bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FBXO31 Suppresses Gastric Cancer EMT by Targeting Snail1 for Proteasomal Degradation
Authors: Zou Shuiyan , Ma Cunying , Yang Fenghua , Xu Xia , Jia Jihui , Liu Zhifang
Published: November 2017

The F-box protein FBXO31, a component of the Skp1/Cul1/F-box (SCF) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, plays an important regulatory role in neuronal development, stress response, and tumorigenesis. Our recent report indicates that FBXO31 functions as a tumor suppressor in gastric cancer, and the loss of FBXO31 protein is associated with a higher malignant phenotype and poorer prognosis. However, little is known about the underlying mechanism. In this study, FBXO31 inhibits gastric cancer progression by suppressing the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). FBXO31 overexpression decreases, whereas its inhibition increases, the protein level of the EMT transcription factor Snail1 (SNAI1), respectively. Further evidence demonstrates that FBXO31 interacts with Snail1 and mediates the ubiquitin- and proteasome-dependent degradation of Snail1 in gastric cancer. The F-box domain of FBXO31 and the phosphorylation of Snail1 are necessary for the molecular interaction between FBXO31 and Snail1. Mouse modeling experiments reveal that FBXO31 overexpression inhibits in vivo colonization of gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, a highly significant negative correlation between FBXO31 and Snail1 is validated in human gastric cancer clinical specimens. Taken together, these findings identify Snail1 as a new target protein of FBXO31 in gastric cancer and substantiate a novel regulatory role of FBXO31 on gastric cancer progression and metastasis.

Implication: These findings demonstrate that FBXO31 exerts the tumor-inhibitory role in gastric cancer by ubiquitin-mediated degradation of Snail1, which represents a viable strategy of FBXO31 activators in the prevention and therapy of gastric cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 16(2); 286–95. ©2017 AACR.
Expression of TNFα Receptors on Immunocompetent Cells Is Increased in Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Lopatnikova Julia A. , Alshevskaya Alina A. , Krugleeva Olga L. , Nepomnyschih Vera M. , Gladkikh Victor S. , Lukinov Vitaliy L. , Karaulov Alexander V. , Sennikov Sergey Vitalievich
Published: November 2017

Background: Expression levels of cytokine and growth factor receptors have been found to be important in the regulation of their action. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) is actively involved in inflammation processes in atopic dermatitis (AD), but the role of TNFα membrane receptors (TNFR) and their regulatory function in AD remains unclear. Aim: We aimed to determine the associations of parameters of TNFRα expression on immunocompetent cells with disease severity before and after therapy in AD patients. Methods: TNFRα expression on T cells, B cells, and monocytes was evaluated by flow cytometry. To determine receptor numbers on the cells, Quantibrite PE beads were used. The content of soluble mediators was evaluated by ELISA. To reveal linear relationships between the index scoring AD (SCORAD) and the studied parameters, multiple linear regression model building was used. Results: TNFR1 and TNFR2 expression in lymphocyte and monocyte populations of AD patients was higher than in healthy individuals (HI). At the same time an increased percentage of positive cells was not associated with high receptor density, and vice versa. Serum content of TNFα, both soluble receptors, the number of TNFR2/T cells, and the percentage of TNFR2+ monocytes were found to be strongly associated with the SCORAD index. Conclusion: AD patients had increased TNFR expression on immune cells. Changes in the parameters of TNFRα expression compared to HI were associated with the disease severity index SCORAD.
Physical Activity and Fatigue in Patients with Sarcoidosis
Authors: Bahmer Thomas , Watz Henrik , Develaska Maria , Waschki Benjamin , Rabe Klaus F. , Magnussen Helgo , Kirsten Detlef , Kirsten Anne-Marie
Published: November 2017

Background: Little is known about physical activity in daily life among patients with sarcoidosis. Fatigue is a frequent and disabling symptom that might negatively affect physical activity levels. Methods: In patients with sarcoidosis, we measured physical activity (steps per day) by accelerometry (SenseWear Armband) for 1 week. We assessed lung function (DLCO, FVC), exercise capacity (6-min walking distance [6MWD]), health-related quality of life (St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire [SGRQ]), generic quality of life (12-Item Short-Form Health Survey [SF-12]), and fatigue (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory [MFI-20]). Results: We investigated 57 patients with sarcoidosis (mean age 50 years, 56% male, mean DLCO 73% predicted, mean FVC 91% predicted, mean 6MWD 525 m, mean steps per day 7,490), of whom n = 14 (25%) had severe fatigue. The MFI-20 subscales “reduced activity” and “physical fatigue” were weakly associated with steps per day on a bivariate level (Spearman ρ = –0.274 and ρ = –0.277, respectively; p < 0.05), while the other subscales and the total score were not. 6MWD, SGRQ score, and SF-12 (physical health) score showed stronger associations with steps per day in bivariate analyses (Pearson r = 0.499, r = –0.386, and r = 0.467, respectively; p < 0.01), and were independent predictors of steps per day in multivariate linear regression analyses adjusting for confounders (p < 0.05). In ROC curve analyses, 6MWD, SGRQ score, and SF-12 (physical health) score properly identified sedentary patients (steps per day <5,000; AUROC 0.90, 0.81, and 0.80, respectively; p < 0.01). Fatigue was less predictive (MFI-20 subscale “general fatigue,” AUROC 0.70; p = 0.03). Conclusion: While exercise capacity and quality of life measurements were robust predictors of physical activity in patients with sarcoidosis, associations of objectively measured physical activity with fatigue were surprisingly weak. In sarcoidosis, fatigue might not preclude affected patients from being physically active, although this symptom is subjectively perceived as highly disabling.
Value of Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone Assay during Parathyroidectomy in Dialysis and Renal Transplant Patients with Secondary and Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: El-Husseini Amr , Wang Kevin , Edon Annick , Saxon David , Lima Florence , Sloan David , Sawaya B. Peter
Published: November 2017

Background: In dialysis and renal transplant patients with secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism (HPT), the value of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) during parathyroidectomy (PTX) and its association with long-term PTH levels are unknown. The present study aims at evaluating the relationship of ioPTH with long-term PTH levels post-PTX in dialysis and renal transplant patients in a single-center study. Methods: The ioPTH was measured in 57 dialysis patients (33 females and 24 males) and 18 renal transplant recipients (12 males and 6 females) who underwent PTX from 2005 to 2015 for refractory HPT. Near-total PTX was performed in 56 patients and total PTX with autotransplantation in 20 patients. The PTH monitoring included 3 samples: pre-intubation, 10- and 20-min (pre-ioPTH, 10-ioPTH, and 20-ioPTH) post parathyroid gland excision. Patients were followed up for up to 5 years. Results: In the dialysis group, the median (25th–75th percentile) pre-, 10-, and 20-ioPTH levels were 1,447 pg/mL (938–2,176), 143 pg/mL (78–244) and 112 pg/mL (59–153) respectively. In the renal transplant group, pre-, 10-, and 20-ioPTH levels were 273 pg/mL (180–403), 42 pg/mL (25–72), and 34 pg/mL (23–45) respectively. All patients in the transplant group had a functional kidney transplant at the time of PTX with a median serum creatinine of 1.3 mg/dL (1.2–1.7) and estimated glomerular filtration rate of 55 mL/min (40–60). The median time between renal transplant and PTX surgeries was 22 months (7–81). The last median follow-up PTH level was 66 pg/mL (15–201) in the dialysis group and 54 pg/mL (17–72) in the transplant group (p = 0.438). The mean time for last PTH post-PTX was 2.3 ± 2.0 years. In both groups, there was no significant difference between 20-ioPTH and any-time post-PTX PTH levels (p = 0.6 and p = 0.9). Nineteen patients (25%) were readmitted within 90 days because of hypocalcemia. One patient in the dialysis group was readmitted for post-PTX hematoma evacuation. No patient required repeat PTX because of recurrent HPT that was refractory to medical therapy. Only one dialysis patient required repeat PTX because the first procedure failed. Conclusions: The 20-ioPTH is a good indicator of long-term PTH levels in dialysis and renal transplant patients. Hypocalcemia is a common complication, particularly in dialysis patients, and it is the main reason for readmission after PTX. Hypoparathyroidism is a potential concern after PTX in dialysis patients.
Is the Efficacy of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke Sex-Related
Authors: Carvalho Andreia , Cunha André , Gregório Tiago , Paredes Ludovina , Costa Henrique , Veloso Miguel , Castro Sérgio , Ribeiro Manuel , Barros Pedro Jorge Gonçalves
Published: November 2017

Background: Several reports refer to differences in stroke between females and males, namely in incidence and clinical outcome, but also in response to treatments. Driven by a recent analysis of the MR CLEAN trial, which showed a higher benefit from acute stroke endovascular treatment (EVT) in males, we intended to determine if clinical outcomes after EVT differ between sexes, in a real-world setting. Methods: We analyzed 145 consecutive patients submitted to EVT for anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion, between January 2015 and September 2016, and compared the outcomes between sexes. Results: Our population was represented by 81 (55.9%) females, with similar baseline characteristics (pre-stroke disability, baseline NIHSS, and ASPECTS), rate of previous intravenous thrombolysis, time from onset to recanalization, and rate of revascularization; with the exception that women were on average 4 years older and had more hypertension, and men in turn had more tandem occlusions and atherosclerotic etiology (all p < 0.05). Even after adjusting for these statistically significant variables and for intravenous thrombolysis (as some studies advocate a different response to this treatment between sexes), there were no differences in intracranial hemorrhage, functional independence (mRS ≤2 in 60.9% males vs. 66.7% in females, p = 0.48; adjusted p = 0.36), or mortality at 3 months. Conclusion: In a real-world setting, we found no sex differences in clinical and safety outcomes after acute stroke EVT. Our results support the idea that women are equally likely to achieve good outcomes as men after acute stroke EVT.
Spurious Hyperchloremia in the Presence of Elevated Plasma Salicylate: A Cohort Study
Authors: Kashani Kianoush B. , Steuernagle IV Jon H. , Qian Qi
Published: November 2017

Background: Acute metabolic acidosis is rarely associated with a reduced or negative anion gap (AG), but several case reports have described such an abnormality occurring in the setting of acute salicylate intoxication. The underlying cause of this phenomenon is unclear. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed our institutional database to identify all patients admitted for salicylate intoxication at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN, USA) from January 2010 through December 2012. Serum chloride was measured with the Cobas INTEGRA 400 plus electrode (expedited laboratory test) or Cobas 6000 (routine laboratory test). We compared blood chloride levels measured by the 2 devices in the presence of positive blood salicylate level. Results: Twelve adult patients with salicylate levels >20 mg/dL had markedly elevated chloride concentrations. The median (interquartile range) chloride level at admission was 120 (107–145) mmol/L on their initial laboratory studies, resulting in reduced or even negative AGs. None of the patients had bromide toxicity, nor did they have any other identifiable cause of hyperchloremia or decreased AG. Further testing of the same blood samples with an alternative measurement system (Roche Cobas 6000) yielded normal chloride values, indicating that falsely elevated chloride values with the initial testing led to the diminished or negative AG values. Conclusion: Circulating levels of salicylate can interfere with chloride measured by using routine techniques, resulting in spurious hyperchloremia outcomes and erroneous AG values. In patients with acute metabolic acidosis and abnormally reduced or negative AG, salicylate interference with chloride measurement should be suspected.
Anti-Psoriasis Effects and Mechanisms of Α-(8-Quinolinoxy) Zinc Phthalocyanine-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Liu Han-Qing , Wang Ying-Ming , Li Wan-Fang , Li Chao , Jiang Zhi-Huan , Bao Jie , Wei Jin-Feng , Jin Hong-Tao , Wang Ai-Ping
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the anti-psoriasis effects of α-(8-quinolinoxy) zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc-F7)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) and to reveal its mechanisms. Methods: HaCaT cells were used to observe the influence of ZnPc-F7-PDT on cell proliferation in vitro. The in vivo anti-psoriasis effects of ZnPc-F7-PDT were evaluated using a mouse vagina model, a propranolol-induced cavy psoriasis model and an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced nude mouse psoriasis model. Flow cytometry was carried out to determine T lymphocyte levels. Western blotting was performed to determine protein expression, and a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test was performed to determine mRNA expression. Results: The results showed that ZnPc-F7-PDT significantly inhibited the proliferation of HaCaT cells in vitro; when the light doses were fixed, changing the irradiation time or output power had little influence on the inhibition rate. ZnPc-F7-PDT significantly inhibited the hyperproliferation of mouse vaginal epithelium induced by diethylstilbestrol and improved propranolol- and IMQ-induced psoriasis-like symptoms. ZnPc-F7-PDT inhibited IMQ-induced splenomegaly and T lymphocyte abnormalities. ZnPc-F7-PDT did not appear to change T lymphocytes in the mouse vagina model. ZnPc-F7-PDT down-regulated the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), interleukin (IL)-17A mRNA and IL-17F mRNA, and up-regulated the expression of Bax. Conclusion: In conclusion, ZnPc-F7-PDT exhibited therapeutic effects in psoriasis both in vitro and in vivo and is a potential approach in the treatment of psoriasis. Potential mechanisms of these effects included the inhibition of hyperproliferation; regulation of PCNA, Bcl-2, Bax, IL-17A mRNA and IL-17F mRNA expression; and immune regulation.
N-Cadherin-Mediated Activation of PI3K/Akt-GSK-3β Signaling Attenuates Nucleus Pulposus Cell Apoptosis Under High-Magnitude Compression
Authors: Li Pei , Liang Zherui , Hou Gang , Song Lei , Zhang Ruijie , Gan Yibo , Zhang Chengmin , Xu Yichun , Zhou Qiang
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims: Mechanical overloading-induced nucleus pulposus (NP) apoptosis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration. N-cadherin (N-CDH)-mediated signaling preserves normal NP cell phenotype. This study aims to investigate the effects of N-CDH on NP cell apoptosis under high-magnitude compression and the underlying mechanism behind this process. Methods: Rat NP cells seeded on scaffold were perfusion-cultured using a self-developed perfusion bioreactor for 5 days and experienced different magnitudes (2% and 20% compressive deformation, respectively) of compression at a frequency of 1.0 Hz for 4 hours once per day. The un-loaded NP cells were used as controls. Lentivirus-mediated N-CDH overexpression and inhibitor LY294002 were used to further investigate the role of N-CDH and PI3K/Akt pathway under high-magnitude compression, respectively. NP cell apoptosis was evaluated by caspase-3 activity measured using a commercial kit, flow cytometry, and expression of apoptosis-related molecules analyzed by real-time PCR and western blotting assays. Results: High-magnitude compression significantly increased apoptotic NP cells, caspase-3 activity and expression of pro-apoptotic molecules (Bax and caspase-3/cleaved caspase-3), but decreased expression of anti-apoptotic molecule (Bcl-2). High-magnitude compression decreased expression of N-CDH, p-Akt and p-GSK-3β. However, N-CDH overexpression attenuated NP cell apoptosis and increased expression of p-Akt and p-GSK-3β under high-magnitude compression. Further analysis showed that inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway suppressed NP cell apoptosis and decreased expression of p-GSK-3β, but had no significant effects on N-CDH expression under high-magnitude compression. Conclusion: N-CDH can attenuate NP cell apoptosis through activating the PI3K/Akt-GSK-3β signaling under high-magnitude compression.
Espaços livres públicos: utilização de infraestrutura verde para otimizar a drenagem urbana nos centros históricos tombados
Authors: Medeiros Claudione Fernandes , Afonso Sônia
Published: November 2017

As mudanças climáticas impactam a vida das cidades. Eventos extremos como o aumento da temperatura, secas e enchentes ameaçam também o patrimônio cultural. Nos centros históricos tombados, as enxurradas e alagamentos vêm provocando muitas patologias no casario e no arruamento. O sistema de drenagem urbana tradicional tem se mostrado ineficiente, além das dificuldades de ampliação desta rede diante de prerrogativas de respeito às preexistências. Este estudo procura utilizar os espaços livres públicos das cidades tombadas como potencializadores da drenagem urbana, através dos conceitos de infraestrutura verde. No primeiro momento é apresentada a relação entre as mudanças climáticas e os transtornos à paisagem cultural e como a infraestrutura verde pode contribuir para a resiliência dos centros urbanos tombados. Após são analisados os sistemas de espaços livres públicos passíveis desta aplicação tendo como estudo de caso a cidade de Laguna/SC. Como resultado observou-se que os espaços livres públicos devem transmutar sua função meramente cênica para a função infraestrutural e, desta forma, serão vitais para os centros urbanos, pois além de valorizar a paisagem, também aumentarão a eficácia da drenagem sem impactar ou desconsiderar a geomorfologia e a morfologia urbana existentes.
Evaluation of the Pleiotropic Effects of Statins
Authors: Labos Christopher , Brophy James M. , Smith George Davey , Sniderman Allan D. , Thanassoulis George
Published: November 2017

Objective—

To reanalyze data from recent randomized trials of statins to assess whether the benefits and risks of statins are mediated primarily via their LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) lowering effects or via other mechanisms.

Approach and Results—

We adapted Egger regression, a technique frequently used in Mendelian randomization studies to detect genetic pleiotropy, to reanalyze the available randomized control trial data of statin therapy. For cardiovascular end points, each 1 mmol/L change in LDL-C with statin therapy was associated with a hazard ratio of 0.77 (95% confidence interval, 0.71–0.84) with an intercept that was indistinguishable from zero (intercept, −0.0032; [95% confidence interval, −0.090 to 0.084];
P
=0.94), indicating no pleiotropy. For incident diabetes mellitus, a 1 mmol/L change in LDL-C with statin therapy was associated with a hazard ratio of 1.07 (95% confidence interval, 0.99–1.16) and an intercept nondistinguishable from zero (intercept, −0.015; [95% confidence interval, −0.30 to 0.27];
P
=0.91), again indicating no pleiotropy.

Conclusions—

Our reanalysis of the randomized control trial data using Egger regression adds to the existing evidence that the cardiovascular benefits of statins and their association with incident diabetes mellitus are mediated primarily, if not entirely, via their LDL-C lowering properties rather than by any pleiotropic effects.
Demand Fluctuation and Supply Chain Integration: Case Studies of Japanese Firms
Authors: Kobayashi Mizuki , Tomino Takahiro , Shintaku Junjiro , Park YoungWon
Published: November 2017

Current Japanese oems utilize both make-to-stock (mts) and make-to-order (mto) to cope with demand fluctuation. In this article, we study how leading manufacturing firms utilize mts and mto by observing two case studies, Toyota’s and Omron’s operations in China. Production and delivery of component suppliers are based on the advance notification from their manufacturers. For this, most automotive firms integrate marketing channels internally, however, most healthcare firms do not. Consequently, it is difficult to forecast and control demand accurately like automotive firms. In this sense, for healthcare firms, it is a tremendous challenge to respond to demand fluctuation through integration with external marketing agencies. We show both companies strategies to mix mts and mto along with integrating internal and external parties.
Architectural Strategy in Complex and Large Products: A Case of Shipbuilding Industry in Japan and Korea
Authors: Mukai Yuichiro
Published: November 2017

Products tend to be more complex or integral when constraints become stricter. Such product design and production require coordination-intensity. From an evolutionary view, many Japanese companies have high levels of organization with multi-skilled labors, so are good at coordination-intensive products. However, they do not always have competitiveness in this field. Only a few researchers have approached this issue, so this article will examine it by using a case study of shipbuilding as a complex and large product industry. Here, the concepts of complexity and largeness are distinctive. From design information view of artifacts, complexity relates to design information, largeness relates to medium. Shipbuilding is an advanced industry facing environmental and safety constraints. Moreover, it has encountered several periods of crisis and recovery. From this analysis using the complexity and largeness axis, many Japanese firms have a competitive advantage in the simple-small category, while Korean firms succeed in the complex-large category. It is a result of an architectural strategy for survival.
Host and geographic range extensions of Melanconiella, with a new species M. cornuta in China
Authors: DU ZHUO , FAN XIN-LEI , YANG QIN , TIAN CHENG-MING
Published: November 2017

Members of Melanconiella are opportunistic pathogens and endophytic fungi, and have been found to confined so far, on the collection of host family Betulaceae. Moreover, two fresh specimens associated with canker and dieback of Cornus controversa and Juglans regia collected in Shaanxi, China were found as distinct and new species of Melanconiella, based on morphological and multi-gene, combined, phylogenetic analyses (ITS, LSU, rpb2 and tef1-α). Results also revealed the host and geographic range extensions of this genus. Melanconiella cornuta sp. nov. is introduced with an illustrated account and differs from similar species in its host association and multigene phylogeny.
Northern Hemisphere Rossby Wave Initiation Events on the Extratropical Jet—A Climatological Analysis
Authors: Röthlisberger Matthias , Martius Olivia , Wernli Heini
Published: November 2017

A climatology of Rossby wave initiation (RWI) events on the Northern Hemisphere midlatitude jet is compiled by applying an objective RWI identification algorithm to the ERA-Interim dataset. In winter, RWI events occur most frequently over the northwestern Pacific and less often over the North Atlantic. In summer, the total number of RWI events is lower than in winter and the North Pacific RWI region shifts toward the Tibetan Plateau. Composite analysis of the large-scale flow prior to, during, and after winter North Pacific RWI events shows an upstream wave train propagating across Asia on the Arctic waveguide prior to RWI. The composite wave forms on a relatively weak zonal jet streak, exhibits a baroclinic structure, and is strongly amplified by latent heat release in the warm conveyor belt of a deepening surface cyclone. Moreover, the wave forms in a region of large-scale upper-level deformation, upstream of a preexisting ridge. Further, active tropical convection affects the longitude where RWI occurs and thus acts as a geographical anchor for RWI. Individual RWI events are characterized by preferred combinations of these composite features: a strong surface cyclone tends to occur in concert with strong latent heating and a pronounced positive PV anomaly aloft. A second group of co-occurring features contains active tropical convection, a strengthened subtropical anticyclone, and the downstream ridge. These feature groups might be regarded as idealized archetypal RWI scenarios, although numerous intermediate events exist where features from both groups occur together.
Impact of Sea Surface Temperature Forcing on Weeks 3 and 4 Forecast Skill in the NCEP Global Ensemble Forecasting System
Authors: Zhu Yuejian , Zhou Xiaqiong , Peña Malaquias , Li Wei , Melhauser Christopher , Hou Dingchen
Published: November 2017

The Global Ensemble Forecasting System (GEFS) is being extended from 16 to 35 days to cover the subseasonal period, bridging weather and seasonal forecasts. In this study, the impact of SST forcing on the extended-range land-only global 2-m temperature, continental United States (CONUS) accumulated precipitation, and MJO skill are explored with version 11 of the GEFS (GEFSv11) under various SST forcing configurations. The configurations consist of 1) the operational GEFS 90-day e-folding time of the observed real-time global SST (RTG-SST) anomaly relaxed to climatology, 2) an optimal AMIP configuration using the observed daily RTG-SST analysis, 3) a two-tier approach using the CFSv2-predicted daily SST, and 4) a two-tier approach using bias-corrected CFSv2-predicted SST, updated every 24 h. The experimental period covers the fall of 2013 and the winter of 2013/14. The results indicate that there are small differences in the ranked probability skill scores (RPSSs) between the various SST forcing experiments. The improvements in forecast skill of the Northern Hemisphere 2-m temperature and precipitation for weeks 3 and 4 are marginal, especially for North America. The bias-corrected CFSv2-predicted SST experiment generally delivers superior performance with statistically significant improvement in spatially and temporally aggregated 2-m temperature RPSSs over North America. Improved representation of the SST forcing (AMIP) increased the forecast skill for MJO indices up through week 2, but there is no significant improvement of the MJO forecast skill for weeks 3 and 4. These results are obtained over a short period with weak MJO activity and are also subject to internal model weaknesses in representing the MJO. Additional studies covering longer periods with upgraded model physics are warranted.
Social Resilience to Climate-Related Disasters in Ancient Societies: A Test of Two Hypotheses
Authors: Peregrine Peter N.
Published: November 2017

Current literature on disaster response argues that societies providing greater local participation in decision-making and that have more community coordination and governance organizations are more resilient to climate-related disasters. In contrast, recent research in psychology has argued that societies with tighter social norms and greater enforcement of those norms are more resilient. This paper tests whether one or both of these seemingly competing perspectives can be empirically supported through an examination of the diachronic impact of climate-related disasters on ancient societies. A cross-cultural research design and a sample of 33 archaeologically known societies bracketing 22 catastrophic climate-related disasters are used to test two hypotheses about resilience to climate-related disasters. The paper finds that societies allowing greater political participation appear to provide greater resilience to catastrophic climate-related disasters, generally supporting the predominant perspective in contemporary disaster response.
Potassium Fluctuations Are Associated With Inhospital Mortality From Acute Myocardial Infarction. Soroka Acute Myocardial Infarction II (SAMI-II) Project
Authors: Shiyovich Arthur , Gilutz Harel , Plakht Ygal
Published: November 2017

Potassium levels (K, mEq/L) fluctuate in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Potassium was reported to be associated with prognosis in patients with AMI; however, studies evaluating the prognostic value of K fluctuations in this setting are scarce. We retrospectively analyzed patients with AMI hospitalized in a tertiary medical center, through 2002 to 2012. Patients on chronic dialysis or mechanical ventilation were excluded. Based on all K values during hospitalization, minimal, maximal, and fluctuation (gap between 2 consecutive K) were recorded. Primary outcome was inhospital all-cause mortality. Overall, 10 032 patients were studied (age 68.1 ± 14.3 years, 65.4% males, 44.2% ST-segment elevation MI), of which 507 (3.7%) died in hospital. Potassium decreased during the first 2 to 3 days ( P for trend <.001), followed by stabilization ( P for trend = .807). Potassium in the extreme categories (<3.8 and ≥4.7) and absolute fluctuations >0.1 mEq/L were more common among nonsurvivors than survivors ( P < .001 each). In a multivariate analysis, combinations of minimal K <3.8 with maximal K ≥4.7 (odds ratio [OR] = 18.1), K ≥4.4 with fluctuation ≥0.1 (OR = 1.74), or <−0.1 (OR = 2.6) and minimal K after the first 2 admission days (OR = 2.07) were associated with increased risk of mortality ( P < .001 each). Potassium fluctuations, peak and nadir K, and its timing independently predict inhospital mortality in patients with AMI.
Draw-and-write technique elicits children’s perceptions of health in the USA and Guatemala
Authors: Renslow Jillian , Maupin Jonathan
Published: November 2017

Objective:

Using the draw-and-write methodology, this study examined cross-cultural similarities and differences in children’s perceptions of health.

Design:

Cross-sectional design.

Setting:

One public elementary school in the USA and in Guatemala.

Method:

The total sample included 161 children 9–10 years of age, 80 in the USA and 81 in Guatemala. Children in each setting were asked to draw-and-write responses to two prompts regarding things that make someone healthy/unhealthy. Responses were coded for the presence of themes for each topic, and statistical tests were performed to test for significant differences by gender and country.

Results:

Food is central to children’s perceptions of healthy and unhealthy in both locations, as over 90% of children overall depicted food items for both topics. Fruit, in particular, constitutes the majority of depictions for healthy items in both countries, followed by vegetables. In terms of differences, children in the USA were more likely to depict drinking water and exercise as things that make someone healthy and fast food as being unhealthy. Guatemalan children, in contrast, were more likely to depict hygiene and the environment as both healthy and unhealthy.

Conclusion:

There are more cross-cultural similarities than differences in children’s perceptions of health. While similarities derive from the centrality of food in perceptions of health, differences in perceptions of health emerge from unique national health conditions and initiatives, local socio-ecological contexts and school curricula.
Ethical leadership, but toward whom? How moral identity congruence shapes the ethical treatment of employees
Authors: Qin Xin , Huang Mingpeng , Hu Qiongjing , Schminke Marshall , Ju Dong
Published: November 2017

Ethical leadership exerts a powerful influence on employees, and most studies share a basic premise that leaders display the same level of ethical leadership to all subordinates. However, we challenge this assumption and suggest that subordinates’ characteristics and supervisors’ characteristics may jointly influence supervisor ethical leadership behavior. Drawing upon research on person–supervisor fit and moral identity, we explore the questions of whether and how supervisor–subordinate (in)congruence in moral identity affects the emergence of supervisor ethical leadership behavior. Using multi-level and multi-source data, the results of cross-level polynomial regressions revealed that the less aligned a supervisor’s moral identity was with a subordinate’s, the more negative sentiments the supervisor held toward the subordinate, which, in turn, influenced the supervisor’s ethical leadership behavior. We also argue that not all types of congruence are alike. Our results confirmed that supervisor negative sentiments toward subordinates were higher in low–low congruence dyads than in high–high congruence dyads. Results also confirmed that by reducing supervisor negative sentiments toward subordinates, supervisor–subordinate congruence in moral identity had an indirect positive effect on supervisor ethical leadership behavior. Overall, this research highlights the importance of taking both subordinates’ and supervisors’ traits into consideration in understanding the emergence of ethical leadership.
Complementing the Common Core with Holistic Biliteracy
Authors: Hopewell Susan , Butvilofsky Sandra , Escamilla Kathy
Published: November 2017

In this article the authors propose that biliteracy is a more challenging and rigorous form of literacy than the English-only orientation of the Common Core State Standards (NGACBP & CCSSO, 2010). Because learning to read and write in two languages differs from learning to read and write in one, we argue that biliteracy requires its own pedagogies, methodologies, and assessment systems. Data derived from the reported study support a trajectory toward bilingualism informed by a framework that capitalizes on theories of integrated and holistic biliteracy in order to re-conceptualize the ways educators can interpret biliteracy assessments of emerging bilingual learners in Spanish and English.
Emerging Reading and the Social Practice Turn in Literacy: Still Becoming a Nation of Readers
Authors: Hoffman James V. , Martinez RamÓN A. , Danielson Katie
Published: November 2017

In this article, we focus on the past, the present, and the future. We consider the ways in which Becoming a Nation of Readers: The Report of the Commission on Reading (BNR) (Anderson, Hiebert, Scott, & Wilkinson, 1985) fulfilled the authors’ aspirations to introduce into schools everywhere “the practices seen in the classrooms of the best teachers in the best schools” (p. 3). We focus on the emerging literacy chapter and conclude that the authors offered significant insights for the field at a critical time in reading research and in a way that anticipated the future. We also examine some changes in literacy theory and practice since the report was published, including fundamental shifts in the ways many researchers have come to explore literacy as an emerging social practice both at the individual and societal levels. We consider the literacy as a social practice turn, first in relation to literacy theory, and then in two areas critically related to literacy practices in schools today: teaching bi/multilingual children and teacher preparation in literacy. We conclude with a cautionary note regarding reports like BNR and their potential to shape policy, research, and practice.
An Iceberg Model for Improving Mathematical Understanding and Mindset or Disposition: An Individualized Summer Intervention Program
Authors: Westenskow Arla , Moyer-Packenham Patricia S. , Child Barbara
Published: November 2017

This study describes 3 years of mathematics intervention research examining the effectiveness of a summer individualized tutoring program for rising fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students with low mathematics achievement. Based on an iceberg model of learning, an instructional framework was developed that identified and targeted students’ specific mathematical needs, developed number sense flexibility, and encouraged positive mindset or disposition. Students participated in eight one-on-one tutoring intervention sessions. Pre- and posttest results indicated that students made moderate to large effect size gains in each targeted area of instruction. Additionally, the intervention proved to produce positive results across three different contexts for delivering tutoring instruction.
21st-Century Urban Renewal: Mathematical Understanding of Real-World Graphical Data Using Geospatial Technologies
Authors: Debay Dennis J.
Published: November 2017

The introduction of real-world, meaningful tasks in mathematics classrooms promises to create opportunities for enhancing students’ learning through active engagement with mathematical ideas; however, researchers have given little consideration to the contexts in which urban high- school students live. The case study of three students reported in this article drew on data from a larger, two-year study of the Students for Social Justice (SjTEM) program in a secondary urban school that examined understanding of graphical data through grasping the trade-offs of urban planning in the students’ neighborhoods. The findings indicated that geospatial modeling supported students in understanding graphical interpretations of data, the importance of ecological impacts, and the nature of urban planning.
Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching in Practice: A Case Study of a Fourth-Grade Mainstream Classroom Teacher
Authors: Zhang-Wu Qianqian
Published: November 2017

As a result of increases in immigration, more students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are entering K–12 classrooms in the United States. Thus, the need to study the education of diverse learners is intensified. Drawing upon semi-structured interviews, observations, and informal conversations, this case study examined how a fourth-grade mainstream teacher at an urban public school put culturally and linguistically responsive instruction into practice. The data analysis was informed by a framework that focused on three levels: instructional, institutional, and societal. Directions for future research are discussed.
A Writing Apprenticeship for Sixth-Grade English Learners: An Application of the Theory of Systemic Functional Linguistics
Authors: Pavlak Christina M. , Hodgson-Drysdale Tracy
Published: November 2017

The writing achievement of English learners (ELs) is often lower than that of other subgroups (Fry, 2007, 2008). To address this gap, a partnership was formed between university faculty and doctoral students and educators at an urban PK–8 school with a majority EL population. Using Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) as a guide, the team endeavored to enhance writing instruction and, as a result, student writing. This study focused on a sixth-grade language arts teacher and her EL students during a personal recount writing unit. Qualitative data were analyzed to explore how SFL-informed writing instruction and student apprenticeship influenced teaching and learning.
Principal Perceptions of New Teacher Effectiveness
Authors: Shepherd Dan , Devers Christopher J.
Published: November 2017

Relatively little research has been conducted on the professional satisfaction of principals with recently hired beginning teachers. This study surveyed principals to learn their perspectives on these new teachers in relation to National Board Standards. Data were gathered using an online survey of 423 principals throughout the state of Indiana and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results suggested that principals were satisfied with the affective and attitudinal approaches of new teachers, but were moderately well satisfied with their general instructional abilities and content knowledge. Finally, the data showed that principals were less satisfied overall with five important areas of teaching–-classroom management, differentiated instruction, professional development, parent communication, and effective assessment. Implications for practice and future research are described.
Positive Psychology’s A Priori Problem
Authors: Held Barbara S.
Published: November 2017

The positive/negative distinction works well in many fields—for example, in mathematics negative numbers hold their own, and in medical pathology negative results are usually celebrated. But in positive psychology negativity should be replaced with positivity for flourishing/optimal functioning to occur. That the designation of the psychological states and processes deemed positive (good/desirable) and negative (bad/undesirable) is made a priori, independent of circumstantial particularity, both intrapersonal and interpersonal, does not seem to bother positive psychologists. But it should, as it results in conceptual muddles and dead ends that cannot be solved within their conceptual framework of positivity and negativity. Especially problematic is an ambiguity I find in positive psychologists’ a priori and a posteriori understandings of positivity and negativity, an ambiguity about constitutive and causal relations that pervades their science and the conclusions drawn from it. By eliminating their a priori dichotomy of positivity and negativity, positive psychologists might well find themselves in a better position to put back together the psychological reality that they have fractured in their ontologically dubious move of carving up psychological reality a priori into positive and negative phenomena. They then might find themselves better placed to “broaden and build” their own science of flourishing.
Truly reconciled? A dyadic analysis of post-conflict social reintegration in Northern Uganda
Authors: Osborne Matthew , D’Exelle Ben , Verschoor Arjan
Published: November 2017

In the aftermath of civil war or violent internal conflict, one of the key peacebuilding challenges is the reconciliation of former enemies who are members of the same small-scale societies. A failure of social reintegration may contribute to what is known as a conflict trap. To detect lingering hostile attitudes among a community’s various factions is crucial, but the approaches adopted in previous studies tend to focus on the impact of conflict on one or other aggregated indicator of social cohesion rather than on how violence-affected individuals regard and act towards their fellow community members. Here we demonstrate the value of concentrating on this latter dyadic component of social interactions and we use behavioural experiments and a social tie survey to assess, in an appropriately disaggregated manner, social cohesion in a post-conflict setting in northern Uganda. Whereas in self-reported surveys, ex-combatants appear to be well-connected, active members of their communities, the experiments unveil the continued reluctance of other community members to share or cooperate with them; fewer resources are committed to ex-combatants than to others, which is statistically significant. The dyadic nature of our analysis allows us to detect which groups are more prone to discriminate against ex-combatants, which may help facilitate targeted interventions.
An overview of yarn pull-out behavior of woven fabrics
Authors: Zhou Yi , Ali Muhammad , Gong Xiaozhou , Yang Dan
Published: November 2017

This paper reviews the topic of yarn pull-out on a plain woven fabric. It deals with previous works on experimental testing and theory exploration regarding this process, also including the prominent stick-slip behavior and the associated modeling techniques. Finally, it discusses the advances in chemical treatment and construction modification for the increase in yarn gripping force. The current paper serves as a source of literature for those willing to undertake additional research in this area and for those interested in developing flexible body armor with improved ballistic protection.
Investification: Financialisation of housing markets and persistence of suburban socio-economic disadvantage
Authors: Hulse Kath , Reynolds Margaret
Published: November 2017

The relationship between urban housing markets and spatial patterns of socio-economic disadvantage has fascinated urban scholars for decades. The gentrification and subsequently suburbanisation of disadvantage literatures have explained how housing markets are both a driver, and outcome, of changes in the socio-economic composition of urban areas, albeit focusing mainly on owner occupation and social housing. In the 2000s, research into the financialisation of housing finds increased household-level investment in private rented housing as an important contemporary driver of housing markets. Based on a detailed study of Melbourne (Australia) in 2001–2011, the article identifies established suburbs of persistent population socio-economic disadvantage, which were characterised by sale prices and rents increasing above citywide rates in 2001–2011 and a disproportionate increase in private rented housing. The article offers a new concept of investification to explain a process whereby disproportionately high levels of household investor purchases in disadvantaged suburbs contribute to higher prices/rents and to the persistence of socio-economic disadvantage, as properties are rented on the private market to low socio-economic households, indicating replacement rather than displacement. Connecting with research on the financialisation of housing through the concept of ‘investification’ can provide a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between contemporary housing market change and the geography of suburban disadvantage in the Australian context. The concept is likely to be of broader significance given the recent increase in Buy-to-Let activity in countries such as the UK, opening up new research questions on the interrelationship between households as investors and consumers and the geography of urban disadvantage.
Neighbourhoods, local networks and the non-linear path of the expiration and preservation of federal rental subsidies
Authors: Howell Kathryn
Published: November 2017

With the increased demand for urban living by high-income households, sponsors of subsidised affordable housing face significant pressure and incentive to opt out of their subsidies and sell or redevelop. National evaluations of HUD data have illustrated the number and characteristics of buildings lost and the neighbourhoods in which they are located, but little has been done to better understand the specific outcomes, including the events leading up to preservation or loss of the subsidised buildings, how they were preserved or lost and what actors were engaged in the process of preservation. This study examines the ways buildings have been preserved and lost in Washington, DC, USA, to better understand the ways that local and state governments might intervene to preserve housing. I argue that affordable housing preservation is not a simple or linear process. Instead, it requires multisector monitoring, data and tools. First, there are multiple opportunities in which to intervene in the process. Second, data from all parts of the preservation puzzle are critical to the ability to intervene to prevent the loss of affordable housing. Finally, preservation is often a long and complex process that engages multiple actors at several levels, including tenants, organisers, attorneys and agency staff – and most importantly, flexible policies and funding sources.