bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing a Transgender Health Training for Correctional Health Care Providers: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Hughto Jaclyn M. W. , Clark Kirsty A.
Published: March 2019

Limited provider knowledge of transgender health contributes to stigmatizing interactions and access-to-care challenges for incarcerated transgender people. Drawing on interviews with recently incarcerated transgender individuals and correctional staff, a transgender health care provider training was developed and piloted. Providers indicated the training gave them the requisite competencies to offer gender-affirming care to transgender patients. Participants also rated the intervention to be highly acceptable and feasible and recommended it be provided to others. In addition, results suggested that the training may increase providers’ transgender-related knowledge. Further testing of the intervention is warranted.
Fabric movement and washing performance in a front-loading washer with a built-in pulsator
Authors: Kim Hyewon , Yun Changsang , Park Chung Hee
Published: March 2019

The objective of this study was to investigate the change of fabric movement by introducing a pulsator in a front-loading washer. To examine the effect of the changed fabric movements on washing performance, detergency, mechanical action, wrinkling, tangling, and tensile strength were also investigated.

Three-dimensional fabric movement was analyzed by representing the fabric center in the washer as XYZ coordinate values. Seven indexes of fabric movement were used to analyze the correlation between fabric movement and detergency. On comparing fabric movements using the indexes, the front-loading washer with a built-in pulsator showed more diverse fabric movements than the conventional washer and, in particular, movement in the depth direction of the drum occurred more frequently in the newly developed system. This led to 7.6% higher detergency compared to the conventional one, possibly due to the increased interaction between fabrics. Regression analysis verified that the diversified fabric movements induced by the pulsator in the front-loading washer resulted in the improvement of detergency. The different fabric movements in the newly developed system also affected fabric damage, tangling and wrinkling.
Hepatitis A infection related haemophagocytic syndrome: a case report and systematic review
Authors: Mallick Bipadabhanjan , Daniel Philip , Dutta Usha
Published: March 2019

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a clinical syndrome of excessive inflammation and tissue destruction owing to abnormal immune activation. We report an unusual case of haemophagocytosis associated with hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in a 21-year-old man. This was further complicated by haemolysis secondary to G-6-PD deficiency and fungal sepsis. Our patient was treated successfully with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and supportive care. A systematic review of all reported cases of HAV associated haemophagocytosis is presented.
Reliability of coeliac serology in monitoring dietary adherence in children with coeliac disease on a gluten-free diet
Authors: Jain Reena , Kumar Praveen , Kapoor Seema , Basu Srikanta , Lomash Avinash , Rohatgi Shivani
Published: March 2019

This study aimed to determine the utility of coeliac serology for monitoring dietary adherence in coeliac disease. Serum anti-tTg IgA and anti-DGP IgG levels of 42 newly diagnosed patients were measured at diagnosis and at intervals of three, six and 12 months after starting a gluten-free diet. Both anti-tTg and anti-DGP antibodies decreased in all patients. The decline in the former was significantly greater at 3–12 months throughout, while in the latter the decline was seen only at three months but not subsequently. Serial measurement of coeliac serology may help in monitoring adherence to a gluten-free diet.
End-of-Life Preparations Among LGBT Older Canadian Adults: The Missing Conversations
Authors: de Vries Brian , Gutman Gloria , Humble Áine , Gahagan Jacqueline , Chamberland Line , Aubert Patrick , Fast Janet , Mock Steven
Published: March 2019

LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) older adults are more likely than their heterosexual peers to age with limited support in stigmatizing environments often poorly served by traditional social services challenging their preparedness for end of life. Fourteen focus groups and three individual interviews were conducted in five Canadian cities with gay/bisexual men (5 groups; 40 participants), lesbian/bisexual women (5 groups; 29 participants), and transgender persons (3 interviews, 4 groups; 24 participants). Four superordinate themes were identified: (a) motivators and obstacles, (b) relationship concerns, (c) dynamics of LGBT culture and lives, and (d) institutional concerns. Several pressing issues emerged including depression and isolation (more common among gay and bisexual men), financial/class issues (lesbian and bisexual women), and uncomfortable interactions with health-care providers (transgender participants). These findings highlight the challenges and complexities in end-of-life preparation within LGBT communities.
Student Gender and Instructor Gender as Predictors of Student–Instructor Rapport
Authors: Lammers William J. , Byrd Alleshia A.
Published: March 2019

We evaluated whether gender (masculinity/femininity) rather than biological sex would better predict student–instructor rapport. University students (104 men, 97 women) considered either a feminine hypothetical instructor or a masculine hypothetical instructor and rate their expected rapport with that instructor. The Bem Sex Role Inventory assessed participant gender type. Results showed that students higher in femininity not only provided higher expected rapport ratings to a feminine instructor but also provided relatively higher expected rapport ratings to a masculine instructor. Students high in masculinity did not provide higher expected rapport ratings to a masculine instructor, and some analyses showed that they provided higher ratings to a feminine instructor. Results suggest that biological sex of the student, gender type of the student, and gender type of the instructor are all important factors to understand student–instructor rapport.
Fat Is a Social Justice Issue, Too
Authors: Stoll Laurie Cooper
Published: March 2019

Empirical evidence continues to show that like other historically marginalized groups, fat people experience discrimination in employment, education, the media, politics, interpersonal relationships, and especially health care. Yet, despite the fact that fatphobia in the United States has always been intimately connected to other systems of oppression like sexism, racism, and classism, those of us who identify as critical sociologists so often exclude it from our analyses. We fail to acknowledge that fat is a social justice issue, too. In this article, I argue that fatphobia is a system of oppression worthy of greater theoretical and empirical consideration in humanist sociology. I begin by providing a brief history of the ways fat has been pathologized and medicalized in the United States. I then discuss some of the ways fat is connected with gender, race, and class in particular. Finally, I offer some strategies for how critical sociologists can move forward, including suggestions for engaging in fat activism.
“It Is Likely a White Gene”: Racial Voyeurism and Consumption of Black Mothers and “White” Babies in Online News Media
Authors: Moss Sonita R. , Roberts Dorothy E.
Published: March 2019

Focusing on media reports of black women who give birth to “white” children, this study asks: What can we learn about popular understandings of race from the fascination with births of “white” babies born to black mothers? What racial discourses guide how such stories are produced and consumed online? We conducted a critical discourse analysis of media coverage and online comments about two contemporary cases. We found that three race-based assumptions underlie and are reinforced by these narratives. We argue that these births generate racial voyeurism because they violate deeply held beliefs about racial identity and the reproduction of race.
The left brachiocephalic vein ‘spur’: A cadaveric and contrast computed tomography study
Authors: Mitsuoka Hiroki , Naito Munekazu , Ohmichi Yusuke , Hagihara Makiyo , Umemoto Kanae , Sugimoto Ikuo , Nakano Takashi , Ishibashi Hiroyuki
Published: March 2019

Objectives

This study investigated the presence of the ‘spur’ which separates the lumen in the left brachiocephalic vein (LBV).

Method

We macroscopically observed the lumen of the bilateral brachiocephalic veins and the superior vena cava in 56 cadavers. The samples were treated with haematoxylin and eosin staining and immunostaining using an α-smooth muscle action antibody. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography images from 170 subjects were analysed.

Results

The septal structure was found in only 7% of LBVs included in the cadaveric study and 1.2% of LBVs included in the contrast-enhanced computed tomography image analysis. In the cadaveric study, the septal structure was identified as a ‘spur’ using histopathology. In both studies, a non-septal structure was found in the right brachiocephalic vein.

Conclusions

This is the first report indicating the existence of an LBV ‘spur’.
Combining Multiple Treatment Comparisons with Personalized Patient Preferences: A Randomized Trial of an Interactive Platform for Statin Treatment Selection
Authors: Hopkin Gareth , Au Anson , Collier Verena Jane , Yudkin John S. , Basu Sanjay , Naci Huseyin
Published: March 2019

Background. Patients and clinicians are often required to make tradeoffs between the relative benefits and harms of multiple treatment options. Combining network meta-analysis results with user preferences can be useful when choosing among several treatment alternatives. Objective. Using cholesterol-lowering statin drugs as a case study, we aimed to determine whether an interactive web-based platform that combines network meta-analysis findings with patient preferences had an effect on the decision-making process in a general population sample. Method. This was a pilot parallel randomized controlled trial. We used Amazon’s Mechanical Turk to recruit adults residing in the United States. A total of 349 participants were randomly allocated to view either the interactive tool (intervention) or a series of bar charts (control). The primary endpoint was decisional conflict, and secondary endpoints included decision self-efficacy, preparation for decision making, and the overall ranking of statins. Results. A total of 258 participants completed the trial and were included in the analysis. On the primary outcome, participants randomized to the interactive tool had significantly lower levels of decisional conflict than those in the control group (difference, –8.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], −12.96 to −4.11 on a 100-point scale; P = 0.001). They also appeared to have higher levels of preparation for decision making (difference, 4.19; 95% CI, –0.24 to 8.63 on a 100-point scale; P = 0.031). No difference was found for decision self-efficacy, although groups were statistically significantly different in how they ranked different statins. Conclusion. The findings of our proof-of-concept evaluation suggest that an interactive web-based tool combining published clinical evidence with individual preferences can reduce decisional conflict and better prepare individuals for decision making.
Pathogenesis of and major animal models used for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Jiang Mingzuo , Wu Nan , Chen Xi , Wang Weijie , Chu Yi , Liu Hao , Li Wenjiao , Chen Di , Li Xiaowei , Xu Bing
Published: March 2019

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its pathologically more severe form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), have become prevalent worldwide and carry an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma and other metabolic diseases. Diverse animal models have been proposed to replicate particular characteristics of NAFLD and NASH and have provided significant clues to the critical molecular targets of NASH treatment. In this review, we summarize the histopathology, pathogenesis, and molecular basis of NAFLD progression and discuss the benchmark animal models of NAFLD/NASH.
Computed tomographic characteristics of gastric schwannoma
Authors: Wang Wei , Cao Kaiming , Han Yang , Zhu Xiaoli , Ding Jianhui , Peng Weijun
Published: March 2019

Objective

This study aimed to characterize the computed tomographic (CT) features of gastric schwannoma (GS).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed CT images of 19 cases of histologically proven GS between January 2010 and December 2015. Tumor location, size, contour, margin, growth pattern, and degree and pattern of enhancement, perigastric lymph nodes, ulceration, necrosis, and calcification were evaluated.

Results

GS was located in the gastric body (73.7%), gastric antrum (15.8%), and gastric fundus (10.5%), with a mean maximum diameter of 4.5 ± 1.8 cm. All tumors presented as oval, well-defined solid masses, with exophytic (36.8%), endoluminal (15.8%), or mixed (47.4%) growth patterns. Ulcers (57.9%) and perigastric lymph nodes (47.4%) were observed. Moderate enhancement (87.5%) was observed in the portal phase. Eighteen (94.7%) cases showed homogeneous enhancement.

Conclusions

GS typically presents as a mass in the stomach with an exophytic or mixed growth pattern, moderate homogeneous enhancement, and is prone to be accompanied by perigastric lymph node inflammatory reactive swelling. Larger GSs are more likely to be associated with ulcers.
Association of serum cystatin C levels with acute coronary syndrome in patients of advanced age
Authors: Huang Qingyu , Shen Wei , Li Jian , Luo Xinping , Shi Haiming , Yan Pingping , Zhang Jinjin
Published: March 2019

Objective

This study was performed to investigate the relationship between the serum cystatin C (Cys C) level and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients of advanced age.

Methods

The study included 184 patients with ACS and 46 healthy control subjects. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 14.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results

The serum Cys C level was significantly higher in patients with than without ACS (1.24 ± 0.30 vs. 1.42 ± 0.46 mg/L, respectively). Patients with more stenotic coronary arteries were significantly more likely to have higher median serum Cys C and creatinine levels and a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate. The multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the serum Cys C level was independently associated with the presence of ACS and the quantity of stenotic coronary arteries after adjustment for confounding factors. Additionally, the serum Cys C level was positively correlated with age, the creatinine level, and the N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level in all patients but was negatively correlated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate.

Conclusion

A high serum Cys C level was independently associated with ACS and the quantity of stenotic coronary arteries in patients of advanced age regardless of renal function.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Count Programs: Scan of Current U.S. Practice
Authors: Ohlms Peter B. , Dougald Lance E. , MacKnight Hannah E.
Published: March 2019

As bicycling and walking have become more integrated into transportation agencies’ processes of planning, design, and operations, some state, regional, and local agencies have established nonmotorized data collection programs of varying scopes and with varying methods. The purpose of this study was to identify ways to plan and implement a nonmotorized count program in Virginia, and the scope included reviewing existing U.S. national-level guidance and examples from state departments of transportation (DOTs) other than Virginia’s to determine the most effective ways of implementing such a program. Study tasks included synthesizing the literature to obtain relevant information with regard to nonmotorized travel monitoring programs, practices, and technologies, as well as obtaining information from representatives of three states through interviews of public agency staff and researchers involved in each state’s program. The study found a large volume of recent research on the topic of nonmotorized travel monitoring. The study concluded that the practice of nonmotorized travel monitoring has evolved and expanded in recent years; that many commercially available counting technologies exist and have been evaluated; that the practice of nonmotorized travel monitoring, as with motorized travel monitoring, has several aspects beyond purchase and installation of automatic count equipment; and that several states are developing nonmotorized count programs and have begun putting their data to use. The findings provide a foundational resource for state DOTs that are considering developing state-level counting programs.
The Multidimensional Teachers’ Resilience Scale: Validation for Portuguese Teachers
Authors: Peixoto Francisco , Silva José Castro , Pipa Joana , Wosnitza Marold , Mansfield Caroline
Published: March 2019

This article presents the validation of the Multidimensional Teachers’ Resilience Scale (MTRS) for Portuguese teachers and proposes a hierarchical model to represent teachers’ resilience. Participants were 334 Portuguese teachers from elementary to secondary school who responded to the MTRS and a global measure of teachers’ resilience. Confirmatory factor analysis provided acceptable fit for a 13-item solution distributed by four factors. Results support the hierarchical structure of teachers’ resilience. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, and correlation analysis between the MTRS global score and the global measure of teachers’ resilience suggest that the MTRS is a valid and reliable instrument to assess teachers’ resilience.
Effects of piperonyl butoxide on exploratory behaviour in female mice
Authors: Tanaka Toyohito , Suzuki Toshinari , Inomata Akiko
Published: March 2019

Previous studies reported that piperonyl butoxide (PBO) induces adverse effects on exploratory behaviour in male mice. However, no consistent effects of PBO treatment were observed in female mice. This study aimed to evaluate PBO’s neurobehavioral effects in female mice. Female mice were exposed to PBO through diet to provide levels of 0 (control), 0.025%, 0.1%, and 0.4% from 5 to 12 weeks of age, and selected behavioural parameters were measured. The average female body weight showed no significant effect from PBO treatment through the experimental periods. Regarding multiple-T water maze performance at 10 weeks of age, no significant effect caused by PBO treatment was observed. Exploratory behaviour examination of 8-week-old female mice indicated that the average speed declined in a significant dose-related manner, and the longitudinal pattern indicated a significant difference between the control and high-dose groups. For exploratory behaviour examination at 11 weeks of age, the total exploration distance shortened in a significant dose-related manner, and the average speed declined similarly. These longitudinal patterns showed significant differences between the control and high-dose groups. The PBO dose levels in this study produced several adverse effects on exploratory behaviour in female mice.
The Path of Cicely Saunders: The “Peculiar Beauty” of Palliative Care
Authors: Miccinesi Guido , Caraceni Augusto , Garetto Ferdinando , Zaninetta Giovanni , Bertè Raffaella , Broglia Chiara M. , Farci Bruno , Aprile P. Lora , Luzzani Massimo , Marzi Annamaria M. , Mercadante Sebastiano , Montanari Luigi , Moroni Matteo , Piazza Elena , Pittureri Cristina , Tassinari Davide , Trentin Leonardo , Turriziani Adriana , Zagonel Vittorina , Maltoni Marco
Published: March 2019

This paper is aimed at focusing on the writings and the experience of the Hospice movement Founder, Dame Cicely Saunders. The in-depth analysis carried out had the objective of verifying if “the way” of Cicely to understand, live and propose palliative care was still current and “beautiful”, so that we can nowadays refer to her fascinating “Original Palliative Care”. With “beauty” we mean, on the one hand, a way able to allow a personal path of research of the meaning of the disease and of the care, both for those who care and for those who are cared for. On the other hand, it seems to us that Cicely strongly suggests how this path can not be carried out alone, but is only possible within the context of a network of relationships and support, in a so called “relational autonomy”, for the patient, included in a “care ethics”. The authors believe that the work extensively documents as the overall approach of Cicely, traditional but always to be rediscovered, is still today the most convincing way of conception and action of palliative care.
Teaching Observational Data Collection to Early Childhood Preservice Educators
Authors: Love Hailey R. , Horn Eva , An Zhe
Published: March 2019

Making data-based decisions is a pervasive expectation for educators and is linked to improved outcomes for students. Observational data collection for progress monitoring, in particular, can help educators track and support students’ progress toward individualized educational goals in inclusive settings. Yet, many educators struggle with data collection. In this study, the authors use a multiple baseline across participants’ single-case design to investigate the effectiveness of a data collection intervention on early childhood preservice educators’ data collection quality. Preservice educators received data collection templates, instruction, and individualized feedback to improve their ability to collect observational data and use it to inform practice. Preservice educators’ participation in the instructional program improved the quality of their data collection; however, continued feedback was necessary for some skills to improve. Implications for preparing early educators to collect and use observational progress monitoring data are discussed.
“Reclaiming Our Time”: Black Women, Resistance, and Rising Inequality: SWS Presidential Lecture
Authors: Harvey Wingfield Adia
Published: March 2019

In this presidential address, I use the metaphor of “reclaiming my time” as a framework that highlights the ways black women are playing an essential role transforming workplaces, media, and politics in the current moment. I consider how black feminist thought provides a useful starting point for assessing these efforts, and I examine how black women’s leadership offers a blueprint for how other groups also can restructure social institutions in an era of increasing polarization and inequality.
Collaboration for Strategic Change: Examining Dialectical Tensions in an Interorganizational Change Effort
Authors: Hoelscher Carrisa S.
Published: March 2019

Given the increasing number of interorganizational collaborations across governmental and private sectors, this study furthers theoretical understanding of these relationships by focusing on dialectical tensions experienced in a collaborative strategic change effort. The research site was an 11-member statewide interorganizational committee working to create change across all involved organizations. Data collection included prolonged observation of meetings over 18 months and interviews with committee leaders. Analytical procedures began with a modified constant comparative analysis that guided the research toward a tension-centered approach for ongoing data collection and analysis. Results include seven dialectical tensions representing three tension types: commitment-based, process-based, and outcome-based tensions. Participants used four strategies for communicatively negotiating tensions: acknowledging, delaying, hedging, and invoking authoritative texts. This study contributes to an increasing awareness of the constitutive nature of communication in collaborations and continues to refine our understanding of dialectical tension management in group interactions.
Enhancing Older Adults’ Sense of Belonging and Subjective Well-Being Through Sport Game Attendance, Team Identification, and Emotional Support
Authors: Inoue Yuhei , Wann Daniel L. , Lock Daniel , Sato Mikihiro , Moore Christopher , Funk Daniel C.
Published: March 2019

Objective: We investigate how (a) attendance at sport games and (b) identification with a sport team as fans (i.e., team identification) influence older adults’ perceptions of emotional support, belonging, and subjective well-being (SWB). Method: An experimental pilot study was conducted with 50 older adults, followed by a main survey study administered to 534 older adults from various communities across the United States. Results: Pilot study results indicated that game attendance and team identification had a positive and significant influence on older adults’ perceptions of emotional support from fellow team fans. These results were replicated in the main study, which also showed that older adults’ perceived emotional support from fellow fans was positively associated with their sense of belonging which predicted their SWB. Discussion: The findings provide insights into how older adults may be engaged in meaningful forms of social life to help them maintain and enhance mental health.
Data-driven uncertainty quantification for Formula 1: Diffuser, wing tip and front wing variations
Authors: Ahlfeld Richard , Ciampoli Fabio , Pietropaoli Marco , Pepper Nick , Montomoli Francesco
Published: March 2019

This work introduces a new uncertainty quantification method to better deal with scarce data and long simulation run times in Formula 1 design. Race cars are produced in low quantities and for maximum performance. Thus, their designing process is characterised by manufacturing data shortage and complex Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations with long run times. Their car aerodynamics is subject to many random variables that introduce uncertainty into the down-force and drag performance, such as variations in ride height, front wing direction and pitch angle. To accurately predict the car performance during a race, it is important to study the effect of these random variables. This assessment cannot be performed with the standard deterministic Computational Fluid Dynamics approaches used in Formula 1. Even with regard to stochastic approaches, no efficient method has so far been suggested that addresses the problem of data scarcity. The reason for this is that most efficient uncertainty quantification methods fit probability distributions to the scarce data. It is shown in this work that probability distribution fitting can create a significant error using a simple two-dimensional diffuser example. Subsequently, the use of a new data-driven Polynomial Chaos method and its sparse multi-dimensional extension is suggested and demonstrated for Formula 1 to reduce such errors. This method allows to avoid distribution fitting because it is based on pure data. SAMBA’s general formulation also makes it easier to combine any possible inputs within a sparse description for problems with many variables. SAMBA is applied to two realistic car three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations: a NACA 0012 tip wing and the front part of a Formula 1 car. The probabilistic variations of the lift and drag of these two configurations are calculated using SAMBA and shown to be significant.
Informing notions of climate change adaptation: a case study of everyday gendered realities of climate change adaptation in an informal settlement in Dar es Salaam
Authors: Schofield Daniela , Gubbels Femke
Published: March 2019

This paper examines the gendered dynamics of climate change adaptation in a rapidly urbanizing area of the global South. As climate change adaptation gains increasing prominence in global environmental policies and development strategies, there is a tendency to conceptualize adaptation as a technical process, disconnected from the everyday reality of how adaptation is practised by people facing negative climate change impacts. We present evidence from a small-scale case study of a flood-prone informal settlement in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to provide a contextually grounded contribution to a growing body of literature on gender, climate change and cities. We argue that the way climate change impacts are perceived, experienced and adapted to on an everyday level is characterized by gendered differences (among others). We demonstrate that a greater understanding of these gendered nuances highlights the disconnect between everyday gendered realities and a high-level technical notion of adaptation deployed at strategic and policy levels.
Group-Based Relative Deprivation Explains Endorsement of Extremism Among Western-Born Muslims
Authors: Obaidi Milan , Bergh Robin , Akrami Nazar , Anjum Gulnaz
Published: March 2019

Although jihadist threats are regarded as foreign, most Islamist terror attacks in Europe and the United States have been orchestrated by Muslims born and raised in Western societies. In the present research, we explored a link between perceived deprivation of Western Muslims and endorsement of extremism. We suggest that Western-born Muslims are particularly vulnerable to the impact of perceived relative deprivation because comparisons with majority groups’ peers are more salient for them than for individuals born elsewhere. Thus, we hypothesized that Western-born, compared with foreign-born, Muslims would score higher on four predictors of extremism (e.g., violent intentions), and group-based deprivation would explain these differences. Studies 1 to 6 ( Ns = 59, 232, 259, 243, 104, and 366, respectively) confirmed that Western-born Muslims scored higher on all examined predictors of extremism. Mediation and meta-analysis showed that group-based relative deprivation accounted for these differences. Study 7 ( N = 60) showed that these findings are not generalizable to non-Muslims.
The perceived influence of employee board members on decisions in Denmark and Norway
Authors: Rose Caspar , Hagen Inger Marie
Published: March 2019

Codetermination through board-level employee representation has a long tradition in Denmark and Norway. Since employee representatives are in a minority on the board, do they have a real say in decisions? Using survey data, we find a relatively large proportion of employee representatives who state that they have little or no influence on the decision-making process. A small minority claim to have significant influence on major strategic issues such as company restructuring. Neither gender nor length of board membership is related to perceived influence, which is also the case for board size. However, the more frequent the board meetings, the higher the level of perceived influence. The findings suggest that the present system does not empower board-level employee representatives.
Hydroxysafflor yellow A attenuates high glucose-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell dysfunction
Authors: Chen S , Ma J , Zhu H , Deng S , Gu M , Qu S
Published: March 2019

High glucose (HG) induces vascular injury in diabetes. Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) has been used to ameliorate ischemic cardiovascular diseases in China for many years. In the present study, we assessed whether HSYA has a potential protective role in HG-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) injury. Cell viability was determined with an 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining assay. The endothelial cell permeability was measured with a permeability assay. Cell adhesion molecule (CAM) expression, vascular endothelial growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor levels were detected with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was measured with a DCF-DA assay. Protein expression of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) was measured by Western blotting. Our data indicated that HG increases HUVEC apoptosis, vascular permeability, monocyte adhesion, the level of CAMs, the formation of ROS, and NOX4 expression. Our data revealed that HG increases vascular injury, which is attenuated by HSYA. Because vascular inflammation has a key role in the development of diabetes mellitus, our results implied that HSYA is considered as a potential agent for diabetic vascular injury treatment.
Outcomes following mycophenolate mofetil versus cyclophosphamide induction treatment for proliferative juvenile-onset lupus nephritis
Authors: Smith EMD , Al-Abadi E , Armon K , Bailey K , Ciurtin C , Davidson J , Gardner-Medwin J , Haslam K , Hawley D , Leahy A , Leone V , McErlane F , Mewar D , Modgil G , Moots R , Pilkington C , Ramanan A , Rangaraj S , Riley P , Sridhar A , Wilkinson N , Beresford M W , Hedrich C M
Published: March 2019

Background

Juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) is more severe than adult-onset disease, including more lupus nephritis (LN). Despite differences in phenotype/pathogenesis, treatment is based upon adult trials. This study aimed to compare treatment response, damage accrual, time to inactive LN and subsequent flare, in JSLE LN patients treated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) versus intravenous cyclophosphamide (IVCYC).

Methods

UK JSLE Cohort Study participants, ≤16 years at diagnosis, with ≥4 American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE, with class III or IV LN, were eligible. Mann–Whitney U tests, Fisher's exact test and Chi-squared tests were utilized for statistical analysis.

Results

Of the patients, 34/51 (67%) received MMF, and 17/51 (33%) received IVCYC. No significant differences were identified at 4–8 and 10–14 months post-renal biopsy and last follow-up, in terms of renal British Isles Lupus Assessment Grade scores, urine albumin/creatinine ratio, serum creatinine, ESR, anti-dsDNA antibody, C3 levels and patient/physician global scores. Standardized Damage Index scores did not differ between groups at 13 months or at last follow-up. Inactive LN was attained 262 (141–390) days after MMF treatment, and 151 (117–305) days following IVCYC ( p = 0.17). Time to renal flare was 451 (157–1266) days for MMF, and 343 (198–635) days for IVCYC ( p = 0.47).

Conclusion

This is the largest study to date investigating induction treatments for proliferative LN in children, demonstrating comparability of MMF and IVCYC.
‘A Certain Romance’: Style shifting in the language of Alex Turner in Arctic Monkeys songs 2006–2018
Authors: Flanagan Paul J
Published: March 2019

This paper reports on a diachronic study of the language employed by Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner in his songs over a 13-year period. The analysis adapts Simpson’s (1999) USA-5 model for studying accent in vocal performance, and focuses on the realisation of three phonological variables and two dialect variables in a 16,000-word corpus of 69 songs across all six albums released by the band. Hailing from High Green, Sheffield, Turner speaks with a vernacular Yorkshire accent, and the band’s early appeal (particularly in northern England) is often accredited partially to their authentic down-to-earth image, content and performance. Throughout their career, the band have evolved in terms of their musical genre and style, and, having recorded their first two albums in England, later albums were recorded and produced mostly in Los Angeles. Simpson’s model is modified in order to analyse trends in usage of five linguistic variables with non-standard variants iconic of northern British identity, with a view to analysing how Turner’s changing linguistic practice relates to his affiliation with vernacular and institutional norms, and thus his performance of different identities within songs.
Entrepreneurship and Subjective Well-Being: The Mediating Role of Psychological Functioning
Authors: Nikolaev Boris , Boudreaux Christopher John , Wood Matthew
Published: March 2019

Well-being is an essential outcome of engagement in entrepreneurship, but the pathway from self-employment to well-being is poorly understood. To address this, we develop a model in which psychological functioning—purposeful engagement with life, realization of personal talents and capabilities, and fulfillment of intrinsic needs such as autonomy and competence—mediates the relationship between entrepreneurship and subjective well-being. We test our model with data from the European Social Survey using structural equation modeling and a series of robustness tests (e.g., propensity score matching estimators and accounting for model uncertainty). Results suggest that entrepreneurship is associated with substantial benefits in terms of psychological functioning—both personal and social—which almost entirely mediate the relationship between entrepreneurship and subjective well-being. These findings highlight psychological functioning as a critical pathway between entrepreneurship and subjective well-being.
We’re All in the Same Boat: A Collective Model of Preserving and Accessing Nature-Based Opportunities
Authors: Wigger Karin Andrea , Shepherd Dean A.
Published: March 2019

This article explains how collective environmental entrepreneurship can ensure the sustainable exploitation of opportunities based on natural resources. We discuss the major threats entrepreneurial ventures face in pursuing potential nature-based opportunities and the collective action they take to preserve the associated natural resources while also providing access to them. This analysis adds to our understanding of environmental entrepreneurship by detailing the possible problems associated with exploiting potential nature-based opportunities, the ways ventures can come together to collectively address these exploitation challenges, and the benefits of such collective action (for both ventures and nature).
A review on modeling techniques of piezoelectric integrated plates and shells
Authors: Zhang Shun-Qi , Zhao Guo-Zhong , Rao Mekala Narasimha , Schmidt Rüdiger , Yu Ying-Jie
Published: March 2019

Piezoelectric materials embedded into plates and shells make the structures being capable of sensing and actuation, usually called smart structures, which are frequently used for shape and vibration control, noise control, health monitoring, and energy harvesting. To give a precise prediction of static and dynamic behavior of smart structures, the linear/nonlinear multi-physics coupled modeling technique is of great importance. The article attempts to present the available research on modeling of piezoelectric integrated plates and shells, including (1) through thickness hypotheses for beams, plates, and shells; (2) geometrically nonlinear theories for plates and shells; (3) electroelastic material linear/nonlinear modeling; (4) multi-physics coupled modeling; and (5) modeling of advanced piezo-fiber composite bonded structures.
Teacher Leadership? Voices of Backbone Teachers in China
Authors: Liang Jia “Grace” , Wang Feiye
Published: March 2019

This qualitative research investigated the applicability of teacher leadership, a notion mostly grounded in the Western literatures, to the educational settings in China. The current research focused on the Chinese lead teachers, backbone teachers (BTs), their experiences, and perspectives of teacher leadership. As a program designed to increase school capacity, the BT system has left its delivery of the promises largely to the local context. The BTs’ boundary expanding into other leadership domains traditionally considered as remote from the core of teaching and learning was at the mercy of the principal’s leadership and support.
The Pursuit of Success in Academia: Plato’s Ghost Asks “What then?”
Authors: Elangovan A. R. , Hoffman Andrew J.
Published: March 2019

What do we pursue as we seek success in academia? For most, the path to academic success focuses narrowly on A-level journal publications, which has caused a stealthy but steady erosion in the very essence of academia. In this essay, we explore that erosion by drawing on the poem by William Butler Yeats titled “What then?” to highlight the questions, doubts, and perils that lie at each of the four stages of academic life: doctoral student, junior professor, senior professor, and professor emeritus. We then offer a new set of questions that academics may ask at each stage to remain true to their sense of scholarly identity and calling. Our hope is to shine a critical spotlight on the modal journey and inspire a confident and courageous few to deviate from that well-trodden path and chart a course that is truer to the essence, purpose, and potential of academia.
Application of an efficient anisotropic damage model to the prediction of the failure of metal forming processes
Authors: Nasab Ali Salehi , Mashayekhi Mohammad
Published: March 2019

The main objective of this study is the numerical implementation of an advanced elastic–plastic model fully coupled with anisotropic ductile damage. The implemented formulation has been defined in the framework of thermodynamics of irreversible processes and a symmetric second-order tensor is adopted to describe the anisotropic damage state variable. After a summary of the main constitutive equations is given, the numerical integration of constitutive equations is performed using implicit and asymptotic integration schemes. Finite element simulation is performed using ABAQUS/Explicit software and the developed VUMAT subroutine. Next, the application of the developed model to T-shaped hydroforming of tubes and square-cup deep drawing metal forming processes is thoroughly discussed and failure onset zones due to anisotropic ductile damage growth are predicted and the results were consistent with the literature. Finally, by making an assumption that kinematic hardening can be ignored, an elastic predictor/plastic corrector algorithm requiring the solution of one equation is introduced. The assessment of the developed one-equation return-mapping algorithm is carried out by applying it to the simulation of the tensile test of a pre-notched bar. The Central Prossessing Unit time decreases noticeably using one-equation return mapping algorithm compared to the conventional return mapping algorithm and the numerical results are in good agreement with previous numerical simulations and experiments.
When History Meets Neurology: Neurological Diseases of Famous People
Authors: Chirchiglia Domenico , Chirchiglia Pasquale , Marotta Rosa
Published: March 2019

This retrospective review focuses on some illustrious personalities of history, who have suffered from neurological illnesses. Neurological diseases represent about 10% of all illnesses, and therefore do not spare anyone, much less, famous people. In this review, we discuss the neurological disorders that have struck some celebrities throughout history. We briefly examine the lives of emperors, writers, poets, and musicians that have suffered from neurological diseases such as epilepsy, stroke, tumors, and other illnesses, and which caused death or disability. From a historical point of view, recollection of the lives of famous people afflicted by neurological disorders holds important lessons for future generations.
Understanding Communication Effectiveness, Communication Satisfaction, Self-Efficacy, and Self-Care Management Among Patients With Chronic Disease
Authors: Kashian Nicole , Mirzaei Tala
Published: March 2019

This study investigates channel choice and effective patient-provider communication, patient satisfaction, self-efficacy, and self-care management among patients with a chronic disease by applying and testing two prominent media choice theories: channel expansion theory and media synchronicity theory. A national sample of respondents with chronic disease completed measures assessing constructs from each theory. The model for media synchronicity theory provided a better fit for the data than did the model for channel expansion theory. By providing an integrative model of effective patient-provider communication, this research provides practitioners and patients with theoretically -based empirical guidance to advance the study of chronic disease management.
Cornea guttata associated with special phenotypic variants of granular corneal dystrophy type 2 in a Chinese family
Authors: Zhang Tao , Liu Chang , He Jingliang , Kang Yanwei , Wang Feng , Li Shaowei
Published: March 2019

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to analyze the relevant gene mutations in a Chinese family with special phenotypic variants of granular corneal dystrophy type 2 with cornea guttata.

Methods:

A total of 11 individuals from the affected family underwent complete ophthalmic examination. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes of affected and unaffected family members. High-throughput sequencing was performed to screen for mutations in 290 genes associated with inherited ophthalmic diseases. Results were validated by bidirectional Sanger sequencing.

Results:

An Arg124His (R124H) mutation of the transforming growth factor beta-induced gene was identified in three members of the affected family: the proband (II-1), his mother (I-2), and his son (III-1). The eyes of the proband and his mother had bilateral superficial whitish ring patches with clear centers occupying their central corneas and appeared to be discoid or ring shaped. In addition, specular microscopic examination showed the presence of dark, round bodies. In vivo confocal microscopy showed some hyporeflective round images (cornea guttata), containing occasionally central highlight, in the proband, his mother, and one of his elder sisters.

Conclusion:

We report, for the first time, atypical granular corneal dystrophy type 2 with cornea guttata associated with a single R124H mutation in a Chinese family. Our findings emphasize that genotyping is essential for the accurate diagnosis and classification of granular corneal dystrophy type 2.
Trans-scleral posterior capsulorhexis in combined lens extraction and silicone oil removal
Authors: Soliman Wael , Mohamed Tarek A , Abdelazeem Khaled , Sharaf Mohamed
Published: March 2019

Aim:

The aim of this study was to study the safety and efficacy of posterior capsulorhexis in vitrectomized eyes undergoing combined phacoemulsification or irrigation/aspiration and silicone oil removal.

Methods:

This prospective non-randomized interventional study involved 115 silicone-filled eyes of 115 previously vitrectomized patients. All patients underwent combined phacoemulsification or underwent irrigation/aspiration and silicone oil removal, followed by foldable intraocular lens implantation combined with primary posterior trans-scleral capsulorhexis. A 23-gauge trans-scleral vitrectomy probe was used to form the posterior capsulorhexis (vitrectorhexis). Patients were followed for 6 months.

Results:

Intraocular lenses maintained good centration in the capsular bag during and after trans-scleral posterior capsulorhexis. No complications were observed in the postoperative period regarding lens centration or size of the posterior capsulorhexis. No included eyes needed YAG laser posterior capsulotomy and no recurrent retinal detachment was reported during follow-up.

Conclusion:

Performing primary trans-scleral capsulorhexis in patients undergoing combined phacoemulsification, or irrigation/aspiration and silicone oil removal, enabled achievement of an early postoperative clear visual axis and prevented the onset of dense postoperative posterior capsular opacification in previously silicone-filled eyes. This technique is reproducible and may facilitate additional intra-operative procedures and uncomplicated postoperative follow-up of retinal detachment patients without requiring YAG laser capsulotomy.