bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miR-33a Mediates the Anti-Tumor Effect of Lovastatin in Osteosarcoma by Targeting CYR61
Authors: Huang Yazeng , Zhang Jun , Shao Haiyu , Liu Jianwen , Jin Mengran , Chen Jinping , Zhao Hongying
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Preventing cell metastasis is an effective therapeutic strategy to treat osteosarcoma and improve prognosis. Statins have been found to have anticancer effects in addition to their cholesterol-lowering action. As a new target of statins, cysteine-rich 61 (CYR61) was recently identified to promote cell migration and metastasis in osteosarcoma. However, the underlying mechanisms mediating the regulation of CYR61 expression by statins remain unknown. Methods: Human osteosarcoma cell lines MG63 and SaOS2 were used to clarify the effect of lovastatin on CYR61 expression. Real-time PCR was performed to detect mRNA or microRNA (miRNA) levels and western blot was performed to detect protein levels. Cell invasive ability was determined using Transwell assays. Lentivirus encoding CYR61 cDNA or sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP-2) shRNA was used to upregulate CYR61 expression or downregulate SREBP-2 expression. Binding of the CYR61 3’ untranslated region (UTR) and miR-33a was analyzed by luciferase reporter assay. Results: We found that lovastatin treatment decreased CYR61 expression, inhibited cell invasion and altered epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT)-related protein expression, while CYR61 overexpression abolished the effect of lovastatin. Moreover, lovastatin increased the expression of SREBP-2 and miR-33a, which were then downregulated by SREBP-2 silencing. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the CYR61 3′UTR harbored a potential miR-33a binding site and luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that CYR61 was a target of miR-33a in osteosarcoma cells. Furthermore, miR-33a could inhibit cell invasion and alter EMT-related protein expression. SREBP-2 silencing or miR-33a inhibitor upregulated CYR61 expression and reversed the effects of lovastatin on cell invasion and EMT-related proteins. Conclusion: Our findings suggest lovastatin suppresses osteosarcoma cell invasion through the SREBP-2/miR-33a/CYR61 pathway.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Impact of Hypoxia on Infarcted Myocardium: Better or Worse?
Authors: Pang Bo , Zhao Fei , Zhou Yang , He Bin , Huang Wei , Zhang Fan , Long Yong-Gui , Xia Xi , Liu Mao-Lin , Jiang Yun-Han 
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Patients with myocardial infarction and hypoxemia require supplemental oxygen. However, the current therapeutic paradigm is contradicted by several recent studies in which the post-infarcted heart appears to benefit from systemic hypoxia. With this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to discover whether systemic hypoxia is beneficial or detrimental to the infarcted myocardium. Methods: We conducted an electronic search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases and extracted the outcomes of cardiac function, geometry, and hemodynamics. A random-effect model was applied when the I2 value of greater than 50%. The sensitivity analysis was performed by omitting one study at a time, and publication bias was assessed using Egger’s test. In addition, the quality of studies was evaluated using the risk of bias tool devised by the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation. Results: Six reports comprising 14 experiments were ultimately screened from among 10,323 initially identified preclinical studies. Few studies reported the method of randomization and none described allocation concealment, random outcome assessment or blinding. Overall, chronic hypoxia was found to have a beneficial effect on the ejection fraction (standard mean difference [SMD] = 5.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.83 to 6.95; P < 0.001) of the infarcted heart, whereas acute hypoxia significantly improved hemodynamics, as indicated by an increase in the maximal rate of rise of left ventricular pressure (SMD = 1.27; 95% CI, 0.27 to 2.28; P = 0.013) and cardiac output (SMD = 1.26; 95% CI, 0.34 to 2.18; P = 0.007) and a decrease in total systematic vascular resistance (SMD = –0.89; 95% CI, –1.24 to –0.53; P < 0.001). Furthermore, a reduced oxygen content increased the stroke volume (P = 0.010). However, hypoxia reduced the end-systolic (SMD = –2.67; 95% CI, –4.09 to –1.26; P < 0.001) and end-diastolic (SMD = –3.61; 95% CI, –4.65 to –2.57; P < 0.001) left ventricular diameters and increased the total pulmonary resistance (SMD = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.20 to 1.33; P = 0.008), pulmonary arterial mean pressure (SMD = 2.02; 95% CI, 0.23 to 3.81; P = 0.027), and left atrial pressure (SMD = 1.20; 95% CI, 0.57 to 1.82; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Hypoxia significantly improved heart function after infarction, with particular beneficial effects on systolic function and hemodynamics. However, it had slightly adverse effects on pulmonary circulation and left ventricular geometry. A lower inspired oxygen concentration may improve cardiac function, although further research is needed to determine the optimum level of hypoxia. Finally, more studies of hypoxia and myocardial infarction in larger species are required before these findings can be incorporated into therapeutic guidelines.
4-Octyl Itaconate Activates Nrf2 Signaling to Inhibit Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Production in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients
Authors: Tang Chun , Wang Xiaohua , Xie Yingying , Cai Xiaoyan , Yu Na , Hu Yudan , Zheng Zhihua
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Increased production of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6, plays an essential pathogenic role in the progression of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Recent studies have characterized itaconate as a novel and potent nuclear-factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activator that activates Nrf2 signaling by alkylating cysteine residues on Keap1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1). Methods: THP-1 human macrophages and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of SLE patients were treated with 4-octyl itaconate (OI). Nrf2 signaling activation was tested by qPCR assay and western blotting. mRNA expression and the production of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines were tested by qPCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. Nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation was tested by the p65 DNA-binding assay. Results: We demonstrated that OI, the cell-permeable derivative of itaconate, induced Keap1-Nrf2 dissociation, Nrf2 protein accumulation, and nuclear translocation, which enabled the transcription and expression of multiple Nrf2-dependentantioxidant enzymes (heme oxygenase-1, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1, and glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit) in THP-1 human macrophages. OI also induced significant Nrf2 activation in SLE patient-derived PBMCs. OI pretreatment inhibited mRNA expression and the production of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in SLE patient-derived PBMCs and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated THP-1 cells. OI potently inhibited NF-κB activation in SLE patient-derived PBMCs and LPS-activated THP-1 cells. Importantly, Nrf2 silencing (by targeted short hairpin RNA) or knockout (by CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing method) almost abolished OI-induced anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory actions in SLE patient-derived PBMCs and LPS-activated THP-1 cells. Conclusion: OI activates Nrf2 signaling to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in human macrophages and SLE patient-derived PBMCs. OI and itaconate could have important therapeutic value for the treatment of SLE.
MTHFD2 Overexpression Predicts Poor Prognosis in Renal Cell Carcinoma and is Associated with Cell Proliferation and Vimentin-Modulated Migration and Invasion
Authors: Lin Hao  , Huang Bin , Wang Hua , Liu Xincheng , Hong Yuxiang , Qiu Shaopeng , Zheng Junhong
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: To investigate the role of methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 2 (MTHFD2) in the clinical prognosis and cell biology of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods: A total of 137 RCC tissues were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The relationship between MTHFD2 overexpression and clinical parameters and vimentin expression was assessed. Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank test were applied for survival analysis according to MTHFD2 and vimentin expression in RCC tissues. The expression of MTHFD2 mRNA and protein was examined by quantitative reverse transcription PCR and western blotting, respectively. To determine further the biological activity of MTHFD2 in RCC, 786-O cells were transfected with short hairpin RNA specifically targeting MTHFD2 (shMTHFD2) with or without tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α stimulation. Cell proliferation, cell migration and invasion and drug sensitivity were subsequently assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8, wound healing, and Transwell assays. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that both MTHFD2 and vimentin overexpression was positively associated with clinical staging, pathological grade, and poor overall survival (all P < 0.05). MTHFD2 expression was closely correlated with vimentin overexpression in RCC (r = 0.402, P < 0.001). After knocking down MTHFD2 expression in 786-O cells, decreased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were observed and accompanied by the reduced expression of vimentin. The effects of MTHFD2 down-regulation could be partially restrained by TNF-α treatment. Vimentin expression and cell migration and invasion, but not cell proliferation, were reversed by TNF-α stimulation. Furthermore, treatment of 786-O cells with shMTHFD2 increased their sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs. Conclusion: The current results demonstrated that MTHFD2 was overexpressed in RCC and associated with poor clinical characteristics, vimentin expression, and cellular features connected to malignant disease, thus, implicating MTHFD2 as a potential target for RCC therapy.
UM ENSAIO SOBRE A ASCENSÃO DE DONALD J. TRUMP
Authors: Finguerut Ariel , De Oliveira Thayris
Published: November 2018

A proposta deste ensaio é discutir a ascensão de Donald J. Trump, suas ideias, estratégias políticas fazendo uma análise tanto de conjuntura doméstica como seus impactos na projeção internacional dos Estados Unidos. Neste caminho discutimos conceitos como a polarização política, o populismo, a pós-verdade e a manipulação do medo especialmente contra o islã.
A Geometria do Mundo Islâmico: Uma Proposta Transdisciplinar Para a Engenharia Civil
Authors: Rocha Marília Valério
Published: November 2018

O objetivo deste Relato de Pesquisa é apresentar uma proposta transdisciplinar, parte de um Doutorado em Educação Matemática, defendido em 2016. O material didático elaborado (Caderno) partiu de uma imersão histórica e propôs a exploração dos mosaicos e as modelagens geométricas do Domo da Rocha em Jerusalém e da muqarna do Santuário de Bastami no Irã e destina-se às disciplinas de Educação Gráfica, na Engenharia Civil. No presente artigo, procurou-se discutir o aspecto transdisciplinar desse material didático. O referencial teórico adotado foi a Teoria da Cognição Corporificada, de Lakoff e Nunez (2005) e Fauconnier (2005). As obras estudadas foram apresentadas como metáforas arquitetônicas, conforme Pallasmaa (2013). Realizou-se uma Investigação Avaliativa seguindo alguns passos para avaliação de manuais escolares sugeridos por Gérard e Roegiers (1998). A pesquisa foi realizada com profissionais da área, que analisaram e apresentaram contribuições à proposta. Os resultados apontaram que o Caderno tem potencial para ser considerado como alternativa na Educação Gráfica.
Revision of the family Euryplacidae Stimpson, 1871 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Goneplacoidea)
Authors: CASTRO PETER , NG PETER K. L.
Published: November 2018

The family Euryplacidae Stimpson, 1871, traditionally included in the Goneplacidae MacLeay, 1838, is revised based on the examination of the type material of many of its species as well as unidentified and previously identified material from around the world. The revised family now consists of 31 species (including five that are described as new) belonging to 13 genera (including four that are described as new): Eucrate De Haan, 1835, with eight species, of which one is new; Euryplax Stimpson, 1859, with two species; Frevillea A. Milne-Edwards, 1880, with three species; Henicoplax n. gen., with five species of which three are new; Heteroplax Stimpson, 1858, monotypic; Machaerus Leach, 1818, with two species; Nancyplax Lemaitre, García-Gómez, von Sternberg & Campos, 2001, monotypic; Platyozius Borradaile, 1902, monotypic; Psopheticoides Sakai, 1969, monotypic; Systroplax n. gen., monotypic; Trissoplax n. gen., with two species, of which one is new; Trizocarcinus Rathbun, 1914, with two species; Villoplax n. gen., monotypic; and Xenocrate Ng & Castro, 2007, monotypic. The genus Platyozius and Eucrate formosensis Sakai, 1974, are removed from the synonymy of Eucrate and E. alcocki Serène, in Serène & Lohavanijaya, 1973, respectively. Neotypes are selected for Heteroplax dentata Stimpson, 1858, and Pilumnoplax sulcatifrons Stimpson, 1858, two species described from Hong Kong that have a confusing taxonomic history. A neotype is also selected for Euryplax nitida Stimpson, 1859, described from the Florida Keys. Seven nominal species described by other authors were found to be junior subjective synonyms for other species: Eucrate affinis Haswell, 1882, E. costata Yang & Sun 1979, E. haswelli Campbell 1969, and Pseudorhombila sulcatifrons var. australiensis Miers, 1884, of Trissoplax dentata (Stimpson, 1858); Galene laevimanus (Lucas, in Jacquinot & Lucas, 1853) of Eucrate dorsalis (White, 1849); Heteroplax nagasakiensis Sakai, 1934, of H. transversa Stimpson, 1858; and Pilumnoplax sulcatifrons Stimpson, 1858, of Eucrate crenata (De Haan, 1835). Eight euryplacid genera are exclusively found in the Indo-West Pacific region (except one species introduced in the Mediterranean), one is exclusive to each the Eastern Atlantic and Tropical Eastern Pacific regions, three to the Western Atlantic region, and one genus has both Western Atlantic and Tropical Eastern Pacific species.
Morphological characterization and genotyping of the marbled crayfish and new evidence on its origin
Authors: VOGT GÜNTER , LUKHAUP CHRIS , WILLIAMS BRONWYN W. , PFEIFFER MICHAEL , DORN NATHAN J. , SCHULZ RALF , SCHRIMPF ANNE
Published: November 2018

The obligately parthenogenetic marbled crayfish, Procambarus virginalis, is the first formally described asexual species of the Crustacea Decapoda. It is a triploid descendant of the sexually reproducing slough crayfish, Procambarus fallax. Here we describe the morphology of cultured and wild marbled crayfish of wide size ranges in detail and photodocument all taxonomically relevant characters. Some morphological traits and coloration showed considerable variation within populations despite the monoclonal nature of marbled crayfish. There were also significant differences between wild and laboratory populations with respect to body proportions, coloration and spination. Comparison with Procambarus fallax revealed no qualitative morphological characters that unambiguously identify the marbled crayfish. Analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI) and nuclear microsatellites of marbled crayfish and Procambarus fallax from different sources indicated that the tri-allelic microsatellite PclG-02 is better suitable than COI to identify the marbled crayfish. A respective identification key is provided. The COI and microsatellites of Procambarus fallax from different areas of Florida and southern Georgia suggest that the parents of the first marbled crayfish may have come from northern Union County, northern Florida.
A new species of Eurysthea Thomson, 1861 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) from Colombia
Authors: TABOADA-VERONA CARLOS , BOTERO JUAN PABLO
Published: November 2018

Eurysthea Thomson, 1861 is currently composed of 23 species (Botero & Santos-Silva 2017; Monné 2018). Its distribution extends from Nicaragua to Argentina, with a certain preference toward the sub-Andean forest areas and the Atlantic forest (Martins 2005; Monné 2018). Currently, six species are recorded for Colombia (Botero & Santos-Silva 2017; Monné 2018): E. antonkozlovi Botero & Santos-Silva, 2017; E. barsevskisi Botero & Santos-Silva, 2017; E. cribripennis Bates, 1885; E. rotundicollis (Martins, 1995); E. sordida (Erichson, 1847); and E. tatianakozlovae Botero & Santos-Silva, 2017.
Introducing Aesthetics Into Status Analysis: The Case of French Contemporary Poetry
Authors: Dubois Sébastien , François Pierre
Published: November 2018

The consecration of artists is a fundamental issue in the study of artistic fields. Status theory proposes that consecration (or “status”) is constructed through associations between actors, leading the actors to choose partners whose status is comparable to theirs. This theory, widely used in the study of artistic consecration, tends to undersocialize actors as it only considers their relative position in the status order. In particular, it hypothesizes that when two actors associate, they do so on the basis of their relative position in their respective areas of reference. Yet status theory can be accused of ignoring the aesthetic dimension of the works produced. In other words, it overlooks what makes art worlds distinct from other fields of production. The aim of this article is to complete this hypothesis by showing how aesthetic affinities can contribute to pairing choices (between a publisher and a poet, in particular), and how these aesthetic affinities can play a determining role in unequal artistic consecration.
Preparation of sustained-release fragrance based on the cavity structure of β-cyclodextrin and its application in cotton fabric
Authors: Xiao Zuobing , Deng Juan , Niu Yunwei , Zhu Guangyong , Zhu Jiancai , Liu Min , Liu Sihong
Published: November 2018

The present study reported the formation of fragrance/β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) inclusion complexes aimed to promote thermal stability and controlled release. Then, the fragrance/β-CD inclusion complexes were applied in cotton fabrics through impregnation to obtain aromatic cotton fabrics. The surface morphology and structures of the fragrance/β-CD inclusion complexes were examined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; these analysis results confirmed the formation of inclusion complexes. The stability tests were performed by thermogravimetric analysis and the results confirmed these inclusion complexes had good thermal stability. The surface morphology of the cotton fabrics impregnated by fragrance/β-CD inclusion complexes were tested by SEM. Slow-release experiments of the aromatic cotton fabrics performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and an electronic nose proved that the cotton fabrics impregnated by fragrance/β-CD inclusion complexes had excellent slow-release properties. Moreover, the continuous aroma release time of the cotton fabrics impregnated by fragrance/β-CD inclusion complexes reached up to 80 days.
Teaching, Learning, and Assessment With Virtualization Technology
Authors: Huang Albert
Published: November 2018

This article describes how virtualization technology can provide a solution to the difficulties in teaching, learning, and assessing students’ performance in computer networking subjects. The focus of this article is to show how virtualization technology can provide students with hands-on practice, can largely reduce the need for physical resources, can improve teaching effectiveness, and can provide unique assessment opportunities that would not be available with physical computers in a laboratory. Several techniques used to provide in-depth assessment of learning outcomes are described. A sample assignment is also included.
The more concentrated, the better represented? The geographical concentration of immigrants and their descriptive representation in the German mixed-member system
Authors: Geese Lucas , Schacht Diana
Published: November 2018

Does the geographical concentration of ethnic minorities influence their descriptive representation in closed-list systems? Counterintuitive to the idea that single-member district electoral rules are necessary for minorities’ geographical representation, we argue that, in closed-list systems, parties are incentivised to allocate promising list positions to those minority candidates who are based in geographical areas where minorities concentrate. Empirically, we provide a case study of the list positions of dual candidates of immigrant origin running in the German mixed-member system in 2013. Results show a relationship between the list positions of candidates of immigrant origin and geographical concentrations of immigrant-origin residents.
Consumer Information for Data-Driven Decision Making: Teaching Socially Responsible Use of Data
Authors: Walker Kristen L. , Moran Nora
Published: November 2018

The marketing field is undergoing dramatic shifts in the digital age. The increasing reliance on, collection, and use of data enabled by technological innovations requires teaching the responsible use of data for personalization, and marketing educators play a critical role. Students, universities, accrediting agencies, and employers demand curriculum that equips students with appropriate knowledge, skills, and abilities to make data-driven decisions. We explore the curricular advantages of a unique marketing course that applies a social science lens to frame the emerging issue of socially responsible data usage. This type of curriculum fulfills students’ needs for current and relevant courses; provides key knowledge, skills, and abilities for prospective employers; meets department curriculum and resource requirements, all while addressing existing and newer AACSB guidelines for “Technology Agility” with a focus on “evidence-based decision making that integrates current and emerging technologies, . . . [the] ethical use and dissemination of data, including privacy and security of data.”
Expression of β-catenin in human trophoblast and its role in placenta accreta and placenta previa
Authors: Han Qing , Zheng Lianghui , Liu Zhaodong , Luo Jinying , Chen Rongxin , Yan Jianying
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To investigate the expression of β-catenin in chorionic villi, and to explore its roles in placenta accreta and placenta previa.

Methods

We compared β-catenin expression in the control group, placenta accreta group (lesion area and normal zones), and placenta previa group (placental central and placental edge zones) by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and RT-PCR techniques.

Results

Compared with the normal group, the placenta accreta group had a longer length of stay, greater bleeding volume, and lower newborn birth weight. Further, the expression of β-catenin was lower in both placenta previa and placenta accreta groups than in the control group, as measured by immunohistochemistry. Compared with the control group, expression of β-catenin was significantly lower in the placenta previa and placenta accreta groups by Western blotting and RT-PCR. Importantly, the level of placental β-catenin was significantly different when compared between the lesion and normal zones of placenta.

Conclusion

The expression of β-catenin in placenta accreta might play an important role in the regulation of placental cell invasion; low expression of β-catenin in placenta accreta might be responsible for excessive trophoblastic invasion.
Socializing for Authentic Caring Engagement in Nursing Practice: Nursing Student Moral Development in Preceptorship
Authors: Vihos Jill , Myrick Florence , Yonge Olive
Published: November 2018

Background

The purpose of this study was to explore the basic psychosocial process of undergraduate nursing student moral development in clinical preceptorship.

Method

A grounded theory approach was used to explore the process within the context of clinical practice and the student–preceptor–faculty member relationship.

Results

Socializing for authentic caring engagement in nursing practice emerged from the data as the basic psychosocial process of nursing student moral development in preceptorship. This process included four key categories: (a) distinguishing nursing and moral identity in practice, (b) learning to recognize the patient’s experience, (c) identifying moral issues in practice and creating meaning of practice encounters, and (d) becoming an advocate and reconciling moral issues in practice.

Conclusion

Findings emerging from this study illustrate the processes of how nursing students work through moral issues and the role of faculty and preceptors in engaging students with moral encounters in the context of preceptorship.
Identifying logistical parameters in hospitals: Does literature reflect integration in hospitals? A scoping study
Authors: van der Ham Annelies , Boersma Henri , van Raak Arno , Ruwaard Dirk , van Merode Frits
Published: November 2018

In order to improve the quality and efficiency of hospitals, they can be viewed as a logistical system in which integration is a critical factor for performance. This paper describes the results of a scoping study that identifies the logistical parameters mentioned in international research on hospitals and indicates whether literature reflects system integration. When subsystems collaborate in order to accomplish the task of the entire organization, there is integration. A total number of 106 logistical parameters are identified in our study. In addition, the flow type – patients, materials and staff – and hospital subsystems were registered. The results presented in international literature show that logistics is highly fragmented in hospitals. Studies also show integration, although this takes place mainly within the subsystems of hospitals. A multi-agent perspective on hospitals is proposed, following the view that both integration and differentiation are essential for effective organizational performance. Given the widely recognised importance of controlling hospital costs and the potential of logistics to help in this process, it is important to gain more knowledge of hospitals as network organizations, as well as knowledge regarding the degree of integration and the logistical parameters that are required for better hospital performance.
Porosity effect on tensile behavior of Ti-6Al-4V specimens produced by laser engineered net shaping technology
Authors: Razavi N , Bordonaro GG , Ferro P , Torgersen J , Berto F
Published: November 2018

Microstructural characteristics of additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V specimens are analyzed in this study. Laser Engineered Net Shaping technology, a direct energy deposition additive manufacturing process, is used to fabricate specimens. Effects of process parameters including machine head laser power, head write speed, layer height, hatch spacing, and powder flow rate on the morphological features of the material are investigated. A first batch of samples is built with a combination of parameters leading to full density metal parts across each layer and near-zero defects likewise more conventional process techniques (i.e. wrought and casting). A second batch of samples is built with a set of processing parameters aimed to induce defects within the parts like voids and porosity. Samples from both batches were stress-relieved in order to remove internal residual stresses generated by the additive manufacturing process. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to characterize the microstructure of all samples. Tensile properties were measured after the stress-relief heat treatment. It was found that Laser Engineered Net Shaping technology parts are strongly sensitive to variations of building process parameters. Different structure morphologies were observed for different incident energies and cooling rates due to the combination of laser power and head write speed. The grain size distribution and shape are influenced by the powder flow rate resulting in either equiaxed or columnar grain microstructures with the development of material defects such as pores, gas entrapment and lack of fusion. Non-porous specimens revealed comparable tensile and ductility properties with the wrought counterpart; however, porous specimens were found to have a reduced strength and ductility.
Border Securitisation and Politics of State Policy in Nigeria, 2014–2017
Authors: Faleye Olukayode A.
Published: November 2018

This article examines the politics of public policies characterised by increased securitisation of Nigeria’s national boundary from 2014 to 2017. While the regulation appears on paper to discourage transborder crime, capital outflow and sustain a favourable balance of payment, the existing armoury of West African border literature argues otherwise. What is new in the transborder dynamics of West Africa? What informs government’s border policies in Nigeria? In answering these questions, this study provides a template for a reassessment of the gap between borderlands theory and policy in West Africa. The approach is comparative based on the critical analysis of oral interviews, government trade records, newspaper reports and the extant literature. The article provides a platform for rethinking of the nexus between governance and development in West Africa from the securitisation and neo-patrimonial perspectives. It concludes that effective border management in Nigeria is set aback by misguided and dysfunctional elitist-centred regulations that are devoid of the realities on the ground.
Knowledge Gaps About End-of-Life Decision Making Among Mexican American Older Adults and Their Family Caregivers: An Integrative Review
Authors: Crist Janice D. , Ortiz-Dowling Evangeline M. , Shea Kimberly D. , Phillips Linda R.
Published: November 2018

Introduction: Mexican Americans (MAs) are the largest, fastest growing Latino subgroup in the United States, yet their use of hospice is limited. To better understand this disparity, the authors conducted an integrative review focused on MA caregiving families’ end-of-life (EOL) care decisions. Method: In this literature review, the authors content analyzed results and discussions of 22 research studies focused on EOL decisions, which sampled MA adults at least 50 years old and/or families. The authors used Whittemore and Knafl’s integrative review process, employing constructs from the Ethno-Cultural Gerontological Nursing Model. Results: Topics included attitudes toward hospice, life-sustaining treatment, advance care planning, EOL decision making, perceptions of a good death, and life-limiting illnesses. EOL research for MA caregiving families is meager, largely atheoretical, and rarely validated by subsequent studies. Discussion: Nursing research is needed to extend theory and policy in order to skillfully match EOL care with MA caregiving families’ needs.
Actuation of a carbon/epoxy beam using shape memory alloy wires
Authors: Damansabz Reza , Taheri-Behrooz Fathollah
Published: November 2018

Shape memory effect of NiTi wires is utilized to design various smart composite structures. In these systems, smart wires can induce strains in the host structure by their inherent shape memory effect and phase transformation at elevated temperatures. This article presents an experimental and numerical study on the actuation capability of shape memory alloy wires embedded in the carbon/epoxy composite. In the experimental part, hybrid shape memory alloy/carbon/epoxy composite specimens are fabricated and examined to measure induced strains in the host structure by the phase transformation of the shape memory alloy wires. Hybrid composite specimens were clamped at one end, and the shape memory alloy wires were activated using electrical resistive heating. Numerical simulations were carried out using ABAQUS software to simulate the actual thermomechanical behavior of the hybrid composite specimens. A three-dimensional finite element model based on cohesive zone modeling is used to predict interfacial debonding in hybrid composite plates. The results of the parametric study suggest that by increasing Young’s modulus of the host composites, the amount of the induced strain decreases rapidly. However, for Young’s moduli more than 20 GPa, the induced strain will stay almost constant. Moreover, it was confirmed that increasing the shape memory alloy pre-strain without controlling the actuation temperature may result in the reduction of induced strain in the host composites.
Benchmark solution for multilayer magneto-electro-elastic plates adhesively bonded by viscoelastic interlayer
Authors: Wu Peng , Dong Jiaqi , Zhang Linglong , Qin Qing-Hua
Published: November 2018

An analytical solution is developed for a simply supported multilayer magneto-electro-elastic plate, which is adhesively bonded by viscoelastic interlayer and subjected to transverse loading. The three-dimensional equations of magneto-electro-elasticity are used to describe the mechanical behavior in each layer of the plate, while the mechanical property of the viscoelastic interlayer is simulated by the standard linear solid model with strain memory effect. The imperfect electric conditions between adjacent layers are considered. Making use of the Fourier series expansion as well as the state-space method, a linear equation system to the solution of the problem considered is derived. By means of the Laplace transformation, the undetermined coefficients contained in the equation system are obtained analytically. The present solution can be used as the benchmark to assess the other numerical solutions. The comparison study shows a trend that the finite element solution converges to the proposed theoretical results as the mesh density increases; in contrast to the theoretical solution, the finite element solution is, however, time-consuming, in terms of mesh division and calculation. In this study, the effects of the time; interlayer thickness; and interlayer electric coefficient on the mechanical, electric, and magnetic fields are also investigated.
Causality Advocacy: Workers’ Compensation Cases as Resources for Identifying and Preventing Diseases of Modernity
Authors: Gilbertson Michael , Brophy James
Published: November 2018

An appeal process for an injured worker compensation case is a unique opportunity to debate and integrate evidence concerning a potential causal relationship between observations of occupational disease and exposures to various putative risk factors that may also be of significance in public health protection. Through application of Hill’s indicia to the evidence presented in a recent appeal process concerning a breast cancer case for a female border guard, a novel epidemic, tentatively called “occupational BRCAness” has been identified and a causal relationship with exposures to traffic-related air pollution and shift work and possibly secondhand tobacco smoke is inferred. Application of the audit method by worker advocates to other compensation appeals processes for other diseases might similarly yield causal relations with exposures to occupational risk factors with relevance to public health.
Always on the Edge of the Next Big Storm, the Next Big Spill, Always Vulnerable: An Interview With Bayou Interfaith Shared Community Organizing
Authors: Sullivan John , Parady Katelyn
Published: November 2018

In this interview, Sharon and David Gauthe of Bayou Interfaith Shared Community Organizing (Thibodaux, Louisiana) document their personal experiences with adverse health outcomes that seem connected with oil spill exposures and explain their community organizing model based on interfaith collaboration and informed by the methodology and practice values of social work. They also comment on their conceptual framework of the entire Gulf Coast as a regional environmental justice zone, for which they received a Guardian of the Gulf Award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The Vietnamese Community Members Who Were Part of GC-HARMS Are More Aware of Their Health, Environmental Impacts on Their Health, and How They Can Have Better Health: An Interview With Dustin Nguyen
Authors: Sullivan John , Rosenberg Beth
Published: November 2018

In this interview, Mr. Nguyen, Gulf Coast Health Alliance: Health risks related to the Macondo Spill Vietnamese community project hub manager (D’Iberville, Mississippi), describes his community’s cultural and financial difficulties finding adequate avenues for healthcare and wellness information before the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. He comments extensively on how the project’s clinical component in tandem with the Affordable Care Act promoted transformational changes in access to healthcare for his community and comments on generational shifts within the community in terms of language marginalization, its relationship to the pace of acculturation, and the allure of commercial fishing as a livelihood and a career.
Dispensing Patterns of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents in Older Australians From 2006 to 2016
Authors: Si Si , Ofori-Asenso Richard , Briffa Tom , Ilomaki Jenni , Sanfilippo Frank , Reid Christopher M. , Liew Danny
Published: November 2018

Background:

Increasing numbers of blood pressure lowering (BPL) agents are being prescribed for both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, especially in the older population. The aim of this study is to describe the temporal trends and patterns of BPL dispensing among older Australians (aged ≥65 years).

Methods:

We utilized prescription claims data from the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for a 10% random sample of people aged ≥65 years. The PBS, funded by the Federal government, provides subsidies to make medicines more affordable for Australian residents. We restricted our analysis to “long-term concession” individuals, who would use PBS for the majority of their medication needs. BPL agents were identified using the World Health Organization Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification codes. The annual prevalences and proportional distributions of BPL dispensing by categories were summarized from 2006 to 2016. Direct standardization was applied to indicate changes of BPL dispensing over time.

Results:

Age-standardized dispensing of BPL agents increased by 8% among older Australians from 2006 to 2016 (58%-66%). BPL dispensing in males has exceeded that in females since 2009. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers were the dominant BPL agents dispensed, with more than 55% of all BPL users over time. Dispensing of diuretics decreased from 27% to 21%, calcium channel blockers decreased from 30% to 25%, while β-blockers remained stable (29%-31%). The use of fixed-dose combinations increased over time from 23% to 31%.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of BPL dispensing steadily increased among older Australians from 2006 to 2016. The changes in the patterns of BPL dispensing were largely in line with contemporary changes to clinical guidelines for an aging population.
Are Changes in Medical Group Practice Characteristics Over Time Associated With Medicare Spending and Quality of Care?
Authors: Baker Laurence C. , Pesko Michael , Ramsay Patricia , Casalino Lawrence P. , Shortell Stephen M.
Published: November 2018

Physician practices have been growing in size, and becoming more commonly owned by hospitals, over time. We use survey data on physician practices surveyed at two points in time, linked to Medicare claims data, to investigate whether changes in practice size or ownership are associated with changes in the use of care management, health information technology (HIT), or quality improvement processes. We find that practice growth and becoming hospital-owned are associated with adoption of more quality improvement processes, but not with care management or HIT. We then investigate whether growth or becoming hospital-owned are associated with changes in Medicare spending, 30-day readmission rates, or ambulatory care sensitive admission rates. We find little evidence for associations with practice size and ownership, but the use of care management practices is associated with lower rates of ambulatory care sensitive admissions.
Fighting the Crocodiles: Immigrant Students and Their Perilous Routes at Campus
Authors: Ryen Anne
Published: November 2018

This article is about what institutional frameworks do to our immigrant students, or how such frames may open or close opportunities. As my text unfolds, my students will speak. What stories do they provide us with? and What stories pass unnoticed? This text is also about voice and academic texts as muted lives, or as flat versions on a felt board.
The Persistent Smile of the Cheshire Cat: Explorations in the Agency of Matter Through Art-Making
Authors: Davies Bronwyn
Published: November 2018

This paper explores the agency of matter itself and the active role that materiality plays in the workings of power. In an intra-active encounter with art-making, the author re-turns to the death of an intimate other, opening up a movement toward a new materialist sense of response-ability.
Gaining Customer Experience Insights That Matter
Authors: McColl-Kennedy Janet R. , Zaki Mohamed , Lemon Katherine N. , Urmetzer Florian , Neely Andy
Published: November 2018

Contextualized in postpurchase consumption in business-to-business settings, the authors contribute to customer experience (CX) management theory and practice in three important ways. First, by offering a novel CX conceptual framework that integrates prior CX research to better understand, manage, and improve CXs—comprised of value creation elements (resources, activities, context, interactions, and customer role), cognitive responses, and discrete emotions at touchpoints across the customer journey. Second, by demonstrating the usefulness of a longitudinal CX analytic based on the conceptual framework that combines quantitative and qualitative measures. Third, by providing a step-by-step guide for implementing the text mining approach in practice, thereby showing that CX analytics that apply big data techniques to the CX can offer significant insights that matter. The authors highlight six key insights practitioners need in order to manage their customers’ journey, through (1) taking a customer perspective, (2) identifying root causes, (3) uncovering at-risk segments, (4) capturing customers’ emotional and cognitive responses, (5) spotting and preventing decreasing sales, and (6) prioritizing actions to improve CX. The article concludes with directions for future research.
Face Gain and Face Loss in Restaurant Consumers’ Brand Advocate Behaviors
Authors: Huang Yu-Shan (Sandy) , Wang Yao-Chin , Kuo Pei-Jou
Published: November 2018

Face plays a key role in guiding consumers’ consumptions in social settings. The purpose of this research is to understand how the desire to gain face and the fear to lose face affect consumers’ self-brand congruence and brand advocate behaviors toward their favorite restaurant brands. Using structural equation modeling to analyze the survey data, the results indicated (1) that ideal-self attainability encouraged the desire to gain face while discouraging the fear to lose face, (2) that the desire to gain face exerted positive effects on positive word-of-mouth and negative avoidance through actual self-brand congruence, and (3) that the fear to lose face exerted negative effects on positive word-of-mouth through actual self-brand congruence.
Diabetic hip arthropathy is associated with a higher prevalence of femoral head chondromalacia: a case-controlled study
Authors: Luo T David , Marquez-Lara Alejandro , Stone Austin V , Mannava Sandeep , Howse Elizabeth A , Rosas Samuel , Schallmo Michael S , Atilla H Atil , Stubbs Allston J
Published: November 2018

Introduction:

No previous studies have characterised hip joint disease in diabetic patients undergoing hip arthroscopy. The purpose of our study was to evaluate intra-articular hip pathology and surgical variables in patients with diabetes compared to matched, non-diabetic controls. We hypothesised that diabetic patients would demonstrate a higher prevalence and severity of hip chondral pathology.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 795 consecutive hip arthroscopies performed by a single surgeon between 2010 and 2015. Patients ⩾18 years of age without a history of diabetes served as controls and were matched based on age, sex, body mass index, duration of symptoms, and operative side. Clinical symptoms, preoperative physical examination, and radiologic and intraoperative findings were assessed. The primary outcomes were the acetabular and femoral head chondromalacia index (CMI), calculated as the product of the Outerbridge chondromalacia grade and surface area (mm2*severity).

Results:

15 diabetic patients were matched to 137 non-diabetic controls. Diabetic patients demonstrated a higher prevalence of femoral head chondromalacia compared to controls both on magnetic resonance imaging (45.5% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.002) and during arthroscopy (100% vs. 75.9%, p = 0.042). Femoral head chondromalacia in diabetic patients had higher Outerbridge grade (2.4 vs. 2.0, p = 0.030) but similar CMI (513.0 vs. 416.4, p = 0.298) compared to controls.

Discussion:

Femoral head chondral pathology was more prevalent and of higher severity grade in diabetic patients. The prevalence, size, and severity of acetabular chondral disease were similar between diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that diabetic status was independently associated with the presence of femoral head chondromalacia.
Resting-state MEG measurement of functional activation as a biomarker for cognitive decline in MS
Authors: Schoonhoven Deborah N , Fraschini Matteo , Tewarie Prejaas , Uitdehaag Bernard MJ , Eijlers Anand JC , Geurts Jeroen JG , Hillebrand Arjan , Schoonheim Menno M , Stam Cornelis J , Strijbis Eva MM
Published: November 2018

Background:

Neurophysiological measures of brain function, such as magnetoencephalography (MEG), are widely used in clinical neurology and have strong relations with cognitive impairment and dementia but are still underdeveloped in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objectives:

To demonstrate the value of clinically applicable MEG-measures in evaluating cognitive impairment in MS.

Methods:

In eyes-closed resting-state, MEG data of 83 MS patients and 34 healthy controls (HCs) peak frequencies and relative power of six canonical frequency bands for 78 cortical and 10 deep gray matter (DGM) areas were calculated. Linear regression models, correcting for age, gender, and education, assessed the relation between cognitive performance and MEG biomarkers.

Results:

Increased alpha1 and theta power was strongly associated with impaired cognition in patients, which differed between cognitively impaired (CI) patients and HCs in bilateral parietotemporal cortices. CI patients had a lower peak frequency than HCs. Oscillatory slowing was also widespread in the DGM, most pronounced in the thalamus.

Conclusion:

There is a clinically relevant slowing of neuronal activity in MS patients in parietotemporal cortical areas and the thalamus, strongly related to cognitive impairment. These measures hold promise for the application of resting-state MEG as a biomarker for cognitive disturbances in MS in a clinical setting.
Area postrema syndrome: A short history of a pearl in demyelinating diseases
Authors: Camara-Lemarroy Carlos R , Burton Jodie M
Published: November 2018

In this topical review, we discuss the history of the area postrema syndrome, with special attention given to early studies aimed at identifying the area postrema and its function, possible early cases of the syndrome and its current relevance in neuroimmunology and demyelinating diseases. In 1896, Retzius named a structure in the posterior medulla oblongata as the area postrema. The work of Borison in the middle of the 20th century led to the elucidation of its function as a “vomiting center.” The historical medical literature is filled with excellent examples that could be described as “area postrema syndrome.” While severe and bilateral optic neuritis and transverse myelitis still constitute the classic components of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), intractable vomiting and hiccups due to area postrema involvement is now recognized as essentially pathognomonic, indeed a shiny pearl in neuroimmunology and demyelinating diseases.