bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological Networks Across Environmental Gradients
Authors: Tylianakis Jason M. , Morris Rebecca J.
Published: June 2017

Ecological networks have a long history in ecology, and a recent increase in network analyses across environmental gradients has revealed important changes in their structure, dynamics, and functioning. These changes can be broadly grouped according to three nonexclusive mechanisms: (a) changes in the species composition of the networks (driven by interaction patterns of invaders, nonrandom extinction of species according to their traits, or differences among species in population responses across gradients); (b) changes that alter interaction frequencies via changes in search efficiency (driven by altered habitat structure or metabolic rates) or changes in spatial and temporal overlap; and (c) changes to coevolutionary processes and patterns. Taking spatial and temporal processes into account can further elucidate network variation and improve predictions of network responses to environmental change. Emerging evidence links network structure to ecosystem functioning; however, scaling up to metanetworks or multilayer networks may modify interpretations of network structure, stability, and functioning.
A Symphony of Cyclases: Specificity in Diguanylate Cyclase Signaling
Authors: Dahlstrom Kurt M. , O'Toole George A.
Published: June 2017

Cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) is a near universal signaling molecule produced by diguanylate cyclases that can direct a variety of bacterial behaviors. A major area of research over the last several years has been aimed at understanding how a cell with dozens of diguanylate cyclases can deploy a given subset of them to produce a desired phenotypic outcome without undesired cross talk between c-di-GMP-dependent systems. Several models have been put forward to address this question, including specificity of cyclase activation, tuned binding constants of effector proteins, and physical interaction between cyclases and effectors. Additionally, recent evidence has suggested that there may be a link between the catalytic state of a cyclase and its physical contact with an effector. This review highlights several key studies, examines the proposed global and local models of c-di-GMP signaling specificity in bacteria, and attempts to identify the most fruitful steps that can be taken to better understand how dynamic networks of sibling cyclases and effector proteins result in sensible outputs that govern cellular behavior.
Dietary Fat and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Recent Controversies and Advances
Authors: Wang Dong D. , Hu Frank B.
Published: June 2017

Health effects of dietary fats have been extensively studied for decades. However, controversies exist on the effects of various types of fatty acids, especially saturated fatty acid (SFA), on cardiovascular disease (CVD). Current evidence supports that different types of dietary fatty acids have divergent effects on CVD risk, and the effects also depend strongly on the comparison or replacement macronutrient. A significant reduction in CVD risk can be achieved if SFAs are replaced by unsaturated fats, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids. Intake of industrially produced trans fat is consistently associated with higher CVD risk. Both n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are associated with lower CVD risk, although the effects of fish oil supplementation remains inconsistent. The 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans place greater emphasis on types of dietary fat than total amount of dietary fat and recommend replacing SFAs with unsaturated fats, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids for CVD prevention.
Metabolic reprogramming via PPARα signaling in cardiac hypertrophy and failure: From metabolomics to epigenetics
Authors: Warren Junco Shibayama , Oka Shin-ichi , Zablocki Daniela , Sadoshima Junichi
Published: June 2017

Studies using omics-based approaches have advanced our knowledge of metabolic remodeling in cardiac hypertrophy and failure. Metabolomic analysis of the failing heart has revealed global changes in mitochondrial substrate metabolism. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) plays a critical role in synergistic regulation of cardiac metabolism through transcriptional control. Metabolic reprogramming via PPARα signaling in heart failure ultimately propagates into myocardial energetics. However, emerging evidence suggests that the expression level of PPARα per se does not always explain the energetic state in the heart. The transcriptional activities of PPARα are dynamic, yet highly coordinated. An additional level of complexity in the PPARα regulatory mechanism arises from its ability to interact with various partners, which ultimately determines the metabolic phenotype of the diseased heart. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the PPARα regulatory mechanisms in cardiac metabolism and the possible role of PPARα in epigenetic modifications in the diseased heart. In addition, we discuss how metabolomics can contribute to a better understanding of the role of PPARα in the progression of cardiac hypertrophy and failure.
Exosomes: promising sacks for treating ischemic heart disease?
Authors: Chen Gui-Hao , Xu Jun , Yang Yue-Jin
Published: June 2017

Ischemic heart disease(IHD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Despite the development of continuously improving therapeutic strategies, morbidity and mortality of patients with IHD remain relatively high. Exosomes are a subpopulation of vesicles that are universally recognized as major mediators in intercellular communication. Numerous preclinical studies have shown that these tiny vesicles were protective in IHD, through such actions as alleviating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, promoting angiogenesis, inhibiting fibrosis, and facilitating cardiac regeneration. Our review focused on these beneficial exosome-mediated processes. In addition, we discuss in detail how to fully exploit the therapeutic potentials of exosomes in the field of IHD. Topics include identifying robust sources of exosomes, loading protective agents into exosomes, developing heart-specific exosomes, optimizing isolation methods, and translating the cardioprotective effects of exosomes into clinical practice. Finally, both the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing exosomes in clinical settings are addressed.
Functionally Null RAD51D Missense Mutation Associates Strongly with Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Rivera Barbara , Di Iorio Massimo , Frankum Jessica , Nadaf Javad , Fahiminiya Somayyeh , Arcand Suzanna L. , Burk David L. , Grapton Damien , Tomiak Eva , Hastings Valerie , Hamel Nancy , Wagener Rabea , Aleynikova Olga , Giroux Sylvie , Hamdan Fadi F. , Dionne-Laporte Alexandre , Zogopoulos George , Rousseau Francois , Berghuis Albert M. , Provencher Diane , Rouleau Guy A. , Michaud Jacques L. , Mes-Masson Anne-Marie , Majewski Jacek , Bens Susanne , Siebert Reiner , Narod Steven A. , Akbari Mohammad R. , Lord Christopher J. , Tonin Patricia N. , Orthwein Alexandre , Foulkes William D.
Published: June 2017

RAD51D is a key player in DNA repair by homologous recombination (HR), and RAD51D truncating variant carriers have an increased risk for ovarian cancer. However, the contribution of nontruncating RAD51D variants to cancer predisposition remains uncertain. Using deep sequencing and case–control genotyping studies, we show that in French Canadians, the missense RAD51D variant c.620C>T;p.S207L is highly prevalent and is associated with a significantly increased risk for ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC; 3.8% cases vs. 0.2% controls). The frequency of the p.S207L variant did not significantly differ from that of controls in breast, endometrial, pancreas, or colorectal adenocarcinomas. Functionally, we show that this mutation impairs HR by disrupting the RAD51D–XRCC2 interaction and confers PARP inhibitor sensitivity. These results highlight the importance of a functional RAD51D–XRCC2 interaction to promote HR and prevent the development of HGSC. This study identifies c.620C>T;p.S207L as the first bona fide pathogenic RAD51D missense cancer susceptibility allele and supports the use of targeted PARP-inhibitor therapies in ovarian cancer patients carrying deleterious missense RAD51D variants. Cancer Res; 77(16); 4517–29. ©2017 AACR.
A First-Time-in-Human Study of GSK2636771, a Phosphoinositide 3 Kinase Beta-Selective Inhibitor, in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Mateo Joaquin , Ganji Gopinath , Lemech Charlotte , Burris Howard A. , Han Sae-Won , Swales Karen , Decordova Shaun , DeYoung M. Phillip , Smith Deborah A. , Kalyana-Sundaram Shanker , Wu Jiuhua , Motwani Monica , Kumar Rakesh , Tolson Jerry M. , Rha Sun Young , Chung Hyun Cheol , Eder Joseph P. , Sharma Sunil , Bang Yung-Jue , Infante Jeffrey R. , Yan Li , de Bono Johann S. , Arkenau Hendrik-Tobias
Published: June 2017

Background: The PI3K/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway is commonly activated in several tumor types. Selective targeting of p110β could result in successful pathway inhibition while avoiding the on- and off-target effects of pan-PI3K inhibitors. GSK2636771 is a potent, orally bioavailable, adenosine triphosphate-competitive, selective inhibitor of PI3Kβ.

Methods: We evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and antitumor activity of GSK2636771 to define the recommended phase II dose (RP2D). During the dose-selection and dose-escalation stages (parts 1 and 2), patients with PTEN-deficient advanced solid tumors received escalating doses of GSK2636771 (25–500 mg once daily) using a modified 3+3 design to determine the RP2D; tumor type-specific expansion cohorts (part 3) were implemented to further assess tumor responses at the RP2D.

Results: A total of 65 patients were enrolled; dose-limiting toxicities were hypophosphatemia and hypocalcemia. Adverse events included diarrhea (48%), nausea (40%), and vomiting (31%). Single- and repeat-dose exposure increased generally dose proportionally. GSK2636771 400 mg once daily was the RP2D. Phospho/total AKT ratio decreased with GSK2636771 in tumor and surrogate tissue. A castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patient harboring PIK3CB amplification had a partial response for over a year; an additional 10 patients derived durable (≥24 weeks) clinical benefit, including two other patients with CRPC with PIK3CB alterations (≥34 weeks). GSK2636771 400 mg once daily orally induced sufficient exposure and target inhibition with a manageable safety profile.

Conclusions: Genomic aberrations of PIK3CB may be associated with clinical benefit from GSK2636771. Clin Cancer Res; 23(19); 5981–92. ©2017 AACR.
Mutational Heterogeneity in APC and KRAS Arises at the Crypt Level and Leads to Polyclonality in Early Colorectal Tumorigenesis
Authors: Gausachs Mireia , Borras Ester , Chang Kyle , Gonzalez Sara , Azuara Daniel , Delgado Amador Axel , Lopez-Doriga Adriana , San Lucas F. Anthony , Sanjuan Xavier , Paules Maria J. , Taggart Melissa W. , Davies Gareth E. , Ehli Erik A. , Fowler Jerry , Moreno Victor , Pineda Marta , You Y. Nancy , Lynch Patrick M. , Lazaro Conxi , Navin Nicholas E. , Scheet Paul A. , Hawk Ernest T. , Capella Gabriel , Vilar Eduardo
Published: June 2017

Purpose: The majority of genomic alterations causing intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH) in colorectal cancer are thought to arise during early stages of carcinogenesis as a burst but only after truncal mutations in APC have expanded a single founder clone. We have investigated if the initial source of ITH is consequent to multiple independent lineages derived from different crypts harboring distinct truncal APC and driver KRAS mutations, thus challenging the prevailing monoclonal monocryptal model.

Experimental Design: High-depth next-generation sequencing and SNP arrays were performed in whole-lesion extracts of 37 familial adenomatous polyposis colorectal adenomas. Also, ultrasensitive genotyping of hotspot mutations of APC and KRAS was performed using nanofluidic PCRs in matched bulk biopsies (n = 59) and crypts (n = 591) from 18 adenomas and seven carcinomas and adjacent normal tissues.

Results: Multiple co-occurring truncal APC and driver KRAS alterations were uncovered in whole-lesion extracts from adenomas and subsequently confirmed to belong to multiple clones. Ultrasensitive genotyping of bulk biopsies and crypts revealed novel undetected APC mutations that were prominent among carcinomas, whereas abundant wild-type APC crypts were detected in adenomas. KRAS mutational heterogeneity within crypts was evident in both adenomas and carcinomas with a higher degree of concordance between biopsy and crypt genotyping in carcinomas. Nonrandom heterogeneity among crypts was also observed.

Conclusions: The striking degree of nonrandom intercrypt heterogeneity in truncal and driver gene mutations observed in adenomas and carcinomas is consistent with a polycryptal model derived from multiple independent initiation linages as the source of early ITH in colorectal carcinogenesis. Clin Cancer Res; 23(19); 5936–47. ©2017 AACR.
Repeated Measurements of Cardiac Biomarkers in Atrial Fibrillation and Validation of the ABC Stroke Score Over Time
Authors: Hijazi Ziad , Lindahl Bertil , Oldgren Jonas , Andersson Ulrika , Lindbäck Johan , Granger Christopher B. , Alexander John H. , Gersh Bernard J. , Hanna Michael , Harjola Veli‐Pekka , Hylek Elaine M. , Lopes Renato D. , Siegbahn Agneta , Wallentin Lars
Published: June 2017

Background

Cardiac biomarkers are independent risk markers in atrial fibrillation, and the novel biomarker–based
ABC
stroke score (age, biomarkers, and clinical history of prior stroke) was recently shown to improve the prediction of stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation. Our aim was to investigate the short‐term variability of the cardiac biomarkers and evaluate whether the
ABC
stroke risk score provides a stable short‐term risk estimate.

Methods and Results

According to the study protocol, samples were obtained at entry and also at 2 months in 4796 patients with atrial fibrillation followed for a median of 1.8 years in the
ARISTOTLE
(Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation) trial. Cardiac troponin I, cardiac troponin T, and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide were measured with high‐sensitivity immunoassays. Associations with outcomes were evaluated by Cox regression. C indices and calibration plots were used to evaluate the
ABC
stroke score at 2 months. The average changes in biomarker levels during 2 months were small (median change cardiac troponin T +2.8%, troponin I +2.0%, and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide +13.5%) and within‐subject correlation was high (all ≥0.82). Repeated measurement of cardiac biomarkers provided some incremental prognostic value for mortality but not for stroke when combined with clinical risk factors and baseline levels of the biomarkers. Based on 8702 person‐years of follow‐up and 96 stroke/systemic embolic events, the
ABC
stroke score at 2 months achieved a similar C index of 0.70 (95% CI, 0.65–0.76) as compared with 0.70 (95% CI, 0.65–0.75) at baseline. The
ABC
stroke score remained well calibrated using predefined risk classes.

Conclusions

In patients with stable atrial fibrillation, the variability of the cardiac biomarkers and the biomarker‐based
ABC
stroke score during 2 months are small. The prognostic information by the
ABC
stroke score remains consistent and well calibrated with similar good predictive performance if patients are retested after 2 months.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
00412984.
Reoxygenation Reverses Hypoxic Pulmonary Arterial Remodeling by Inducing Smooth Muscle Cell Apoptosis via Reactive Oxygen Species–Mediated Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Authors: Chen Jian , Wang Yan‐Xia , Dong Ming‐Qing , Zhang Bo , Luo Ying , Niu Wen , Li Zhi‐Chao
Published: June 2017

Background

Pulmonary arterial remodeling, a main characteristic of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension, can gradually reverse once oxygen has been restored. Previous studies documented that apoptosis increased markedly during the reversal of remodeled pulmonary arteries, but the types of cells and mechanisms related to the apoptosis have remained elusive. This study aimed to determine whether pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (
PASMC
)‐specific apoptosis was involved in the reoxygenation‐induced reversal of hypoxic pulmonary arterial remodeling and elucidate the underlying mechanism.

Methods and Results

Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension was induced in adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats (n=6/group) by chronic hypobaric hypoxia. and the hypoxic pulmonary hypertension rats were then transferred to a normoxia condition. During reoxygenation, hypoxia‐induced pulmonary arterial remodeling gradually reversed. The reversal of remodeled pulmonary arteries was associated with increased H
2
O
2
and with changes in lung expression of cleaved caspase3/
PARP
, Bax, and Bcl‐2, consistent with increased apoptosis. The
PASMC
apoptosis, in particular, increased remarkably during this reversal. In vitro, reoxygenation induced the apoptosis of cultured rat primary
PASMC
s accompanied by increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the release of cytochrome C from mitochondria to cytoplasm. Clearance of reactive oxygen species alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction as well as the release of cytochrome C and, finally, decreased
PASMC
apoptosis.

Conclusions

Reoxygenation‐induced apoptosis of
PASMC
s is implicated in the reversal of hypoxic pulmonary arterial remodeling, which may be attributed to the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species–mediated mitochondrial dysfunction.
Angiopoietin‐Like Protein 4 Is a High‐Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Component for HDL Metabolism and Function in Nondiabetic Participants and Type‐2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Yang Long‐Yan , Yu Cai‐Guo , Wang Xu‐Hong , Yuan Sha‐Sha , Zhang Li‐Jie , Lang Jia‐Nan , Zhao Dong , Feng Ying‐Mei
Published: June 2017

Background

ANGPTL
4 (angiopoietin‐like protein 4) is a LPL (lipoprotein lipase) inhibitor and is present in high‐density lipoprotein (
HDL
). However, it is not defined whether
ANGPTL
4 in
HDL
s could affect
HDL
metabolism and function in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2
DM
).

Methods and Results

ANGPTL
4 levels in the circulation and
HDL
s were quantified in nondiabetic participants (n=201, 68.7% females) and T2
DM
patients (n=185, 66.5% females).
HDL
s were isolated from nondiabetic controls and T2
DM
patients to assess cholesterol efflux
or
subjected to endothelial lipase (
EL
)‐overexpressed
HEK
293 cells for
EL
hydrolysis in vitro. The association between
ANGPTL
4 in
HDL
s and
HDL
components and function was analyzed in nondiabetic participants or diabetic patients, respectively. Plasma or
HDL
s of
ANGPTL
4+/+ and
ANGPTL
4−/− mice was subjected for cholesterol efflux or
EL
hydrolysis, respectively.
ANGPTL
4 levels in the plasma and
HDL
s were 1.7‐ and 2.0‐fold higher in T2
DM
patients than nondiabetic controls, respectively (
P
<0.0001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that per 1 doubling increase of
ANGPTL
4 levels in
HDL
s, the changes amounted to +0.27% cholesterol efflux (
P
=0.03), +0.06 μg/mL apolipoprotein A‐I (
P
=0.09) and −9.41 μg/L serum amyloid A (
P
=0.02) in nondiabetic controls. In T2
DM
patients, the corresponding estimates were −0.06% cholesterol efflux (
P
=0.10), −0.06 μg/mL apolipoprotein A‐I (
P
=0.38), and +3.64 μg/L serum amyloid A (
P
=0.72).
HDL
s isolated from
ANGPTL
4−/− mice showed accelerated hydrolysis by
EL
and reduced cholesterol efflux compared with
ANGPTL
4+/+ littermates.

Conclusions

Physically,
ANGPTL
4 in
HDL
s protected
HDL
s from hydrolysis. Resulting from increased circulating
ANGPTL
4 levels in T2
DM
,
ANGPTL
4 levels in
HDL
s were elevated but with compromised inhibitory effect on
EL
, leading to increased
HDL
hydrolysis and dysfunction.
Drinking from a Golden Cup, Eating from a Silver Dish. Metalwork in Islamic Iranian Sources (11th–12th century)
Authors: Laviola Valentina
Published: June 2017

Very few precious metalwork reached our age, against a large number of base metal objects. Historical sources related to the Eastern Iranian lands and dating to the 11th–12th century describe medieval Islamic courts as glittering with gold and silverware, on a continuity with the ancient Iranian culture strong enough to defy even religious bans. In particular, a high rank metalwork production is attested in Ghazni, during the period the city enjoyed the role of capital of the Eastern Iranian world.
La miniatura come documento storico: le celebrazioni di Saptasvarupa Annakutotsava al Tempio di Śrī Nāthjī a Nathdwara nel 1822
Authors: Nardi Isabella
Published: June 2017

This article highlights the importance of a prominent festival, the Saptasvarupa Annakutotsava celebrated in Nathdwara in 1822, through an iconographic analysis of a miniature painting dated to 1822–1850 in the lacma collection. First, the essay delimits the area of investigation by briefly introducing the sect of Puṣṭi Mārg, its icons or svarūps, and the installation of its most important deity, Śrī Nāthjī, at Nathdwara in 1672. Secondly, it analyzes the festival of 1822 as depicted in the painting. The final part of the study underlines the significance of the celebrations in the history of the sect by contextualizing the event with information drawn from secondary literature: it introduces some well-documented issues, such as the absence of the svarūp of Bālkṛṣṇajī in the celebrations; it mentions some of the problems that Dauji, the head priest of the temple, had to overcome in the coordination of the festival, such as settling the disputes among the gosvāmīs of the sect; and it concludes with a comparative analysis of the Saptasvarupa Annakutotsava with two similar festivals held in Nathdwara in 1739–1740 and 1966 to emphasize the preeminence of the event of 1822 in the history of Puṣṭi Mārg.
Come diventare una donna di successo nel periodo Kamakura (1185–1333). Consigli utili dalla Lettera di Abutsu
Authors: Negri Carolina
Published: June 2017

The paper focuses on Abutsu’s Letter, the first career guide for younger noble-women written by Nun Abutsu (1225–1283). This work is a long letter to her only daughter, Ki no Naishi, to provide good advice on some important matters such as proper deportment, necessary artistic skills and the right path to succeed in life at court. By analising Abutsu’s Letter the paper tries to reconstruct the daily life of medieval noble women, their upbringing and aspirations. It also casts light on women’s innermost feelings and fears in an era of great changings, exploring what kind of practical solutions they have if their dreams go unfulfilled.
The Kotayk Survey Project. Preliminary Report on 2015 Fieldwork Activities
Authors: Dan Roberto , Petrosyan Artur
Published: June 2017

The Kotayk Survey Project (ksp) started in the summer of 2013. This is a joint Armenian—Italian project involving the study of the upper Hrazdan river valley, located in the northern part of the Kotayk region in the Armenian Republic. This article presents the results of the third fieldwork season, which involved both excavation and survey. In particular, the text describes the excavation of the Solak 1 fortress and discusses its role in the framework of Middle Iron Age/Urartian archaeology.
Mass Imprisonment across the Rural-Urban Interface
Authors: Eason John M. , Zucker Danielle , Wildeman Christopher
Published: June 2017

Academic work on crime and punishment has focused mostly on urban centers, leaving rural communities understudied, except for acknowledgement that rural communities warehouse a large number of prisoners and that rural prisons provide jobs and economic development for some struggling communities. This study uses a novel dataset that includes information on the home addresses of all prisoners in Arkansas from 1993 to 2003 to document imprisonment rates and racial disparities in imprisonment rates across metropolitan and nonmetropolitan counties. We show how rural communities both receive and produce prisoners and that imprisonment and racial disparities in imprisonment vary more within different types of communities than across different types of communities. Further, we find that nonmetropolitan rates of imprisonment are higher than would be expected, based on observed local risk factors such as poverty rate. We close with a discussion of what these findings illustrate about concentrated disadvantage across the rural-urban interface.
The Cardiovascular Health of Young Adults: Disparities along the Urban-Rural Continuum
Authors: Lawrence Elizabeth , Hummer Robert A. , Harris Kathleen Mullan
Published: June 2017

U.S. young adults coming of age in the early twenty-first century are the first cohort to grow up during the obesity epidemic; justifiably, there is much concern about their cardiovascular health. To date, however, no research has examined the extent to which there are disparities in young adult cardiovascular health across the urban-rural continuum. We examine this topic using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). We find that young adults who live in metropolitan core areas exhibit more favorable cardiovascular health than individuals who live in smaller communities and that population density largely accounts for this association. Further, individuals living in more densely populated areas in young adulthood relative to during adolescence have better cardiovascular health than those who live in areas similar or less dense than their adolescent residence. Our results strongly suggest that the physical and social features of communities represent important contexts for young adult cardiovascular health.
Entrepreneurial and Employment Responses to Economic Conditions across the Rural-Urban Continuum
Authors: Tsvetkova Alexandra , Partridge Mark , Betz Michael
Published: June 2017

In this article, we explore how local employment growth in the urban-rural continuum is affected by economic trends in industries that comprise local economies and by growth in nearby metropolitan areas. Our county-level analyses reveal heterogeneous responses. Favorable economic changes due to a fast-growing local industry mix have the largest positive impact on self-employment growth in small metropolitan areas and the smallest positive impact in rural counties. Self-employment in rural counties is fostered by growth in nearby small metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) and is hampered by growth in nearby large MSAs. In micropolitan counties that are close to small and medium growing MSAs, local self-employment tends to grow faster, while growth in nearby large MSAs has no effect. In urban counties, growth in a nearby large MSA is not related to local self-employment growth in the lower tiers of the urban hierarchy.
Neighborhood Problems across the Rural-Urban Continuum: Geographic Trends and Racial and Ethnic Disparities
Authors: York Cornwell Erin , Hall Matthew
Published: June 2017

Neighborhood problems such as abandoned buildings, broken windows, and crime are often seen as urban problems. However, the recent housing crisis, shifting demographics, and deepening inequality may have increased neighborhood problems outside of cities. This article describes trends in neighborhood quality across the rural-urban continuum and considers how these trends differ by race/ethnicity. We use data from the 1985 to 2013 American Housing Survey to examine neighborhood problems surrounding a sample of 125,049 housing units in central cities, suburbs, exurbs, and rural areas. We find that rates of neighborhood problems are consistently highest in cities, but they have been steadily increasing in nonmetropolitan areas. We also find that disparities in exposure to neighborhood problems among racial and ethnic groups are not limited to cities: blacks and Latinos living outside of metropolitan areas are increasingly and disproportionately exposed to neighborhood problems. Further research should examine both the causes and consequences of neighborhood problems across the rural-urban continuum.
Long-Term Trends in Rural and Urban Poverty: New Insights Using a Historical Supplemental Poverty Measure
Authors: Nolan Laura B. , Waldfogel Jane , Wimer Christopher
Published: June 2017

Poverty has a strong relationship to geography in the United States. Previous research has found that rural areas have higher average poverty rates than urban areas, but the new supplemental poverty measure (SPM) has shown in recent years that urban areas have higher average poverty. In this article, we analyze poverty trends from 1967 to 2014 in rural and urban America, using the improved SPM metrics. We find a dramatic decline in poverty in rural areas, and also show that the geographic adjustment of the poverty threshold in the SPM (which lowers poverty thresholds in less expensive areas and raises them in more expensive areas) is an important explanatory factor. We also find that changes in the demographic and economic characteristics of rural and urban residents help to explain the decline. Last, we investigate whether migration of the poor between rural and urban areas helps to account for differential poverty trends, but we find little evidence in support of that hypothesis.
Partnerships for active elementary schools: Physical education outcomes after 4 months of a 2-year pilot study
Authors: Weaver R. Glenn , Webster Collin , Egan Catherine , Campos Carolina , Michael Robert D , Crimarco Anthony
Published: June 2017

Objective:

This study assessed the impact of Partnerships for Active Children in Elementary Schools (PACES) on children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during physical education (PE) and teachers’ incorporation of physical activity promotion strategies after one academic semester (i.e. 4 months) of the intervention.

Design:

Single group pre–post pilot study.

Setting:

Three elementary schools in one southeastern metropolitan city in the USA.

Methods:

Using principles of community-based participatory-research, researchers worked with teachers to identify contextually appropriate physical activity promotion strategies aligned with prevailing recommendations, principles and theories. Outcome measures included accelerometer-derived percent of time children ( N = 150) engaged in MVPA. The System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time+ assessed changes in teachers’ incorporation of physical activity promotion strategies. Multi-level mixed-effects linear regression estimated differences over time.

Results:

MVPA increased for girls (22.7%–26.6%) and boys (33.2%–39.0%). Small-sided games (1.0%–9.0%) and teachers’ verbal promotion of physical activity (6.4%–13.5%) increased while student’s off-task behaviour (6.0%–2.0%) decreased. Lines (20.2%–8.4%) and elimination games (21.6%–13.3%) decreased, but these changes were not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

PACES shows promise for increasing the percent of time children spend in MVPA during PE but requires further evaluation.
Developing a practical readability tool for assessing written oral health promotion material for people with low literacy
Authors: de Silva Andrea M , Martin-Kerry Jacqueline M , Van Kelly , Hegde Shalika , Heilbrunn-Lang Adina
Published: June 2017

Objective:

Oral health promotion resources need to be simple, useful, accessible and understandable to be effective. The importance of this is magnified for population groups who are at increased risk of poor oral health, have low literacy or language barriers. Consultation with health service providers identified the need for a readability tool to assist them to assess and develop appropriate oral health promotion resources to ensure they were written using language that was easy to understand by those with high oral health needs and low literacy levels. The objective of this study was to identify and adapt existing health literacy and readability tools and pilot the tool to determine its appropriateness for use in oral health promotion targeting those with high oral health needs and low literacy levels.

Design:

This paper reports the development of an oral health readability tool.

Methods:

Existing readability tools were identified through electronic searching and reviewed for suitability. In parallel, written oral health resources used in Australia specifically targeting refugee and asylum seeker population were identified through discussions with oral health service providers and an online grey literature search.

Results:

No single tool was identified which could be readily used to screen and assess written oral health resources. Two existing tools, the Fry readability formula and a suitability checklist, were therefore adapted and integrated into one tool. This new readability tool was then piloted by screening 10 written oral health resources currently in use in the public oral health sector for refugee and asylum seeker populations. Of the 10 written oral health resources assessed, only 4 were of an appropriate reading level for clients with low literacy.

Conclusion:

This study developed and tested an oral health readability tool to assess and develop oral health promotion resources.
Colonialism, missionaries, and Dalits in Kalyan Rao’s Untouchable Spring
Authors: Christopher K. W.
Published: June 2017

Dalit conversion to Christianity has a long history, predating Dr Ambedkar’s call for conversion in 1935. The contexts of conversion are many; however, the strong urge among Dalits to escape the oppressive, dehumanizing socio-spiritual condition remains the chief motive. The colonial administration, and even before that, the missionaries, were the first to make interventions in the lives of the Dalits, providing access to education, employment, healthcare, and mobility. Consequently many Dalits converted to Christianity en masse. However, post conversion, they became “doubly marginalized” (Omvedt, 2009) both in terms of caste and religion. Several attacks on Dalit Christians in colonial as well as post-independence India illustrate these two bases of victimization. A few writers, such as Bama, Imayam, and Raj Gouthaman, have attempted to explore the lived experience of Dalit Christians with a focus on caste within the Catholic Church. Kalyan Rao’s Telugu novel Antarani vasantham ( Untouchable Spring) is the first novel that seriously engages with the complex of Dalit conversions and in an epic fashion explores the lived experience and struggle of Telugu Dalits and Dalit Christians in history from the colonial times to the present. The primary focus of this article is to explore Kalyan Rao’s representation of Dalit experience using the optics of mission history and liberation and Dalit theologies, which I argue, enable us to contextualize the novel’s representation of Dalit habitus.
“I’m a Stalker and Proud of It”: Adolescent Girls’ Perceptions of the Mixed Utilities Associated With Internet and Social Networking Use in Their Dating Relationships
Authors: Howard Donna E. , Debnam Katrina J. , Strausser Amanda
Published: June 2017

Social media provides a context within which adolescents enact key developmental tasks, yet the role technology plays in adolescent dating relationships is a relatively new field of investigation. In-depth interviews were conducted with adolescent girls ( N = 70; White: 42.1%, Black: 37.1%, Hispanic or Latino: 4.3%, mixed race: 11.4%) to explore motivations for, and engagement with, technology in the context of dating dynamics. Girls were asked, “Do you think the Internet has influenced your ideas about dating and dating relationships?” Three main themes emerged, each with subthemes: Theme 1 addressed the Positive Utilities of Social Media in Dating Relationships, Theme 2 addressed the Negative Utilities of Social Media in Dating Relationships, and Theme 3 addressed Mixed Utilities—The Intersection of Positive and Negative Utilities. Findings present a complex understanding of teens’ perceptions of social media tools, particularly their mixed utilities.
Distinctive Facial Cues Predict Leadership Rank and Selection
Authors: Re Daniel E. , Rule Nicholas
Published: June 2017

Facial appearance correlates with leadership, both in terms of who is chosen (leader selection) and how they do (leader success). Leadership theories suggest that exceptional individuals acquire positions as leaders. Exceptional traits can differ between domains, however, and so the qualities valued in leaders in one occupation may not match those valued among leaders in another. To test this, we compared the relationship between facial appearance and leadership across two domains: law firms and mafia families. Perceptions of power correlated with leadership among law executives whereas social skill correlated with leadership in organized crime. Critically, these traits were distinctive within their respective groups. Furthermore, an experimental test showed that the relative frequency of facial traits in a group can render them either an asset or liability. Perceived leadership ability is therefore enhanced by characteristics that appear unique among individuals who satisfy the basic criteria for their group.
Conflicting Evidence or Conflicting Opinions? Two-Sided Expert Discussions Contribute to Experts’ Trustworthiness
Authors: Mayweg-Paus Elisabeth , Jucks Regina
Published: June 2017

This article examines how the way pro and contra information is distributed between two experts in a written discourse influence readers’ evaluations. One hundred and fifty university students read an expert discussion on the topic of computer use in childhood. Information was presented in either a one-sided (each expert holds one position: pro or contra) or two-sided way (both experts provide pro and contra arguments). Results showed that readers judged experts who communicated more consensus-oriented by taking a two-sided stance to be more trustworthy. Additionally, readers in this group subsequently outlined their own opinion toward the topic more confidently. However, the manipulation did not influence how far readers drew on expert information when formulating a response to a writing task. Implications are drawn for helping readers to process expert discussions and for improving expert communication strategies. It is emphasized that expert discussions provide not only content-focused but also rhetorical challenges.
Differential impact of independent and interdependent views of the self on the use of consensus and heterogeneity information: The case of validity of groups’ decisions
Authors: Lopes Diniz , Vala Jorge , Oberlé Dominique
Published: June 2017

In this article, we analyse the moderating effect of the activation of independent and interdependent views of the self on the use of heterogeneity and consensus information in the attribution of validity to group decisions. In two experimental studies, we present evidence showing that the participants, when primed with an interdependent view of the self, make no distinction between homogeneous or heterogeneous information regarding group composition while attributing validity to group decisions. Indeed, they base their validity attribution mainly on consensus information. In contrast, when primed with an independent view of the self, they make use of variability information as they attribute a greater validity to a more heterogeneous and consensual group and a lower validity to a group depicted as homogeneous and consensual. Results are discussed in light of the differential utility of consensus and heterogeneity information, as well as participants’ self-knowledge within the processes of validation of group decisions.
The Effect of Volunteers on Paid Workers’ Excess Turnover in Nonprofit and Public Organizations
Authors: Bittschi Benjamin , Pennerstorfer Astrid , Schneider Ulrike
Published: June 2017

Volunteers in nonprofit and public organizations can provide additional resources and exert positive influence on organizations, staff, and clients. However, the relationship between paid staff and volunteers is complex and may lead to tension, employee dissatisfaction, and, ultimately, workers leaving the organization. This article focuses on excessive worker turnover as a signal of delicate organizational health and analyzes whether volunteers are an important variable in explaining differences in excess turnover rates between organizations. Using Austrian survey data and applying Tobit regressions, we show that more volunteers in management tasks compared with volunteers employed in other tasks increase both the probability of experiencing excess worker turnover and the amount of excess turnover. This result is interpreted as a possible sign for volunteer–staff tension. Understanding the consequences of using volunteer labor for paid workers is important to prevent volunteering from backfiring on service capacity and quality in public and nonprofit organizations.
The Long Arm of Childhood in China: Early-Life Conditions and Cognitive Function Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Zhang Zhenmei , Liu Jinyu , Li Lydia , Xu Hongwei
Published: June 2017

Objective: This study examined the association between childhood conditions and cognitive function among middle-aged and older adults in China. Method: We analyzed data from the 2011 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study ( N = 11,868). Cognitive function was measured by word recall, a test of episodic memory. We examined the association between childhood conditions and cognitive function among the middle-aged (45-59 years) and the older (60 years and older) adults separately, using multilevel linear regressions. Results: Indicators of childhood socioeconomic status (SES) and nutrition were significantly associated with memory performance among the middle-aged and the older adults in China. Adulthood SES, education in particular, accounted for some but not all the associations. The protective effect of childhood urban residence was stronger for middle-aged women than for middle-aged men. Discussion: Childhood conditions are significantly associated with mid- to late-life cognitive function in China. The strengths of the associations may vary by gender and cohort.
Guidance principle of deep-hole cutting tools based on fluid wedge effect
Authors: Yu Daguo , Zhang Rongtao , Li Ruixuan
Published: June 2017

The existing guidance principle of deep-hole cutting tools has been used for more than 200 years. A novel guidance principle of deep-hole cutting tools is proposed based on the fluid wedge effect. The novel guidance principle stems from hydrodynamic lubrication in journal bearings and can prevent deep-hole cutting tool deviation during machining. A novel wedge-shaped body is fixed to the drill tip and the shank. The wedge-shaped body and the wall of the deep hole form four wedge-shaped spaces, and the cutting oil is drawn into the four wedge-shaped spaces to form four wedge-shaped oil films. Pressure develops in the oil film, and the forces of the oil films force the wedge-shaped body together with the drill tip and the shank to be centered in the deep hole and to move along the axis of the deep hole. The resultant force of the oil films tends to rectify the deviation of the cutting tool, and the resultant force equals 228 N in one example. Analysis and calculation of the forces of the wedge-shaped oil films were conducted, and the force of each oil film was 128 N in another example. Experiments showed that the average straightness of the deep holes machined by the novel deep-hole cutting tools was less than that achieved using the existing cutting tool. The parameters of the wedge-shaped body influenced the force of the oil film and the straightness of the deep holes.
Construction of next-generation superplastic forming using additive manufacturing and numerical techniques
Authors: Mis Michal , Hall Richard , Spence Julian , Emekwuru Nwabueze , Kibble Kevin , Stanford Mark , Banakhr Fahd
Published: June 2017

The superplastic forming process is used in a wide range of high-value-added manufacturing sectors to make lightweight, complex-shaped components for high-performance applications. Currently, it is a high-cost process, for example, the superplastic forming of titanium alloys involves a high-temperature furnace, costly (mould) tooling and has a high utilization of resources such as argon gas and energy. The authors of this article propose a prototype for next-generation superplastic forming laboratory equipment. The aim is to develop improved methods, particularly for heat management in the superplastic forming process, to allow a more widespread application of the process to manufacture lower cost products. The next-generation superplastic forming tool comprises a tool in the form of a hemispherical shell, pressure chamber with incorporated water cooling system and an infrared heating system. The construction, usability and suitability of the next-generation superplastic forming equipment have been proven by a series of physical experiments, and numerical simulations are performed and the results are presented and discussed in this article.
Mid-Holocene relative sea-level changes along Atlantic Patagonia: New data from Camarones, Chubut, Argentina
Authors: Bini Monica , Isola Ilaria , Zanchetta Giovanni , Pappalardo Marta , Ribolini Adriano , Ragaini Luca , Baroni Carlo , Boretto Gabriella , Fuck Enrique , Morigi Caterina , Cristina Salvatore Maria , Bassi Davide , Marzaioli Fabio , Terrasi Filippo
Published: June 2017

This paper concerns the relative sea-level changes associated with the Atlantic Patagonian coast derived from sea-level index points whose elevation was determined by a differential global position system (DGPS). Bioencrustations from outcrops located near Camarones, Chubut, Argentina, consist of autochthonous deposits characterized by Austromegabalanus psittacus (Molina, 1782), encrusting acervulinid foraminifera, coralline red algae and bryozoans. The association of the different organisms is interpreted as being associated with an intertidal environment, and they have been used as index points to establish the relative sea-level position. The main conclusion is that the relative sea-level between c. 7000 and 5300 cal. yr BP was in the range of c. 2–4 m a.s.l., with a mean value of c. 3.5 m a.s.l. Our data seem to support the existence of different rates of relative sea-level fall in different sectors of Atlantic Patagonia during the Holocene and highlight the importance of a more precise and accurate relative sea-level estimation by producing new data and revisiting the indicative meaning of most of the indicators so far used in the area.
Digitizing Sacks? Approaching social media as data
Authors: Housley William , Webb Helena , Edwards Adam , Procter Rob , Jirotka Marina
Published: June 2017

During the course of this article, we explore ethnomethodological principles in relation to approaching social media as data. More specifically, we consider the extent to which the work of Harvey Sacks and his rich intellectual legacy might inform this nascent field of empirical inquiry. This exploration is realised in the context of interdisciplinary research at the interface of social and computational science. Drawing from an extensive range of empirical projects into social media we reflect on the efficacy and limitations of these principles (Sacks, 1992) for understanding social media interaction as open data and practical action in the digital age.