bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneuring and process: A Lefebvrian perspective
Authors: Verduyn Karen
Published: August 2015

This article engages with processual thinking building upon contributions that posit entrepreneur ing as fluid, not necessarily intentional nor necessarily planned, yet as open and indeterminate taking inspiration from the works of French philosopher Henri Lefebvre. Lefebvre’s rhythmanalysis connects ‘becoming’ to ‘everydayness’, considering lived rhythms, respecting all events and, by doing so, offering a markedly fragmentary detailed understanding of rhythmicity. Seeing entrepreneuring as an active intervening in the spatio-temporal rhythms of everyday life, a Lefebvrian perspective allows for not only a subtle, nuanced and dynamic analysing of how disruptions of existing rhythms lead to smaller or larger changes to ‘reality’, but also points at how such changes are not neutral.
Film Award Choices
Authors: Wanderer Jules J.
Published: August 2015

Three sources—domain experts, consumers, and professional film critics—engage in the recognition and validation of cinematic excellence. Each signals its approbation with awards, ratings, reviews, and lists of the best. Notwithstanding a generous body of research, congruence among these sources remains unclear. For example, research findings show the influence of critics’ reviews on box office receipts—consumers—vary from strong to nil. Some studies report similarities in critics’ and consumers’ cinematic taste; others report differences. This article seeks a clarification of one facet of the role of critics in the recognition of cinematic excellence by comparing critics’ film award choices—not their ratings—with Oscar awards, in four categories: best actor, actress, director, and film. For each pair of award categories, chi-squares were performed on cross-classifications of the frequency of critics’ choices matching Oscar’s. Cramer’s V sheds light on auteur theory, actress–actor differences, and coat-tail effects of best film awards.
An Illumination Representation Approach to the Chevreul Effect
Authors: Schlüter Nick , Golz Jürgen
Published: August 2015

Within cognitive science of brightness and color perception, the argument has repeatedly been brought forward that it is necessary to consider mental representations for illuminations as well as mental representations for surfaces as integral elements of the functional architecture of the perceptual system. Here, we show that such an approach of dual semantic categories for perceptual representations can fruitfully be applied to the Chevreul effect, a brightness phenomenon of enhanced contrast at borders that played a prototypical role for a very different type of approaches. In these approaches, mechanisms processing retinal intensities are postulated that result in just one brightness dimension without explicitly referring to semantic categories of the perceptual system (surface vs. illumination representation). We argue that the Chevreul effect arises as a result of an interpretation by the visual system that the Chevreul stimulus is covered by a gradual illumination. Our first experiment shows that the Chevreul effect diminishes substantially when this interpretation is prevented by separating the elements of the Chevreul stimulus in depth. In the second experiment, we show that the strength of the Chevreul effect is strongly affected by embedding the Chevreul stimulus into three-dimensional scenes that either support or conflict with the interpretation of an illumination gradient across the stimulus.
Ecological infrastructure in a critical-historical perspective: From engineering ‘social’ territory to encoding ‘natural’ topography
Authors: De Block Greet
Published: August 2015

The tandem of infrastructure and landscape ecology is increasingly presented as the design strategy par excellence to address the risk society. Staged in explicit contrast to engineering as discipline disrupting natural balance, discourses endorsed by landscape and ecological urbanism propagate a new and improved ‘post-carbon’ and ‘post-Euclidian’ infrastructure. The broad objective of the article is to examine the accuracy of this claim of moving infrastructure from the realm of engineering to urbanism, and appraise the proclaimed methodological shift from determining top-down logics to bottom-up argumentation. In the first part, the recent design culture and techniques are analysed in relation to historical sociotechnical concepts and methods that deal with infrastructure, programmatic uncertainty and environmental control. More specifically, current design approaches are studied against the background of early nineteenth-century urban interventions that aspired to curb impending epidemics and social crises in the emerging metropolis. In the second part of the paper, historical analysis is exchanged for a theoretical reflection about the relation between analysis – basically the measuring of the land (topography) – and project – or the organization and control of the terrain (territory). The article concludes with an active projection, in order to explore new perspectives for recent developments in urban design and call for a fundamental reappraisal of how our design attitudes and techniques should be integrated with the political and social context.
‘Traffickers and Their Victims’: Anti-Trafficking Policy in the United Kingdom
Authors: Sharapov Kiril
Published: August 2015

This paper relies upon the ‘what’s the problem represented to be?’ approach to policy analysis to interrogate key representations of human trafficking implicit in the UK government’s anti-trafficking policy. It identifies six policy vectors, or representations, of human trafficking embedded within the policy, including organized crime, ‘illegal’ immigration, and victim assistance as three primary vectors; sexual exploitation/prostitution, poverty in countries of victims’ origin, and isolated instances of labour law infringements as three secondary vectors. In addition, a series of assumptions, which underlie the current interpretation of trafficking, are also identified. By exploring what the problem of human trafficking is represented to be, the paper also provides an insight into what remains obscured within the context of the dominant policy frameworks. In doing so, it highlights the role of state-capital entanglements in normalizing exploitation of trafficked, smuggled and ‘offshored’ labour, and critiques the UK’s anti-trafficking policy for manufacturing doubt as to the structural causes of human trafficking within the context of neoliberalism.
Active control of surge in centrifugal compressors using a brain emotional learning-based intelligent controller
Authors: Jokar Ali , Zomorodian Roozbeh , Ghofrani Mohammad Bagher , Khodaparast Pooya
Published: August 2015

Efforts have been targeted at providing a comprehensive simulation of a centrifugal compressor undergoing surge. In the simulation process, an artificial neural network was utilized to produce an all-inclusive performance map encompassing those speeds not available in the provided curves. Two positive scenarios for the shaft speed, constant, and variable, were undertaken, and effects of load line on the dynamic response of the compressor have been studied. In order to achieve high-fidelity simulation in the variable speed case, an artificial neural network was utilized to produce an all-inclusive performance map encompassing those speeds not available in the provided curves. Moreover, effects of dynamic characteristics of throttle valve were also investigated. A novel controlling scheme, based on neuro-fuzzy control philosophy, was implemented to stabilize the compressor performance in the unstable region. Results indicate that if applied, this scheme could produce practical and satisfactory outcomes, possessing certain virtues compared to available techniques.
Optimization of fillet stress to enhance the bending strength through non-standard high contact ratio spur gears
Authors: Marimuthu P , Muthuveerappan G
Published: August 2015

The present study aims to determine the improvement in the bending strength of the non-standard high contact ratio spur gears based on the balanced (optimum) fillet stress of the pinion and gear. The average number teeth in contact is more than two for high contact ratio gear drives. In the non-standard high contact ratio spur gears, the rack cutter tooth thickness factor is more than 0.5, whereas the standard rack cutter tooth thickness factor is 0.5. The maximum fillet stresses of the pinion and gear is not equal for non-standard high contact ratio spur gear drives when the gear ratio increases. In order to avoid the fatigue failure of the gear, the fillet stresses of the pinion and gear should be balanced. This balanced stress is predicted as the optimum fillet stress. Hence, the present study focuses to optimize the fillet stress with respect to the rack cutter tooth thickness factor of the pinion and gear through finite element analysis. Also, a parametric study is carried out to obtain the influence of some gear parameters, such as gear ratio, teeth number in the pinion, pressure angle, addendum height and corrected gear drives (S+, S− and So) on the optimum fillet stress with respect to the rack cutter tooth thickness factor of the pinion and gear.
A discussion of the method of dimensionality reduction
Authors: Argatov Ivan
Published: August 2015

The Method of Dimensionality Reduction (MDR) can be regarded as a formalism for analytical solution of some commonly encountered classes of contact problems using a “mechanical intuition” based on the Winkler foundation model. Such an approach makes it much easier to account for a wide range of physical effects associated with contact interaction (e.g. friction, adhesion, and damping). However, there is still a controversy about the method and its applications (see, e.g., the comment on validity of the MDR-based model of rough contact) – which we believe comes from a misunderstanding of the method itself, and which, in turn, can be reconsidered in view of the recently published book on the MDR. The MDR was originally introduced for Hertz’s problem of axisymmetric frictionless local contact and was generalized subsequently for arbitrary axisymmetric geometry of linearly elastic bodies in unilateral local contact. The latter problem, for which the MDR yields the exact analytical solution, can be viewed as a base case that is used to extend, in a unified manner, the model of local contact by taking into account adhesion, friction, and viscous damping. In what follows, we overview the main concepts of the method starting with the base-case contact problem in which the MDR is rooted, and discuss limitations of the MDR as well. For the sake of their completeness, some criticisms that apply equally to conventional contact mechanics solutions are also considered. It is emphasized that the axisymmetric Hertz-type contact problems with a circular contact area constitute the proven range of validity of the MDR, while the extension of the method to other types of contact (e.g. axisymmetric with a multiply-connected contact area, non-axisymmetric) is a field ripe for research.
What Tension Between Fidelity and Cultural Adaptation? A Reaction to Marsiglia and Booth
Authors: Sampson McClain , Torres Luis R.
Published: August 2015

This paper is a reaction to Marsiglia and Booths’ paper, Cultural Adaptation of Interventions in Real Practice Settings. In their paper, Marsiglia and Booth present the difficulty of implementing and replicating evidence-supported treatments, such as randomized clinical trials, among culturally diverse clients. Practitioners working in communities of diversity may spontaneously, rather than systematically, adapt interventions. Sampson and Torres concur that systematic cultural adaptation is a solution for effective interventions with minorities. Conversely, the authors challenge some key points of Marsiglia and Booth’s paper by outlining ways that systematic adaptation is often unrealistic for practitioners and may result in overlooking important other forms of evidence such as community-defined evidence, program evaluation, intervention research studies, and community expert opinion. Sampson and Torres support the argument that interventions should be culturally adapted and offer strategies for when to adapt in a manner that is both culturally inclusive and realistic for busy practitioners.
Comparison Between Ultrasonography-Guided Popliteal Sciatic Nerve Block and Spinal Anesthesia for Hallux Valgus Repair
Authors: Karaarslan Sermin , Tekgül Zeki Tuncel , Şimşek Esen , Turan Murat , Karaman Yücel , Kaya Ahmet , Gönüllü Mustafa
Published: August 2015

Background:

We aimed to compare the efficacy, postoperative pain scores, adverse effects, additional analgesic requirements, and patient satisfaction scores of ultrasonography-guided sciatic nerve block by popliteal approach with spinal anesthesia for hallux valgus correction surgery.

Methods:

Sixty patients scheduled for hallux valgus correction surgery were enrolled in this prospective randomized study. Unilateral spinal block was performed on patients in the spinal anesthesia group. Popliteal block group patients received popliteal sciatic nerve block with guidance by both nerve stimulator and ultrasonography. Durations of anesthetic and operative interventions and time until the initiation of surgery were recorded for both groups. Pain magnitude of the patients at the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 12th, and 24th hours following anesthetic interventions were assessed with a visual analog scale (VAS). Adverse effects such as postoperative urinary retention and postdural puncture headache were recorded. Also, patient satisfaction was recorded. Patients were interviewed by phone for anesthetic and operative complications at 72 hours postoperatively.

Results:

Spinal anesthesia group patients exhibited hypotension, bradycardia, postdural puncture headache, and urinary retention rates of 6.6%, 3.3%, 10%, and 3.3%, respectively. Popliteal block group patients showed none of these adverse effects. Moreover, VAS scores of the patients at the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 12th hours were significantly lower ( P < .001, P = .003, P < .001, P <.001, respectively), postoperative first analgesic requirement times were significantly longer ( P < .001), and pain satisfaction scores were significantly higher ( P < .001) in the popliteal block group.

Conclusion:

Given the complications related to spinal anesthesia and its insufficiency to maintain analgesia postoperatively, we believe the preferred anesthetic method should be peripheral nerve blocks for hallux valgus correction surgeries.

Level of Evidence:

Level I, randomized prospective study.
Fear Biases in Emotional Face Processing Following Childhood Trauma as a Marker of Resilience and Vulnerability to Depression
Authors: Suzuki Akiko , Poon Lucia , Kumari Veena , Cleare Anthony J.
Published: August 2015

There is a high prevalence of depression in adults with a history of childhood maltreatment. A negative cognitive bias is implicated in the etiology of depressive symptomatology and has also been found in physically abused children who show preferential processing of anger. However, how these biases mediate the link between childhood maltreatment and adult depression has not yet been clarified. This study involved 36 patients with depression (19 with and 17 without a history of childhood maltreatment) and 40 healthy controls (18 with and 22 without a history of childhood maltreatment). All participants were assessed using a facial emotion recognition task. Healthy individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment made significantly more errors in recognizing fear than anger. This difference between the number of errors for fear and anger was higher in healthy abused individuals than healthy nonabused individuals and depressed abused individuals. Resilient individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment but who have not developed depression show absence of a fear bias, which may help explain why they do not manifest depressive symptoms, despite their experiences of childhood maltreatment. In contrast, other individuals who become vulnerable to depression after childhood maltreatment show an amplified bias toward fear.
Concussion Education in U.S. Collegiate Sport
Authors: Kroshus Emily , Baugh Christine M.
Published: August 2015

Concussion education for athletes has the potential to play a role in reducing the health burden of concussions from sport by modifying individual risk-related behaviors. In U.S. collegiate sport, decisions about content and delivery of concussion education are left up to the individual institution. This may result in a high degree of variability in what educational materials athletes receive and is particularly problematic as few concussion education programs have demonstrated efficacy. Health educators can play an important role in working collaboratively with sports medicine clinicians to design and evaluate evidence-based concussion education materials for athletes that meet their learning needs. As a first step in this process, the present study characterizes the content, source, and delivery modalities of concussion currently being provided to U.S. collegiate athletes. It also describes the reported concussion education preferences of a sample of U.S. collegiate athletes. Participants were 789 athletic trainers from 276 schools and 325 athletes from four schools. Results indicated that education is most frequently provided by athletic trainers but that many athletes would also like coaches and physicians to be involved in this process. Athletes also indicated a preference for content provision across a range of topics, including athletic and academic consequences of continued play with a concussion. Implications for the design and delivery of concussion education for athletes are discussed.
Promoting Health by Addressing Basic Needs
Authors: Thompson Tess , Kreuter Matthew W. , Boyum Sonia
Published: August 2015

Members of vulnerable populations have heightened needs for health services. One advantage of integrating health risk assessment and referrals into social service assistance systems such as 2-1-1 is that such systems help callers resolve problems in other areas (e.g., housing). Callers to 2-1-1 in Missouri ( N = 1,090) with at least one behavioral risk factor or cancer screening need were randomly assigned to one of three health referral interventions: verbal referrals only, verbal referrals + a tailored mailed reminder, or verbal referrals + telephone health navigator. After 1 month, we assessed whether the nonhealth problems that prompted the 2-1-1 call had been resolved. Logistic regression estimated effects of having the problem resolved on calling a health referral. Callers were predominantly female (85%) and had a high school education or less (61%); nearly half (47%) had incomes under $10,000. The most common service requests were for utility assistance (35%), home/family problems (23%), and rent/mortgage assistance (12%). At follow-up, 38% of callers reported that all problems prompting their 2-1-1 call had been resolved, and 24% reported calling a health referral. Resolving all problems prompting the 2-1-1 call was associated with a higher odds of contacting a health referral (odds ratio = 1.44, 95% confidence interval [1.02, 2.05]) compared to people whose problems were not resolved. Multifaceted interventions that help meet non–health-related needs and provide support in reaching health-related goals may promote health in vulnerable populations.
Distraction, restrained eating and disinhibition: An experimental study of food intake and the impact of ‘eating on the go’
Authors: Ogden Jane , Oikonomou Eirini , Alemany Georgina
Published: August 2015

To assess the impact of distraction on subsequent eating, 60 females consumed a cereal bar while watching TV, walking or talking, and their subsequent desire to eat and food intake were assessed. No effects were found for desire to eat. But while those higher in restrained eating consumed less overall and fewer calories after watching TV or talking, they consumed more overall and more calories (specifically five times more chocolate) if the cereal bar was eaten while walking. ‘Eating on the go’ may disinhibit restrained eaters either as a form of distraction or by offering a justification to overeat.
Study of residential underfloor air distribution (UFAD) systems using a new modelling approach
Authors: Megri Ahmed Cherif , Yu Yao
Published: August 2015

Although single/multi-zone thermal models have their own advantages, like simple and fast computations of building energy demand, the accuracy of these models is problematic. The assumption of a uniform room temperature reduces the accuracy of the final energy demand results. In fact, the single/multi-zone thermal models are not able to predict indoor thermal behaviours or building energy demands accurately, if a non-uniform environment in a room or building is created by a single or multiple heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, i.e. an underfloor air distribution (UFAD) system. The research described in this article investigated the use of a new approach to improve the computational quality and accuracy of the heating energy demands of UFAD systems using an integrated zonal/multi-zone model. Several case studies were carried out, and the results demonstrate not only the advantages of UFAD systems used in a residential house in terms of energy saving, but also the importance of thermostat location in the prediction of building energy consumption. Additionally, the results indicate that the conventional single/multi-zone models are not appropriate to use for UFAD systems in the building energy demand predictions.
Outside influence – Some effects of retrofit installers and advisors on energy behaviours in households
Authors: Owen Alice , Mitchell Gordon
Published: August 2015

We analyse qualitative data from home energy retrofit projects in England, looking beyond the boundaries of the building and its design for human behavioural influences on home energy use. We recognise that energy use is not solely determined by the decisions of building users or designers, but that intermediaries involved in energy retrofit may also be influential. Our focus is on retrofit which encompasses a range of changes to existing buildings to alter energy use. Decisions to incorporate new energy technologies into the home (both energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies), and how these technologies are then used, are shaped by the advice and action of energy efficiency advisers and energy technology installers (intermediaries). Understanding the nature of this influence, and how it might be directed to increase energy efficient behaviours, is an overlooked opportunity. We found that influence was greatest at the pre-installation stage, and that influence which could be exercised post-installation was not realised. We conclude that by recognising how the role and influence of intermediaries varies at each stage of the retrofit process, policy and action can be identified to enhance the contribution intermediaries can make to changing behaviours and reducing domestic energy use.
Peak residential electricity demand and social practices: Deriving flexibility and greenhouse gas intensities from time use and locational data
Authors: Torriti Jacopo , Hanna Richard , Anderson Ben , Yeboah Godwin , Druckman Angela
Published: August 2015

Peak residential electricity demand takes place when people conduct simultaneous activities at specific times of the day. Social practices generate patterns of demand and can help understand why, where, with whom and when energy services are used at peak time. The aim of this work is to make use of recent UK time use and locational data to better understand: (i) how a set of component indices on synchronisation, variation, sharing and mobility indicate flexibility to shift demand; and (ii) the links between people's activities and peaks in greenhouse gases' intensities. The analysis is based on a recent UK time use dataset, providing 1-min interval data from GPS devices and 10-min data from diaries and questionnaires for 175 data days comprising 153 respondents. Findings show how greenhouse gases' intensities and flexibility to shift activities vary throughout the day. Morning peaks are characterised by high levels of synchronisation, shared activities and occupancy, with low variation of activities. Evening peaks feature low synchronisation, and high spatial mobility variation of activities. From a network operator perspective, the results indicate that periods with lower flexibility may be prone to more significant local network loads due to the synchronisation of electricity-demanding activities.
The Signaling Theory of Symptoms
Authors: Steinkopf Leander
Published: August 2015

Placebo research shows that the subjective quality of care and social support, as well as the patients’ expectations of treatment, influence therapeutic outcomes. However, this phenomenon, known as the placebo effect, does not usually cure the disease, but rather can provide symptomatic relief: It may soothe symptoms such as pain, swelling, or nausea that constitute part of an immune response. The function of this mechanism remains unclear. This article puts forward the Signaling Theory of Symptoms (STS) as a possible explanation. According to STS, discernible aspects of an immune response, such as pain, swelling, or nausea, not only serve a defensive and healing function but also a signaling function: symptoms signal the need for care and treatment to potential helpers. Once help and treatment are granted, the signaling function is fulfilled and the symptoms diminish. This mechanism may have been a significant advantage in preindustrial environments, when sufferers depended on extensive social support and personal treatment. Nowadays, from the point of view of modern materialist medicine, the mobilization of social support no longer seems so crucial, and thus the placebo effect has been assigned a somewhat mysterious quality.
Prediction of wave resistance by a Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equation–based computational fluid dynamics approach
Authors: Kinaci Omer K , Sukas Omer F , Bal Sakir
Published: August 2015

The prediction of wave resistance in naval architecture is an important aspect especially at high Froude numbers where a great percentage of total resistance of ships and submerged bodies is caused by waves. In addition, during hull form optimization, wave resistance characteristics of a ship must closely be observed. There are potential, viscous and experimental methods to determine the wave resistance of a ship. Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equation–based methods usually follow the experimental method that determines the form factor first. However, it is proven in recent studies that the form factor changes with the Reynolds number. As the Reynolds number increases, this change in the form factor is being neglected. In this study, a Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equation–based prediction of wave resistance is presented that overcomes this flaw. The methodology is validated with the benchmark problems of submerged and surface-piercing bodies to determine the effectiveness of the proposed method. The method is also validated by experiments carried out at the Ata Nutku Ship Model Testing Laboratory of Istanbul Technical University for a totally submerged ellipsoid and the benchmark KRISO Containership. Results reveal the robustness of the present methodology.
The Educative Effects of Extreme Television Media
Authors: Taylor J. Benjamin
Published: August 2015

This article investigates whether exposure to extreme television media informs citizens about politics. Using lab experiments with both student and non-student samples, I find that extreme media produce higher levels of political knowledge and that they also produce higher levels of negative affect among viewers compared with control groups. I also show that extreme media are at least as informative as traditional news. This research adds to the growing literature on media effects in a polarized media environment, showing that extreme television media can have a beneficial impact on at least one important area of U.S. politics: citizen competence. To account for external validity and popular conceptions on extreme media’s non-informative nature, I use cross-sectional data from the 2008 National Annenberg Election Survey finding that extreme television viewership correlates with greater political knowledge, while controlling for other known predictors.
Not Calm and Aminoff Suffering Syndrome in Advanced Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Aminoff Bechor Zvi
Published: August 2015

We studied 183 patients with advanced dementia who had been admitted to the Geriatric-Internal Medicine Department of a general hospital, with a 1 year follow-up evaluated by Mini-Suffering State Examination (MSSE) scores on first days after admission. The not calm compared to calm patients with advanced dementia had a high suffering level (6.12 ± 2.16 versus 3.21 ± 1.71) with a statistically significant difference ( P = 0.001). The not calm patients were sicker, a higher percentage had fever ( P = 0.005), elevated levels of white blood cells WBC ( P = 0.003) and C-reactive protein (CRP) ( P = 0.020). The Kaplan–Meier function analysis showed a shorter survival of not calm versus calm advanced dementia patients, with a statistically significant difference (Log Rank [Mantel–Cox] P = 0.002). Not calm in advanced dementia patients is the first item of the MSSE and is a very important symptom of Aminoff Suffering Syndrome.
Hemoglobinopathies and Leg Ulcers
Authors: Alavi Afsaneh , Kirsner Robert S.
Published: August 2015

Major hemoglobinopathies, including sickle cell anemia, are becoming a global health issue. Leg ulcers are the most common cutaneous manifestation of sickle cell disease and an important contributor to morbidity burden in this population. Leg ulcers following sickling disorders are extremely painful, and hard to heal. The clinical evidence for the optimal management of these ulcers is limited. Treating the cause and the strategies to prevent sickling are the mainstay of treatment. The basic principles of wound bed preparation and compression therapy is beneficial in these patients.
Data Rights and Responsibilities
Authors: Harris Theresa L. , Wyndham Jessica M.
Published: August 2015

A human-rights-based analysis can be a useful tool for the scientific community and policy makers as they develop codes of conduct, harmonized standards, and national policies for data sharing. The human rights framework provides a shared set of values and norms across borders, defines rights and responsibilities of various actors involved in data sharing, addresses the potential harms as well as the benefits of data sharing, and offers a framework for balancing competing values. The right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications offers a particularly helpful lens through which to view data as both a tool of scientific inquiry to which access is vital and as a product of science from which everyone should benefit.
The INDEPTH Data Repository
Authors: Herbst Kobus , Juvekar Sanjay , Bhattacharjee Tathagata , Bangha Martin , Patharia Nidhi , Tei Titus , Gilbert Brendan , Sankoh Osman
Published: August 2015

The International Network for the Demographic Evaluation of Populations and Their Health (INDEPTH) is a global network of research centers that conduct longitudinal health and demographic evaluation of populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) currently in 52 health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS) field sites situated in sub-Saharan Africa (14 countries), Asia (India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia), and Oceania (Papua New Guinea). Through this network of HDSS field sites, INDEPTH is capable of producing reliable longitudinal data about the lives of people in the research communities as well as how development policies and programs affect those lives. The aim of the INDEPTH Data Repository is to enable INDEPTH member centers and associated researchers to contribute and share fully documented, high-quality datasets with the scientific community and health policy makers.
Targeting PD-1/PD-L1 in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Weinstock Matthew , McDermott David
Published: August 2015

Immunostimulatory therapies have been a cornerstone of treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) since the 1990s. However, the use of traditional immunotherapeutic approaches for RCC, such as high-dose interleukin-2 and interferon-α, has been limited by significant systemic toxicities and the need to deliver these therapies at centers of expertise. Furthermore, in spite of the success of these immunostimulatory therapies for some patients with RCC, it is clear that most patients fail to respond to cytokine therapy. More effective immune therapy for RCC has therefore been necessary. The interaction between programmed death-1 (PD-1, present on T cells), and one of its ligands (PD-L1, present on antigen-presenting cells and tumor cells) constitutes an immune checkpoint through which tumors can induce T-cell tolerance and avoid immune destruction. Monoclonal antibodies that disrupt the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction serve as inhibitors of this immune checkpoint, and have demonstrated favorable activity in RCC as monotherapy and in combination with other active agents. This review summarizes the current landscape of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy for RCC, and highlights challenges for the future development of this promising approach.
The best and most respected teachers in the world?
Authors: Punakallio Ella , Dervin Fred
Published: August 2015

Adored worldwide for its ‘outstanding’ education system, Finland has relied on its excellent results in studies of the Programme for International Student Assessment to advertise and sell its education abroad. One of the keys to this success is often attributed to Finnish teachers, who are said to be ‘the best and most respected in the world’. This article questions this official narrative by examining the way teachers are perceived by Finnish society through analysing the front-page headlines of the Finnish tabloid Ilta-Sanomat in 2000–2013. To the authors’ knowledge, the way teachers are constructed in the Finnish press has not been studied extensively, while international studies, especially from English-speaking countries, highlight negative constructions of teachers in the press and cultural products. The data consist of 81 front pages, which were analysed using three methods: content analysis, discourse analysis and critical discourse analysis. The study of the photographs used on the front covers complements the analyses. The results show that the way Finnish teachers are constructed on the tabloid front pages has changed significantly between 2000 and 2013, and they could signal changes in the way education and the status of teachers are considered in the Nordic country. They also show a shift in the way the power of teachers has been depicted.
Herpes zoster epidemiology, management, and disease and economic burden in Europe: a multidisciplinary perspective
Authors: Johnson Robert W. , Alvarez-Pasquin Marie-José , Bijl Marc , Franco Elisabetta , Gaillat Jacques , Clara João G. , Labetoulle Marc , Michel Jean-Pierre , Naldi Luigi , Sanmarti Luis S. , Weinke Thomas
Published: August 2015

Herpes zoster (HZ) is primarily a disease of nerve tissue but the acute and longer-term manifestations require multidisciplinary knowledge and involvement in their management. Complications may be dermatological (e.g. secondary bacterial infection), neurological (e.g. long-term pain, segmental paresis, stroke), ophthalmological (e.g. keratitis, iridocyclitis, secondary glaucoma) or visceral (e.g. pneumonia, hepatitis). The age-related increased incidence of HZ and its complications is thought to be a result of the decline in cell-mediated immunity (immunosenescence), higher incidence of comorbidities with age and social-environmental changes. Individuals who are immunocompromised as a result of disease or therapy are also at increased risk, independent of age. HZ and its complications (particularly postherpetic neuralgia) create a significant burden for the patient, carers, healthcare systems and employers. Prevention and treatment of HZ complications remain a therapeutic challenge despite recent advances. This is an overview of the multidisciplinary implications and management of HZ in which the potential contribution of vaccination to reducing the incidence HZ and its complications are also discussed.
A Clinical Home for Preexposure Prophylaxis
Authors: Hoffman Susie , Guidry John A. , Collier Kate L. , Mantell Joanne E. , Boccher-Lattimore Daria , Kaighobadi Farnaz , Sandfort Theo G. M.
Published: August 2015

Background:

One barrier to wider preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) availability is uncertainty about the most appropriate providers and practice settings for offering PrEP.

Methods:

The authors conducted in-depth interviews with 30 clinicians—primary care and HIV specialists—in the New York City (NYC) region to explore issues related to PrEP rollout, including who should provide it and in what settings.

Results:

A diverse group favored offering PrEP in non-HIV specialty settings in order to reach high-risk HIV-negative individuals. Yet, for each clinical skill or ancillary service deemed important for providing PrEP—knowledge of the medications, ability to assess and counsel around sexual risk behavior, and ability to provide support for retention and medication adherence—participants were divided in whether they thought primary care providers/practices could achieve it. Five participants strongly favored providing PrEP in HIV care practices.

Conclusion:

Although there may be multiple “homes” for PrEP, implementation research is needed to identify the most effective delivery approaches.
Translating stem cell research to the clinic: a primer on translational considerations for your first stem cell protocol
Authors: O’Brien Timothy , Creane Michael , Windebank Anthony J. , Terzic Andre , Dietz Allan B.
Published: August 2015

Over the last two decades, a new therapeutic paradigm has emerged which has changed the way debilitating diseases may be treated in the future. Instead of using small-molecule drugs and devices to ameliorate the symptoms of disease, clinicians may harness the therapeutic power of cells to regenerate and cure diseases which currently represent a major unmet medical need. Advancements in the scientific knowledge of stem cell biology, along with highly encouraging preclinical proof-of-concept studies, in the last several years have served as a launch pad for testing such therapeutics in humans with life-threatening diseases. However, translating basic research findings into human therapy has not been straightforward and has presented many scientific, clinical, and regulatory challenges for scientists and clinicians. In this article, we provide a guidance framework for investigators for the design of early-phase clinical studies using stem cell-based therapeutics. Furthermore, important trial parameters and design features which must be considered before regulatory submission of such studies are highlighted.
Neutrophil contributions to the induction and regulation of the acute inflammatory response in teleost fish
Authors: Havixbeck Jeffrey J , Rieger Aja M , Wong Michael E , Hodgkinson Jordan W , Barreda Daniel R
Published: August 2015

Neutrophils are essential to the acute inflammatory response, where they serve as the first line of defense against infiltrating pathogens. We report that, on receiving the necessary signals, teleost (Carassius auratus) neutrophils leave the hematopoietic kidney, enter into the circulation, and dominate the initial influx of cells into a site of inflammation. Unlike mammals, teleost neutrophils represent <5% of circulating leukocytes during periods of homeostasis. However, this increases to nearly 50% immediately after intraperitoneal challenge with zymosan, identifying a period of neutrophilia that precedes the peak influx of neutrophils into the challenge site at 18 h after injection). We demonstrate that neutrophils at the site of inflammation alter their phenotype throughout the acute inflammatory response, and contribute to both the induction and the resolution of inflammation. However, neutrophils isolated during the proinflammatory phase (18 h after injection) produced robust respiratory burst responses, released inflammation-associated leukotriene B4, and induced macrophages to increase reactive oxygen species production. In contrast, neutrophils isolated at 48 h after infection (proresolving phase) displayed low levels of reactive oxygen species, released the proresolving lipid mediator lipoxin A4, and downregulated reactive oxygen species production in macrophages before the initiation of apoptosis. Lipoxin A4 was a significant contributor to the uptake of apoptotic cells by teleost macrophages and also played a role, at least in part, in the downregulation of macrophage reactive oxygen species production. Our results highlight the contributions of neutrophils to both the promotion and the regulation of teleost fish inflammation and provide added context for the evolution of this hematopoietic lineage.
On anelliptic approximations for qP velocities in transversely isotropic and orthorhombic media
Authors: Sripanich Yanadet , Fomel Sergey
Published: August 2015

Anelliptic approximations for phase and group velocities of qP waves in transversely isotropic (TI) media have been widely applied in various seismic data processing and imaging tasks. We have revisited previously proposed approximations and suggested two improvements. The first improvement involves finding an empirical connection between anelliptic parameters along different fitting axes based on laboratory measurements of anisotropy of rock samples of different types. The relationship between anelliptic parameters observed was strongly linear suggesting a novel set of anisotropic parameters suitable for the study of qP-wave signatures. The second improvement involves suggesting a new functional form for the anelliptic parameter term to achieve better fitting along the horizontal axis. These modifications led to improved three-parameter and four-parameter approximations for phase and group velocities of qP-waves in TI media. In several model comparisons, the new three-parameter approximations appeared to be more accurate than previous approximations with the same number of parameters. These modifications also served as a foundation for an extension to orthorhombic media, where qP velocities involved nine independent elastic parameters. As determined by previous researchers, qP-wave propagation in orthorhombic media could be adequately approximated using just six combinations of those nine parameters. We have developed novel six-parameter approximations for phase and group velocities for qP-waves in orthorhombic media. The orthorhombic phase-velocity approximation provides a more accurate alternative to previously known approximations and can find applications in full-wave modeling, imaging, and inversion. The group-velocity approximation is also highly accurate and can find applications in ray tracing and velocity analysis.
Investigating trajectories of social recovery in individuals
with first-episode psychosis: A latent class growth analysis
Authors: Hodgekins Jo , Birchwood Max , Christopher Rose , Marshall Max , Coker Sian , Everard Linda , Lester Helen , Jones Peter , Amos Tim , Singh Swaran , Sharma Vimal , Freemantle Nick , Fowler David
Published: August 2015

Background

Social disability is a hallmark of severe mental illness yet individual
differences and factors predicting outcome are largely unknown.

Aim

To explore trajectories and predictors of social recovery following a
first episode of psychosis (FEP).

Method

A sample of 764 individuals with FEP were assessed on entry into early
intervention in psychosis (EIP) services and followed up over 12 months.
Social recovery profiles were examined using latent class growth
analysis.

Results

Three types of social recovery profile were identified: Low Stable (66%),
Moderate-Increasing (27%), and High-Decreasing (7%). Poor social recovery
was predicted by male gender, ethnic minority status, younger age at
onset of psychosis, increased negative symptoms, and poor premorbid
adjustment.

Conclusions

Social disability is prevalent in FEP, although distinct recovery
profiles are evident. Where social disability is present on entry into
EIP services it can remain stable, highlighting a need for targeted
intervention.
Non-replication of the association between 5HTTLPR and response
to psychological therapy for child anxiety disorders
Authors: Lester Kathryn J. , Roberts Susanna , Keers Robert , Coleman Jonathan R. I. , Breen Gerome , Wong Chloe C. Y. , Xu Xiaohui , Arendt Kristian , Blatter-Meunier Judith , Bögels Susan , Cooper Peter , Creswell Cathy , Heiervang Einar R. , Herren Chantal , Hogendoorn Sanne M. , Hudson Jennifer L. , Krause Karen , Lyneham Heidi J. , McKinnon Anna , Morris Talia , Nauta Maaike H. , Rapee Ronald M. , Rey Yasmin , Schneider Silvia , Schneider Sophie C. , Silverman Wendy K. , Smith Patrick , Thastum Mikael , Thirlwall Kerstin , Waite Polly , Wergeland Gro Janne , Eley Thalia C.
Published: August 2015

Background

We previously reported an association between 5HTTLPR genotype and
outcome following cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) in child anxiety
(Cohort 1). Children homozygous for the low-expression short-allele
showed more positive outcomes. Other similar studies have produced mixed
results, with most reporting no association between genotype and CBT
outcome.

Aims

To replicate the association between 5HTTLPR and CBT outcome in child
anxiety from the Genes for Treatment study (GxT Cohort 2,
n = 829).

Method

Logistic and linear mixed effects models were used to examine the
relationship between 5HTTLPR and CBT outcomes. Mega-analyses using both
cohorts were performed.

Results

There was no significant effect of 5HTTLPR on CBT outcomes in Cohort 2.
Mega-analyses identified a significant association between 5HTTLPR and
remission from all anxiety disorders at follow-up (odds ratio 0.45,
P = 0.014), but not primary anxiety disorder
outcomes.

Conclusions

The association between 5HTTLPR genotype and CBT outcome did not
replicate. Short-allele homozygotes showed more positive treatment
outcomes, but with small, non-significant effects. Future studies would
benefit from utilising whole genome approaches and large, homogenous
samples.
ISL1 Is Necessary for Maximal Thyrotrope Response to Hypothyroidism
Authors: Castinetti F. , Brinkmeier M. L. , Mortensen A. H. , Vella K. R. , Gergics P. , Brue T. , Hollenberg A. N. , Gan L. , Camper S. A.
Published: August 2015

ISLET1 is a homeodomain transcription factor necessary for development of the pituitary, retina, motor neurons, heart, and pancreas. Isl1-deficient mice (Isl1−/−) die early during embryogenesis at embryonic day 10.5 due to heart defects, and at that time, they have an undersized pituitary primordium. ISL1 is expressed in differentiating pituitary cells in early embryogenesis. Here, we report the cell-specific expression of ISL1 and assessment of its role in gonadotropes and thyrotropes. Isl1 expression is elevated in pituitaries of Cga−/− mice, a model of hypothyroidism with thyrotrope hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Thyrotrope-specific disruption of Isl1 with Tshb-cre is permissive for normal serum TSH, but T4 levels are decreased, suggesting decreased thyrotrope function. Inducing hypothyroidism in normal mice causes a reduction in T4 levels and dramatically elevated TSH response, but mice with thyrotrope-specific disruption of Isl1 have a blunted TSH response. In contrast, deletion of Isl1 in gonadotropes with an Lhb-cre transgene has no obvious effect on gonadotrope function or fertility. These results show that ISL1 is necessary for maximal thyrotrope response to hypothyroidism, in addition to its role in development of Rathke's pouch.