bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Implications of Culturally Relevant Teaching: Toward a Pedagogy of Liberation
Authors: Green Dari
Published: October 2019

Schools in America may provide opportunities for upward mobility while also perpetuating social inequality. The inequities found in the US public school system probably result in such a highly stratified society. Conditions found in many schools and classrooms are often a microcosm of the same conditions and factors present in the broader American society. Scholars and education reform activists often use the term school-to-prison pipeline to describe what they view as a widespread pattern in the United States of pushing students, especially those who are already at a disadvantage, out of school, and into the criminal justice system. This research explored whether mentorship in the lives of these very students can affect the trajectory that these students take in life by moving toward a pedagogy of liberation that challenges the inequities and contradictions in the institution of education. Building from a model similar to CDF Freedom Schools, but targeting academic enrichment, Farrah and her colleague Hope developed the Sankofa Project at Yin Elementary School (YES). Embracing both the social-emotional and pedagogical aspects of CDF Freedom Schools, the Sankofa Project moved from a mission that sought to instill a love for reading to actually teaching children to read. This aspect was pivotally important to Farrah and Hope as they sought to dismantle the “cradle to prison pipeline,” the concept of funneling masses of people into marginalized lives, imprisonment, and often premature death. Farrah believed that all her predecessors had done “was spot on, but academic enrichment was a key to steering children away from the pipeline.” With the rebirth of a caste-like system in America, black and brown bodies are disproportionately locked behind bars, relegated permanent second-class status if declared a felon and an increasingly common trend toward annihilation at the hands of those of who are designated to serve and protect them.
Delayed Onset of Central Diabetes Insipidus With Ketamine Sedation: A Report of 2 Cases
Authors: Herity Leah B. , Baker Cassandra , Kim Christin , Lowe Denise K. , Cahoon William D.
Published: October 2019

Ketamine is being prescribed with greater frequency due to an emphasis on multimodal analgesia. With increasing use, uncommon adverse effects associated with ketamine are likely to surface. Limited reports of transient central diabetes insipidus (DI) occurring early after initiation (ie, within 10 hours) of ketamine have been reported. We present 2 cases of delayed onset (32 hours or more after initiation), ketamine-induced, transient central DI in patients cannulated for venovenous extracorporeal membranous oxygenation. No other causes of central DI were determined based upon physical examination or laboratory data, and both patients responded to treatment with desmopressin/vasopressin. The Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale noted a probable causation for each case. These cases demonstrate the possibility of a rare but serious complication of ketamine. Improvement after discontinuation of ketamine and administration of desmopressin/vasopressin appear to support a drug–effect association.
A 3-Year Chronic Disease Public Health Intervention Focused on a Network of Rural Pharmacies Supported by Student Pharmacists
Authors: Nuffer Wesley , Gilliam Eric , Trujillo Tara , Griend Joseph Vande , Thompson Megan
Published: October 2019

Objective:

To retrospectively analyze and report various tracked outcomes of a 3-year collaboration offering chronic disease management services in diabetes and cardiovascular disease in pharmacies across 12 rural communities supported year-round by fourth-year student pharmacists.

Methods:

Individualized medication therapy management services were provided to patients with cardiovascular disease and diabetes in a 6-month series based upon national guidelines standards of care. Objective laboratory measurements, adherence rates, goals set for patients, vaccination rates, and routine maintenance examinations were all tracked as part of the program. Provider acceptance of recommendations from student pharmacists were tracked, and patients completed a 3-question survey regarding satisfaction with services.

Results:

A total of 430 student pharmacists rotated through these pharmacy sites providing care to 779 unique patients across 3 years. Statistically significant improvements in A1C (−0.8%, P < .001) and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (5 mm Hg, 3 mm Hg, respectively, P < .01) were associated with the pharmacy care. Adherence issues were identified and addressed with 44% of these patients. In all, 70% of patients reported successful goal attainment of >50% from baseline. Providers accepted student therapy change recommendations 56% of the time. Patients reported satisfaction with services provided in the pharmacies (average scores of 4.22-4.67 on a 1-5 Likert-type scale).

Conclusions:

A 3-year pharmacy intervention in 12 rural areas made positive impacts on patients’ adherence rates and self-management in diabetes and cardiovascular disease and was associated with statistically significant improvements in A1C and blood pressure while challenging fourth-year student pharmacists to perform at a high level on community pharmacy rotations.
Improvement on the heat dissipation of permanent magnet synchronous motor using heat pipe
Authors: Wan Zhenping , Sun Bo , Wang Xiaowu , Wen Wanyu , Tang Yong
Published: October 2019

A novel permanent magnet synchronous motor with heat pipe for electric vehicle is designed with the aim to reduce the end winding temperature. Software FLUENT is used to simulate the temperature fields. The temperature distribution profile of the winding of the permanent magnet synchronous motor with heat pipe is similar to that of the traditional permanent magnet synchronous motor. But the temperature values of the winding of the permanent magnet synchronous motor with heat pipe are lower than those of the traditional permanent magnet synchronous motor. The area of the region with relative low temperature at permanent magnet synchronous motor with heat pipe is also larger than at traditional permanent magnet synchronous motor. The highest temperature of the winding of the permanent magnet synchronous motor with heat pipe is 16.4°C lower than that of the traditional permanent magnet synchronous motor. The highest temperature and the lowest temperature of the lamination of the permanent magnet synchronous motor with heat pipe are all lower than those of the traditional permanent magnet synchronous motor. The temperatures of the two end caps of the permanent magnet synchronous motor with heat pipe are apparently higher than those of the traditional permanent magnet synchronous motor since some heat generated at the end winding is transferred to the end cap by the heat pipe. The low temperature area at the middle housing of the permanent magnet synchronous motor with heat pipe is larger than that of the traditional permanent magnet synchronous motor. The temperature discrepancy between the evaporator of the heat pipe and the end winding is about 60°C.
What is the influence of two strain rates on the relationship between human cortical bone toughness and micro-structure?
Authors: Gauthier Rémy , Follet Hélène , Langer Max , Peyrin Françoise , Mitton David
Published: October 2019

Cortical bone fracture mechanisms are well studied under quasi-static loading. The influence of strain rate on crack propagation mechanisms needs to be better understood, however. We have previously shown that several aspects of the bone micro-structure are involved in crack propagation, such as the complete porosity network, including the Haversian system and the lacunar network, as well as biochemical aspects, such as the maturity of collagen cross-links. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of strain rate on the toughness of human cortical bone with respect to its microstructure and organic non-collagenous composition. Two strain rates will be considered: quasi-static loading (10−4 s−1), a standard condition, and a higher loading rate (10−1 s−1), representative of a fall. Cortical bone samples were extracted from eight female donors (age 50–91 years). Three-point bending tests were performed until failure. Synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography imaging was performed to assess bone microstructure including the Haversian system and the lacunar system. Collagen enzymatic cross-link maturation was measured using a high performance liquid chromatography column. Results showed that that under quasi-static loading, the elastic contribution of the fracture process is correlated to both the collagen cross-links maturation and the microstructure, while the plastic contribution is correlated only to the porosity network. Under fall-like loading, bone organization appears to be less linked to crack propagation.
Adsorption of naphthalene onto loess soil of Northwestern China
Authors: Shang Hai-Tao , Wang Jian-Long , Wu Tong , Lin Jing , Mao Bing-Chun
Published: October 2019

The naphthalene adsorption onto loess soil was studied by batch experiments, including isotherm, impact factors, and kinetics. The results indicated that (1) adsorption equilibrium conformed best to the Freundlich isotherm. (2) Loess had the best adsorption capacity for naphthalene at pH 5. (3) The ionic strength had little effect on the adsorption equilibrium in the range adopted in the experiments. (4) In the temperature range from 10°C to 30°C, the equilibrium adsorption amount had a positive correlation with the temperature. (5) The adsorption process of naphthalene to loess conformed best to third-order kinetics, and the analysis of the correlation between adsorption rate constants and temperatures indicated that naphthalene adsorption to loess was an easy, heat intake process.
Fossil carbon fraction of industrial waste incineration and optimal cycle for measurement
Authors: Kang Seongmin , Cho Sung Hum , Cho Changsang , Jeon Eui-Chan
Published: October 2019

This study aimed to measure the fossil carbon fraction in industrial waste incineration facilities to determine its characteristics and the optimal time cycle for measurement. The analysis of the fossil carbon fraction in the industrial waste incineration facilities in Korea showed that the fraction in industrial waste incineration facility A was in the range of 51.58–68.18%, while the fraction in industrial waste incineration facility B was in the range of 40.00–64.66%. In this study, it was shown that a non-parametric method of statistical analysis was most suitable for the data of fossil carbon fraction in the industrial waste incineration facilities. The Kruskal–Wallis test indicated the same distribution of the mean for the monthly, quarterly, semiannual, and annual data from both industrial waste incineration facilities, suggesting that the optimal cycle for measuring fossil carbon fraction in the industrial waste incineration facilities is the annual cycle, corresponding to the longest cycle for measurement. This study provided fundamental data of fossil carbon fraction in industrial waste incineration facilities that can be used as a reference for emission estimation. Additionally, the significance of the study includes suggesting a statistical method for determining the optimal cycle for the measurement of fossil carbon fraction and having determined the optimal cycle.
Decomposition analysis of the decoupling process between economic growth and carbon emission in Beijing city, China: A sectoral perspective
Authors: Su Min , Wang Shasha , Li Rongrong , Guo Ningning
Published: October 2019

Cities play a major role in decoupling economic growth from carbon emission for their significant role in climate change mitigation from national level. This paper selects Beijing (economic center and leader of emission reduction in China) as a case to examine the decoupling process during the period 2000–2015 through a sectoral decomposition analysis. This paper proposes the decoupling of carbon emission from economic growth or sectoral output by defining the Tapio decoupling elasticity, and combined the decoupling elasticity with decomposition technique such as Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index approach. The results indicate that agriculture and industrial sectors presented strong decoupling state, and weak decoupling is detected in construction and other industrial sectors. Meanwhile, transport sector is in expansive negative decoupling while trade industry shows expansive coupling during the study period. Per-capita gross domestic product, industrial structure, and energy intensity are the most significant effects influencing the decoupling process. Agriculture and industry are conducive to decoupling of carbon emissions from economic output, while transport and trade are detrimental to the realization of strong decoupling target between 2000 and 2015. However, construction and other industrial sectors exerted relatively little minor impact on the whole decoupling process. Improving and promoting energy-saving technologies in transport sector and trade sector should be the key strategy adjustments for Beijing to reduce carbon emissions in the future. The study aims to provide effective policy adjustments for policy makers to accelerate the decoupling process in Beijing, which, furthermore, can lay a theoretical foundation for other cities to develop carbon emission mitigation polices more efficiently.
Effects of concentration and surface silanization of barite on the mechanical and physical properties of poly(lactic acid)/barite composites
Authors: Hatipoglu Aygun , Dike Ali Sinan
Published: October 2019

Neat and surface silanized barite (BR) was compounded with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) at the loading range of 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt% by melt blending process. Surface characteristics of BR samples were examined by infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode. Mechanical, thermal, water resistance, melt flow, and morphological characterizations of composites were performed by tensile and impact tests, dynamic mechanical analysis, water absorption test, melt flow rate (MFR) test, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, respectively. BR additions lead to increase in tensile strength and modulus of PLA. The maximum improvement is obtained for 15 wt% of silanized BR containing composite. In contrast, percent elongation of PLA decreases with the incorporation of BR. Treated BR-loaded composites give higher impact energy values compared to untreated BR. Impact performance of composites increases with concentration. Silanized BR-filled composite at 5 wt% concentration exhibits higher storage modulus than unfilled PLA, where other composites yield relatively lower values in the case of storage modulus. Glass transition temperature of PLA extends to higher values by the addition of BR. Inclusions of BR samples cause a slight decrease in MFR of unfilled PLA. Water absorption of composites is found to be higher than that of PLA. Silanized BR-filled composites display lower water absorption values compared to untreated BR, thanks to hydrophobic nature of Si containing surface. According to SEM microimages of composites, more homogeneous dispersion in PLA matrix is achieved for treated BR particles than neat ones due to enhancement for interfacial adhesion of BR to PLA after silanization.
Effects of Read It Again! In Early Childhood Special Education Classrooms as Compared to Regular Shared Book Reading
Authors: Piasta Shayne B. , Sawyer Brook , Justice Laura M. , O’Connell Ann A. , Jiang Hui , Dogucu Mine , Khan Kiren S.
Published: October 2019

Read It Again! PreK (RIA) is a whole-class, teacher-implemented intervention that embeds explicit language and literacy instruction within the context of shared book reading and has prior evidence of supporting the language and literacy skills of preschool children. We conducted a conceptual replication to test its efficacy when implemented in early childhood special education classrooms relative to regular shared book reading. The randomized controlled trial involved 109 teachers and 726 children (341 with disabilities and 385 peers). Compared to the rigorous counterfactual condition, RIA significantly increased teachers’ provision of explicit instruction targeting phonological awareness, print knowledge, narrative, and vocabulary during shared book readings but had limited impact on children’s language and literacy skills. Findings underscore the need to conduct replication studies to identify interventions that realize effects for specific populations of interest, such as children with disabilities served in early childhood special education classrooms.
Schneiderian Membrane Thickness Is Increased in Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Citron Isabelle , Lee Christine , Calabrese Carly E. , Padwa Bonnie L.
Published: October 2019

Objective:

Patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) are more likely to have sinusitis. The purpose of this study is to determine whether patients with CLP have thickening of the Schneiderian membrane. Specific aims were to (1) compare Schneiderian membrane thickness in patients with CLP to noncleft controls, (2) evaluate whether membrane thickening is associated with cleft side in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), and (3) evaluate if age and sex are predictors of mucosal thickening.

Design:

Case–control study.

Setting:

Tertiary care center.

Patients:

Patients with CLP and controls.

Main Outcome Measure:

The primary outcome variable was maximum Schneiderian membrane thickness measured on cone beam computed tomography. The primary predictor variable was the presence of a cleft. Additional variables were cleft phenotype, age, and sex.

Results:

There were 225 patients with CLP and 93 controls. Median mucosal thickness was 2.4 mm in cleft group and 0.0 mm in controls ( P = .006). In cleft group, 56.7% of sinuses had mucosal thickness >2.0 mm compared to 38.2% in controls ( P = < .004). Pathologic membrane thickening (>4.0 mm) was significantly higher in cleft group ( P = .005). No statistically significant difference in mucosal thickness between cleft and noncleft sides in patients with UCLP. Linear regression showed no association between age or sex and Schneiderian membrane thickness.

Conclusion:

Schneiderian membrane thickening is more common in patients with CLP and is not associated with the side of the cleft in patients with UCLP.
A Review of the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System for Tramadol-Related Hypoglycemia
Authors: Juba Katherine M. , van Manen Robbert P. , Fellows Shawn E.
Published: October 2019

Background: Hypoglycemia is a rare adverse effect of tramadol that is described in the medical literature and package insert. Objective: The purpose of this study was to review reports of tramadol and hypoglycemia in the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database to determine a potential association. Methods: Disproportionality analysis with Bayesian correction was used to compare tramadol and hypoglycemia with other medications in FAERS. The results were considered significant if the fifth percentile of the Empirical Bayesian geometric mean distribution (EB05) >2. Logistic regression odds ratios was used to determine if age, diabetes medications, and renal insufficiency masked the disproportionality of hypoglycemia, with the fifth percentile of the logistic regression odds ratio (LR05) >2 indicating a potential signal. The Interaction Signal Score (INTSS) was computed to determine the influence of predisposing risk factors on the signal. Results: A total of 605 cases of tramadol-associated hypoglycemia were reported, but our results were not significant (EB05: 1.590). Tramadol-associated hypoglycemia was significant in patients who did not take diabetes medications (EB05: 2.256; LR05: 2.2104). Renal insufficiency was not found to increase the risk of tramadol-associated hypoglycemia (INTSS: 0.865). There was a significant signal for tramadol-associated hypoglycemia in patients aged 0 to 1 year (LR05: 3.0240) and 2 to 4 years (LR05: 2.6853). Conclusion and Relevance: Results of our analysis suggest a potential signal between hypoglycemia and tramadol use in patients not taking diabetes medications. Our results do not support a predisposition for tramadol-associated hypoglycemia in patients with renal insufficiency, increasing age, and/or diabetes as noted in the tramadol package insert.
Long-Term Impacts of Fair Machine Learning
Authors: Zhang Xueru , Khalili Mohammad Mahdi , Liu Mingyan
Published: October 2019

Machine learning models developed from real-world data can inherit potential, preexisting bias in the dataset. When these models are used to inform decisions involving human beings, fairness concerns inevitably arise. Imposing certain fairness constraints in the training of models can be effective only if appropriate criteria are applied. However, a fairness criterion can be defined/assessed only when the interaction between the decisions and the underlying population is well understood. We introduce two feedback models describing how people react when receiving machine-aided decisions and illustrate that some commonly used fairness criteria can end with undesirable consequences while reinforcing discrimination.
The Size and Sources of Municipal Incumbency Advantage in Canada
Authors: Lucas Jack
Published: October 2019

This article uses a new dataset of nearly 2,000 municipal elections from 1874 to 2018 to estimate the size of municipal incumbency advantage in Canada for the first time. Incumbency increases the probability that a candidate will win the next election by more than 30 percentage points and accounts for well over half of overall incumbent success. Incumbency advantage varies modestly by institutional context but varies substantially over time, with a distinct decrease during a period of partisan elections in the mid-twentieth century. These findings represent one of the first estimates of municipal incumbency advantage in an advanced democracy outside the United States and provide a new approach to estimating and comparing incumbency advantage in multi-member and single-member districts. The findings suggest important similarities between Canadian and American municipal elections, demonstrate that incumbency advantage has varied significantly at the municipal level over time, and illustrate the value of historical election data for scholars of urban electoral politics.
Metacognition in Psychology
Authors: Norman Elisabeth , Pfuhl Gerit , Sæle Rannveig Grøm , Svartdal Frode , Låg Torstein , Dahl Tove Irene
Published: October 2019

How has the concept of metacognition been used within basic and applied psychological research? We begin our answer by presenting a broad definition of metacognition, a historical overview of its development and its presence in research databases. To assess which function and facets are most frequently addressed within each of the sub-disciplines, we present results from separate literature searches. We then review how metacognition has been defined and empirically explored within selected sub-disciplines in terms of typical research questions, conceptual definitions, how the concept has been measured, and examples of interesting findings and implications. We identify similarities, inconsistencies, and disagreements across fields and point out areas for future research. Our overall conclusion is that it is useful to consider metacognition as a broad umbrella concept across different domains and across basic and applied research. Nonetheless, we recommend that researchers be more specific and explicit about their approach and assumptions whenever using metacognition in their research.
Casting, diversity and fluid identities in Australian television
Authors: Harvey Kyle
Published: October 2019

This article examines the practice and function of casting in the Australian television industry from the 1960s to the 1990s. It investigates the role of ethnicity and accents and the practice of casting actors of migrant backgrounds in Australian drama, variety and comedy. In an industry so often dominated by Anglo-Australian stories, faces and voices, the increasing presence of actors from non-English-speaking backgrounds and non-European ethnicities has been a key feature of the changing nature of Australian television production. By analysing ‘Showcast’ casting directories, supplemented with oral history interviews, this article suggests that actors have tended to adopt fluid or hybrid identities to navigate the casting process and find steady work in the television industry. The manipulation of identity, I argue, sits at the nexus of overlapping cultural spheres amid the challenging operation of multiculturalism in Australian media.
Mobility and affect in the #deleteuber mo(ve)ment
Authors: Williams Maggie Griffith , Mukherjee Ishani , Utsey Courtney
Published: October 2019

This study examines the material, spatial, and temporal implications of mobility discourses in the viral #deleteuber hashtag and the affective public that emerged in response to the Trump administration’s so-called ‘Muslim ban’ in January 2017. A thematic analysis of 3611 tweets suggested that the hashtag produced various mobility discourses debated among an affective public disgusted at the company’s actions or the call to action implied by the hashtag. These discourses were framed by the spatial qualities of mobility discourses and this moment of halted movement, the timing of this hashtag and hashtivism generally, and #deleteuber’s material, real-world implications. Our research reveals how mobility discourses can be used to understand mobility topics beyond transportation, and it provides a glimpse into the consciousness of some social media users reeling from significant political change.
Influences of executive function, language comprehension, and fluency on young children’s reading comprehension
Authors: Chang Isabelle
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which children’s executive function predicted their reading comprehension performance. Participants were approximately 18,000 kindergartners in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2010–2011. The results suggest that individual differences in reading comprehension were influenced by variations in executive function. Cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, and working memory all accounted for unique variance in reading comprehension. Language comprehension and fluency mediated the relations between children’s executive function and their reading comprehension. Working memory accounted for the highest total effect among the three core aspects of executive function. Children’s first-grade language comprehension contributed the most indirect effect, while fluency had the reading comprehension. The importance of considering ways to improve executive function, language comprehension, and fluency when implementing reading instruction and what the parents can do to help their children’s executive function and reading skills are discussed.
Factors Associated With Intention to Moderate Drinking Among Student Drinkers
Authors: Tran Khai Trieu , Robertson Kirsten , Thyne Maree
Published: October 2019

This study addresses the dearth of literature into drinking moderation and demonstrates the value of a social ecological approach for identifying the influencers of students’ intention to moderate drinking. In doing so, the study supports a promotion approach over an avoidance approach as a new opportunity for addressing heavy student drinking through social marketing. A quantitative survey is conducted within a sample of university students ( n = 660) in Vietnam where drinking moderation is commonplace. This research context is arguably helpful to discover factors linked to drinking in moderation, which could inform interventions to reduce problematic drinking in heavy-drinking cultures. Findings suggest that there exist multiple levels of influence on students’ intention to moderate drinking beyond individual factors, which makes drinking moderation a complex phenomenon. There also exist gender differences in how the factors affect moderate drinking intention. Females appear to moderate their drinking through both internal and external control mechanisms, while males tend to moderate their drinking mainly through internal control. These findings can be used to develop interventions aimed at fostering safe and sensible drinking cultures. By taking a comprehensive approach, the most necessary targets are identified to bring about the desired change. It is also suggested that the interventions should be tailored to different gender needs.
β-Hydroxybutyrate Ameliorates Aβ-Induced Downregulation of TrkA Expression by Inhibiting HDAC1/3 in SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Li Xinhui , Zhan Zhipeng , Zhang Jingzhu , Zhou Fuyuan , An Li
Published: October 2019

Tyrosine kinase receptor A (TrkA) plays an important role in the protection of cholinergic neurons in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study was designed to investigate whether β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), an endogenous histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, upregulates the expression of TrkA by affecting histone acetylation in SH-SY5Y cells treated with amyloid β-protein (Aβ). The results showed that BHB ameliorated the reduction of cell vitality and downregulation of TrkA expression induced by Aβ. Furthermore, BHB inhibited the upregulation of HDAC1/2/3 expression and downregulation of histone acetylation (Ace-H3K9 and Ace-H4K12) levels in Aβ-treated cells. The expression of TrkA was upregulated in HDAC1- or 3-silenced SH-SY5Y cells. However, there was no significant difference in TrkA expression between the HDAC2 knockdown and control cells. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that BHB protects against Aβ-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. The underlying mechanism of the effect may be associated with the upregulation of TrkA expression by inhibiting HDAC1/3.
Serum 5-S-cysteinyl-dopa levels as a predictive marker for the efficacy of nivolumab in advanced malignant melanoma
Authors: Umemura Hiroshi , Kaji Tatsuya , Tachibana Kota , Morizane Shin , Yamasaki Osamu
Published: October 2019

Purpose:

With the recent developments in novel molecular targeted therapy such as immune-checkpoint blockades, serine/threonine-protein kinase B-Raf, and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitors, the prognosis of advanced malignant melanoma has been improving. 5-S-cysteinyl-dopa (5-S-CD), a precursor of pheomelanin, has been previously revealed to be a useful biomarker for advanced-stage malignant melanoma, especially in patients with distant metastases. Here, we aimed to assess and compare the utility of serum 5-S-CD and lactate dehydrogenase levels as markers for predicting the effects of nivolumab in advanced malignant melanoma.

Methods:

Baseline serum 5-S-CD and lactate dehydrogenase levels in patients with unresectable stage IIIC and IV malignant melanoma treated with nivolumab ( n = 21) were analyzed to determine their utility as predictive markers for survival. We also analyzed the prognostic value of these markers among patients with only stage IV malignant melanoma ( n = 17).

Results:

Our analysis showed that patients with baseline serum 5-S-CD levels >25.0 nmol/L had significantly poor prognosis. In contrast, serum lactate dehydrogenase levels at the upper limit of the normal range did not exhibit such changes.

Conclusions:

Serum 5-S-CD levels have the potential to be an excellent predictive marker for the efficacy of nivolumab therapy in patients with advanced malignant melanoma.
A Castle Surrounded by Hungry Wolves: Toward a Stage Theory of the Uses of the Future
Authors: Inayatullah Sohail
Published: October 2019

Drawing on hundreds of case studies and decades of using the future in professional settings, this article moves toward a stage theory—to begin with, a conceptual framework—to using the future. This extends the Six Pillars framework and accompanying tools (scenarios, causal layered analysis, visioning) by inquiring which methods and tools are appropriate for which national, institutional, organizational, and personal contexts. Seven stages (nonlinear, spiral) are suggested. The first is perceived injustice—“it is not fair.” The second is risk mitigation. The third is creating alternative futures. The fourth is directionality, the vision. The fifth is “making the vision real.” The sixth is metaphor. The final state is personal and focused on using the mantra technique to transform the narrative. This approach intends to assist change agents in understanding the worldview context they are working—co-creating—with.
Drainage Collection After Endoscopic-Assisted Transaxillary Dual-Plane Augmentation Mammaplasty Using Cold or Electrosurgical Separation of Interpectoral Space
Authors: Li Zifei , Mu Dali , Xu Boyang , Wang Chenglong , Cheng Hao , Li Shangshan , Qi Jun
Published: October 2019

Background:

Endoscopic transaxillary augmentation mammaplasty breast augmentation offers several advantages over other augmentation methods. Nonetheless, this procedure is fraught with some problems, including greater surgical trauma due to the longer separation area. We hypothesized that cold separation of the interpectoral space could reduce surgical injury in comparison to the electrosurgical method. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of endoscopic-assisted transaxillary augmentation mammaplasty using cold separation versus electrosurgical separation of the interpectoral space.

Methods:

In this prospective clinical trial, cold and electrosurgical separation of the interpectoral space were achieved using a separation shovel and monopolar electrotome, respectively. A total of 20 patients who visited our department in Beijing, China, for primary breast augmentation surgeries from October 1, 2017, and May 31, 2018, were included. The primary outcome was total postoperative drainage volume. The secondary outcomes were operative time, daily drainage volume, daily pain as assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS), and reoperation rate. Quantitative data were compared using independent-samples t test. Chi-square test was used to compare 2 classified indexes.

Results:

The total drainage volume was significantly lower in the cold separation group than in the electrosurgical separation group (170.45 ± 75.40 mL vs 281.05 ± 148.43 mL; P = .005). The VAS score on the first postoperative day was significantly lower in the cold separation group than in the electrosurgical separation group (6.45 ± 1.93 vs 7.55 ± 1.43; P = .048). Two (20%) reoperations owing to postoperative pain or implant stiffness were performed in the electrosurgical separation group.

Conclusions:

Cold separation is more conducive to reducing drainage, relieving postoperative pain, and causing less damage than the electrosurgical method in endoscopic-assisted transaxillary dual-plane augmentation mammaplasty.
The Impact of Delaying Breast Reconstruction on Patient Expectations and Health-Related Quality of Life: An Analysis Using the BREAST-Q
Authors: Morzycki Alexander , Corkum Joseph , Joukhadar Nadim , Samargandi Osama , Williams Jason G. , Frank Simon G.
Published: October 2019

Purpose:

An understanding of patient expectations predicts better health outcomes following breast reconstruction. No study to date has examined how patient expectations for breast reconstruction and preoperative health-related quality of life vary with time since breast cancer diagnosis.

Methods:

Women consulting for breast reconstruction to a single surgeon’s practice over a 13-month period were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Patients were asked to prospectively complete the BREAST-Q expectations and preoperative reconstruction modules. A retrospective chart review was then performed on eligible patients, and patient demographics, cancer-related factors, and comorbidities were collected. BREAST-Q scores were transformed using the equivalent Rasch method. Multivariate linear regression models were constructed to assess the association between BREAST-Q scores and time since cancer diagnosis.

Results:

Sixty-five patients met inclusion criteria for analysis and are characterized by a mean age of 53 ± 11 (34-79) years and a mean body mass index of 28 ± 6 (19-49). Most patients were treated by mastectomy (58%) or lumpectomy (23%). At the time of retrospective chart review, 29 (43%) patients had undergone reconstruction, most of which were delayed (59%). The mean latency from cancer diagnosis to reconstruction was 685 ± 867 days (range: 28-3322 days). Latency from cancer diagnosis to reconstruction was associated with a greater expectation of pain (β = 0.5; standard error [SE] = 0.005; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.003-0.027; P < .05), and a slower expectation for recovery (β = −0.5; SE = 0.004; 95% CI: −0.021 to −0.001; P < .05) after breast reconstruction. Latency from cancer diagnosis to reconstruction was associated with an increase in preoperative psychosocial well-being (β = 0.578; SE 0.009; 95% CI: 0.002-0.046; P < .05).

Conclusion:

Delaying breast reconstruction may negatively impact patient expectations of postoperative pain and recovery. Educational interventions aimed at understanding and managing patient expectations in the preoperative period may improve health-related quality of life and patient-related outcomes following initial breast cancer surgery.
Child Care Subsidy Use and Children’s Outcomes in Middle School
Authors: Zanoni Wladimir , Johnson Anna D.
Published: October 2019

This article examines associations between child care subsidy use in early childhood and children’s middle school outcomes. Using a unique database linking administrative records of child care subsidy receipt with parental earnings, social assistance data, and students’ public school outcomes, we generate quasi-experimental estimates of subsidy effects on children’s reading and math test scores and school absences in third through eighth grades. Findings suggest that subsidies are associated with reduced absenteeism in seventh and eighth grades and with increased reading and math scores in third grade, but only for the subset of children whose subsidies were used to attend licensed center- or home-based care. Results provide initial evidence for longer term impacts of the child care subsidy program on children’s school performance.
Improved Morphological and Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) Properties of Fully Alloyed Bimetallic AgPt and Monometallic Pt NPs Via the One-Step Solid-State Dewetting (SSD) of the Ag/Pt Bilayers
Authors: Kunwar Sundar , Pandey Puran , Pandit Sanchaya , Sui Mao , Lee Jihoon
Published: October 2019

Multi-metallic alloy nanoparticles (NPs) can offer a promising route for the integration of multi-functional elements by the adaptation of advantageous individual NP properties and thus can exhibit the multi-functional dynamic properties arisen from the electronic heterogeneity as well as configurational diversity. The integration of Pt-based metallic alloy NPs are imperative in the catalytic, sensing, and energy applications; however, it usually suffers from the difficulty in the fabrication of morphologically well-structured and elementally well-alloyed NPs, which yields poor plasmonic responses. In this work, the improved morphological and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) properties of fully alloyed bimetallic AgPt and monometallic Pt NPs are demonstrated on sapphire (0001) via the one-step solid-state dewetting (SSD) of the Ag/Pt bilayers. In a sharp contrast to the previous studies of pure Pt NPs, the surface morphology of the resulting AgPt and Pt NPs in this work are significantly improved such that they possess larger size, increased interparticle gaps, and improved uniformity. The intermixing of Ag and Pt atoms, AgPt alloy formation, and concurrent sublimation of Ag atoms plays the major roles in the fabrication of bimetallic AgPt and monometallic Pt NPs along with the enhanced global diffusion and energy minimization of NP system. The fabricated AgPt and Pt NPs show much-enhanced LSPR responses as compared to the pure Pt NPs in the previous studies, and the excitation of dipolar, quadrupolar, multipolar and higher-order resonance modes is realized depending upon the size, configuration, and elemental compositions. The LSPR peaks demonstrate drastic alteration along with the evolution of AgPt and Pt NPs, i.e., the resonance peaks are shifted and enhanced by the variation of size and Ag content.
Genome-wide characterization of NtHD-ZIP IV: different roles in abiotic stress response and glandular Trichome induction
Authors: Zhang Hongying , Ma Xudong , Li Wenjiao , Niu Dexin , Wang Zhaojun , Yan Xiaoxiao , Yang Xinling , Yang Yongfeng , Cui Hong
Published: October 2019

Background

The plant-specific homeodomain-leucine zipper class IV (HD-ZIP IV) gene family has been involved in the regulation of epidermal development.

Results

Fifteen genes coding for HD-ZIP IV proteins were identified (NtHD-ZIP-IV-1toNtHD-ZIP-IV-15) based on the genome ofN. tabacum. Four major domains (HD, ZIP, SAD and START) were present in these proteins. Tissue expression pattern analysis indicated thatNtHD-ZIP-IV-1, − 2,− 3,− 10, and − 12may be associated with trichome development;NtHD-ZIP-IV-8was expressed only in cotyledons;NtHD-ZIP-IV-9only in the leaf and stem epidermis;NtHD-ZIP-IV-11only in leaves; andNtHD-ZIP-IV-15only in the root and stem epidermis. We found that jasmonates may induce the generation of glandular trichomes, and thatNtHD-ZIP-IV-1, − 2, − 5,and − 7were response to MeJA treatment. Dynamic expression under abiotic stress and after application of phytohormones indicated that mostNtHD-ZIP IVgenes were induced by heat, cold, salt and drought. Furthermore, most of these genes were induced by gibberellic acid, 6-benzylaminopurine, and salicylic acid, but were inhibited by abscisic acid.NtHD-ZIP IVgenes were sensitive to heat, but insensitive to osmotic stress.

Conclusion

NtHD-ZIP IVgenes are implicated in a complex regulatory gene network controlling epidermal development and abiotic stress responses. The present study provides evidence to elucidate the gene functions ofNtHD-ZIP IVs during epidermal development and stress response.
Impact of care coordination on oral anticoagulant therapy among patients with atrial fibrillation in routine clinical practice in Japan: a prospective, observational study
Authors:   The Akita study group, Ono Fumiko , Akiyama Sayako , Suzuki Akifumi , Ikeda Yoshinobu , Takahashi Akira , Matsuoka Hitoshi , Sasaki Masahiro , Okamura Tomonori , Yoshihara Nariaki
Published: October 2019

Background

Care coordination between general practitioners (GPs) and cardiovascular specialists is expected to play a key role in establishing appropriate oral anticoagulant (OAC) treatment in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of care coordination on oral anticoagulant therapy in the management of AF in Japan.

Methods

This study was a multi-center, single-arm, prospective cohort study with retrospective chart and claims data review for historical controls. The study included three study periods: a 12-month pre-campaign period; a 12-month campaign period for AF screening and care coordination; and a 3-month post-campaign period for follow-up of care coordination. During the campaign period, patients aged ≥65 years who attended participating GP clinics underwent opportunistic AF screening by GPs under the campaign. At the discretion of the GP, newly diagnosed AF patients after the screening were referred to a cardiovascular specialist for care coordination. To assess the impact of care coordination and evaluate the effects of the campaign, implementation of care coordination, antithrombotic therapies, and patient-reported outcomes were compared between patients with and without care coordination, and between patients during the pre-campaign and campaign periods.

Results

There were 86 newly diagnosed AF patients during the pre-campaign period and 90 during the campaign period. The percentage of patients with care coordination increased from 3.5% (3/86) in the pre-campaign period to 14.4% (n = 13/90) during the campaign period. The percentage of patients who received OAC therapies, according to the definition from the Japanese AF medication guideline, increased from 55.8% (48/86) to 71.1% (64/90) during the campaign period regardless of care coordination. Younger patients were referred to cardiovascular specialists for care coordination. Implementation of OAC therapy did not differ between patients with and without care coordination. Adherence to OAC therapy was low regardless of care coordination.

Conclusions

This GP-targeted campaign was effective at raising awareness regarding the implementation of care coordination and appropriate OAC therapy at local clinical practices in Japan. Improvement of adherence to OAC therapy in elderly patients is a critical issue, and measures such as education programs targeted to patients and healthcare professionals should be undertaken.
Scaling-up implementation in community hospitals: a multisite interrupted time series design of the Mobilization of Vulnerable Elders (MOVE) program in Alberta
Authors:   on behalf of the MOVE AB Collaboration, Holroyd-Leduc Jayna , Harris Charmalee , Hamid Jemila S. , Ewusie Joycelyne E. , Quirk Jacquelyn , Osiowy Karen , Moore Julia E. , Khan Sobia , Liu Barbara , Straus Sharon E.
Published: October 2019

Background

As the population ages, older hospitalized patients are at increased risk for hospital-acquired morbidity. The Mobilization of Vulnerable Elders (MOVE) program is an evidence-informed early mobilization intervention that was previously evaluated in Ontario, Canada. The program was effective at improving mobilization rates and decreasing length of stay in academic hospitals. The aim of this study was to scale-up the program and conduct a replication study evaluating the impact of the evidence-informed mobilization intervention on various units in community hospitals within a different Canadian province.

Methods

The MOVE program was tailored to the local context at four community hospitals in Alberta, Canada. The study population was patients aged 65 years and older who were admitted to medicine, surgery, rehabilitation and intensive care units between July 2015 and July 2016. The primary outcome was patient mobilization measured by conducting visual audits twice a week, three times a day. The secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay obtained from hospital administrative data, and perceptions of the intervention assessed through a qualitative assessment. Using an interrupted time series design, the intervention was evaluated over three time periods (pre-intervention, during, and post-intervention).

Results

A total of 3601 patients [mean age 80.1 years (SD = 8.4 years)] were included in the overall analysis. There was a significant increase in mobilization at the end of the intervention period compared to pre-intervention, with 6% more patients out of bed (95% confidence interval (CI) 1, 11; p-value = 0.0173). A decreasing trend in median length of stay was observed, where patients on average stayed an estimated 3.59 fewer days (95%CI -15.06, 7.88) during the intervention compared to pre-intervention period.

Conclusions

MOVE is a low-cost, effective and adaptable intervention that improves mobilization in older hospitalized patients. This intervention has been replicated and scaled up across various units and hospital settings.