bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TRPM7 Kinase Controls Calcium Responses in Arterial Thrombosis and Stroke in Mice
Authors: Gotru Sanjeev K. , Chen Wenchun , Kraft Peter , Becker Isabelle C. , Wolf Karen , Stritt Simon , Zierler Susanna , Hermanns Heike M. , Rao Deviyani , Perraud Anne-Laure , Schmitz Carsten , Zahedi René P. , Noy Peter J. , Tomlinson Michael G. , Dandekar Thomas , Matsushita Masayuki , Chubanov Vladimir , Gudermann Thomas , Stoll Guido , Nieswandt Bernhard , Braun Attila
Published: November 2017

Objective—

TRPM7 (transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily M, member 7) is a ubiquitously expressed bifunctional protein comprising a transient receptor potential channel segment linked to a cytosolic α-type serine/threonine protein kinase domain. TRPM7 forms a constitutively active Mg
2+
and Ca
2+
permeable channel, which regulates diverse cellular processes in both healthy and diseased conditions, but the physiological role of TRPM7 kinase remains largely unknown.

Approach and Results—

Here we show that point mutation in TRPM7 kinase domain deleting the kinase activity in mice (
Trpm7

R/R

) causes a marked signaling defect in platelets.
Trpm7

R/R

platelets showed an impaired PIP2 (phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate) metabolism and consequently reduced Ca
2+
mobilization in response to stimulation of the major platelet receptors GPVI (glycoprotein VI), CLEC-2 (C-type lectin-like receptor), and PAR (protease-activated receptor). Altered phosphorylation of Syk (spleen tyrosine kinase) and phospholipase C γ2 and β3 accounted for these global platelet activation defects. In addition, direct activation of STIM1 (stromal interaction molecule 1) with thapsigargin revealed a defective store-operated Ca
2+
entry mechanism in the mutant platelets. These defects translated into an impaired platelet aggregate formation under flow and protection of the mice from arterial thrombosis and ischemic stroke in vivo.

Conclusions—

Our results identify TRPM7 kinase as a key modulator of phospholipase C signaling and store-operated Ca
2+
entry in platelets. The protection of
Trpm7

R/R

mice from acute ischemic disease without developing intracranial hemorrhage indicates that TRPM7 kinase might be a promising antithrombotic target.
Multicenter Evaluation of Octreotide as Secondary Prophylaxis in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices and Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Shah Keyur B. , Gunda Sampath , Emani Sitaramesh , Kanwar Manreet K. , Uriel Nir , Colombo Paolo C. , Uber Patricia A. , Sears Melissa L. , Chuang Joyce , Farrar David J. , Brophy Donald F. , Smallfield George B.
Published: November 2017

Background

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is one of the most common complications after continuous-flow left ventricular assist device implantation. More than one third of patients with incident bleed go on to develop recurrent GI bleeding. Octreotide, a somatostatin analog, is proposed to reduce the risk of recurrent GI bleeding in this population.

Methods and Results

This multicenter, retrospective analysis evaluated 51 continuous-flow left ventricular assist device patients who received secondary prophylaxis with octreotide after their index GI bleed from 2009 to 2015. All patients had a hospitalization for GI bleed and received octreotide after discharge. Patient demographics, medical and medication history, and clinical characteristics of patients who rebled after receiving octreotide were compared with non–rebleeders. These data were also compared with matched historical control patients previously enrolled in the HMII (HeartMate II) clinical trials, none of whom received octreotide, to provide a context for the bleeding rates. Twelve patients (24%) who received secondary octreotide prophylaxis developed another GI bleed, whereas 39 (76%) did not. There were similar intergroup demographics; however, significantly more bleeders had a previous GI bleeding history before left ventricular assist device placement (33% versus 5%;
P
=0.02) and greater frequency of angiodysplasia confirmed during endoscopy (58% versus 23%;
P
=0.03). Fewer patients in this study experienced a recurrent GI bleed compared with a matched historical control group that did not receive octreotide (24% versus 43%;
P
=0.04).

Conclusions

Patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist device receiving secondary prophylaxis with octreotide had a significantly lower GI bleed recurrence compared with historical controls not treated with octreotide. Additional prospective studies are needed to confirm these data.
2-Cl-MGV-1 Ameliorates Apoptosis in the Thalamus and Hippocampus and Cognitive Deficits After Cortical Infarct in Rats
Authors: Chen Yicong , Veenman Leo , Singh Sukhdev , Ouyang Fubing , Liang Jiahui , Huang Weixian , Marek Ilan , Zeng Jinsheng , Gavish Moshe
Published: November 2017

Background and Purpose—

Focal cortical infarction causes neuronal apoptosis in the ipsilateral nonischemic thalamus and hippocampus, which is potentially associated with poststroke cognitive deficits. TSPO (translocator protein) is critical in regulating mitochondrial apoptosis pathways. We examined the effects of the novel TSPO ligand 2-(2-chlorophenyl) quinazolin-4-yl dimethylcarbamate (2-Cl-MGV-1) on poststroke cognitive deficits, neuronal mitochondrial apoptosis, and secondary damage in the ipsilateral thalamus and hippocampus after cortical infarction.

Methods—

One hundred fourteen hypertensive rats underwent successful distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (n=76) or sham procedures (n=38). 2-Cl-MGV-1 or dimethyl sulfoxide as vehicle was administrated 2 hours after distal middle cerebral artery occlusion and then for 6 or 13 days (n=19 per group). Spatial learning and memory were tested using the Morris water maze. Secondary degeneration and mitochondrial apoptosis in the thalamus and hippocampus were assessed using Nissl staining, immunohistochemistry, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling, JC-1 staining, and immunoblotting 7 and 14 days after surgery.

Results—

Infarct volumes did not significantly differ between the vehicle and 2-Cl-MGV-1 groups. There were more neurons and fewer glia in the ipsilateral thalamus and hippocampus in the vehicle groups than in the sham-operated group 7 and 14 days post–distal middle cerebral artery occlusion. 2-Cl-MGV-1 significantly ameliorated spatial cognitive impairment and decreased neuronal death and glial activation when compared with vehicle treatment (
P
<0.05). The collapse of mitochondrial transmembrane potential and cytoplasmic release of apoptosis-inducing factors and cytochrome
c
was prevented within the thalamus. Caspase cleavage and the numbers of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling
+
or Nissl atrophic cells were reduced within the thalamus and hippocampus. This was accompanied by upregulation of B-cell lymphoma 2 and downregulation of Bax (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

2-Cl-MGV-1 reduces neuronal apoptosis via mitochondrial-dependent pathways and attenuates secondary damage in the nonischemic thalamus and hippocampus, potentially contributing to ameliorated cognitive deficits after cortical infarction.
The Influence of Roy de Maistre on Francis Bacon
Authors: Arya Rina
Published: November 2017

Very little is said about the Australian artist Roy de Maistre in scholarship on Francis Bacon, apart from the fact that he provided guidance about painting processes and other technical issues. There are a number of reasons for this and this article seeks to look at the relationship between de Maistre and Bacon. Although their period of overlap was short-lived, lasting less than a decade, de Maistre was an important figure in Bacon’s early career and significant in his transition from design to painting. Since De Maistre aided Bacon both in his development as a painter and also in his career by introducing him to useful contacts and involving him in exhibitions, perhaps the focus should now be placed on points of stylistic and thematic influence.
Robbing Peter to Pay Paul? isds and ics from an eu Law Perspective
Authors: Rodríguez Ana Lopéz
Published: November 2017

In 2009 the Treaty of Lisbon conferred upon the European Union the exclusive competence on foreign direct investments (Article 207 tfeu). Following from this new competence the eu has carried out a comprehensive regulation of trade and investment issues and reforms which include the creation of an International Investment Court, as proposed by the European Commission in both ceta and ttip negotiations. This article analyses some of the core legal issues of the proposed Court from a European perspective and comes to the conclusion that the same eu constitutional obstacles allegedly posed by isds are present in the ics. As a result, the Commission’s proposal weakens the perception of isds as a fair and legitimate mechanism to deal with investment-state disputes, whereas it perpetuates the existence of an external and parallel mechanism of dispute resolution outside the European court system.
The Right to a Name Versus National Identity in the Context of eu Law: The Case of Lithuania
Authors: Mickonytė Aistė
Published: November 2017

This article examines national regulations relating to the recognition of names in official documents by focusing on Article 21 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, having particular regard to the judgment of the European Court of Justice in the case of Runevič-Vardyn and Wardyn. It also assesses the potential impact that this and other cases before the ecj and the European Court of Human Rights may exert on national minorities. The recognition of names is not regulated in European Union law; thus, the eu member states may freely determine the usage of names in official documents, as the state language represents a constitutional value and part of the national identity of many eu member states. Therefore, only regulation of names that causes excessive interference with the exercise of freedom of movement or respect for private and family life is unlawful under eu law. This issue will also be discussed in light of Article 4(2) of the Treaty on the European Union, by which the ecj assesses these types of interference with the eu’s duty to respect the national identities of its member states.
A new species of Raspy cricket genus Gryllacris (Orthoptera: Gryllacrididae) from Central India
Authors: GUPTA SUNIL KUMAR , CHANDRA KAILASH
Published: November 2017

Gryllacris durgensis sp. nov. is described from the Durg district, Chhattisgarh, India. The detailed morphological characters of adult male, female and nymph are provided.
A new species of Thalerosphyrus Eaton 1881 (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae: Ecdyonurinae) from India
Authors: SELVAKUMAR C. , CHANDRA KAILASH , SIVARAMAKRISHNAN K. G. , JEHAMALAR E. EYARIN
Published: November 2017

A new species of Thalerosphyrus Eaton 1881 is described based on larvae collected from East Khasi Hills district and East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. Thalerosphyrus meghalayensis Selvakumar & Chandra  n. sp. can be distinguished from other known species of the genus by the following combination of characters: (i) posterolateral expansions of segment VIII always shorter than those of segment VII; (ii) pronotum moderately enlarged laterally; (iii) bristles on the dorsal face of hind femora truncate or round at apex; (iv) hind tibia with a row of thin setae; (v) outer margin of superlinguae evenly covered with long setae ending at apex by minute setae and (vi) posterior margin of tergites with regularly pointed teeth, and numerous microdenticles. A modified larval key is provided for known species of this genus.
A new species of Lepidodactylus (Reptilia: Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Kei Islands, Maluku, Indonesia
Authors: STUBBS ALEXANDER L. , KARIN BENJAMIN R. , ARIFIN UMILAELA , ISKANDAR DJOKO T. , ARIDA EVY , REILLY SEAN B. , BLOCH LUKE M. , KUSNADI AGUS , MCGUIRE JIMMY A.
Published: November 2017

Lepidodactylus pantai is a new species of gecko from the Kei Islands, Maluku, Indonesia that is closely associated with intertidal habitats. This species does not fit cleanly into any of the three species groups described for the genus because it possesses the unique combination of both divided terminal scansors on all toes and a nearly completely cylindrical tail without fringes or evidence of dorsoventral compression. A phylogenetic analysis including this species demonstrates that it is the sister taxon of a population from Palau, and that this clade is sister to the clade containing Group III species for which we have molecular data.
A taxonomic revision of the genus Apostichopus (Holothuroidea: Stichopodidae) from Japan
Authors: WOO SAU PINN , OGAWA AKITO , TAN SHAU HWAI , YASIN ZULFIGAR , KAJIHARA HIROSHI , FUJITA TOSHIHIKO
Published: November 2017

Complete redescriptions of sea cucumbers in the genus Apostichopus Liao, 1980 are provided using the type specimens and specimens deposited in the National Museum of Nature and Science, Tsukuba, Japan. The genus consists of A. armatus (Selenka, 1867) and A. japonicus (Selenka, 1867), which can be distinguished by some spicules in the dorsal body wall; the rim of reduced table spicules in A. armatus is spinous, while that in A. japonicus is smooth. Spicules from the tentacles, papillae, tube feet, and cloaca are similar for both species.
Investigating the Relationship between Lightning and Mesocyclonic Rotation in Supercell Thunderstorms
Authors: Stough Sarah M. , Carey Lawrence D. , Schultz Christopher J. , Bitzer Phillip M.
Published: November 2017

Relationships between lightning and lightning jumps and physical updraft properties are frequently observed and generally understood. However, a more intensive characterization of how lightning relates to traditional radar-based metrics of storm intensity may provide further operational utility. This study addresses the supercell storm mode because of the intrinsic relationship between a supercell’s characteristic rotating updraft–downdraft couplet, or mesocyclone, and its prolific ability to produce severe weather. Lightning and radar measurements of a diverse sample of 19 supercell thunderstorms were used to assess the conceptual model that lightning and the mesocyclone may be linked by the updraft’s role in the formation and enhancement of each. Analysis of early stages of supercell development showed that the initial lightning jump occurred prior to the time of mesocyclogenesis inferred from three methods by median values of 5–10 min. Comparison between lightning jumps and subsequent increases in mesocyclonic rotation indicated that lightning can also be used to infer or confirm imminent strengthening or reintensification of the mesocyclone. Stronger relationships emerged in supercells that exhibited more robust updrafts, in which 85% of lightning jumps were associated with at least one increase in rotation and 77% of observed increases in rotation were temporally associated with a lightning jump. Preliminary results from analysis of the relationship between lightning jumps and intensification of the low-level mesocyclone in tornadic supercells also offer motivation for the future analysis of lightning data with respect to downdraft-related processes.
Time for a new zeitgeist in perinatal mental health
Authors: Judd Fiona , Newman Louise Kathryn , Komiti Angela A
Published: November 2017

Perinatal depression, and to a lesser extent anxiety, has been the focus of interest for perinatal psychiatrists for several decades. Policy and substantial funding has supported this. We argue that it is now time to change this focus and to invest greater funding to support clinical and research effort in ‘high-risk’ caregivers and their infants. We define high-risk caregivers as those who are likely to have attachment and relationship difficulties with their infant as a result of their own developmental experiences, personality difficulties and/or trauma-related mental disorders, often complicated by substance abuse, depression and anxiety. We propose that early intervention with such caregivers, focussing on both maternal mental health and on the needs of the infant for responsive and sensitive interaction and emotional care, would contribute to prevention of infant developmental disorders, with real gains to be made in breaking the transgenerational cycle of development of severe personality disorder.
Mechanical characterization of hexagonal boron nitride nanocomposites: A multiscale finite element prediction
Authors: Spanos Konstantinos N , Anifantis Nick K
Published: November 2017

In this study, a calculation of the elastic mechanical properties of composite materials reinforced by boron nitride nanosheets is taking place, following the finite elements approach. Composites are specifically composed of two phases of materials, the matrix material and the reinforcing phase, here, consisting of boron nitride monolayers. The simulation of these two materials as well as the interface between them were made in accordance with the micromechanics theory, examining a representative volume element. Specifically, the matrix material is considered as continuous medium and the reinforcing phase, based on its atomistic microstructure, is considered as a discrete medium and was simulated through spring-based finite elements. Something similar occurred with the simulation of the interface region, which is responsible for the load transfer between the two materials. The results of the method were compared with data from other studies and showed good agreement.
Gender and Critical Drug Studies
Authors: Campbell Nancy D. , Herzberg David
Published: November 2017

This introduction to conjoined special issues of Contemporary Drug Problems and Social History of Alcohol and Drugs, the journal of the Alcohol and Drugs History Society, began with a 2015 symposium at the Baldy Center for Law and Social Policy at the University at Buffalo (SUNY), organized by co-editors Nancy D. Campbell and David Herzberg. The symposium called for incorporating gender analysis into the rapidly developing scholarship on drug use, drug trade, drug science, drug treatment, and drug policy in the United States. The special issues showcase articles that are part of a vibrant body of historical, sociological, and anthropological scholarship that explores the differential effects of drug policy, focusing on how gender—in dynamic relationship to race, class, and sexuality—is integral to virtually every aspect of drug crises including (but not limited to) the relationship between drug policy, drug treatment, and the development of mass incarceration. Gender matters at every level from the intimate and highly personalized to the broad cultural and political forces that disparately apportion vulnerability within drug commerce and the U.S. prison–industrial complex.
Narrative Identities and the Egalitarian Norm Among Hungarian Elite Couples
Authors: Csurgó Bernadett , Kristóf Luca
Published: November 2017

Our article aims to study the attitudes of the elite to family life and gender equality. This is a social group who still experiences significant gender imbalances. We focus on attitudes to family life, which has thus far been underresearched in elite literature. With the help of the analysis of 34 individual interviews with members of the Hungarian political, economic, and cultural elite, we identify and present three types of narrative identities: dominant, deferential, and egalitarian. The main finding from our qualitative content analysis is that egalitarian partnership norms which were discussed in every narrative and gender equality appear in most cases as a norm among the elite. However, there is a narrative tension between this norm and the couples’ actual experiences of their family life. We conclude our article with some comments on how the ideology of egalitarian essentialism strengthens gender inequalities reinforcing the underrepresentation of women in elite positions.
Investigation of cerebrospinal fluid flow in the cerebral aqueduct using high-resolution phase contrast measurements at 7T MRI
Authors: Markenroth Bloch Karin , Töger Johannes , Ståhlberg Freddy
Published: November 2017

Background

The cerebral aqueduct is a central conduit for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and non-invasive quantification of CSF flow in the aqueduct may be an important tool for diagnosis and follow-up of treatment. Magnetic resonance (MR) methods at clinical field strengths are limited by low spatial resolution.

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of high-resolution through-plane MR flow measurements (2D-PC) in the cerebral aqueduct at high field strength (7T).

Material and Methods

2D-PC measurements in the aqueduct were performed in nine healthy individuals at 7T. Measurement accuracy was determined using a phantom. Aqueduct area, mean velocity, maximum velocity, minimum velocity, net flow, and mean flow were determined using in-plane resolutions 0.8 × 0.8, 0.5 × 0.5, 0.3 × 0.3, and 0.2 × 0.2 mm2. Feasibility criteria were defined based on scan time and spatial and temporal resolution.

Results

Phantom validation of 2D-PC MR showed good accuracy. In vivo, stroke volume was −8.2 ± 4.4, −4.7 ± 2.8, −6.0 ± 3.8, and −3.7 ± 2.1 µL for 0.8 × 0.8, 0.5 × 0.5, 0.3 × 0.3, and 0.2 × 0.2 mm2, respectively. The scan with 0.3 × 0.3 mm2 resolution fulfilled the feasibility criteria for a wide range of heart rates and aqueduct diameters.

Conclusion

7T MR enables non-invasive quantification of CSF flow and velocity in the cerebral aqueduct with high spatial resolution.
Bursal-Sided Rotator Cuff Tears: Simple Versus Everted Type
Authors: Kim Hwan Jin , Kim Jung Youn , Kee Young Moon , Rhee Yong Girl
Published: November 2017

Background:

No studies have focused on the everted type of bursal-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs).

Purpose:

To evaluate the radiological characteristics, arthroscopic findings, and clinical and structural outcomes after arthroscopic repair of the everted type of bursal-sided PTRCTs.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Two groups of patients with bursal-sided PTRCTs (simple type, 25 shoulders; everted type, 25 shoulders) were enrolled. The mean age was 59.6 years (range, 47-73 years) and 60.8 years (range, 48-72 years) among patients with the simple and everted type, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 2.7 years (range, 2.0-5.1 years).

Results:

The everted type always exhibited an acromial spur (hat-shaped, 52%; heel-shaped, 48%) and bony changes in the greater tuberosity (bony spur, 52%; sclerotic changes, 48%). Hat-shaped spurs of the acromion were not observed in the simple type. The everted type showed significantly thicker tendon on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as the stump was retracted superomedially (mean thickness: 8.1 ± 1.2 mm vs 5.5 ± 1.1 mm for the everted and simple type, respectively). During arthroscopic repair, additional sutures were needed more often for the everted type than for the simple type (64% vs 16%, respectively). After repair, the tendon margin was uneven and ragged in 16% of shoulders with the everted type. Preoperatively, the visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain during motion and range of motion (ROM) were significantly worse in patients with the everted type than in those with the simple type (VAS score, 7.2 vs 5.6, respectively; ROM for forward flexion, 146.8° vs 156.4°, respectively). Postoperatively, no significant differences in the VAS score, ROM, or clinical outcomes were observed between the 2 groups, with no retears on follow-up MRI in either group.

Conclusion:

The everted type of bursal-sided PTRCTs showed a characteristic hat-shaped acromion, often with bony spurs of the greater tuberosity. On MRI, the tendon stump appeared thickened because of the everted flap. The everted type was more likely to require additional sutures because of an uneven or ragged tendon margin. However, satisfactory clinical and structural outcomes were observed for both the simple and everted types.
Development of a Simple Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score for Risk Assessment of Emergency Department Patients With Sepsis
Authors: Guirgis Faheem W. , Puskarich Michael A. , Smotherman Carmen , Sterling Sarah A. , Gautam Shiva , Moore Frederick A. , Jones Alan E.
Published: November 2017

Objectives:

Sepsis-3 recommends using the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score followed by SOFA score for sepsis evaluation. The SOFA is complex and unfamiliar to most emergency physicians, while qSOFA is insensitive for sepsis screening and may result in missed cases of sepsis. The objective of this study was to devise an easy-to-use simple SOFA score for use in the emergency department (ED).

Methods:

Retrospective study of ED patients with sepsis with in-hospital mortality as the primary outcome. A simple SOFA score was derived and validated and compared with SOFA and qSOFA.

Results:

A total of 3297 patients with sepsis were included, and in-hospital mortality was 10.1%. Simple SOFA had a sensitivity and specificity of 88% and 44% in the derivation set and 93% and 44% in the validation set for in-hospital mortality, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of qSOFA was 38% and 86% and for SOFA was 90% and 50%, respectively. There were 2760 (84%) of 3297 qSOFA-negative (<2) patients. In this group, simple SOFA had a sensitivity and specificity of 86% and 48% in the derivation set and 91% and 48% in the validation set, respectively. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment was 86% sensitive and 57% specific in qSOFA-negative patients. For all encounters, the areas under the receiver–operator characteristic curves (AUROC) were 0.82 for SOFA, 0.78 (derivation) and 0.82 (validation) for simple SOFA, and 0.68 for qSOFA. In qSOFA-negative patients, the AUROCs were 0.80 for SOFA and 0.76 (derivation) and 0.82 (validation) for simple SOFA.

Conclusions:

Simple SOFA demonstrates similar predictive ability for in-hospital mortality from sepsis compared to SOFA. External validation of these findings is indicated.
Bridging the Divide: Examining Professional Unity and the Extended Teacher Union Role in Sweden
Authors: Milner Alison
Published: November 2017

Sweden has experienced increasing educational inequity levels within its highly decentralized school system. With a reduced capacity to bargain collectively, the two Swedish teacher trade unions, the Swedish Teachers’ Union (Lärarförbundet) and the National Union of Teachers in Sweden (Lärarnas Riksförbund), have sought to extend their role in social unionism. This interpretive study explores the discourses of professionalism on which both unions draw to reframe the narrative around issues of social justice and democracy. Using sociological and institutional theories, policy documents were analyzed to understand processes of theorization in the legitimation of change.
Comparative Analysis of Social Media Tool Used in Software Projects Deploying Virtual Teams
Authors: Mukherjee Debarshi , Natrajan Nidhi S.
Published: November 2017

The social media tools available at public platform are soon becoming as user friendly and cost effective way of corporate communication. It has become a new way of collaborating among the team members of virtual teams deployed in software development projects. The open culture offered by these platforms helps business in general and software development projects in specific to accelerate growth through innovation, communication and active participation of the employees in their workplace. The study aims at comparing the four social media tools namely Facebook, blog, google plus and enterprise collaborative tools. The tools can be chosen from the long list as per the need of the task in the project.
Lessons Learned From a Food Environment Intervention Study: Recruitment and Retention of Participants in Disadvantaged Urban Inner-City Neighborhoods
Authors: Engler-Stringer Rachel , Schaefer Joelle , Ridalls Tracy , Muhajarine Nazeem
Published: November 2017

Growing health inequities have led to calls for population health intervention research that can contribute to improving the health of marginalized populations, but conducting research with these communities can be challenging. When research aims to examine and understand an aspect of health in a population characterized as hard-to-reach or marginalized, recruitment techniques appear to have a significant impact on participation and sample retention in longitudinal studies. We examine and comment on the recruitment and retention techniques used in the Good Food, Healthy Families study conducted in low-income, inner-city neighborhoods in a midsized Canadian city; we hope that this will inform recruitment and retention approaches for population health intervention studies in similar populations. It is a responsibility of researchers who wish to engage with population health interventions that have the potential to improve health equity to gather information in ways that are respectful.
Youth sexting and the First Amendment: Rhetoric and child pornography doctrine in the age of translation
Authors: Primack Alvin J
Published: November 2017

Sexting has become a common mode of communicative sexual expression in the United States. Youths who sext with their peers are sometimes charged for the crime of producing and distributing child pornography. Such charges are inconsistent with the intent of American child pornography law, which is to protect children from abuse and exploitation. Understanding sext messages as a type of media content, this essay offers rhetorical translation as one strategy for identifying resources in Supreme Court doctrine to help distinguish between youth sexts and child pornography. Through rhetorical translation, this manuscript finds resources in four opinions concerning child pornography and the First Amendment for distinguishing sexting from child pornography. These distinctions pertain to how the two types of media are produced and distributed as demonstrated in a three-part interpretive model: motive and consent, privacy and consent, and market.
First-principles theoretical investigation of graphene layers for sensor applications
Authors: Fujimoto Yoshitaka
Published: November 2017

Graphene is expected to be a potential device material for sensor applications due to its high charge mobility and high sensitivity to adsorbates. This article reviews the first-principles density-functional study that clarifies gas adsorption effects on graphene layers doped with boron and nitrogen atoms. We show adsorption effects of not only common gas molecules but also environmentally polluting or toxic gas molecules on stabilities and structural properties of graphene layers and carbon nanotubes. We also show physical properties induced by the adsorption of the gas molecules and discuss the possibility to detect these gas molecules.
Giant thrombosed saphenofemoral junction aneurysm: A case report
Authors: Cojocari Vladimir , Culiuc Vasile , Bzovii Florin , Casian Dumitru , Gutu Eugen
Published: November 2017

Introduction:

Although saphenofemoral junction aneurysms are not so rare, only scarce of the published cases reported thrombosis of the aneurysmal sac and saphenous trunk.

Presentation of case:

A 65-year-old male with varicose disease, developed acute ascending superficial vein thrombosis of the left greater saphenous vein, involving the 6-cm saphenofemoral junction aneurysm. The patient underwent common femoral vein thrombectomy, aneurysm removal, and greater saphenous vein excision with uneventful postoperative course.

Conclusion:

Thrombosed giant saphenofemoral junction aneurysms require emergent surgical intervention aimed at preventing potential progression to deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
The Impact of Affective Context on Autobiographical Recollection in Depression
Authors: Hitchcock Caitlin , Golden Ann-Marie J. , Werner-Seidler Aliza , Kuyken Willem , Dalgleish Tim
Published: November 2017

Across two studies we investigated the influence of contextual cues on autobiographical memory recall. In Study 1, participants ( N = 37) with major depressive disorder, in episode or in varying degrees of remission, were administered a Negative Autobiographical Memory Task (NAMT) that required them to retrieve negatively valenced memories in response to positive cue words (a positive context). We reasoned that increased depression symptom severity would be associated with a reduced ability to override priming from this disadvantageous context. Consequently, we hypothesized that increased depressive severity would counterintuitively be associated with reduced negativity ratings for retrieved personal memories to positive cues on the NAMT. This hypothesis was supported. Study 2, using a community sample ( N = 63), demonstrated that a similar reduction in memory negativity was observed in individuals with lower working memory capacity—an index of executive control. Implications for autobiographical memory and executive training paradigms for depression are discussed.
Damage Assessment of Cultural Heritage Structures after the 2015 Gorkha, Nepal, Earthquake: A Case Study of Jagannath Temple
Authors: Shrestha Sujan , Shrestha Bipin , Shakya Manjip , Maskey Prem Nath
Published: November 2017

The Gorkha, Nepal, earthquake and the series of aftershocks that followed have damaged many heritage structures in and around Kathmandu Valley, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHSs). This paper summarizes observed damage to the heritage structures of diverse typologies within the UNESCO WHSs of Kathmandu Valley. As a part of the investigation, inspection survey and damage assessment were carried out for Jagannath Temple, one of the partially damaged monuments in the Kathmandu Durbar Square WHS. Ambient vibration and in-situ tests using the pendulum hammer, the rebound hammer, and in-place push on masonry walls were performed. Finite-element models of the structure were developed, and the results were analyzed and compared with field observations. Based on the observed damages and the results obtained from numerical modeling, the primary causes of the damage are discussed.
Challenges in the Clinical Application of the American Society of Clinical Oncology Value Framework: A Medicare Cost-Benefit Analysis in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Seymour Erlene K. , Schiffer Charles A. , de Souza Jonas A.
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

The ASCO Value Framework calculates the value of cancer therapies. Given costly novel therapeutics for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, we used the framework to compare net health benefit (NHB) and cost within Medicare of all regimens listed in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines.

Methods:

The current NCCN guidelines for chronic lymphocytic leukemia were reviewed. All referenced studies were screened, and only randomized controlled prospective trials were included. The revised ASCO Value Framework was used to calculate NHB. Medicare drug pricing was used to calculate the cost of therapies.

Results:

Forty-nine studies were screened. The following observations were made: only 10 studies (20%) could be evaluated; when comparing regimens studied against the same control arm, ranking NHB scores were comparable to their preference in guidelines; NHB scores varied depending on which variables were used, and there were no clinically validated thresholds for low or high values; treatment-related deaths were not weighted in the toxicity scores; and six of the 10 studies used less potent control arms, ranked as the least-preferred NCCN-recommended regimens.

Conclusion:

The ASCO Value Framework is an important initial step to quantify value of therapies. Essential limitations include the lack of clinically relevant validated thresholds for NHB scores and lack of incorporation of grade 5 toxicities/treatment-related mortality into its methodology. To optimize its application for clinical practice, we urge investigators/sponsors to incorporate and report the required variables to calculate the NHB of regimens and encourage trials with stronger comparator arms to properly quantify the relative value of therapies.
Use of patient outcome endpoints to identify the best functional CT imaging parameters in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Mains Jill Rachel , Donskov Frede , Pedersen Erik Morre , Madsen Hans Henrik Torp , Thygesen Jesper , Thorup Kennet , Rasmussen Finn
Published: November 2017

Objective:

To use the patient outcome endpoints overall survival and progression-free survival to evaluate functional parameters derived from dynamic contrast-enhanced CT.

Methods:

69 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma had dynamic contrast-enhanced CT scans at baseline and after 5 and 10 weeks of treatment. Blood volume, blood flow and standardized perfusion values were calculated using deconvolution (BVdeconv, BFdeconv and SPVdeconv), blood flow and standardized perfusion values using maximum slope (BFmax and SPVmax) and blood volume and permeability surface area product using the Patlak model (BVpatlak and PS). Histogram data for each were extracted and associated to patient outcomes. Correlations and agreements were also assessed.

Results:

The strongest associations were observed between patient outcome and medians and modes for BVdeconv, BVpatlak and BFdeconv at baseline and during the early ontreatment period (p < 0.05 for all). For the relative changes in median and mode between baseline and weeks 5 and 10, PS seemed to have opposite associations dependent on treatment.

Interobserver correlations were excellent (r ≥ 0.9, p < 0.001) with good agreement for BFdeconv, BFmax, SPVdeconv and SPVmax and moderate to good (0.5 < r < 0.7, p < 0.001) for BVdeconv and BVpatlak. Medians had a better reproducibility than modes.

Conclusion:

Patient outcome was used to identify the best functional imaging parameters in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Taking patient outcome and reproducibility into account, BVdeconv, BVpatlak and BFdeconv provide the most clinically meaningful information, whereas PS seems to be treatment dependent. Standardization of acquisition protocols and post-processing software is necessary for future clinical utilization.

Advances in knowledge:

Taking patient outcome and reproducibility into account, BVdeconv, BVpatlak and BFdeconv provide the most clinically meaningful information. PS seems to be treatment dependent.
Imaging assessment of acute ischaemic stroke: a review of radiological methods
Authors: Smith Aubrey George , Rowland Hill Chris
Published: November 2017

Acute ischaemic stroke is the second largest cause of death worldwide and a cause of major physical and psychological morbidity. Current evidence based treatment includes intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and mechanical thrombectomy (MT), both requiring careful patient selection and to be administered as quickly as possible within a limited time window from symptom onset. Imaging plays a crucial role identifying patients who may benefit from MT or IVT whilst excluding those that may be harmed. For IVT, imaging must as a minimum exclude haemorrhage, stroke mimics and provide an estimate of non-viable brain. For MT, imaging must in addition detect and characterize intra-arterial thrombus and assess the intra and extracranial arterial architecture. More advanced imaging techniques may be used to assess more accurately the volume of non-viable and potentially salvageable brain tissue. It is highly likely that further research will identify patients who would benefit from treatment beyond currently accepted time windows for IVT (4.5 h) and MT (6 h) and patients with an unknown time of symptom onset. Current evidence indicates that best outcomes are achieved when treatment is instituted as soon as possible after symptom onset. A rapid, efficient imaging pathway including interpretation is fundamental to achieving the best outcomes. This review summarizes current techniques for imaging assessment of acute stroke, highlighting strengths and limitations of each. The optimum pathway is a balance between diagnostic information, local resources, specialization and the time taken to acquire, process and interpret the data. As new evidence emerges, it is likely that the minimum required imaging data will change.
Science: Make your predictions
Authors: Sargent Marianne
Published: November 2017

This is the seventh in a series of extracts from the book, Developing Early Science Skills Outdoors, which explores ideas for providing children with opportunities to learn outside.
Who governs our schools?
Authors: Armitage Ian
Published: November 2017

A recent RSA report into school governance has dissected the ‘trends, tensions and opportunities’ within the current system. Drawing on the conclusions, Ian Armitage discusses six issues of relevance to senior leadership teams
Devising an effective fundraising strategy
Authors: Best Brin
Published: November 2017

A carefully thought-out fundraising strategy that links closely with your school improvement plan could be considered an essential for modern schools. Expert Brin Best discusses how to devise an effective fundraising strategy for your school
Leadership with creativity
Authors: Donnison Liam
Published: November 2017

Creativity shouldn't just be reserved for the classroom, it is an attitude and an approach that can permeate every aspect of school leadership, says Liam Donnison
The needs of older mothers
Authors: Noakes Amy
Published: November 2017

As the average age of parenthood continues to rise, Amy Noakes examines the benefits of increased age at childbirth, the health and development issues for the child and the emotional impact for the mother – all of which require tailored levels of care.
New techniques at pilot sites to improve bereavement care for parents
Authors: Quaile Alistair
Published: November 2017

Leading charities and professional organisations have teamed up for the National Bereavement Care Pathway, an initiative that aims to give better support to those who have lost a baby. Alistair Quaile reports on the trial's launch at 11 locations.
Enhancing children’s art appreciation and critical thinking through a visual literacy-based art intervention programme
Authors: Kim Kyoung Jin , Wee Su-Jeong , Han Min-Kyung , Sohn Ji-Hyang , Hitchens Carolyn Walker
Published: November 2017

Implementing an art-appreciation programme enabled a group of 5- and 6-year-old children to explore artists and their artworks and to understand artistic/aesthetic elements through a systematic sequence investigation. This study examines the impact of a sixteen-week art programme based on a visual literacy theory focusing on children’s art appreciation and critical thinking in Korea. Using mixed methods, data were collected through measurement of children’s appreciation and critical thinking ability, interviews with teacher and class observations. Quantitative analysis demonstrated significant effects of the art intervention programme on children’s abilities to appreciate art and artists and think critically about them. Three qualitative themes emerged: (1) deepening understanding of art, (2) experimenting with art, and (3) expressing themselves through art. Suggestions and implications for curriculum and research are provided.
Teachers adopting artists’ pedagogies: Is it really that simple?
Authors: Selkrig Mark
Published: November 2017

Bringing artists into learning sites such as schools has resulted in diverse educational benefits for students. As a consequence a gaze has turned to the pedagogies artists employ, to consider how their strategies might inform the practice of ‘mainstream’ school teachers. With this scrutiny of artists’ pedagogies, the voices of artists involved in this type of work and how they describe what they do has received limited attention. Drawing on data from a research project in Australia, which explored the learning for artists who work in educational settings, I consider the teaching approaches these artists described along with ‘effective pedagogy’ espoused in educational discourse. While acknowledging the good work artists claim they do in educational settings, rather than viewing artist pedagogies as better or competing with teachers’ pedagogies, they are or can be complementary. Both art teachers and artists play important roles in school art programmes.
Next Art Education: Eight theses future art educators should think about
Authors: Meyer Torsten
Published: November 2017

The next art is the art of the Next Society. Sociologist and cultural theorist Dirk Baecker pinpoints the term Next Society to the society based on the computer as the leading media technology. Baecker develops his argument on the assumption that nothing influences societal structures and cultural forms as significantly as the respective dominating media technology. As a result in the long run, the introduction of the computer will impact society as dramatically as the introduction of language, writing and printing press. Next Art Education is the attempt to tie in with this assumption by looking for adequate considerations in the field of art education.
Building communities of practice: Pre-service teachers as content architects
Authors: Shields Sara Scott , Jesup Cindy
Published: November 2017

In this visual essay we map a pedagogical exploration from conception to realization. Informed by scholarship in collaborative learning and inspired by the work of contemporary artist, Annalise Rees, we asked pre-service educators to visualize their instructional strengths and weaknesses through the construction of buildings. We asked our students to act as educational content architects, tasked with building a structure physically and conceptually reliant on collaboration and connection. This visual essay first explores collaborative learning in pre-service education through the lens of communities of practice. Next, the essay introduces the parameters of the assignment, before closing with an overview of student outcomes.
Investigation of the role of parent attitudes, SES and religiosity in university students’ discriminative attitudes
Authors: Yilmaz İdris , Koca Fatih , Celik Akin
Published: November 2017

The goal of the current study is to examine the role of parental attitudes, social economic status, and individuals’ religious beliefs in university students’ attitudes towards gender, racial, religious, and homosexual discrimination. The sample of the study consisted of 643 (408 male and 335 female) university students attending Sport Science and Physical Education programs in large urban public universities in Turkey. Demographic questionnaire and Discriminative Attitudes inventory were employed. Multiple regression was applied to understand and document the predictive role of the study variables in the participants’ homosexual discriminative attitudes. The researchers found that perceived parental attitudes and religiosity had statistically group differences in the individuals’ discriminatory attitudes. Moreover, the findings indicated that parental attitudes, social economic status, and religious belief were significant predictors of university students’ attitudes towards homosexuality. The study implications and future directions were discussed.