bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of Primary Drug Resistance in FGFR1-Amplified Lung Cancer
Authors: Malchers Florian , Ercanoglu Meryem , Schütte Daniel , Castiglione Roberta , Tischler Verena , Michels Sebastian , Dahmen Ilona , Brägelmann Johannes , Menon Roopika , Heuckmann Johannes M. , George Julie , Ansén Sascha , Sos Martin L. , Soltermann Alex , Peifer Martin , Wolf Jürgen , Büttner Reinhard , Thomas Roman K.
Published: June 2017

Purpose: The 8p12-p11 locus is frequently amplified in squamous cell lung cancer (SQLC); the receptor tyrosine kinase fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) being one of the most prominent targets of this amplification. Thus, small molecules inhibiting FGFRs have been employed to treat FGFR1-amplified SQLC. However, only about 11% of such FGFR1-amplified tumors respond to single-agent FGFR inhibition and several tumors exhibited insufficient tumor shrinkage, compatible with the existence of drug-resistant tumor cells.

Experimental Design: To investigate possible mechanisms of resistance to FGFR inhibition, we studied the lung cancer cell lines DMS114 and H1581. Both cell lines are highly sensitive to three different FGFR inhibitors, but exhibit sustained residual cellular viability under treatment, indicating a subpopulation of existing drug-resistant cells. We isolated these subpopulations by treating the cells with constant high doses of FGFR inhibitors.

Results: The FGFR inhibitor–resistant cells were cross-resistant and characterized by sustained MAPK pathway activation. In drug-resistant H1581 cells, we identified NRAS amplification and DUSP6 deletion, leading to MAPK pathway reactivation. Furthermore, we detected subclonal NRAS amplifications in 3 of 20 (15%) primary human FGFR1-amplified SQLC specimens. In contrast, drug-resistant DMS114 cells exhibited transcriptional upregulation of MET that drove MAPK pathway reactivation. As a consequence, we demonstrate that rational combination therapies resensitize resistant cells to treatment with FGFR inhibitors.

Conclusions: We provide evidence for the existence of diverse mechanisms of primary drug resistance in FGFR1-amplified lung cancer and provide a rational strategy to improve FGFR inhibitor therapies by combination treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 23(18); 5527–36. ©2017 AACR.
Mitochondrial Metabolism in a Large-Animal Model of Huntington Disease: The Hunt for Biomarkers in the Spermatozoa of Presymptomatic Minipigs
Authors: Krizova Jana , Stufkova Hana , Rodinova Marie , Macakova Monika , Bohuslavova Bozena , Vidinska Daniela , Klima Jiri , Ellederova Zdenka , Pavlok Antonin , Howland David S. , Zeman Jiri , Motlik Jan , Hansikova Hana
Published: June 2017

Background: Huntington disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder involving reduced muscle coordination, mental and behavioral changes, and testicular degeneration. In order to further clarify the decreased fertility and penetration ability of the spermatozoa of transgenic HD minipig boars (TgHD), we applied a set of mitochondrial metabolism (MM) parameter measurements to this promising biological material, which can be collected noninvasively in longitudinal studies. Objective: We aimed to optimize methods for MM measurements in spermatozoa and to establish possible biomarkers of HD in TgHD spermatozoa expressing the N-terminal part of mutated human huntingtin. Methods: Semen samples from 12 TgHD and wild-type animals, aged 12-65 months, were obtained repeatedly during the study. Respiration was measured by polarography, MM was assessed by the detection of oxidation of radiolabeled substrates (mitochondrial energy-generating system; MEGS), and the content of the oxidative phosphorylation system subunits was detected by Western blot. Three possibly interfering factors were statistically analyzed: the effect of HD, generation and aging. Results: We found 5 MM parameters which were significantly diminished in TgHD spermatozoa and propose 3 specific MEGS incubations and complex I-dependent respiration as potential biomarkers of HD in TgHD spermatozoa. Conclusions: Our results suggest a link between the gain of toxic function of mutated huntingtin in TgHD spermatozoa and the observed MM and/or glycolytic impairment. We determined 4 biomarkers useful for HD phenotyping and experimental therapy monitoring studies in TgHD minipigs.
Standardized Renal Endpoints for Perioperative Clinical Trials: The Standardized Endpoints in Perioperative Medicine Initiative
Authors: McIlroy David R. , Shaw Andrew D. , Myles Paul S.
Published: June 2017

Perioperative acute kidney injury is a common problem. While clinical trials seek to evaluate the impact of interventions on a variety of primary and secondary endpoints with the aim of implementing this knowledge to improve perioperative outcomes, the use of valid and relevant endpoints within clinical trials is of critical importance to achieving this goal. Suitable endpoints must be validated for the study population and in light of the clinical context under investigation while also considering regulatory requirements that govern the licensing of new therapeutic agents as well as the values of patients whose outcomes we seek to improve. Heterogeneity in perioperative clinical trial endpoints and their definitions limits the ability to compare and interpret differences in outcomes across studies or to pool outcomes from different studies in meta-analysis. The Standardized Endpoints in Perioperative Medicine (StEP) initiative is an international collaboration whose goal is to identify and recommend a suite of clearly and precisely defined endpoints across multiple domains, specifically suited for use in perioperative clinical trials. The current review describes the rationale, goals and the planned pathway of the StEP renal subgroup. Development of a set of standardized and core renal endpoints, valid and relevant for use in the perioperative context, precisely defined and yet with sufficient flexibility to encourage broad uptake and application should facilitate high-quality and practice-changing perioperative research into the future.
Incidence and Factors Associated With the Occurrence of Pulmonary Vein Narrowing After Cryoballoon Ablation
Authors: Narui Ryohsuke , Tokuda Michifumi , Matsushima Masato , Isogai Ryota , Tokutake Kenichi , Yokoyama Kenichi , Hioki Mika , Ito Keiichi , Tanigawa Shin-ichi , Yamashita Seigo , Inada Keiichi , Shibayama Kenri , Matsuo Seiichiro , Miyanaga Satoru , Sugimoto Kenichi , Yoshimura Michihiro , Yamane Teiichi
Published: June 2017

Background—

In contrast with traditional radiofrequency ablation, little is known about the influence of cryoballoon ablation on the morphology of pulmonary veins (PVs). We evaluated the influence of cryoballoon ablation on the PV dimension (PVD) and investigated the factors associated with a reduction of the PVD.

Methods and Results—

Seventy-four patients who underwent cryoballoon ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were included in the present study. All subjects underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography both before and at 3 months after the procedure. The PVD (cross-sectional area) was measured using a 3-dimensional electroanatomical mapping system. Each PV was evaluated according to the PVD reduction rate (ΔPVD), which was calculated as follows: (1−post-PVD/pre-PVD)×100 (%). Ninety-two percent of the PVs (271/296) were successfully isolated only by cryoballoon ablation; the remaining 8% of the PVs required touch-up ablation and were excluded from the analysis. Mild (25%–50%), moderate (50%–75%), and severe (≥75%) ΔPVD values were observed in 87, 14, and 3 PVs, respectively, including 1 case with severe left superior PV stenosis (ΔPVD: 94%) in a patient who required PV angioplasty. In multivariable analysis, a larger PV ostium and lower minimum freezing temperature during cryoballoon ablation were independently associated with PV narrowing (odds ratio, 1.773;
P
=0.01; and odds ratio, 1.137;
P
<0.001, respectively).

Conclusions—

A reduction of the PVD was often observed after cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation. A larger PV ostium and lower minimum freezing temperature during cryoballoon ablation were associated with an increased risk of PVD reduction.
Distinctive Left Ventricular Activations Associated With ECG Pattern in Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Derval Nicolas , Duchateau Josselin , Mahida Saagar , Eschalier Romain , Sacher Frederic , Lumens Joost , Cochet Hubert , Denis Arnaud , Pillois Xavier , Yamashita Seigo , Komatsu Yuki , Ploux Sylvain , Amraoui Sana , Zemmoura Adlane , Ritter Philippe , Hocini Mélèze , Haissaguerre Michel , Jaïs Pierre , Bordachar Pierre
Published: June 2017

Background—

In contrast to patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB), heart failure patients with narrow QRS and nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay (NICD) display a relatively limited response to cardiac resynchronization therapy. We sought to compare left ventricular (LV) activation patterns in heart failure patients with narrow QRS and NICD to patients with LBBB using high-density electroanatomic activation maps.

Methods and Results—

Fifty-two heart failure patients (narrow QRS [n=18], LBBB [n=11], NICD [n=23]) underwent 3-dimensional electroanatomic mapping with a high density of mapping points (387±349 LV). Adjunctive scar imaging was available in 37 (71%) patients and was analyzed in relation to activation maps. LBBB patients typically demonstrated (1) a single LV breakthrough at the septum (38±15 ms post-QRS onset); (2) prolonged right-to-left transseptal activation with absence of direct LV Purkinje activity; (3) homogeneous propagation within the LV cavity; and (4) latest activation at the basal lateral LV. In comparison, both NICD and narrow QRS patients demonstrated (1) multiple LV breakthroughs along the posterior or anterior fascicles: narrow QRS versus LBBB, 5±2 versus 1±1;
P
=0.0004; NICD versus LBBB, 4±2 versus 1±1;
P
=0.001); (2) evidence of early/pre-QRS LV electrograms with Purkinje potentials; (3) rapid propagation in narrow QRS patients and more heterogeneous propagation in NICD patients; and (4) presence of limited areas of late activation associated with LV scar with high interindividual heterogeneity.

Conclusions—

In contrast to LBBB patients, narrow QRS and NICD patients are characterized by distinct mechanisms of LV activation, which may predict poor response to cardiac resynchronization therapy.
Assessment of Quality Indicators for Acute Myocardial Infarction in the FAST-MI (French Registry of Acute ST-Elevation or Non–ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) Registries
Authors: Schiele François , Gale Chris P. , Simon Tabassome , Fox Keith A.A. , Bueno Hector , Lettino Maddalena , Tubaro Marco , Puymirat Etienne , Ferrières Jean , Meneveau Nicolas , Danchin Nicolas
Published: June 2017

Background—

The Acute Cardiovascular Care Association defined quality indicators (QIs) for the management of acute myocardial infarction. The application of these QIs to existing databases is appealing. It remains to be determined what the rates of implementation are, how the QIs are related to long-term survival, and whether quality categorization is possible.

Methods and Results—

The QIs were extracted from the French nationwide registries French Registry of Acute ST-Elevation or Non–ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (FAST-MI) 2005 (n=3670) and FAST-MI 2010 (n=4169). Implementation rates for each QI are reported for both cohorts. The composite QI was used for benchmarking, and the relationship between QIs and 3-year survival was determined using a Cox model. In FAST-MI 2010, 12 individual and 2 composite QIs could be assessed. Four QIs were not recorded in FAST-MI 2010 and 4 in 2005, either because of treatment nonavailability or because of data not recorded. The degree of implementation ranged from 12% to 89%, with higher rates in 2010 as compared with 2005. Seven individual QIs were associated with survival, and there was a significant and gradual association between survival and categories of the composite QI. Center categorization was possible in 26% to 30% of participating centers; 16 (27%) centers in 2005 and 14 (20%) in 2010 were categorized as low quality.

Conclusions—

Twelve of 17 individual QIs could be assessed from FAST-MI 2010. The composite QI was significantly associated with 3-year survival and distinguished centers with high, average, and low quality of care.
Multitype Events and the Analysis of Heart Failure Readmissions
Authors: Brown Paul M. , Ezekowitz Justin A.
Published: June 2017

Background—

Heart failure–related hospital readmissions and mortality are often outcomes in clinical trials. Patients may experience multiple hospital readmissions over time with mortality acting as a dependent terminal event. Univariate composite end points are used for the analysis of readmissions. We may amend these approaches to include emergency department visits as a further outcome. An alternative multivariate modeling approach that categorizes hospital readmissions and emergency department visits as separate event types is proposed.

Methods and Results—

We seek to compare the modeling approach which handles event types as separate, correlated end points against composites that amalgamate them to create a unified end point. Using a heart failure data set for illustration, a model with random effects for event types is estimated. The time-to-first event, unmatched win-ratio, and days-alive-and-out-of-hospital composites are derived for comparison. The model provides supplementary statistics such as the correlation among event types and yields considerably more power than the competing composite end points.

Conclusions—

The effect on individual outcomes is lost when they are intermingled to form a univariate composite. Simultaneously modeling different outcomes provides an alternative or supplementary analysis that may yield greater statistical power and additional insights. Improvements in software have made the multitype events model easier to implement and thus a useful, more efficient option when analyzing heart failure hospital readmissions and emergency department visits.
Evidence for Therapeutic Patient Education Interventions to Promote Cardiovascular Patient Self-Management: A Scientific Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association
Authors: Barnason Susan , White-Williams Connie , Rossi Laura P. , Centeno Mae , Crabbe Deborah L. , Lee Kyoung Suk , McCabe Nancy , Nauser Julie , Schulz Paula , Stamp Kelly , Wood Kathryn
Published: June 2017

Background—

The burden of cardiovascular disease as a chronic illness increasingly requires patients to assume more responsibility for their self-management. Patient education is believed to be an essential component of cardiovascular care; however, there is limited evidence about specific therapeutic patient education approaches used and the impact on patient self-management outcomes.

Methods and Results—

An integrative review of the literature was conducted to critically analyze published research studies of therapeutic patient education for self-management in selected cardiovascular conditions. There was variability in methodological approaches across settings and disease conditions. The most effective interventions were tailored to individual patient needs, used multiple components to improve self-management outcomes, and often used multidisciplinary approaches.

Conclusions—

This synthesis of evidence expands the base of knowledge related to the development of patient self-management skills and provides direction for more rigorous research. Recommendations are provided to guide the implementation of therapeutic patient education in clinical practice and the design of comprehensive self-management interventions to improve outcomes for cardiovascular patients.
Functional TASK-3–Like Channels in Mitochondria of Aldosterone-Producing Zona Glomerulosa Cells
Authors: Yao Junlan , McHedlishvili David , McIntire William E. , Guagliardo Nick A. , Erisir Alev , Coburn Craig A. , Santarelli Vincent P. , Bayliss Douglas A. , Barrett Paula Q.
Published: June 2017

Ca
2+
drives aldosterone synthesis in the cytosolic and mitochondrial compartments of the adrenal zona glomerulosa cell. Membrane potential across each of these compartments regulates the amplitude of the Ca
2+
signal; yet, only plasma membrane ion channels and their role in regulating cell membrane potential have garnered investigative attention as pathological causes of human hyperaldosteronism. Previously, we reported that genetic deletion of TASK-3 channels (tandem pore domain acid-sensitive K
+
channels) from mice produces aldosterone excess in the absence of a change in the cell membrane potential of zona glomerulosa cells. Here, we report using yeast 2-hybrid, immunoprecipitation, and electron microscopic analyses that TASK-3 channels are resident in mitochondria, where they regulate mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial membrane potential, and aldosterone production. This study provides proof of principle that mitochondrial K
+
channels, by modulating inner mitochondrial membrane morphology and mitochondrial membrane potential, have the ability to play a pathological role in aldosterone dysregulation in steroidogenic cells.
Dipeptidyl Peptidase‐4 Inhibitor Anagliptin Prevents Intracranial Aneurysm Growth by Suppressing Macrophage Infiltration and Activation
Authors: Ikedo Taichi , Minami Manabu , Kataoka Hiroharu , Hayashi Kosuke , Nagata Manabu , Fujikawa Risako , Higuchi Sei , Yasui Mika , Aoki Tomohiro , Fukuda Miyuki , Yokode Masayuki , Miyamoto Susumu
Published: June 2017

Background

Chronic inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms (
IA
s). DPP‐4 (dipeptidyl peptidase‐4) inhibitors have anti‐inflammatory effects, including suppressing macrophage infiltration, in various inflammatory models. We examined whether a
DPP
‐4 inhibitor, anagliptin, could suppress the growth of
IA
s in a rodent aneurysm model.

Methods and Results

IA
s were surgically induced in 7‐week‐old male Sprague Dawley rats, followed by oral administration of 300 mg/kg anagliptin. We measured the morphologic parameters of aneurysms over time and their local inflammatory responses. To investigate the molecular mechanisms, we used lipopolysaccharide‐treated
RAW
264.7 macrophages. In the anagliptin‐treated group, aneurysms were significantly smaller 2 to 4 weeks after
IA
induction. Anagliptin inhibited the accumulation of macrophages in
IA
s, reduced the expression of MCP‐1 (monocyte chemotactic protein 1), and suppressed the phosphorylation of p65. In lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated
RAW
264.7 cells, anagliptin treatment significantly reduced the production of tumor necrosis factor α,
MCP
‐1, and IL‐6 (interleukin 6) independent of GLP‐1 (glucagon‐like peptide 1), the key mediator in the antidiabetic effects of
DPP
‐4 inhibitors. Notably, anagliptin activated ERK5 (extracellular signal–regulated kinase 5), which mediates the anti‐inflammatory effects of statins, in
RAW
264.7 macrophages. Preadministration with an
ERK
5 inhibitor blocked the inhibitory effect of anagliptin on
MCP
‐1 and
IL
‐6 expression. Accordingly, the
ERK
5 inhibitor also counteracted the suppression of p65 phosphorylation in vitro.

Conclusions

A
DPP
‐4 inhibitor, anagliptin, prevents the growth of
IA
s via its anti‐inflammatory effects on macrophages.
Motor Recovery Prediction With Clinical Assessment and Local Diffusion Homogeneity After Acute Subcortical Infarction
Authors: Liu Gang , Tan Shuangquan , Dang Chao , Peng Kangqiang , Xie Chuanmiao , Xing Shihui , Zeng Jinsheng
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose—

Initial clinical assessment or conventional diffusion tensor imaging parameters alone do not reliably predict poststroke recovery of motor function. Recently, local diffusion homogeneity (LDH) has been proposed to represent the local coherence of water molecule diffusion and can serve as a complementary marker for investigating white matter alterations of the brain. We aimed to determine whether a combination of initial clinical assessment and LDH could predict motor recovery after acute subcortical infarction.

Methods—

Standard upper extremity Fugl-Meyer assessment and diffusion tensor imaging were performed 1, 4, and 12 weeks after onset in 50 patients with subcortical infarction. Proportional recovery model residuals were used to assign patients to proportional recovery and poor recovery groups. Tract-based spatial statistics analysis was used to compare diffusion differences between proportional and poor recovery outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the predictors of motor improvement within 12 weeks after stroke.

Results—

The poor recovery group had lower LDH than the proportional recovery group, mainly in the ipsilesional corticospinal tract in the superior corona radiate and posterior limb of internal capsule 1 week after stroke (
P
<0.005; family-wise error corrected). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that both initial Fugl-Meyer assessment and LDH in the ipsilesional corticospinal tract in the superior corona radiate and posterior limb of internal capsule were predictors of motor improvement within 12 weeks after stroke (G=47.22;
P
<0.001). Leave-one-out cross-validation confirmed a positive predictive value of 0.818, a negative predictive value of 0.833, and an accuracy of 0.824 (
P
<0.00 001; permutation test).

Conclusions—

These results suggest that a combination of clinical assessment and LDH in the ipsilesional corticospinal tract in the acute phase can accurately predict resolution of upper limb impairment within 12 weeks after subcortical infarction.
Description of four new species of Burrowing Frogs in the Fejervarya rufescens complex (Dicroglossidae) with notes on morphological affinities of Fejervarya species in the Western Ghats
Authors: GARG SONALI , BIJU S.D.
Published: June 2017

The Rufescent Burrowing Frog, Fejervarya rufescens, is thought to have a wide distribution across the Western Ghats in Peninsular India. This locally abundant but secretive species has a short breeding period, making it a challenging subject for field studies. We sampled 16 populations of frogs morphologically similar to F. rufescens in order to understand the variation among populations found across the Western Ghats. Our study shows significant morphological and genetic differences among the sampled populations, suggesting that F. ‘rufescens’ is a complex of several undescribed species. Using evidence from morphology and genetics, we confirm the presence of five distinct species in this group and formally describe four as new. The new species were delineated using a phylogeny based on three mitochondrial genes (16S, COI and Cytb) and a haplotype network of a nuclear gene (Rag1). Hereafter, the distribution of F. rufescens is restricted to the state of Karnataka and adjoining regions of northern Kerala. Three new species (Fejervarya kadar sp. nov., Fejervarya manoharani sp. nov. and Fejervarya neilcoxi sp. nov.) are from regions south of Palghat gap in the state of Kerala, and one (Fejervarya cepfi sp. nov.) from the northern Western Ghats state of Maharashtra. These findings indicate that Fejervarya frogs of the Western Ghats are more diverse than currently known. Our results will also have implications on the conservation status of F. rufescens, which was previously categorized as Least Concern based on its presumed wide geographical distribution. Furthermore, in order to facilitate a better taxonomic understanding of this region’s fejervaryan frogs, we divide all the known Fejarvarya species of the Western Ghats into four major groups—Fejervarya nilagirica group, Fejervarya rufescens group, Fejervarya sahyadris group and Fejervarya syhadrensis group, based on their morphological affinities.
Hazardous Weather Prediction and Communication in the Modern Information Environment
Authors: Morss Rebecca E. , Demuth Julie L. , Lazrus Heather , Palen Leysia , Barton C. Michael , Davis Christopher A. , Snyder Chris , Wilhelmi Olga V. , Anderson Kenneth M. , Ahijevych David A. , Anderson Jennings , Bica Melissa , Fossell Kathryn R. , Henderson Jennifer , Kogan Marina , Stowe Kevin , Watts Joshua
Published: June 2017

During the last few decades, scientific capabilities for understanding and predicting weather and climate risks have advanced rapidly. At the same time, technological advances, such as the Internet, mobile devices, and social media, are transforming how people exchange and interact with information. In this modern information environment, risk communication, interpretation, and decision-making are rapidly evolving processes that intersect across space, time, and society. Instead of a linear or iterative process in which individual members of the public assess and respond to distinct pieces of weather forecast or warning information, this article conceives of weather prediction, communication, and decision-making as an interconnected dynamic system. In this expanded framework, information and uncertainty evolve in conjunction with people’s risk perceptions, vulnerabilities, and decisions as a hazardous weather threat approaches; these processes are intertwined with evolving social interactions in the physical and digital worlds. Along with the framework, the article presents two interdisciplinary research approaches for advancing the understanding of this complex system and the processes within it: analysis of social media streams and computational natural–human system modeling. Examples from ongoing research are used to demonstrate these approaches and illustrate the types of new insights they can reveal. This expanded perspective together with research approaches, such as those introduced, can help researchers and practitioners understand and improve the creation and communication of information in atmospheric science and other fields.
An “Observational Large Ensemble” to Compare Observed and Modeled Temperature Trend Uncertainty due to Internal Variability
Authors: McKinnon Karen A. , Poppick Andrew , Dunn-Sigouin Etienne , Deser Clara
Published: June 2017

Estimates of the climate response to anthropogenic forcing contain irreducible uncertainty due to the presence of internal variability. Accurate quantification of this uncertainty is critical for both contextualizing historical trends and determining the spread of climate projections. The contribution of internal variability to uncertainty in trends can be estimated in models as the spread across an initial condition ensemble. However, internal variability simulated by a model may be inconsistent with observations due to model biases. Here, statistical resampling methods are applied to observations in order to quantify uncertainty in historical 50-yr (1966–2015) winter near-surface air temperature trends over North America related to incomplete sampling of internal variability. This estimate is compared with the simulated trend uncertainty in the NCAR CESM1 Large Ensemble (LENS). The comparison suggests that uncertainty in trends due to internal variability is largely overestimated in LENS, which has an average amplification of variability of 32% across North America. The amplification of variability is greatest in the western United States and Alaska. The observationally derived estimate of trend uncertainty is combined with the forced signal from LENS to produce an “Observational Large Ensemble” (OLENS). The members of OLENS indicate the range of observationally constrained, spatially consistent temperature trends that could have been observed over the past 50 years if a different sequence of internal variability had unfolded. The smaller trend uncertainty in OLENS suggests that is easier to detect the historical climate change signal in observations than in any given member of LENS.
Triggering Change: An Investigation of the Logics of Turnaround Leadership
Authors: Woulfin Sarah L. , Weiner Jennie
Published: June 2017

Principals are positioned at the center of school improvement. In the United States, current turnaround reforms target the principalship as a key lever for change. This article uses institutional theory to explore the logics of turnaround leadership that steer principals and their work. Specifically, we draw on qualitative interview data from a phenomenological study of a cohort of aspiring turnaround principals in a northeastern state to explain how educators invoked and enacted four logics of turnaround leadership. We found that, in addition to engaging with the previously identified logics of instructional, managerial, and social justice leadership, participants invoked a new logic that we name “triggering change.” This logic focused squarely on building capacity via positive relationships and shaping culture as mechanisms for whole school improvement. By depicting aspiring principals’ conceptions and negotiations of these four logics, we contribute to the literature on turnaround policy and leadership with implications for turnaround leader development.
Interview with director Jayan K. Cherian
Authors: Misrahi-Barak Judith , Thiara Nicole
Published: June 2017

In this interview with Judith Misrahi-Barak and Nicole Thiara, Jayan K. Cherian discusses his work as an independent filmmaker in India and the USA, his artistic and political commitment, and the challenges he has faced with the Central Board of Film Certification in India after the release of his first feature film Papilio Buddha (2013), which focuses on Dalit land struggles in Kerala, and again with his second feature film KaBodyscapes (2016). The interview explores how holding a dual status as an American citizen and an Overseas Citizen of India makes his situation more complex because it offers him both the freedom and constraints of being a permanent outsider. The discussion of Papilio Buddha and its representation of the Dalit land struggle is the focus of the interview. He also speaks about his intended audience(s) and the way he works on location with his crews. Since Cherian is a poet and a writer as well as a filmmaker, he explains his choices for specific media, in the particular contexts in which he positions himself.
Prediction of fiber-directional flexural strength of carbon fiber-reinforced polypropylene based on time–temperature superposition principle
Authors: Matsuo Tsuyoshi , Nakada Masayuki , Kageyama Kazuro
Published: June 2017

This study verified that the time–temperature superposition principle for fiber-directional flexural strength can be applied to thermoplastic composites undergoing instantaneous fast phenomena such as impact failure and long-term phenomena such as creep failure, by constructing the time- and temperature-dependent master curve of relaxation modulus of thermoplastic resin. The master curve could be transformed to another master curve that predicts fiber-directional flexural strength of carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites based on the micro-buckling failure theory expressed mainly by the resin’s elastic modulus. The experimental results obtained from high-speed bending test, static bending test at various temperatures, and creep bending test demonstrated that kink band failure occurred on the compressive surface of the specimen at every test condition. This validation and verification related to thermoplastic composites made it possible to predict static and dynamic flexural strengths at arbitrary temperature and creep flexural strength.
Experimental investigation of the synergistic effects of moisture and freeze-thaw cycles on carbon fiber vinyl-ester composites
Authors: Alkhader Maen , Zhai Xuedong , Chiang Fu-Pen
Published: June 2017

Carbon fiber-reinforced vinyl-ester polymer composites are increasingly used as structural members in applications (e.g., marine crafts and offshore structures) where they can be frequently exposed to the environmental elements of moisture and cold temperature fluctuations that cause freeze-thaw cycles. These harsh elements can individually and possibly synergistically damage carbon fiber-reinforced vinyl-ester composites. More importantly, their damage can accumulate over time and significantly degrade the structural properties, long-term integrity and durability of carbon fiber-reinforced vinyl-ester composites. This work experimentally investigates the individual and cooperative degrading effects of moisture and freeze-thaw cycles on the structural properties of carbon fiber-reinforced vinyl-ester composites, particularly on their flexural stiffness and strength. Results show that the combined damaging effects of moisture and freeze-thaw cycles are more significant than their individual effects, confirming the synergy between the damage mechanisms of the two elements.
Redefining and assessing emotional understanding based on the componential emotion approach
Authors: Sekwena Eva Kefilwe , Fontaine Johnny RJ
Published: June 2017

This article reports on a redefinition and a new operationalisation of the construct of emotional understanding based on the componential emotion approach. Emotional understanding was redefined as the ability to understand the likely emotional processes (i.e., appraisals, action tendencies, bodily reactions, expressions, and subjective feelings) that emerge when a person encounters goal-relevant events. In all, 10 emotions were identified to represent the variability in the emotion domain. For each emotion, a scenario was constructed that typically elicits that emotion. For each scenario, participants had to rate the likelihood of five emotions, five appraisals, five action tendencies, five bodily reactions, five expressions, and five subjective feelings. The new instrument, the Components of Emotional Understanding Test–South African Student version, was administered to 132 undergraduate students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the expected one-factorial structure. Emotional understanding correlated positively with verbal cognitive ability, self-report emotional intelligence, and well-being and was negatively correlated with somatic complaints. Moreover, women outscored men, and no difference was observed between respondents with Black African and White cultural backgrounds.
Psychopathy and its relation to personality psychopathology in a South African female forensic context
Authors: Botha Ryan , Louw Dap , Loots Sonja
Published: June 2017

There is a paucity of research about personality pathology among female offenders. This study aims to address this gap in the forensic psychology empirical base by examining the relationship between female psychopathy, as measured by the Psychopathy Checklist–Revised, and personality disorders, as measured by the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III in a South African forensic context. Participants included 108 purposively sampled female offenders incarcerated in South Africa. The Kruskal–Wallis H test and Mann–Whitney U test revealed a number of significant differences in levels of personality pathology between groups. Importantly, the results support international findings that significantly higher rates of Cluster B personality pathology are found among psychopathic offenders compared to non-psychopathic offenders.
Crowdsourcing, Sharing Economies and Development
Authors: Taeihagh Araz
Published: June 2017

What are the similarities and differences between crowdsourcing and sharing economy? What factors influence their use in developing countries? In light of recent developments in the use of IT-mediated technologies, such as crowdsourcing and the sharing economy, this manuscript examines their similarities and differences, and the challenges regarding their effective use in developing countries. We first examine each individually and highlight different forms of each IT-mediated technology. Given that crowdsourcing and sharing economy share aspects such as the use of IT, a reliance on crowds, monetary exchange, and the use of reputation systems, we systematically compare the similarities and differences of different types of crowdsourcing with the sharing economy, thus addressing a gap in the current literature. Using this knowledge, we examine the different challenges faced by developing countries when using crowdsourcing and the sharing economy, and highlight the differences in the applicability of these IT-mediated technologies when faced with specific development issues.
Patterns of accountability and representation: Why the executive-parties dimension cannot explain democratic performance
Authors: Ganghof Steffen , Eppner Sebastian
Published: June 2017

Arend Lijphart uses an average of five standardized variables – the executive-parties dimension (EPD) – to describe patterns of democracy and explain differences in democracies’ performance. The article suggests ways to improve the descriptive part of the project. It argues that the EPD maps different approaches to achieving accountability and representation, rather than differences in consensus. This re-conceptualization leads to a more coherent and valid measurement. It is also argued that more systematic adjustments are needed for differences in constitutional structures (presidentialism and bicameralism). The article presents data on a revised EPD and its components for 36 democracies in the period from 1981 to 2010. As to the explanatory part of the project, we contend that the EPD often hinders adequate causal analysis rather than facilitating it. We show this by re-analysing democracies’ performance with respect to turnout and capital punishment.
Aquatic obstacle training improves freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhu Zhizhong , Yin Miaomiao , Cui Liling , Zhang Ying , Hou Weijia , Li Yaqing , Zhao Hua
Published: June 2017

Objective:

Our aim was to evaluate the effect of aquatic obstacle training on balance parameters in comparison with a traditional aquatic therapy in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Design:

A randomized single-blind controlled trial.

Setting:

Outpatients in the rehabilitation department.

Subjects:

A total of 46 patients with Parkinson’s disease in Hoehn–Yahr stage 2–3.

Interventions:

Participants were randomly assigned to (1) aquatic therapy or (2) obstacle aquatic therapy. All participants undertook aquatic therapy for 30 minutes, five times per week for six weeks.

Main measures:

The Freezing of Gait Questionnaire, Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go test and Berg Balance Scale were assessed at baseline, posttreatment and at six-month follow-up.

Results:

Both groups of patients had improved primary outcomes after the training program. A between-group comparison of the changes revealed that obstacle aquatic therapy was significantly higher for the Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (after treatment: 8.7 ± 3.3 vs 6.2 ± 2.1, P = 0.004; posttest: 7.7 ± 3.1 vs 5.3 ± 2.0, P = 0.003) and Timed Up and Go test (after treatment: 17.1 ± 2.9 vs 13.8 ± 1.9, P < 0.001; posttest: 16.3 ± 2.8 vs 12.9 ± 1.4, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Obstacle aquatic therapy in this protocol seems to be more effective than traditional protocols for gait and balance in patients with Parkinson’s disease, and the effect lasts for six months.
What factors influence emergency department visits by patients with cancer at the end of life? Analysis of a 124,030 patient cohort
Authors: Henson Lesley A , Higginson Irene J , Gao Wei ,   on behalf of BuildCARE
Published: June 2017

Background:

Emergency department visits towards the end of life by patients with cancer are increasing over time. This is despite evidence of an association with poor patient and caregiver outcomes and most patients preferring home-based care.

Aim:

To identify socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with end-of-life emergency department visits and determine the relationship between patients’ prior emergency department use and risk of multiple (⩾2) visits in the last month of life.

Design:

Population-based cohort study.

Setting/participants:

All adults who died from cancer, in England, between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012. Our primary outcome was the adjusted odds ratio for multiple emergency department visits in the last month of life, derived using multivariable logistic regression.

Results:

Among 124,030 cancer decedents (52.9% men; mean age: 74.1 years), 30.7% visited the emergency department once in their last month of life and 5.1% visited multiple times. Patients were more likely to visit multiple times if they were men, younger, Asian or Black, of lower socio-economic status, had greater comorbidity, and lung or head and neck cancer. Patients with ⩾4 emergency department visits in the 11 months prior to their last month of life were also more likely to make multiple visits during their last 30 days; this followed a dose–response pattern ( p for trend <0.001).

Conclusion:

Patients with greater comorbidity, lung or head and neck cancer and a higher number of previous emergency department visits are more likely to visit the emergency department multiple times in the last month of life. Previously reported socio-demographic factors (men, younger age, Black, low socio-economic status) are also confirmed for the first time in a UK population.
Buprenorphine/naloxone versus methadone and lofexidine in community stabilisation and detoxification: A randomised controlled trial of low dose short-term opiate-dependent individuals
Authors: Law Fergus D , Diaper Alison M , Melichar Jan K , Coulton Simon , Nutt David J , Myles Judy S
Published: June 2017

Buprenorphine/naloxone, methadone and lofexidine are medications with utility in the treatment of opiate withdrawal. We report the first randomised controlled trial to compare the effects of these two medications on withdrawal symptoms and outcome during opiate induction/stabilisation and detoxification. A double-blind randomised controlled trial was conducted in an outpatient satellite clinic of a specialist drug service. Eighty opiate dependent individuals meeting DSM-IV criteria for opiate dependence, using ⩽ ½ g heroin smoked/chased or ¼ g heroin injected or ⩽ 30mg methadone, with ⩽ 3 years of opioid dependency, underwent a short-term opiate treatment programme involving induction/stabilisation on methadone 30mg or buprenorphine/naloxone 4mg/1mg, followed by detoxification (where the methadone group was assisted by lofexidine). The main outcome measures were urine drug screens for opiates and withdrawal and craving questionnaires. There were no overall differences in positive urine drug screens and drop-outs during any phase of the study. During induction/stabilisation, withdrawal symptoms subsided more slowly for buprenorphine/naloxone than for methadone, and craving was significantly higher in the buprenorphine/naloxone group ( p<0.05, 95% confidence interval −3.5, −0.38). During detoxification, withdrawal symptoms were significantly greater and the peak of withdrawal was earlier for the methadone/lofexidine group than the buprenorphine/naloxone group ( p<0.01, 95% confidence interval 3.0, 8.3). Methadone/lofexidine and buprenorphine/naloxone had comparable outcomes during rapid outpatient stabilisation and detoxification in low dose opiate users.
Lifetime experience with (classic) psychedelics predicts pro-environmental behavior through an increase in nature relatedness
Authors: Forstmann Matthias , Sagioglou Christina
Published: June 2017

In a large-scale ( N = 1487) general population online study, we investigated the relationship between past experience with classic psychedelic substances (e.g. LSD, psilocybin, mescaline), nature relatedness, and ecological behavior (e.g. saving water, recycling). Using structural equation modeling we found that experience with classic psychedelics uniquely predicted self-reported engagement in pro-environmental behaviors, and that this relationship was statistically explained by people’s degree of self-identification with nature. Our model controlled for experiences with other classes of psychoactive substances (cannabis, dissociatives, empathogens, popular legal drugs) as well as common personality traits that usually predict drug consumption and/or nature relatedness (openness to experience, conscientiousness, conservatism). Although correlational in nature, results suggest that lifetime experience with psychedelics in particular may indeed contribute to people’s pro-environmental behavior by changing their self-construal in terms of an incorporation of the natural world, regardless of core personality traits or general propensity to consume mind-altering substances. Thereby, the present research adds to the contemporary literature on the beneficial effects of psychedelic substance use on mental wellbeing, hinting at a novel area for future research investigating their potentially positive effects on a societal level. Limitations of the present research and future directions are discussed.
Do Family-Level Factors Associated With Bullying Perpetration and Peer Victimization Differ by Race? Comparing European American and African American Youth
Authors: Hong Jun Sung , Ryou Bee , Piquero Alex R.
Published: June 2017

Patterns of—and correlates associated with—bullying perpetration and peer victimization have received widespread research attention. Somewhat less research has considered how protective factors in the parental domain help to buffer against both adverse behaviors. And perhaps more importantly, even less research has considered potential racial differences in the manner in which family-level variables relate to both bullying perpetration and peer victimization. Using a nationwide sample of adolescents, the present study examines (a) how parent/guardian support, mother’s parental monitoring, father’s parental monitoring, and family satisfaction buffer against bullying perpetration and peer victimization; and (b) whether these relationships vary across race. Data are derived from the 2009 to 2010 Health Behavior in School-Aged Children study in the United States. A total of 8,998 adolescents were included in the study sample, which consisted of 6,521 European Americans and 2,477 African Americans. Findings show that both European American and African American youth who received parental/guardian support were less likely to report being bullied. Among both African American and European American sub-samples, results showed that mother’s parental monitoring was negatively associated with both bullying perpetration and peer victimization. Father’s parental monitoring was negatively associated with peer victimization and bullying perpetration for European Americans only. Both European and African American youth who reported being satisfied with their family were less likely to report being bullied while European American youth who reported higher family satisfaction were less likely to engage in bullying. In sum, several family variables help to buffer against both bullying perpetration and peer victimization, but for the most part these relationships are race-invariant.