena , Cabrejo Lucie , Guidoux Céline , Klein Isabelle F. , Touboul Pierre-Jean , Amarenco Pierre
Published: May 2017

Background and Purpose—

Contrary to typical transient symptoms (TS), atypical TS, such as partial sensory deficit, dysarthria, vertigo/unsteadiness, unusual cortical visual deficit, and diplopia, are not usually classified as symptoms of transient ischemic attack when they occur in isolation, and their clinical relevance is frequently denied.

Methods—

Consecutive patients with recent TS admitted in our transient ischemic attack clinic (2003–2008) had systematic brain, arterial, and cardiac investigations. We compared the prevalence of recent infarction on brain imaging, major investigational findings (symptomatic intracranial or extracranial atherosclerotic stenosis ≥50%, cervical arterial dissection, and major source of cardiac embolism), and 1-year risk of major vascular events in patients with isolated typical or atypical TS and nonisolated TS, after exclusion of the main differential diagnoses.

Results—

Among 1850 patients with possible or definite ischemic diagnoses, 798 (43.1%) had isolated TS: 621 (33.6%) typical and 177 (9.6%) atypical. Acute infarction on brain imaging was similar in patients with isolated atypical and typical TS but less frequent than in patients with nonisolated TS, observed in 10.0%, 11.5%, and 15.3%, respectively (
P
<0.0001). Major investigational findings were found in 18.1%, 26.4%, and 26.3%, respectively (
P
=0.06). One-year risk of a major vascular events was not significantly different in the 3 groups.

Conclusions—

Transient ischemic attack diagnosis should be considered and investigated in patients with isolated atypical TS.
Circulating FABP4 (Fatty Acid–Binding Protein 4) Is a Novel Prognostic Biomarker in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Tu Wen-Jun , Zeng Xian-Wei , Deng Aijun , Zhao Sheng-Jie , Luo Ding-Zhen , Ma Guo-Zhao , Wang Hong , Liu Qiang
Published: May 2017

Background and Purpose—

FABP4 (fatty acid–binding protein 4) is an intracellular lipid chaperone involved in coordination of lipid transportation and atherogenesis. This study aimed at observing the effect of FABP4 on the 3-month outcomes in Chinese patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods—

In a prospective multicenter observational study, serum concentrations of FABP4 were on admission measured in plasma of 737 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke. Serum concentrations of FABP4, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and conventional risk factors were evaluated to determine their value to predict functional outcome and mortality within 3 months.

Results—

During follow-up, an unfavorable functional outcome was found in 260 patients (35.3%), and 94 patients (12.8%) died. In multivariate models comparing the third and fourth quartiles to the first quartile of FABP4, the concentrations of FABP4 were associated with poor functional outcome and mortality. Compared with the reference category (Q1–Q3), the concentrations of FABP4 in Q4 had a relative risk of 4.77 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.02–8.15;
P
<0.001) for poor functional outcome and mortality (odds ratio, 6.15; 95% CI, 3.43–12.68) after adjusting for other significant outcome predictors in univariate logistic regression analysis. Receiver-operating characteristic curves to predict poor functional outcome and mortality demonstrated areas under the curve of FABP4 of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.75–0.82) and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.79–0.88), which improved the prognostic accuracy of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score with combined areas under the curve of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.76–0.89;
P
<0.01) and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.81–0.92), respectively.

Conclusions—

Data show that FABP4 is a novel independent prognostic marker improving the currently used risk stratification of stroke patients.
Are People Born to be Believers, or are Gods Born to be Believed?
Authors: Shook John R.
Published: May 2017

Proposals that god-belief is an innate capacity of all humanity have not been confirmed by empirical studies. Scientific disciplines presently lean against god-belief’s innateness. Perhaps religion should be relieved that belief in gods is not innate. Intuitive cognitive functions supporting god-belief offer little convergence upon any god. Religious pluralism back to the Stone Age displays no consensus either. Any cognition for god-belief can only be deemed as mostly or entirely misleading. Theology has tried to forestall that skeptical judgment, by dictating what counts as authentic religiosity and who enjoys a valid idea of god. Justin Barrett exemplifies this theological interference with scientific inquiry. Contorting the anthropology and cognitive science of religion too far, his quest for a primal natural religion won’t match up with his search for intuitive conceptions of god. His quest for god-belief’s innateness devolves into theological dogmatism, deepening doubts that scientific theories of religion will validate god-belief.
Interannual Variability in Low Stratiform Cloud Amount over the Summertime North Pacific in Terms of Cloud Types
Authors: Koshiro Tsuyoshi , Yukimoto Seiji , Shiotani Masato
Published: May 2017

Using long-term (1958–2008) ship-based cloud observations and reanalysis data, interannual variability in the low stratiform cloud (LSC) amount of stratocumulus (Sc), stratus (St), and sky-obscuring fog (FOG) is examined over the summertime North Pacific. The correlation between the LSC amount and the estimated inversion strength is positive but relatively weak, compared with the well-known linear relationship for their seasonal variabilities. This reflects the regional contrast: the correlations are stronger in the southeastern North Pacific (SE NP) and weaker in the northwestern North Pacific (NW NP). Regarding the LSC types, variations in Sc amount are large over the SE NP and correlated with the inferred capping inversion strength. Variations in FOG amount are large over the NW NP and correlated with the inferred surface-based inversion strength. The compensating variations between the Sc and FOG amounts result in an apparent small variation in the total LSC amount in this region. Variations in St amount are small over the whole North Pacific. The increase in the Sc amount over the SE NP is linked to the local cold sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies with a positive feedback, whereas the increase in the FOG amount over the NW NP is related to warm moist advection across the SST front caused by the anticyclonic sea level pressure anomalies over the north-central North Pacific. The former is associated with an El Niño in the preceding winter and the latter with a wavelike teleconnection pattern along the summertime Asian jet.
A Model of Sea Ice Formation in Leads and Polynyas
Authors: Heorton Harold D. B. S. , Radia Nikhil , Feltham Daniel L.
Published: May 2017

Cracks in the sea ice cover break the barrier between the ocean and atmosphere, exposing the ocean to the cold atmosphere during the winter. These cracks are known as leads within the continuous sea ice pack and polynyas near land or ice shelves. Sea ice formation starts with frazil ice crystals in supercooled waters, which grow and precipitate to the ocean surface to form grease ice, eventually consolidating into a layer of solid sea ice that grows downward. In this study, a numerical model is formulated to simulate the formation of sea ice in a lead or polynya from frazil ice to a layer of new sea ice. The simulations show the refreezing of a lead within 48 h of its opening. Grease ice covers the lead typically within 3–10 h and consolidates into sea ice within 15–30 h. This study uses its model to simulate an observed polynya event in the Laptev Sea showing the vertical distribution of frazil ice and water supercooling. Sensitivity studies are used to investigate the dependence of ice growth on the ambient environment with the surface wind speed shown to be of greatest importance to lead exposure time and total ice growth. The size and distribution of frazil crystals and the time taken for the lead to freeze over is shown to be highly dependent upon the ambient forcing and lead geometry.
Entre le religieux et le séculier
Authors: Haince Marie-Claude
Published: May 2017

La gestion de la diversité est un enjeu de taille dans les sociétés d’accueil occidentales et les modèles sont nombreux pour tenter de maintenir une certaine cohésion sociale au sein de celles-ci. Au Canada, le multiculturalisme a été le modèle privilégié de mode de gestion de la diversité. Il s’agit d’un paradigme qui présente néanmoins des limites que le fait religieux ne cesse de mettre à l’épreuve. En effet, au cours des dernières années l’on assiste, particulièrement en Occident, à une tension croissante entre le sécularisme, principe fondateur et organisateur des politiques multiculturelles, et le religieux, souvent relégué au domaine de la croyance et du symbolisme, bref à la sphère privée plutôt que publique. Comment cette tension entre le fait religieux et le sécularisme s’est-elle instituée et comment influence-t-elle la mise en œuvre des politiques de gestion de la diversité telles que le multiculturalisme ? Quels enjeux le fait religieux représente-t-il concrètement en termes de gestion de la diversité ? Comment penser la gestion du vivre-ensemble par-delà cette dichotomie ? Quels paradigmes seraient les plus à même de prendre en compte cette diversité religieuse pourtant inhérente aux sociétés contemporaines ? Telles sont les questions abordées dans cet article.
Violent Culture Wars: Religion and Revolution in Mexico, Russia and Spain in the Interwar Period
Authors: de la Cueva Julio
Published: May 2017

This article explores the relationship between political revolution and antireligious violence in the interwar period through a comparison of Mexico, the Soviet Union and Spain. In all three cases antireligious violence was associated with revolution and the defeat of religion was seen either as a necessary condition for revolution or as an equally necessary result. All three revolutions were accompanied by violent ‘cultural revolutions’ targeting religion. The article engages in two levels of comparison. It explores similarities and dissimilarities among the events that took place in each of the three countries. At the same time, it juxtaposes the different explanatory models that have been offered of antireligious violence in each country, thereby initiating a dialogue between historiographical traditions that have developed in relative isolation from one another.
Global Burden of Sugar-Related Dental Diseases in 168 Countries and Corresponding Health Care Costs
Authors: Meier T. , Deumelandt P. , Christen O. , Stangl G.I. , Riedel K. , Langer M.
Published: May 2017

Oral diseases such as dental caries, edentulism (tooth loss), periodontal disease (PD), and oral cancer currently constitute an increased major public health burden across the globe, with significant differences between countries. One of the main drivers of caries, edentulism, and PD is the excessive intake of sugars. Here, we aimed to quantify the global sugar-related dental health and cost burden in the year 2010. This study used a health-econometrical model to calculate the disease burden as well as the direct and indirect costs attributable to the intake of free sugars (mono- and disaccharides [MDS]). To this end, several databases from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and World Bank were used. In total, the corresponding disease burden in 168 countries and economic burden in 31 OECD countries were quantified. In 2010, the consumption of MDS was associated with a global dental disease burden of 4.1 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs; 95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 2.1 to 7.4 million DALYs), with 2.7 million DALYs from MDS-related caries and 1.4 million DALYs from PD. In terms of economic costs, MDS-related dental diseases were associated with a global financial burden of 172 billion US dollars (USD; 95% UI: 91 to 295 billion USD), the largest share of which (151 billion USD) was incurred in OECD countries. Overall, 26.3% (95% UI: 13.3% to 47.5%) of the total global oral disease burden was attributed to the consumption of MDS. The present study emphasizes the need to further address the role of free sugars in oral health and nutrition policy. Although the largest share of the economic burden was accounted for by OECD countries, emerging economies should address this challenge early on in national public health policies if they are to avoid disease and the prospect of increased cost burdens.
Thyroid Function during Early Life and Dental Development
Authors: Vucic S. , Korevaar T.I.M. , Dhamo B. , Jaddoe V.W.V. , Peeters R.P. , Wolvius E.B. , Ongkosuwito E.M.
Published: May 2017

Children with low levels of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism) have delayed tooth eruption, enamel hypoplasia, micrognathia, and anterior open bite, whereas children with hyperthyroidism may suffer from accelerated tooth eruption, maxillary, and mandibular osteoporosis. However, it is still unknown whether thyroid function variations within the normal or subclinical range also have an impact on hard dental tissues in healthy children. The objective of this study was, therefore, to investigate the association between thyroid function from the fetal period until early childhood and dental development at school age. This study is embedded in the Generation R Study, a population-based cohort study established in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Maternal thyroid function (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH], free thyroxine [FT4], and thyroid peroxidase antibody [TPOAb] concentrations) was measured during early pregnancy, and thyroid function of the offspring (TSH and FT4) was measured in cord blood at birth and in early childhood (6 y). Dental development was assessed from panoramic radiographs of children of school-going age (9 y). In total, 2,387 to 2,706 subjects were available for the multivariable linear regression analysis, depending on the point in time of thyroid function measurement. There was an inverse association between cord blood and early childhood TSH concentrations with dental development, with a –0.06 lower standard deviation (SD) per 1 mU/L of TSH (95% confidence interval [CI], –0.11 to –0.01) and a –0.06 lower SD per 1 mU/L of TSH (95% CI, –0.11 to 0.00), respectively. There was no association between the maternal thyroid function during pregnancy and the dental development score of the child. However, TPOAb-positive mothers had children with a –0.20 SD (adjusted 95% CI, –0.35 to –0.04) lower dental development score compared with TPOAb-negative mothers. The findings of this study suggest that the thyroid hormone is involved in the maturation of teeth from the early stages of life onward.
Precarious and Productive Work in the Digital Economy
Authors: Coyle Diane
Published: May 2017

Digital platforms have the potential to create benefits for their suppliers or workers as well as their customers, yet there is a heated debate about the character of this work and whether the platforms should be more heavily regulated. Beyond the high-profile global platforms, the technology is contributing to changing patterns of work. Yet the existing framework of employment legislation and public policy more broadly – from minimum wages to benefits and pensions – is structured around the concept of ‘the firm’ as the agent of policy delivery. To reshape policies in order to protect the interests of people as workers as well as consumers, it is important to understand why digital innovators make the choices they do, and therefore how labour market policies can improve working conditions without constraining the productivity and consumer benefits enabled by digital business models.
Force and the international community: Blair’s Chicago speech and the criteria for intervention
Authors: Freedman Lawrence
Published: May 2017

Tony Blair’s April 1999 Chicago speech is widely seen as foreshadowing his later decision to support the invasion of Iraq. Two sets of context for the speech are described: other criteria for the use of force, going back to the Just War tradition and more recent contributions from Caspar Weinberger and Colin Powell, and the December 1998 strikes against Iraq and the Kosovo War, which began in March 1999. The origins of the five factors mentioned when considering force are explored and their implications assessed.
The influence of psychological capital, self-leadership, and mindfulness on work engagement
Authors: Kotzé Martina
Published: May 2017

Psychological capital, self-leadership, and mindfulness are assumed to be theoretically linked with important implications for work engagement. This article presents a conceptual model by combining together, for the first time, psychological capital, self-leadership, mindfulness, and work engagement. The sample comprised 407 employees from a variety of organisations. The results showed that psychological capital has a positive influence on work engagement, that self-leadership is a stronger determinant of psychological capital than mindfulness, and that psychological capital fully mediates the influence of self-leadership on the dedication component of work engagement and partially mediates the self-leadership–vigour relationship and the influence of mindfulness on vigour and dedication – both components of work engagement. Overall, the data suggested the importance of developing employees’ personal resources in order to enhance work engagement.
The effects of life review interventions on spiritual well-being, psychological distress, and quality of life in patients with terminal or advanced cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wang Chong-Wen , Chow Amy YM , Chan Cecilia LW
Published: May 2017

Background:

Life review interventions have been used to alleviate psycho-spiritual distress in people near the end of life. However, their effectiveness remains inconclusive.

Aim:

To evaluate the effects of therapeutic life review on spiritual well-being, psychological distress, and quality of life in patients with terminal or advanced cancer.

Design:

A systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology.

Data sources:

Five databases were searched from their respective inception through February 2017 for relevant randomized controlled trials. The effects of therapeutic life review were pooled across the trials. Standardized mean differences were calculated for the pooled effects. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane criteria.

Results:

Eight randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. The pooled results suggested a desirable effect of therapeutic life review on the meaning of life domain of spiritual well-being (standardized mean difference = 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.12 to 0.53), general distress (standardized mean difference = −0.32; 95% confidence interval, −0.55 to −0.09), and overall quality of life (standardized mean difference = 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.15 to 0.56) when compared to usual care only. Of the three outcomes examined, only the pooled effect on overall quality of life remained statistically significant at follow-ups up to 3 months after the intervention (standardized mean difference = 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.47 to 1.18).

Conclusions:

Therapeutic life review is potentially beneficial for people near the end of life. However, the results should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of randomized controlled trials and associated methodological weaknesses. Further rigorously designed randomized controlled trials are warranted.
A ‘Diversity of Passions and Humours’: Early anti-methodist literature as a disguise for heterodoxy
Authors: Lewis Simon
Published: May 2017

This article explores the way in which early anti-Methodist literature was utilised as a disguise for heterodoxy. It draws particular attention to Thomas Whiston, an Anglican divine, who published a polemic in 1740, entitled The Important Doctrines of Original Sin, Justification by Faith, and Regeneration. Whiston advertised this tract as an attack on the Methodists and their perceived ally, William Law. However, this paper argues that anti-Methodism was merely a smokescreen which enabled Whiston to profess his loyalty to the established Church, while he advanced various heterodox views. Whiston's controversial opinions included his rejection of the Augustinian doctrine of original sin, along with his subtle show of support for the annihilationist views which his uncle, William Whiston, had recently expressed in The Eternity of Hell Torments (1740). Crucially, such views were repugnant, not only to Methodists, but also to numerous High Churchmen who similarly despised evangelical ‘enthusiasm’.
‘[A] treacherous allusion’: Robert Southey, Agincourt and the Hundred Years War
Authors: Packer Ian
Published: May 2017

The Battle of Agincourt (1415) has played a central role in celebrations of English national heroism. This article examines one of the most important challenges within English culture to the battle’s status, Robert Southey’s poem, Joan of Arc (1796). The essay analyses why the poem was written, how it set out to change national views about Agincourt but why, ultimately, even Southey came to accept he had failed. Southey was more successful in critiquing Agincourt through his play Wat Tyler (written 1794, published 1817), which played a key role in creating an alternative, radical method of remembering the Hundred Years War.
Evaluating the Effectiveness Roles of Variables in the Novice Programmers Learning
Authors: Shi Nianfeng , Cui Wen , Zhang Ping , Sun Ximing
Published: May 2017

This research applies the roles of variables to the novice programmers in the C language programming. The results are evaluated using the Structure of Observed Learning Outcomes (SOLO) taxonomy. The participants were divided into an experimental group and a control group. The students from the control group learned programming in the traditional case-based teaching method. The students in the experimental group learned programming by applying the role-based approach to the case-based teaching method. For the purposes of determining the effects of the role-based teaching, the SOLO taxonomy was used to evaluate the results of the participants’ final paper–pencil test. The SOLO level of the code reading and code writing was graded according to the SOLO categories for program comprehension and construction. Data analyses show that (a) there was a higher level of performance and cognitive ability in the experimental group, (b) there were some positive and significant correlations between student’s final examination scores and their SOLO level of the code reading and code writing, and (c) the SOLO level of the code writing and code reading was significantly related. These results suggest that the role of variable is effective on improving novice programming.
Synthesis of zwitterionic acrylamide copolymers for biocompatible applications
Authors: Ren Huanhuan , Mei Zhankui , Chen Yangyang , Chen Shaojun , Ge Zaochuan , Hu Jinlian
Published: May 2017

In order to prepare acrylamide copolymers with non-toxicity for environment-friendly materials, a series of zwitterionic acrylamide copolymers with varying acrylamide content were synthesized with DMAPS (3-dimethyl (methacryloyloxyethyl) ammonium propane sulfonate) and acrylamide via free radical polymerization. The structural properties and cytotoxicity are carefully investigated. The results demonstrate that DMAPS- co-acrylamide copolymers contain DMAPS and acrylamide segments that form a matrix consisting of strong electrostatic interactions as well as strong hydrogen bonding. DMAPS segments exhibit negligible influence on the glass phase transition behavior, yet affect the composite’s water-contact angle. The optimum hydrophilic properties are obtained by adjusting the acrylamide content to 50 wt%. All DMAPS- co-acrylamide copolymers are measured to be non-toxic. The DMAPS segments allow for suitable contribution to the biocompatibility of the synthesized copolymer, in which copolymers containing higher DMAPS content demonstrate better biocompatibility.
Hospital Length of Stay Among Patients Receiving Intermittent Versus Prolonged Piperacillin/Tazobactam Infusion in the Intensive Care Units
Authors: Chan Jeannie D. , Dellit Timothy H. , Lynch John B.
Published: May 2017

Objectives:

We sought to evaluate clinical outcomes of intensive care unit (ICU) patients following a hospital-wide initiative of prolonged piperacillin/tazobactam (PIP/TAZ) infusion.

Methods:

Retrospective observational study of patients >18 years old who was hospitalized in the ICU receiving PIP/TAZ for >72 hours during the preimplementation (June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2011) and postimplementation (July 7, 2011 to June 30, 2014) periods.

Results:

There were 124 and 429 patients who met inclusion criteria with average age of 54.3 and 56.9 years, and average duration of PIP/TAZ therapy was 6.1 ± 2.8 days and 5.9 ± 3.4 days in the pre- and postimplementation period, respectively. Intensive care unit and hospital length of stay (LOS) following initiation of PIP/TAZ were 8.0 ± 8.4 days versus 6.4 ± 6.8 days and 26.3 ± 22.8 days versus 20.4 ± 16.1 days among patients in the pre- and postimplementation periods, respectively. Compared to patients who received intermittent PIP/TAZ infusion, the adjusted difference in ICU and hospital LOS was 0.6 ± 0.8 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.9 to 2.1 days) and 5.6 ± 2.1 days (95% CI: 1.4 - 9.7 days) shorter among patients who received prolonged PIP/TAZ infusion. At hospital discharge, 19 (15.3%) intermittent infusion and 74 (17.2%) prolonged infusion recipients had died. In comparison to intermittent infusion recipients, the adjusted odds ratio for mortality was 1.17 (95% CI: 0.65-2.1) with prolonged infusion.

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrated a reduction in hospital LOS with prolonged PIP/TAZ infusion among critically ill patients. Randomized trials are needed to further validate these findings.
Planning with Unauthorized Immigrant Communities
Authors: Kim Anna J. , Levin Josh M. , Botchwey Nisha D.
Published: May 2017

Planners and elected officials may not be familiar with employment or educational barriers faced by immigrants or understand cultural traditions and practices or how to handle the issue of an increase in unauthorized immigrants. We identify policy gaps, a growing body of research on planning for unauthorized immigrant communities, and some emergent best practices for immigrant incorporation. What can the city do, and how are cities limited? What models developed for planning with and for immigrant communities, adapting to immigrant needs, and managing change in cities that have not traditionally had large immigrant populations?