bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resveratrol Activated Sonic Hedgehog Signaling to Enhance Viability of NIH3T3 Cells in Vitro via Regulation of Sirt1
Authors: Guo Shuang , Liao Hongyan , Liu Jie , Liu Jing , Tang Fanren , He Zhongxiang , Li Yangchun , Yang Qin
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: Injuries of the brain and spinal cord result in the formation of glial (reactive gliosis) and fibrotic (formed by fibroblasts) scars. Recent studies have shown that the fibrotic scar was much more important for hindering regeneration after brain or spinal cord injury than the astrocytic scar. However, it has been given much less attention for effects and mechanism of fibroblasts during formation of the fibrotic scar. Resveratrol may be a potential anti-scarring agent in burn-related scarring and keloid fibroblasts. However, it is unclear whether and how resveratrol affects formation of the fibrotic scar after brain or spinal cord injury. Earlier studies have shown that the activated Shh signaling has anti-apoptosis, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation properties. Moreover, resveratrol can activate the Shh signaling. However, it is unclear how resveratrol activates the Shh signaling. Resveratrol is a activator of Sirt1. It is unknown whether resveratrol activates the Shh signaling via Sirt1. Methods: NIH3T3 cells, a fibroblast cell line, were used as model cells and treated with drugs. Cell viability was assessed by Cell Counting Kit 8. The expressions and activity of Shh signaling pathway proteins were evaluated by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. Transcriptional activity of Gli-1 was detected with Dual-Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay Kit. Results: Resveratrol, Sirt1 agonist STR1720 and recombinant mouse Shh protein, an activator of hedgehog signaling, enhanced the viability of NIH3T3 cells, promoted Smo to translocated to the primary cilia and Gli-1 entered into the nuclei from cytoplasm, and upregulated expressions of Shh, Ptc-1, Smo, and Gli-1 proteins, which can be reversed by Smo antagonist cyclopamine and Sirt1 antagonist Sirtinol. Additionally, resveratrol increased transcriptional activity of Gli-1. Conclusion: We indicate in the first time that it may be mediated by Sirt1 for resveratrol activating the Shh signaling to enhance viability of NIH3T3 cells, and Sirt1 may be a regulator for upstream of the Shh signaling pathway.This study provides a basis for further investigating effects and mechanism of resveratrol during the formation of fibrous scar after brain or spinal cord injury.
Slc4a8 in the Kidney: Expression, Subcellular Localization and Role in Salt Reabsorption
Authors: Xu Jie , Barone Sharon , Zahedi Kamyar , Brooks Marybeth , Soleimani Manoocher
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: The sodium-dependent bicarbonate transporter Slc4a8 (a.k.a NDCBE) mediates the co-transport of sodium and bicarbonate in exchange for chloride. It is abundantly detected in the brain, with low expression levels in the kidney. The cell distribution and subcellular localization of Slc4a8 in the kidney and its role in acid/base and electrolyte homeostasis has been the subject of conflicting reports. There are no conclusive localization or functional studies to pinpoint the location and demonstrate the function of Slc4a8 in the kidney. Methods: Molecular techniques, including RT-PCR and in situ hybridization, were performed on kidney sections and tagged epitopes were used to examine the membrane targeting of Slc4a8 in polarized kidney cells. Crispr/Cas9 was used to generate and examine Slc4a8 KO mice. Results: Zonal distribution and in situ hybridization studies showed very little expression for Slc4a8 (NDCBE) in the cortex or in cortical collecting ducts (CCD). Slc4a8 was predominantly detected in the outer and inner medullary collecting ducts (OMCD and IMCD), and was targeted to the basolateral membrane of osmotically tolerant MDCK cells. Slc4a8 KO mice did not show any abnormal salt or bicarbonate wasting under baseline conditions or in response to bicarbonate loading, salt restriction or furosemide-induced diuresis. Conclusion: Slc4a8 (NDCBE) is absent in the CCD and is predominantly localized on the basolateral membrane of medullary collecting duct cells. Further, Slc4a8 deletion does not cause significant acid base or electrolyte abnormalities in pathophysiologic states. Additional studies are needed to examine the role of Slc4a8 (NDCBE) in intracellular pH and volume regulation in medullary collecting duct cells.
Dynamic Methylation Changes of DNA and H3K4 by RG108 Improve Epigenetic Reprogramming of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Embryos in Pigs
Authors: Zhai Yanhui , Zhang Zhiren , Yu Hao , Su Li , Yao Gang , Ma Xiaoling , Li Qi , An Xinglan , Zhang Sheng , Li Ziyi
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: DNA methylation and histone modifications are essential epigenetic marks that can significantly affect the mammalian somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryo development. However, the mechanisms by which the DNA methylation affects the epigenetic reprogramming have not been fully elucidated. Methods: In our study, we used quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining (IF) and sodium bisulfite genomic sequencing to examine the effects of RG108, a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (DNMTi), on the dynamic pattern of DNA methylation and histone modifications in porcine SCNT embryos and investigate the mechanism by which the epigenome status of donor cells’ affects SCNT embryos development and the crosstalk between epigenetic signals. Results: Our results showed that active DNA demethylation was enhanced by the significantly improving expression levels of TET1, TET2, TET3 and 5hmC, and passive DNA demethylation was promoted by the remarkably inhibitory expression levels of DNMT1, DNMT3A and 5mC in embryos constructed from the fetal fibroblasts (FFs) treated with RG108 (RG-SCNT embryos) compared to the levels in embryos from control FFs (FF-SCNT embryos). The signal intensity of histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) and histone H3 lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9Ac) was significantly increased and the expression levels of H3K4 methyltransferases were more than 2-fold higher expression in RG-SCNT embryos. RG-SCNT embryos had significantly higher cleavage and blastocyst rates (69.3±1.4%, and 24.72±2.3%, respectively) than FF-SCNT embryos (60.1±2.4% and 18.38±1.9%, respectively). Conclusion: Dynamic changes in DNA methylation caused by RG108 result in dynamic alterations in the patterns of H3K4me3, H3K9Ac and histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3), which leads to the activation of embryonic genome and epigenetic modification enzymes associated with H3K4 methylation, and contributes to reconstructing normal epigenetic modifications and improving the developmental efficiency of porcine SCNT embryos.
Hashimoto Encephalopathy as a Complication of Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Authors: Fiore Alixandria A. , Pfeiffer Wilson B. , Rizvi Syed A.A. , Cortes Anais  , Ziembinski Conrad  , Pham Ronald  , Graves Stephanie  , Patel Urvesh 
Published: October 2018

Objective: To present a case of Hashimoto encephalopathy as a complication of autoimmune thyroiditis. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A previously healthy 56-year-old female presented with rapidly progressive cognitive decline and visual hallucinations. Being a diagnosis of exclusion, Hashimoto encephalopathy required an extensive laboratory and diagnostic workup, which was done over the course of a 15-day hospitalization. The patient recovered after initial treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone and was then switched to prednisone p.o. Conclusion: This case report illustrates the importance of awareness for Hashimoto encephalopathy, as it remains one of the few easily treatable and reversible causes of rapid cognitive decline.
How to improve the concept of individualised antiplatelet therapy with P2Y12 receptor inhibitors – is an algorithm the answer?
Authors: Trenk Dietmar , Schrör Karsten , Gawaz Meinrad , Kristensen Steen D. , Storey Robert F. , Huber Kurt , Siller-Matula Jolanta M. ,   for the European Platelet Academy
Published: October 2018

Within the past decade, high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) on clopidogrel and its clinical implications have been frequently discussed. Although it has been previously assumed that HTPR is a phenomenon occurring only in patients treated with clopidogrel, recent data show that HTPR might also occur during treatment with prasugrel or ticagrelor in the acute phase of ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Moreover, it has been postulated that there is a therapeutic window for P2Y12 receptor blockers, thus indicating that HTPR is associated with thrombotic events whereas low on-treatment platelet reactivity (LTPR) is associated with bleeding events. The current paper focuses on tools to identify risk factors for HTPR (pharmacogenomic testing, clinical scoring and drug-drug interactions) and on the use of platelet function testing in order to identify patients who might not respond adequately to clopidogrel. The majority of recent clinical randomised trials have not supported the hypothesis that platelet function testing and tailored antiplatelet therapy are providing a favourable clinical outcome. These trials, mainly performed in low-to-moderate risk patients, will be reviewed and discussed. Finally, an algorithm based on current knowledge is suggested, which might be of use for design of clinical trials.
Acute Pulmonary Embolism in a National Danish Cohort: Increasing Incidence and Decreasing Mortality
Authors: Lehnert Per , Lange Theis , Møller Christian , Olsen Peter , Carlsen Jørn
Published: October 2018

This study reports the incidence, clinical profile and mortality for acute pulmonary embolism (PE) patients in the Danish population in four eras from 2004 to 2014. Patients admitted with first-time acute PE from 2004 through 2014 were identified from national patient registries classified according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition, World Health Organization. A total of 30,275 patients from a population of 4,301,673 adult residents aged 18 years or older were diagnosed with first-time acute PE, corresponding to an incidence of 64 (95% confidence interval: 61–66) per 100,000 adult residents per year. Throughout the study period, PE incidence increased from 45 to 83 per 100,000 adult residents. Age at disease onset also increased during the study period, rising from 67.1 to 68.0 (p = 0.002). Cancer was the most frequent concomitant diagnosis, with an incidence of 15.9%. Thoracic computed tomography and referral to specialized cardiac centres increased significantly throughout the study period. The 30- and 90-day mortality rates decreased between 2004 and 2014 from 17 to 11% and from 23 to 18% (p < 0.00), respectively. The 5-year mortality risk was reduced when comparing Era IV (2012–2014) with Era I (2004–2005), with a hazard ratio of 0.93 (p = 0.01). In Denmark, the annual incidence of acute PE has increased during the past decade from 45 to 83 per 100,000 adults with a significant decrease in both short- and long-term mortalities. In recent years, patients were more likely to be investigated with modern diagnostics and referred to cardiac centres for specialized treatment.
Inhibition of Platelets by Clopidogrel Suppressed Ang II‐Induced Vascular Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Remodeling
Authors: An Xiangbo , Jiang Guinan , Cheng Cheng , Lv Zhengshuai , Liu Yang , Wang Feng
Published: October 2018

Background

Platelets play a role in promoting inflammatory responses under several disease conditions. Platelets are activated in hypertensive patients. However, the mechanisms responsible for platelet‐mediating vascular inflammation are unknown. The present study investigated the role of platelets in promoting vascular inflammation following angiotensin II (Ang
II
) stimulation, and the efficacy of antiplatelet intervention.

Methods and Results

Within a mouse model of Ang
II
infusion (490 ng/kg per min), we measured the portion of P‐selectin–positive platelets and platelet‐monocyte (P‐M) binding in blood samples, and platelet accumulation and P‐M binding in vessels under Ang
II
stimulation at days 1, 3, and 7. We tested the efficacy of clopidogrel (15 mg/kg per day, followed by 5 mg/kg per day) on Ang
II
‐induced platelet activation, P‐M binding, vascular platelet accumulation, as well as vascular inflammation and remodeling at day 7 or 14. Clopidogrel reduced platelet vascular deposition (28.7±2.4% versus 18.3±2.9%), suppressed inflammatory cell infiltration (3.6±0.8×10
4
/vessel versus 2.3±1.2×10
4
/vessel) and oxidative stress, and attenuated vascular remodeling and dysfunction (55.0±5.5% versus 84.0±6.0%) following Ang
II
stimulation at day 7 or 14. Clopidogrel suppressed Ang
II
‐induced P‐M binding both at circulating (13.4±3.3% versus 5.9±2.7%) and regional (33.4±4.3% versus 11.9±2.7%) levels.

Conclusions

Platelets play a critical role in vascular inflammation under Ang
II
stimulation, with a marked promotion of P‐M binding as an important mechanism. Clopidogrel prevented vascular inflammation in Ang
II
‐infused mice.
Mechanisms underlying string-pulling behaviour in green-winged macaws
Authors: Gaycken Jana , Picken Drew J. , Pike Thomas W. , Burman Oliver H.P. , Wilkinson Anna
Published: October 2018

The string-pulling test is a classic test of physical cognition which is thought to examine an animal’s understanding of means-end comprehension, but may also result from trial and error learning. Here, we presented Green-winged macaws (Ara chloroptera) with a standard pull-up, and an alternative, pull-down, string pulling test to better understand the processes involved. Birds were divided into two groups: the experimental group were presented with the classic pull-up test and, upon completion, with the pull-down test, while the control group were only presented with the pull-down test. Six experimental birds solved the pull-up test, although none successfully completed the pull-down test; however, birds from the experimental group made significantly more pull-down actions than those from the control group. Together with previous findings on string-pulling behaviour in green-winged macaws, the results from the present study suggest that string-pulling behaviour in this species does not involve means-end understanding.
Idimanthus: A new aroid genus (Araceae—Caladieae) from Rio de Janeiro State, Brasil
Authors: GONÇALVES EDUARDO G.
Published: October 2018

The monotypic genus Idimanthus (Araceae-Caladieae), represented by the species Idimanthus amorphophalloides, is here described and illustrated. It differs from all Caladieae by its connective ending in a rostrate beak turned downward, but the combination of cormous geophytic stem, copious endosperm, densely arranged fertile flowers and sterile flowers densely arranged in an apical appendix did not match any other genera in the tribe. It was collected in a marble outcrop in Northern Rio de Janeiro state, in the county of Italva, nearby the city of Cardoso Moreira as an understory herb. The aspect of leafless inflorescences with a long apical staminoidal area appearing directly from the soil is remarkably peculiar for Southeastern Brazilian aroids.
A new genus of angraecoid orchids (Orchidaceae: Angraecinae) with highly distinctive pollinaria morphology, including three new species from tropical West and Central Africa

Authors: DESCOURVIÈRES PASCAL , FARMINHÃO JOÃO N. M. , DROISSART VINCENT , DUBUISSON JEAN-YVES , SIMO-DROISSART MURIELLE , STÉVART TARIQ
Published: October 2018

A recent large phylogenetic tree for the angraecoid orchids has shown that the Afrotropical genus Diaphananthe is polyphyletic with a small group of four species sister to Aerangis and Eurychone. These species have diagnostic morphological features different from any other angraecoids, notably an erose to fringed surface of the stipes and a calceiform viscidium. Diaphananthe quintasii, which has been regarded as conspecific with D. rohrii, is reinstated as a valid species and lectotypified, and Diaphananthe alfredii and Rhipidoglossum magnicalcar are put in synonymy under D. quintasii. To accommodate this group of species, along with three new taxa from West and Central Africa, a new genus named Kylicanthe is here described. Four new combinations are thus proposed, and K. bueae is chosen as the type species of the new genus and neotypified. Additionally, K. arcuata, K. cornuata, and K. perezverae are described as new species. An identification key for Kylicanthe and allied genera is presented, as well as one for the seven species in the genus. Notes on ecology and distribution in addition to a preliminary assessment of conservation status following the IUCN Red List are also provided.
Hygrophorus parvirussula sp. nov., a new edible mushroom from southwestern China
Authors: HUANG HONG-YAN , YANG SHU-DA , ZENG NIAN-KAI , ZHANG GUO-LI , HU YU , TANG LI-PING
Published: October 2018

A Chinese species of Hygrophorus with a purplish red or pinkish red pileus, treated as “H. russula” is taxonomically reevaluated, including sequences of “H. russula” from GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region indicated that “H. russula” from different continents is a complex of at least eight phylogenetic species. Chinese entities are distinct from previously described species of Hygrophorus, including the European H. russula. Therefore, we describe it as a new species, namely H. parvirussula sp. nov., which differs from H. russula by its smaller basidiomata, slightly larger basidiospores, and the presence of cheilocystidia and pleurocystidia.
Rhamphothrips genus-group (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) in Japan, with three new species
Authors: MASUMOTO MASAMI , OKAJIMA SHÛJI
Published: October 2018

In Japan, no members of Rhamphothrips genus-group have hitherto been known, but three species of this group are here newly described from Japan: Exothrips yaeyamanus sp. n., Rhamphothrips nemunoki sp. n. and R. ogasawarensis sp. n. Moreover, an uncertain species of Exothrips is recorded from Okinawa on Poaceae.
A new species of the genus Isoperla (Plecoptera: Perlodidae) from TIANMU MOUNTAIN NATURE RESERVE, China
Authors: HUO QING-BO , DU YU-ZHOU
Published: October 2018

A species of the genus Isoperla Banks, 1906, I. oncocauda Huo & Du, sp. nov. is described as new to science and is the first record for the family Perlodidae from the Tianmu Mountain Nature Reserve, Zhejiang Province of eastern coastal China. Both sexes of the new species are characterized by tergum 10 with a developed process. The partially extruded aedeagus of the male is membranous without conspicuous larger sclerites and with the ventral surface covered with dense scale-like and nail-shaped spines.
Newly recorded leafhoppers of the subfamily Cicadellinae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) with description of a new species from Pakistan
Authors: NAVEED HASSAN , ZHANG YALIN
Published: October 2018

Pakistani species of the leafhopper subfamily Cicadellinae are reviewed. One new species, Atkinsoniella fistular sp. nov., is described and illustrated, and three species are newly recorded from Pakistan and illustrated: Atkinsoniella opponens Walker, 1851 n. rec., Atkinsoniella thalia Distant, 1918 n. rec. and Kolla insignis Distant, 1908 n. rec.. A key is given to distinguish all the genera (males) in this subfamily from Pakistan.
The Impact of Assimilation of GPM Microwave Imager Clear-Sky Radiance on Numerical Simulations of Hurricanes Joaquin (2015) and Matthew (2016) with the HWRF Model
Authors: Pu Zhaoxia , Yu Chaulam , Tallapragada Vijay , Jin Jianjun , McCarty Will
Published: October 2018

The impact of assimilating Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Microwave Imager (GMI) clear-sky radiance on the track and intensity forecasts of two Atlantic hurricanes during the 2015 and 2016 hurricane seasons is assessed using the Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting (HWRF) Model. The GMI clear-sky brightness temperature is assimilated using a Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI)-based hybrid ensemble–variational data assimilation system, which utilizes the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM) as a forward operator for satellite sensors. A two-step bias correction approach, which combines a linear regression procedure and variational bias correction, is used to remove most of the systematic biases prior to data assimilation. Forecast results show that assimilating GMI clear-sky radiance has positive impacts on both track and intensity forecasts, with the extent depending on the phase of hurricane evolution. Forecast verifications against dropsonde soundings and reanalysis data show that assimilating GMI clear-sky radiance, when it does not overlap with overpasses of other microwave sounders, can improve forecasts of both thermodynamic (e.g., temperature and specific humidity) and dynamic variables (geopotential height and wind field), which in turn lead to better track forecasts and a more realistic hurricane inner-core structure. Even when other microwave sounders are present (e.g., AMSU-A, ATMS, MHS, etc.), the assimilation of GMI still reduces temperature forecast errors in the near-hurricane environment, which has a significant impact on the intensity forecast.
Crime Reporting Behavior Among Syrian Immigrants in Istanbul
Authors: Özaşçılar Mine , Narli Nilüfer , Öztürk Osman
Published: October 2018

Research suggests that immigrants are reluctant to report crimes to the authorities. Turkey has recently witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of Syrian immigrants, who mostly reside in urban areas, particularly Istanbul and its surrounding cities. To rectify the complete lack of research on Syrians’ crime reporting, this study uses survey data collected from 380 Syrians in Zeytinburnu, Istanbul, to investigate Syrian immigrants’ willingness to report crime and the determinants of their crime reporting behavior. The findings suggest that Syrians are very willing to report crime to the police. In addition, satisfaction with the police and household size were positively correlated with crime reporting behavior.
Fire performance of continuous glass fibre reinforced polycarbonate composites: The effect of fibre architecture on the fire properties of polycarbonate composites
Authors: Ghazzawi Yousof M , Osorio Andres F , Heitzmann Michael T
Published: October 2018

The fire performance of polycarbonate resin and the role of glass fibre reinforcement in altering the fire performance was investigated. Three different fibre weaves with comparable surface density, plain, twill, and unidirectional glass fabrics, were used as reinforcements. E-glass fabrics were solution-impregnated with polycarbonate/dichloromethyl, laid up, and compression-moulded to consolidate the glass fibre reinforced polycarbonate composite. Cone calorimetry tests with an incident radiant flux of 35 kW/m2 were used to investigate the fire properties of polycarbonate resin and its composites. Results showed that glass fibre reinforcement improves polycarbonate performance by delaying its ignition, decreasing its heat release rate, and lowering the mass loss rate. The three fibre weave types exhibited similar time to ignition. However, unidirectional fibre had a 35% lower peak heat release rate followed when compared to plain and twill weave fibres.
Spanish Fascist Women’s Transnational Relations during the Second World War: Between Ideology and Realpolitik
Authors: Morant i Ariño Toni
Published: October 2018

Spanish fascist women played a very active role in the Falange’s cross-border relations with Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy during the Spanish Civil War and the Second World War. From the very beginning, fascist women took a preeminent place in these contacts and exchanges in order to see with their own eyes how both fascist models were at a practical level. These relationships between fascist women’s organizations were born out of deep ideological affinity and were especially fluid, firstly on a bilateral level and after 1940 on the ‘New Order’ Europe-wide multilateral, transnational collaboration. However, they lacked neither of political calculation nor could abstract from the wider frame of international politics in such an eminently war period.

As this article will show, Falangist women used these fluid but less studied relationships to consolidate their own political position at home and explore other ways of political participation in a Nazi-Fascist New Europe, while at the same time trying to secure there a pre-eminent place for non-belligerent Spain. In the end, concerns about the own survival of the Franco dictatorship as the fate of war clearly changed in 1943, let ideological affinity succumb to the diplomatic conveniences they had once meant to overcome.
The Paradox of Pedagogical Excellence Among Exemplary Black Women Educators
Authors: Acosta Melanie M.
Published: October 2018

Research has documented that effective Black educators ignite the torch and light the path toward effectively meeting the needs of all students, particularly African American. However, descriptions of “highly qualified” teachers often ignore the critical insights and practices that undergird the success of Black teachers, and one consequence of this pedagogical negligence has been the professional alienation of effective Black female educators. This article shares findings from a study with five community-nominated Black female teachers, and uses the theories of intersectionality and positionality, along with discourse analysis, to investigate the groups’ perceptions of their professional positionality. Findings reveal a distinctive narrative in which participants expressed being positioned in ways that reflect negative stereotypical images of Black women despite their effectiveness in promoting student success. Implications and recommendations for teacher effectiveness research, teacher preparation, and teacher quality policy are included.
Bilingual and Monolingual Parents’ Counterstories of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Meeting
Authors: Larios Rosalinda , Zetlin Andrea
Published: October 2018

The Individual With Disabilities Education Act mandates that parents should be active participants in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting. This qualitative study looked at the IEP process from a critical lens that focused on diverse participants’ experiences at their child’s IEP meeting. What distinguishes counterstories from a majoritarian story is that a counterstory incorporates the five elements of critical race theory (CRT). The authors used the composite narrative to tell the story of four Latinx parents’ experiences in two urban schools during IEP meetings. Findings highlight how the participants could have used Yosso’s notion of community cultural wealth to better navigate the IEP meeting and create more understanding and responsiveness among school personnel. Counterstories are recommended as a culturally relevant instructional tool that has the potential to help parents increase their involvement and create a more open dialogue with professionals at IEP meetings.
“I Stopped Sleeping”: Teachers of Color and the Impact of Racial Battle Fatigue
Authors: Pizarro Marcos , Kohli Rita
Published: October 2018

Racial battle fatigue (RBF) has been operationalized as the psychological, emotional, and physiological toll of confronting racism. In this article, RBF is used to analyze the toll of racism on teachers of Color who work within a predominantly White profession. We present counterstories of justice-oriented, urban, teachers of Color who demonstrate racism in their professional contexts as a cumulative and ongoing experience that has a detrimental impact on their well-being and retention in the field. We also share their strategies of resilience and resistance, as they rely on a critical community to persist and transform their schools.
Help whom and help what? Intergenerational co-residence and the gender differences in time use among dual-earner households in Beijing, China
Authors: Ta Na , Liu Zhilin , Chai Yanwei
Published: October 2018

An extensive literature has documented the conflict between employment and household responsibilities and its impacts on the gendered patterns of daily activities in dual-earner households. However, most studies have focused exclusively on the division of household labour in nuclear households, with insufficient attention paid to the impact of alternative household strategies such as co-residence with extended family members. This article investigates the extent to which the presence of elderly parents shifts gendered activity patterns and even reduces the gender inequality in time use in urban China. By drawing on an activity diary survey conducted in Beijing in 2012, we compare and contrast the gendered patterns in time use between nuclear family households and extended family households. We find that co-residence mitigates the tension between employment and household responsibilities for women and leads to greater gender equality in the division of household labour and a reduced gender gap in the time spent on employment. However, co-residence only enables women to shift their time allocation from household responsibilities to employment rather than to pursue discretionary activities, and therefore its positive role is limited. We further discuss the policy implications given the limitations of intergenerational co-residence as an individual-based solution for childcare and other social services in transitional urban China.
Helping and Hindering Undergraduate Women’s STEM Motivation: Experiences With STEM Encouragement, STEM-Related Gender Bias, and Sexual Harassment
Authors: Leaper Campbell , Starr Christine R.
Published: October 2018

Prior research indicates many women either leave or pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees because the social climate undermined or strengthened their motivation and career aspirations. We investigated whether women’s experiences of sexual harassment and STEM-related gender bias negatively predicted their STEM motivation (task value, competence beliefs, and perceived costs) and STEM career aspirations. We also tested whether STEM encouragement from friends and family positively predicted motivation and aspirations. To consider domain-specific effects, we also tested the predictors in relation to non-STEM motivation and career aspirations. Students’ grade point average was controlled in all analyses. The sample was undergraduate women enrolled in gateway biology courses for majors ( N = 685; M = 19.67 years of age; 35% Asian, 31% White, and 27% Latinx). A majority experienced gender bias (60.9%) or sexual harassment (78.1%) at least once in the past year. STEM-related gender bias from classmates and sexual harassment from instructors (faculty, teaching assistants, or graduate students) were negatively related to STEM motivation and career aspirations. Perceived STEM encouragement from friends was positively related to motivation, and STEM encouragement from friends and family predicted STEM career aspirations. Finally, domain-specific effects were indicated. Our research highlights the need for programs that increase awareness of discrimination, combat bias and harassment, and affirm students’ STEM interest. Additional online materials for this article are available on PWQ's website at https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/suppl/10.1177/0361684318806302
Trivial and Normative? Online Fieldwork within YouTube’s Beauty Community
Authors: García-Rapp Florencia
Published: October 2018

In this article, I discuss methodological understandings around qualitative research and online ethnographic practice to bring forward a reflexive account on the particularities of doing fieldwork on YouTube. I draw from a multiyear ethnographic examination of YouTube’s beauty community that sought to understand online popularity framed by local norms and practices and shed light into the local significance of knowledge, expertise, and self-development. I argue for an epistemological perspective that acknowledges the diversity of viable, conceivable fieldwork experiences while distancing from prescriptive modes of argumentation. I propose seeing fieldwork in and through its richness and predicaments, persistently naturalistic while interpretive. I approach online popularity, fandom, and even YouTube itself from a perspective that tolerates ambivalence, contradictions, and embraces the complexity of social worlds and human interaction.
Coordinating Policy Layers of School Fundraising in Toronto, Ontario, Canada: An Institutional Ethnography
Authors: Winton Sue
Published: October 2018

In this article, I report findings from an investigation into the politics and coordination of school fundraising in the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Theoretically grounded in institutional ethnography and critical policy analysis, the study began from the standpoint of parents asked to give money to their children’s school(s). I show how provincial and TDSB funding, parent involvement, fundraising, and school council policies organize parents’ experience of school fundraising. I also explore how participating in fundraising enables parents to meet neoliberal expectations of a “good parent” and how through their efforts to secure advantages for their children, fundraising parents are accomplices in the privatization of public education. I conclude by discussing possibilities for intervention into the social organization of school fundraising in TDSB schools.
Emerging Topics in Vaccine Therapeutics for Adolescents and Adults: An Update for Immunizing Pharmacists
Authors: Fava Joseph P. , Stewart Brittany , Dudzinski Kathryn M. , Baker Michelle , Volino Lucio
Published: October 2018

Vaccine therapeutics and the practice of immunization provision are ever-changing. As pharmacy-based immunization services continue to flourish in the United States, more and more patients are requesting both routine and travel vaccines in community pharmacies. However, vaccine recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (CDC/ACIP) can sometimes differ from product-specific US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-indicated uses. In addition, changes in vaccine schedules, product availability, and disease outbreaks can present immunizing pharmacists with scenarios requiring a high level of clinical judgment. Thus, it is of paramount importance that all immunizing pharmacists maintain competency in the most recent evidence in vaccine therapeutics, as well as practice standards for vaccine provision and administration. This review provides an update of the most recent literature surrounding emerging topics in adolescent and adult immunizations—highlighting influential studies and recent developments in the prevention of herpes zoster, human papillomavirus (HPV), measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), meningococcal disease, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Key concepts discussed include the emergence of the new recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV), meningococcal vaccine product selection, MMR revaccination during disease outbreaks, tetanus vaccine product selection, and duration of pertussis immunity with vaccination.
A Life with Limits: A Christian Ethical Investigation of Radically Prolonging Human Lifespans
Authors: Kotzé Manitza
Published: October 2018

Recent biotechnological advances pose topical challenges to Christian ethics. One such development is the attempt to try and enhance human beings and what it means to be human, also through radical life extension. In this contribution I am especially interested in limited human lifespan and attempts to radically prolong it. Although there are a number of ethical issues raised by critics, one of the most profound ethical and theological issues raised by these efforts is the question of equity and justice. This artice looks at questions such as whether this biotechnology could exacerbate existing social divisions. Who will be experimented on in the development of this technology, as well as who will have access to it and be able to afford it, should it become commercially available? Being created in God’s image is a relational concept, referring not only to humanity’s relationship with God, but also with each other. Disrupting these relationships through the possible enlarging socioeconomic divisions between people through the utilisation of enhancement technology is a serious bioethical and theological question.
Improvement of mechanical and tribological properties of centrifugally cast functionally graded copper for bearing applications
Authors: Radhika N , Reghunath Rakesh , Sam Manu
Published: October 2018

The functionally graded Cu-11Ni-4Si/10wt%WC composite and its alloy have been synthesized using horizontal centrifugal casting technique to compare the mechanical and tribological improvement and its utility for bearings and bushes. Microstructure analysis and mechanical tests showed 43% improvement in hardness and 160% improvement in tensile strength at inner radial distances compared to the outer composite periphery. Fractural analysis showed ductility for alloy, whereas for composites, brittleness at outer and a combination of both ductility and brittleness were observed at inner. Proportional rise in the wear rate and coefficient of friction was observed with increasing load and sliding distances for both composite and alloy. Composite showed a slight decline in the wear rate and coefficient of friction with an increase in the sliding velocity, while alloy showed a linear rise. Worn surfaces analysis of composite showed the formation of oxide layers, which reduced the coefficient of friction at higher sliding velocity, resulting in lower wear rate.
Design and experimental validation of a cam-based constant-force compression mechanism with friction considered
Authors: Li Ming , Cheng Wei , Xie Ruili
Published: October 2018

Due to the quasi-zero-stiffness and overload protection characteristics, constant-force mechanisms can be widely used in nonlinear vibration control, high-efficiency shock isolation, and other engineering fields. As a preparatory work for the further applications, this paper presents a cam-based constant-force compression mechanism and validates the quasi-static characteristics experimentally. By employing the friction considered profile identification method to design the cam and through the interaction between the cam and spring-sliders, the constant-force compression mechanism can passively output the desired constant force over a sufficiently large displacement. The design theory is firstly introduced in detail. Through establishing and solving the differential relationship between the lateral elastic force and vertical constant force, the constant-force compression mechanism under various frictional conditions can be designed. Then, constant-force compression mechanism prototypes corresponding to sliding and rolling friction are designed, fabricated and tested respectively. The results show that both the prototypes have the satisfactory characteristics as with the design requirements. Moreover, the relative generality and stronger engineering applicability of the proposed friction considered profile identification method are proved since it can not only cover the frictionless (micro-friction) cases, but keep the constant-force behavior of the constant-force compression mechanism under the nonignorable friction conditions. Therefore, compared with the existing cam-roller constant-force mechanisms that must ensure the ignoring micro-friction demand, the presented constant-force compression mechanism taking friction into consideration has important engineering significance since it can reduce this machining requirement.
Multi-response optimization of friction stir corner welding of dissimilar thickness AA5086 and AA6061 aluminum alloys by Taguchi grey relational analysis
Authors: Krishnan Manigandan , Subramaniam Senthilkumar
Published: October 2018

Friction stir welding is a promising solid-state joining process to weld light materials like aluminum alloys. In this paper, an attempt has been made to optimize the friction stir corner welding process parameters using Taguchi grey relational analysis to attain the improved mechanical properties of dissimilar thickness AA5086 and AA6061 dissimilar aluminum alloys with plate thicknesses of 6 mm and 4 mm, respectively. The input parameters of the welding play a crucial role to achieve the desired weld properties. The friction stir welding experiments were conducted according to the L9 orthogonal array. The input process parameters are tool rotation speed (900–1100 r/min), welding speed (100–190 mm/min), and plunge depth (0.1–0.3 mm). The processes parameters were optimized and ranked based on the results of the grey relational analysis. The percentage contribution of each input process parameter on the weld quality was quantified using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimal process parameters were determined at tool rotation speed of 1100 r/min, welding speed of 150 mm/min, and tool plunge depth of 0.2 mm. The percentage contribution of the welding speed was 40.50% and revealed a significant influence on multiple responses followed by plunge depth 25.84% and rotational speed 18.13%. The microstructures of various regions were observed and analyzed. The fracture mode and fracture surface of the welded sample were observed and discussed.
Frontex and the convergence of humanitarianism, human rights and security
Authors: Perkowski Nina
Published: October 2018

While there has been growing scholarly interest in the convergence of humanitarianism and security in contemporary EUropean border governance, much of the existing literature has neglected the role of human rights in this process. Drawing on in-depth interviews with Frontex officials, this article takes the simultaneous portrayal of the agency as rescuer of migrants at sea, promoter of fundamental rights and defender of EUropean citizens against migrant threats as a starting point to rethink the relationship of humanitarianism, human rights and security in the governing of EUropean borders. Conceptualizing them as discourses of protection that render their subjects vulnerable in various ways, the article contributes to a deeper understanding of the connections and combined effects of humanitarianism, human rights and security in EUropean border governance. Finally, it shows that Frontex’s positioning in humanitarian, human rights and security terms has strengthened the agency in three ways. First, it has allowed Frontex to cooperate with a range of actors in ‘managing’ EUropean borders. Second, it has enabled the agency to become a ‘go-to’ solution to diverse crises in border governance. Third, it has allowed Frontex officials to shift blame for human rights abuses to member-states.
The impacts of the global economic crisis and its aftermath on the banking centres of Europe
Authors: Blažek Jiří , Hejnová Tereza , Rada Hynek
Published: October 2018

This paper aims to unravel the impacts of the global economic crisis upon European banking centres on the basis of the evolution of key economic indicators, such as total assets, profitability and the level of risk to the banking sector over the 2004–2015 period. Counterintuitively, the European leading banking centres (London, Paris and Frankfurt), despite their extensive exposure to capital markets, displayed a high level of resilience, which contrasts with the evolution of the other major Western European centres, which clearly lagged behind the European leaders. From a macro-regional perspective, banking centres in Western Europe exhibited the first signals of both the crisis and the recovery, which were subsequently diffused across Europe. Surprisingly, the profitability of low-ranking banking centres in Central and Eastern Europe remained the highest over the whole 2004–2015 period, as these banks operate predominantly within a regional (national) market. Overall, during the 2004–2015 period, London, Paris and Frankfurt clearly strengthened their dominance among European banking centres.
Sport in broader leisure lifestyles: An analysis of the professional sport consumer’s cultural engagement
Authors: Gemar Adam
Published: October 2018

Despite the prevalence of professional sport in contemporary societies, there is little known by academics about professional sports consumers. We know much more about other cultural domains, such as music and the arts. This study examines consumption and sport in Canada to further understand how patterns of sports consumption fit into broader leisure lifestyles. Through investigation of how five professional sports leagues in Canada are consumed, this paper draws conclusions about the lifestyle of these consumers to assess which prevailing theories of cultural consumption are most useful for this segment. By utilising latent class analysis and regression modelling, this paper finds that cultural omnivores are the most likely consumers of these leagues. This group also maps onto theorisations of omnivores as high-status persons. Additionally, this paper suggests that theories of cosmopolitanism in omnivorous consumption may have particular salience for the Canadian case.
Dying on Hospice in the Midst of an Opioid Crisis: What Should We Do Now?
Authors: Gabbard Jennifer , Jordan Allison , Mitchell Julie , Corbett Mark , White Patrick , Childers Julie
Published: October 2018

The current opioid crisis in the United States is a major problem facing health-care providers, even at the end of life. Opioids continue to be the mainstay treatment for pain at the end of life, with the prevalence of pain reported in up to 80% of patients and tends to increase as one gets closer toward the end of life. In the past year, 20.2 million Americans had a substance use disorder (SUD) and SUDs are disabling disorders that largely go untreated. In addition, the coexistence of both a mental health and SUD is very common with the use of opioids often as a means of chemical coping. Most hospice programs do not have standardized SUD policies/guidelines in place despite the increasing concerns about substance abuse within the United States. The goal of this article is to review the literature on this topic and offer strategies on how to manage pain in patients who have active SUD or who are at risk for developing SUD in those dying on hospice.
Performance characteristics of two-lobe pressure dam bearings with micropolar lubrication
Authors: Sharma Sanyam , Verma Rajeev
Published: October 2018

A circular bearing experiences the instability problem due to oil whirl, causing violent vibrations at high speed. Two-lobe pressure dam bearing is a solution to the instability arising in high-speed rotating machineries. The paper presents the various static and dynamic characteristics of two-lobe pressure dam bearings, while operating with micropolar fluid. The modified Reynolds equation used to model the lubrication is solved using the finite element method. Performance characteristics such as load, attitude angle, critical mass, threshold speed and whirl frequency are computed, presented graphically and analysed. A detailed comparison of the performance characteristics is done for various micropolar and dam parameters. It is concluded that bearing performance is significantly influenced by dam parameters (dam angles) and micropolar parameters (coupling number and characteristics length).