bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An International Consortium Update: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Adolescence
Authors: Ibáñez Lourdes , Oberfield Sharon E. , Witchel Selma , Auchus Richard J. , Chang R. Jeffrey , Codner Ethel , Dabadghao Preeti , Darendeliler Feyza , Elbarbary Nancy Samir , Gambineri Alessandra , Garcia Rudaz Cecilia , Hoeger Kathleen M. , López-Bermejo Abel , Ong Ken , Peña Alexia S. , Reinehr Thomas , Santoro Nicola , Tena-Sempere Manuel , Tao Rachel , Yildiz Bulent O. , Alkhayyat Haya , Deeb Asma , Joel Dipesalema , Horikawa Reiko , de Zegher Francis , Lee Peter A.
Published: November 2017

This paper represents an international collaboration of paediatric endocrine and other societies (listed in the Appendix) under the International Consortium of Paediatric Endocrinology (ICPE) aiming to improve worldwide care of adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)1. The manuscript examines pathophysiology and guidelines for the diagnosis and management of PCOS during adolescence. The complex pathophysiology of PCOS involves the interaction of genetic and epigenetic changes, primary ovarian abnormalities, neuroendocrine alterations, and endocrine and metabolic modifiers such as anti-Müllerian hormone, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, adiposity, and adiponectin levels. Appropriate diagnosis of adolescent PCOS should include adequate and careful evaluation of symptoms, such as hirsutism, severe acne, and menstrual irregularities 2 years beyond menarche, and elevated androgen levels. Polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound without hyperandrogenism or menstrual irregularities should not be used to diagnose adolescent PCOS. Hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and obesity may be present in adolescents with PCOS, but are not considered to be diagnostic criteria. Treatment of adolescent PCOS should include lifestyle intervention, local therapies, and medications. Insulin sensitizers like metformin and oral contraceptive pills provide short-term benefits on PCOS symptoms. There are limited data on anti-androgens and combined therapies showing additive/synergistic actions for adolescents. Reproductive aspects and transition should be taken into account when managing adolescents.
IL-6 Promotes FSH-Induced VEGF Expression Through JAK/STAT3 Signaling Pathway in Bovine Granulosa Cells
Authors: Yang Meng , Wang Lei , Wang Xurong , Wang Xuezhi , Yang Zhiqiang , Li Jianxi
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been demonstrated to play a pivotal role in the regulation of angiogenesis in ovarian follicular development, particularly during the preovulatory period. Although numerous studies have shown that interleukin-6 (IL-6) is one of the major inducing factors that regulate the expression of VEGF in non-ovarian cells, whether it involved in regulating the expression of VEGF in normal ovarian granulosa cells is still unknown. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effect of IL-6 on FSH-induced VEGF expression in bovine granulosa cells derived from large follicles. Methods: VEGF mRNA expression in granulosa cells after IL-6 with/without inhibitors treatment was analyzed by RT-qPCR. Phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and STAT3 proteins induced by IL-6 were analyzed by western blotting. The protein levels produced by granulosa cells were detected by ELISA. Results: High concentration of IL-6 (10ng/ml) can significantly up-regulate FSH-induced VEGF gene and protein expression levels in granulosa cells, and also promote the VEGF upstream regulators HIF-1α and COX2 mRNA expression. VEGF expression levels were significantly decreased after specifically blocking HIF-1α and COX2 by using inhibitors. The up-regulation effect of IL-6 on FSH-induced VEGF expression in granulosa cells mainly through activating the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway, which can be impaired by JAK inhibitors. Conclusion: IL-6 can promote FSH-induced VEGF expression in granulosa cells, which is mainly achieved by increasing the expression of HIF-1α and COX2.This promoting effect is mediated by activating the JAK/STAT3 pathway. Moreover, there may be a synergistic relationship between FSH and IL-6 in the regulation of VEGF expression.
Study of HSPB6: Insights into the Properties of the Multifunctional Protective Agent
Authors: Li Fazhao , Xiao Han , Zhou Fangfang , Hu Zhiping , Yang Binbin
Published: November 2017

HSPB6(Heat shock protein B6), is also referred to as P20/HSP20. Unlike other many other members of sHSP(small Heat shock protein) family, which tend to form high-molecular-mass oligomers, in solution, human HSPB6 only forms dimers. However, it still exhibits chaperon-like activity comparable with that of HSPB5. It is expressed ubiquitously, with high and constitutive expression in muscular tissues. sHSPs characteristically function as molecular chaperones and HSPB6 also has a molecular chaperone activity. HSPB6 is up-regulated in response to diverse cellular stress or damage and protect cells from otherwise lethal conditions. HSPB6 is widely recognized as a principle mediator of cardioprotective signaling and recent studies have unraveled the protective role of HSPB6 in disease or injury to the central nervous system. Moreover, accumulating evidence has implicated HSPB6 as a key mediator of diverse vital physiological processes, such as smooth muscle relaxation, platelet aggregation. The versatility of HSPB6 can be explained by its direct involvement in regulating different client proteins and its ability to form heterooligomer with other sHSPs, which seems to be dependent on HSPB6 phosphorylation. This review focuses on the properties including expression and regulation pattern, phosphorylation, chaperon activity, multiple cellular targets of HSPB6, as well as its possible role in physical and pathological conditions.
Availability and Use of Shared Data From Cardiometabolic Clinical Trials
Authors: Vaduganathan Muthiah , Nagarur Amulya , Qamar Arman , Patel Ravi B. , Navar Ann Marie , Peterson Eric D. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Yancy Clyde W. , Butler Javed
Published: November 2017

Background:

Sharing of patient-level clinical trial data has been widely endorsed. Little is known about how extensively these data have been used for cardiometabolic diseases. We sought to evaluate the availability and use of shared data from cardiometabolic clinical trials.

Methods:

We extracted data from ClinicalStudyDataRequest.com, a large, multisponsor data-sharing platform hosting individual patient–level data from completed studies sponsored by 13 pharmaceutical companies.

Results:

From January 2013 to May 2017, the platform had data from 3374 clinical trials, of which 537 (16%) evaluated cardiometabolic therapeutics (phase 1, 36%; phase 2, 17%; phase 2/3, 1%; phase 3, 42%; phase 4, 4%). They covered 74 therapies and 398 925 patients. Diabetes mellitus (60%) and hypertension (15%) were the most common study topics. Median time from study completion to data availability was 79 months. As of May 2017, ClinicalStudyDataRequest.com had received 318 submitted proposals, of which 163 had signed data-sharing agreements. Thirty of these proposals were related to cardiometabolic therapies and requested data from 79 unique studies (15% of all trials, 29% of phase 3/4 trials). Most (96%) data requesters of cardiometabolic clinical trial data were from academic centers in North America and Western Europe, and half the proposals were unfunded. Most proposals were for secondary hypothesis-generating questions, with only 1 proposed reanalysis of the original study primary hypothesis. To date, 3 peer-reviewed articles have been published after a median of 19 months (9–32 months) from the data-sharing agreement.

Conclusions:

Despite availability of data from >500 cardiometabolic trials in a multisponsor data-sharing platform, only 15% of these trials and 29% of phase 3/4 trials have been accessed by investigators thus far, and a negligible minority of analyses have reached publication.
Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Lowering With Evolocumab and Outcomes in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Bonaca Marc P. , Nault Patrice , Giugliano Robert P. , Keech Anthony C. , Pineda Armando Lira , Kanevsky Estella , Kuder Julia , Murphy Sabina A. , Jukema J. Wouter , Lewis Basil S. , Tokgozoglu Lale , Somaratne Ransi , Sever Peter S. , Pedersen Terje R. , Sabatine Marc S.
Published: November 2017

Background:

The PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) inhibitor evolocumab reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and cardiovascular events in the FOURIER trial (Further Cardiovascular Outcomes Research With PCSK9 Inhibition in Subjects With Elevated Risk). We investigated the efficacy and safety of evolocumab in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) as well as the effect on major adverse limb events.

Methods:

FOURIER was a randomized trial of evolocumab versus placebo in 27 564 patients with atherosclerotic disease on statin therapy followed for a median of 2.2 years. Patients were identified as having PAD at baseline if they had intermittent claudication and an ankle brachial index of <0.85, or if they had a prior peripheral vascular procedure. The primary end point was a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, hospital admission for unstable angina, or coronary revascularization. The key secondary end point was a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. An additional outcome of interest was major adverse limb events defined as acute limb ischemia, major amputation, or urgent peripheral revascularization for ischemia.

Results:

Three thousand six hundred forty-two patients (13.2%) had PAD (1505 with no prior myocardial infarction or stroke). Evolocumab significantly reduced the primary end point consistently in patients with PAD (hazard ratio [HR] 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66–0.94;
P
=0.0098) and without PAD (HR 0.86; 95% CI, 0.80–0.93;
P
=0.0003;
P
interaction
=0.40). For the key secondary end point, the HRs were 0.73 (0.59–0.91;
P
=0.0040) for those with PAD and 0.81 (0.73–0.90;
P
<0.0001) for those without PAD (
P
interaction
=0.41). Because of their higher risk, patients with PAD had larger absolute risk reductions for the primary end point (3.5% with PAD, 1.6% without PAD) and the key secondary end point (3.5% with PAD, 1.4% without PAD). Evolocumab reduced the risk of major adverse limb events in all patients (HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.38–0.88;
P
=0.0093) with consistent effects in those with and without known PAD. There was a consistent relationship between lower achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lower risk of limb events (
P
=0.026 for the beta coefficient) that extended down to <10 mg/dL.

Conclusions:

Patients with PAD are at high risk of cardiovascular events, and PCSK9 inhibition with evolocumab significantly reduced that risk with large absolute risk reductions. Moreover, lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with evolocumab reduced the risk of major adverse limb events.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01764633.
Ventrolateral Prefrontal Cortex Updates Chosen Value According to Choice Set Size
Authors: Fujiwara Juri , Usui Nobuo , Eifuku Satoshi , Iijima Toshio , Taira Masato , Tsutsui Ken-Ichiro , Tobler Philippe N.
Published: November 2017

Having chosen an item typically increases the subjective value of the chosen item, and people generally enjoy making choices from larger choice sets. However, having too many items to choose from can reduce the value of chosen items—for example, because of conflict or choice difficulty. In this study, we investigated the effects of choice set size on behavioral and neural value updating (revaluation) of the chosen item. In the scanner, participants selected items from choice sets of various sizes (one, two, four, or eight items). After they chose an item, participants rerated the chosen item, and we quantified revaluation by taking the difference of postchoice minus prechoice ratings. Revaluation of chosen items increased up to choice sets of four alternatives but then decreased again for items chosen from choice sets of eight alternatives, revealing both a linear and a quadratic effect of choice set size. At the time of postchoice rating, activation of the ventrolateral pFC (VLPFC) reflected the influence of choice set size on parametric revaluation, without significant relation to either prechoice or postchoice ratings tested separately. Additional analyses revealed relations of choice set size to anterior cingulate and insula activity during actual choice and increased coupling of both regions to revaluation-related VLPFC during postchoice rating. These data suggest that the VLPFC plays a central role in a network that relates choice set size to updating the value of chosen items and integrates choice overload with value-enhancing effects of larger choice sets.
World Literature, Diplomacy, and War
Authors: Hubert Rosario
Published: November 2017

The Belgian poet Henri Michaux (1899–1984) visited Argentina in 1936 as guest of honor of the first South American PEN Club Congress. After publishing his impressions of the country in 1938 in an essay that the Argentinean officials considered utterly “undiplomatic” he was denied permission to return in 1939. This article explores the double function of diplomacy as institutional practice and rhetorical gesture by situating Michaux’s essay within a network of interwar textualities, namely, nationalist narratives of the South American landscape and emerging protocols of ethnographic discourse. This approach highlights international channels of circulation of literary texts and imaginaries beyond academia and the market that have not been significantly explored in debates on world literature in the Latin American context.
Semi-Peripheral Dynamics
Authors: Schwartz Cecilia
Published: November 2017

This article aims to contribute to the understanding of the transnational dimension of Italian literature and overlooked dynamics in the literary semi-periphery. Focusing on Italian fiction in Sweden, a panoramic view of this specific semi-peripheral relation is outlined and compared to Danish and English experiences. I will then test the hypothesis that the centrality-peripherality dichotomy remains relevant to the relations of semi-peripheral literatures, but that it depends on “the modality of a specific inclusion within a system” (WReC 123). The main concern is to determine whether semi-peripheral literatures include each other as central or peripheral. More specifically, the study examines the inclusion strategies of three Swedish publishers specialized in Italian literature. Following Venuti, the inclusion modalities which are related to the publisher are visible in the selection as well as in the publisher’s epitext and peritext. These three aspects are therefore analysed with regard to peripheralization and centralization.
Endemic vascular plants of the Sierra Madre Oriental, Mexico
Authors: SALINAS-RODRÍGUEZ MARÍA MAGDALENA , ESTRADA-CASTILLÓN EDUARDO , VILLARREAL-QUINTANILLA JOSÉ A.
Published: November 2017

To aid in formulating conservation strategies for protection of species in mountainous regions, we studied the distribution of endemic vascular plants of northeastern Mexico’s Sierra Madre Oriental physiographic province, a massive mountain system in which different types of climate, vegetation, topography, and sedimentary soil converge. The information used in our five-year study was gathered from databases of national and international herbaria, as well as from botanical studies and floristic inventories conducted in the study area. We corroborated the nomenclature and geographical distribution of each species in the databases. A total of 1,135 species of endemic vascular plants from 369 genera and 88 families, including 177 infraspecific categories and one hybrid, were recorded in this study. The families with the most species and genera are Asteraceae (232 species, 75 genera), Cactaceae (170, 26), Fabaceae (66, 19) and Lamiaceae (66, 10). The genera with the most species are Mammillaria (43), Turbinicarpus (40), Agave (20), Salvia (20), Sedum (20) and Pinguicula (19). The families with the largest number of endangered species are Cactaceae, Zamiaceae, Pinaceae, and Fagaceae. Endemic species were most abundant in vegetation of temperate regions (554 endemic species) and in zones with dry climates or chalky soils (a total of 380 species for the two types of zones combined). The principal endemism-promoting attributes of the Sierra Madre Oriental may be its location, climate, physiography, soil types, geological age, karstic landscape, and wide range of elevations.
Molecular and morphological evidence for Dendrobium bannaense (Orchidaceae; Epidendroideae), a new species from China
Authors: TIAN YING-QIU , LI LING , YANG YU-LING , HUANG YU-BI
Published: November 2017

A new species, Dendrobium bannaense, is described from Yunnan, China, based on the molecular and morphological evidence. It belongs to section Dendrobium according to analysis of combined nrITS and plastid datasets (matK, rbcL, trnH-psbA, and trnL intron). Morphological analysis reveals that D. bannaense is similar to D. parishii, but differs in having a white lip with purplish stripes and without a deep purple blotch on either side; the disk is with 3 longitudinal ridges, extending from base to upper-middle part, and lower-middle part is thickened and swell as callus shape at the joint of lip and claw.
A new species of Aspidura Wagler, 1830 (Squamata: Colubridae: Natricinae) from Sri Pada sanctuary (Peak Wilderness), Sri Lanka
Authors: WICKRAMASINGHE L. J. MENDIS , VIDANAPATHIRANA DULAN RANGA , KANDAMBI H. K. DUSHANTHA , PYRON R. ALEXANDER , WICKRAMASINGHE NETHU
Published: November 2017

We describe a new species, Aspidura ravanai sp. nov., representing the eighth species of the genus known from Sri Lanka. The new species is readily distinguished from all other congeners by its colour pattern, scalation, and genetic distinctiveness. Our molecular results indicated that Aspidura began diversifying in the Miocene approximately 18 Ma, and A. ravanai sp. nov. diverged from its likely sister lineage A. trachyprocta at least 6.2 Ma. The species is currently known only from the type locality, on the western slopes of Sri Pada Peak in the central highlands of Sri Lanka.
Poverty, Academic Achievement, and Giftedness: A Literature Review
Authors: Olszewski-Kubilius Paula , Corwith Susan
Published: November 2017

In this article, we review research on poverty, both poverty rates and the effects of poverty on academic achievement more generally and on the identification and services for low-income gifted children specifically. This review sets the stage for further discussion of the research findings on identification practices including the efficacy of various approaches to increase the identification of gifted students in poverty. We then review research on the effectiveness of programs designed specifically to identify students with potential and support them through talent development services. Finally, we conclude the literature review with recommendations for future research.
Stress Outcomes of Four Types of Perceived Interruptions
Authors: Fletcher Keaton A. , Potter Sean M. , Telford Britany N.
Published: November 2017

Objective

We sought to define and measure four types of perceived interruptions and to examine their relationships with stress outcomes.

Background

Interruptions have been defined and measured in a variety of inconsistent ways. No study has simultaneously examined the subjective experience of all types of interruptions.

Method

First, we provide a synthesized definition and model of interruptions that aligns interruptions along two qualities: origin and degree of multitasking. Second, we create and validate a self-report measure of these four types of perceived interruptions within two samples (working undergraduate students and working engineers). Last, we correlate this measure with self-reported psychological and physical stress outcomes.

Results

Our results support the four-factor model of interruptions. Results further support the link between each of the four types of interruptions (intrusions, breaks, distractions, and a specific type of ruminations, discrepancies) and stress outcomes. Specifically, results suggest that distractions explain a unique portion of variance in stress outcomes above and beyond the shared variance explained by intrusions, breaks, and discrepancies.

Conclusion

The synthesized four-factor model of interruptions is an adequate representation of the overall construct of interruptions. Further, perceived interruptions can be measured and are significantly related to stress outcomes.

Application

Measuring interruptions by observation can be intrusive and resource intensive. Additionally, some types of interruptions may be internal and therefore unobservable. Our survey measure offers a practical alternative method for practitioners and researchers interested in the outcomes of interruptions, especially stress outcomes.
Fluorescent Labeling and 2-Photon Imaging of Mouse Tooth Pulp Nociceptors
Authors: Kadala A. , Sotelo-Hitschfeld P. , Ahmad Z. , Tripal P. , Schmid B. , Mueller A. , Bernal L. , Winter Z. , Brauchi S. , Lohbauer U. , Messlinger K. , Lennerz J.K. , Zimmermann K.
Published: November 2017

Retrograde fluorescent labeling of dental primary afferent neurons (DPANs) has been described in rats through crystalline fluorescent DiI, while in the mouse, this technique was achieved with only Fluoro-Gold, a neurotoxic fluorescent dye with membrane penetration characteristics superior to the carbocyanine dyes. We reevaluated this technique in the rat with the aim to transfer it to the mouse because comprehensive physiologic studies require access to the mouse as a model organism. Using conventional immunohistochemistry, we assessed in rats and mice the speed of axonal dye transport from the application site to the trigeminal ganglion, the numbers of stained DPANs, and the fluorescence intensity via 1) conventional crystalline DiI and 2) a novel DiI formulation with improved penetration properties and staining efficiency. A 3-dimensional reconstruction of an entire trigeminal ganglion with 2-photon laser scanning fluorescence microscopy permitted visualization of DPANs in all 3 divisions of the trigeminal nerve. We quantified DPANs in mice expressing the farnesylated enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFPf) from the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8EGFPf/+) locus in the 3 branches. We also evaluated the viability of the labeled DPANs in dissociated trigeminal ganglion cultures using calcium microfluorometry, and we assessed the sensitivity to capsaicin, an agonist of the TRPV1 receptor. Reproducible DiI labeling of DPANs in the mouse is an important tool 1) to investigate the molecular and functional specialization of DPANs within the trigeminal nociceptive system and 2) to recognize exclusive molecular characteristics that differentiate nociception in the trigeminal system from that in the somatic system. A versatile tool to enhance our understanding of the molecular composition and characteristics of DPANs will be essential for the development of mechanism-based therapeutic approaches for dentine hypersensitivity and inflammatory tooth pain.
New Insights into Effects of Aromatic Amino Acids on Hydroxyapatite
Authors: Guo Y.R. , Yang X. , Feng X.W. , Sa Y. , Wang M. , Li P. , Jiang T.
Published: November 2017

Biomimetics inspired by superstructures and extraordinary properties of teeth have resulted in tooth repair and the generation of novel materials. However, little attention has been paid to tooth color, whose origin remains unknown. Based on recent studies, fluorophores—mainly aromatic amino acids (AAAs) in proteins—might be responsible for tooth color. We synthesized carbonated hydroxyapatite (HA; the mineral phase of teeth) in the presence of different amino acids (AAs; the basic units of protein matrix of teeth) as a simplified model of teeth to explore the color source at the AA level. After measuring the fluorescence and color characteristics of HA-AAs before and after bleaching treatment, we found that only HA, synthesized in the presence of AAAs, exhibited remarkable fluorescence and color property. Furthermore, linearly increased fluorescence intensity and deeper color were observed with an increase in AAA content in HA-AAAs. Similarly, significantly decreased absorbance of HA-AAAs between 250 and 300 nm in ultraviolet spectra, declined fluorescence intensity, and decolored performance of HA-AAAs were observed after bleaching treatment. The results showed that AAAs contributed to the fluorescence and color properties of HA and that hydrogen peroxide might whiten HA-AAAs by oxidizing the benzene ring in AAAs. These findings are of great significance in promoting the synthesis of advanced tooth-colored materials and furthering our understanding of the possible mechanisms of hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, our study shed light on the importance of AAAs and might provide new ideas for investigations of biomineralization and biomimetics.
Computing solubility parameters of phosphorous flame retardants by molecular dynamics and correlating their interactions with poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Chang Shuo , Zhou Xiang , Xing Zhiqi
Published: November 2017

The solubility parameter is a reliable way to study the adsorption phenomenon quantitatively for a wide range of systems. Herein, solubility parameters of five selected phosphorous flame retardants were computed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, whose phosphorous groups were not available in the group contribution method, with the aim to address the intermolecular interactions of flame retardants with poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) while transferring from an aqueous bath to PET textiles. To verify the reliability of the MD strategy, the solubility parameter of flame retardant 1,2,5,6,9,10-hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) was computed by group contribution and MD as well. The obtained solubility parameters of the five phosphorous flame retardants were found to have a linear correlation with their thermodynamic parameters, which describes their adsorption on PET fibers and, cited from our previous publication, partition coefficient K and the change of standard Gibbs free energy of the transfer of flame retardants from water to PET fiber [Formula: see text], suggesting that flame retardants with lower solubility parameter in this study are more likely to adsorb on PET fibers. Compared with the polarity parameter ET(30) which was determined in our previous publication, the solubility parameter behaved similarly in describing the interaction between flame retardants and PET fibers during the adsorption process.
Immobility and insecure labour markets: An active response to precarious employment
Authors: Preece Jenny
Published: November 2017

This article explores how people experience and respond to a post-industrial labour market context through residential (im)mobility. Focusing on places that are represented through a range of official measures as ‘declining’, the research explains why people may remain in weaker labour market areas, rather than moving to places that could offer greater employment opportunities. The case study approach focused on two urban neighbourhoods in England, Nearthorpe (Sheffield) and Eastland (Grimsby). The article draws on repeated, in-depth, biographical interviews with 25 individuals across 18 households. The research shows that stability of residence was a necessary counterbalance to a low-paid and insecure work context. Immobility facilitated access to a range of informal support networks. However, immobility was not simply a by-product of lack of mobility or a passive state. This research conceptualises immobility as an active process in which participants engaged in different forms of adaptation and resistance in the face of changing labour market conditions.
‘Mexicans love red’ and other gentrification myths: Displacements and contestations in the gentrification of Pilsen, Chicago, USA
Authors: Curran Winifred
Published: November 2017

This article uses experiences from a decade-long community-based research project in the Pilsen neighbourhood of Chicago, a Mexican-American neighbourhood whose residents are both experiencing and resisting gentrification, to show how displacements and contestations evolve in conversation with each other in an iterative process we could call ‘actually existing’ gentrifications. I analyse a series of ‘moments’ in 13 years of research in Pilsen to illustrate the constantly shifting terrain of gentrification politics, covering not just housing affordability, but the nature of identity, democracy and belonging. As communities develop resistance strategies to gentrification, so too do city planners, policy makers and developers adapt to these community strategies to reframe their vision of the community. In highlighting both the success of community resistance in mitigating some of the worst effects of gentrification and the co-optation of some of these same strategies in the reframing of gentrification, my goal is to show that gentrification is rarely ever done or complete but is continuously enacted and resisted, challenging the idea that gentrification is somehow inevitable.
Sodium acetate–urea composite phase change material used in building envelopes for thermal insulation
Authors: Zhang Yin , Wang Xin , Wei Zhiyuan , Zhang Yinping , Feng Ya
Published: November 2017

Integrating phase change material with building envelopes is an effective way to reduce cooling or heating loads, improve indoor thermal comfort and save building energy consumption. In this paper, the composite phase change material of sodium acetate and urea is prepared and its thermal–physical properties with different mixing mass ratios are investigated through experiment and T-history method. Moreover, the heat transfer model of building envelopes with phase change material is established and different phase change material locations in external walls for thermal insulation are compared based on integrated uncomfortable degree. The results show that (1) with rising urea mass fraction, both phase change temperature and latent fusion heat (enthalpy) decline; (2) strontium sulfate is an effective nucleating additive to decrease super-cooling degree for such phase change material solidification and (3) to improve indoor thermal comfort, it is preferable to put phase change material in the middle of external walls. Furthermore, the illustrative example of an office building in Chengdu indicates that phase change material insulation can lead to time lag and decrement for indoor air temperature variations. It also indicates that after inserting such phase change material into building external wall, the highest indoor temperature can be decreased by 7℃, leading to 60% cooling energy saving in one typical summer day. This work can provide guidance for building thermal design with phase change materials.

Practical application:The studied sodium acetate–urea composite phase change material has been used as energy storage and thermal insulation materials inserted in envelopes for the demonstration project of low/zero energy consumption passive buildings in China.
Studying the Usability of an Intervention to Promote Teachers’ Use of Robotics in STEM Education
Authors: Kim ChanMin , Yuan Jiangmei , Kim Dongho , Doshi Prashant , Thai Chi N. , Hill Roger B. , Melias Ernst
Published: November 2017

We developed RoboSTEM, a portal for open educational resources for the use of robotics in teaching and learning, to help teachers learn how to design and implement lessons using robotics. In this article, the design and functionality of RoboSTEM and the theoretical foundations behind its design are described. Two usability testing studies are also presented. Participants were 13 pre- and in-service teachers. Results from both quantitative and qualitative data analyses show that (a) usability survey ratings were positive overall and improved after revisions from the first usability study to the second; (b) data from participants’ screen activities and interviews were aligned with the survey results; (c) high levels of behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement in RoboSTEM were observed; and (d) the positive impact of RoboSTEM on example-based learning was acknowledged among teachers. Applications of RoboSTEM as well as future research and development directions are discussed.
Facilitating Vocabulary Note Taking on Computers Through the Deep Processing Strategy
Authors: Liu Ming-Chi , Huang Yueh-Min , Chien Yu-Cheng
Published: November 2017

The recording of words in a vocabulary notebook is regarded as a plausible and efficient method for learners, since they can organize and manage the individual words they wish to acquire. The wide appeal of portable computers has resulted in a rapid increase in taking notes via computers across college campuses. Although computers can increase transcription speed when students take notes, they are also detrimental to learning, because students tend to mindlessly transcribe results, resulting in shallow processing. To resolve the issue, in this study, an association-based strategy is introduced to assist learners in compiling vocabulary notebooks. To assess the strategy, an experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of the proposed nonlinear associations note-taking method with respect to the traditional linear outline method. The results show that both strategies could increase vocabulary retention; however, the associations format was significantly better than the outline format. In addition, through a deep analysis of both types of note-taking processes, we also found that students using the associations note-taking method developed more meaningful word association styles (e.g., linking words that had similar contexts) in composing their notes than students using the outline note-taking method. When examining how learners with different cognitive styles took the notes, the results showed that learner performance depends on cognitive style, as well as the chosen organizational format. The findings suggest that a nonlinear association note-taking strategy may help students organize words in a meaningful way.
Dying in the Hospital: Perspectives of family members
Authors: Dose Ann Marie , Carey Elise C. , Rhudy Lori M. , Chiu Yichen , Frimannsdottir Katrin , Ottenberg Abigale L. , Koenig Barbara A.
Published: November 2017

Background

Although most patients express a preference to die at home, many (over 30 percent) still die in hospital. This study's purpose was to explore the experience of hospital death from the perspective of patients’ family members.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with family members of patients who had died at hospitals affiliated with a large tertiary referral centre in the United States. Content analysis was used to analyze findings.

Findings

We interviewed 30 family members by phone. Themes were arranged by time frame: before death, time of death, and after death.

Conclusion

Families do not interpret clinical cues leading up to death in the same way healthcare providers do; families need clear and direct explanations from providers. Clinicians should assess patient and family understandings of prognosis and communicate clearly and directly. Family members value being with their loved one at the time of death, and they value spending time with the body after death; this should be facilitated in clinical practice.
“It Was Definitely Very Different”: An evaluation of palliative care teaching to medical students using a mixed methods approach
Authors: Brand Alison H. , Harrison Amanda , Kumar Koshila
Published: November 2017

Given our ageing population and the increase in chronic disease, palliative care will become an increasingly important part of doctors’ workloads, with implications for palliative care education. This study used a mixed methods strategy to evaluate second-year medical students’ learning outcomes and experiences within a palliative care education program. Analysis of pre- and post-test scores showed a significant improvement in students’ attitudinal scores, but no change in knowledge as measured by multiple-choice questions. Analysis of qualitative data revealed that students’ learning experience was marked by a lack of clear learning objectives and experiential learning opportunities. Students also reported divergent reactions to death and dying and noted that palliative care was different from other areas of clinical medicine. This study revealed that palliative care teaching results in improved attitudes toward palliative care, reflecting the holistic and patient-focused nature of the palliative care curriculum.
The Continuous Confrontation of Caregiving as Described in Real-Time Online Group Chat
Authors: Male Dana A. , Fergus Karen D. , Stephen Joanne E.
Published: November 2017

To date, our understanding of the caregiver experience has been informed primarily by guided inquiry in the form of interviews and surveys, yielding information that is limited by the scope of researchers’ questions. The intent of this study was to explore the experience of caring for a loved one with advanced-stage cancer by means of participant-determined communication, using interactive, text-based transcripts from synchronous online support groups. Grounded theory analysis of the group transcripts yielded the core category continuous confrontation, characterized by major challenges (unrelenting assault, a new us, and the costs of caregiving) and minor triumphs (refuelling and living more intentionally). This unique method of data collection allowed for an especially candid, intersubjective group account of what it is to be a caregiver for an ill loved one without compromising the details that caregivers themselves consider important.
Impact of Palliative Care Consultations on Resource Utilization in the Final 48 to 72 Hours of Life at an Acute Care Hospital in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Foreman Thomas , Kekewich Mike , Landry Joshua , Curran Dorothyann
Published: November 2017

A wealth of literature and economic analyses has shown that palliative care is associated with significant cost reductions compared to nonpalliative care. However, no one has assessed the impact of an inpatient palliative care consultation service on costs at the very end of life (48 to 72 hours before death). This retrospective cohort review of 100 inpatients at a large hospital in Ontario examines the effect of palliative care consultations on seven independent cost categories during this period: medical-imaging costs, physician costs, laboratory costs, pharmaceutical costs, other health professional costs, food services costs, and unit costs. Our study shows that patients who receive palliative care consultations are associated with significantly lower costs in the final 48 to 72 hours of life than their nonpalliative counterparts. Another significant finding was that the degree of cost reduction at the very end of life appears to be relative to how soon after the patient's admission the palliative care consultation was initiated.
The Role of Heart Rate Variability in Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Kim Kyungsuk , Chae Jean , Lee Sanghun
Published: November 2017

Aim

Several recent studies have suggested that assessing heart rate variability (HRV) is an easy method for obtaining prognostic information on cancer patients; however, these studies had limitations such as uncontrolled confounders and small numbers in a heterogeneous group. The intention of our study was to explore and validate the role of HRV variables in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Method

A total of 167 patients who were eligible for HRV testing were consecutively enrolled from a regional hospital in South Korea. Demographic and clinical variables, including the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status grade, NSCLC stage, therapeutic intervention, and other data were also recorded. The effects of time-domain and frequency-domain indices of HRV were compared with other clinical factors to determine overall survival.

Results

Among the HRV parameters, standard deviation of all normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) significantly predicted poor survival by univariate analysis. However, multivariate analysis revealed that it was not an independent prognosticator for survival in NSCLC patients, as the HRV parameters significantly correlated with the ECOG performance status grade.

Conclusion

HRV variables should be used to monitor advanced NSCLC patients’ general well-being and ability to perform the activities of daily living rather than to predict their overall survival.
Promoting Mental Health Resource Use on Campus by “Trying Something New”
Authors: Champlin Sara , Nisbett Gwendelyn
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

To design and test a persuasive health promotion campaign that aligns with the qualities of trying something new for the first time. Given that a majority of students have not previously sought/considered professional mental health assistance before, the hypothesis tested in this study asked whether a campaign that takes this into account is effective with this audience.

Design:

Participants viewed an online informational message (n = 84), information message plus first-time experience banner (n = 99), or 1 of 4 full campaigns, each depicting a student story and photo about a first-time experience (moving from home [n = 48], skydiving [n = 52], acting in a play [n = 48], and exercising with personal trainer [n = 48]).

Measures:

Visual poster items: appeal (visually pleasing, 7 items, α = .92), support (value of poster, 5 items, α = .86) and behavioral intention items: engagement (participant seek help/pay attention, 3 items, α = .86), relevance (content as relevant, 3 items, α = .84), and judgment (judgment of others for not seeking help, 2 items, α = .87).

Participants:

College students (N = 380).

Results:

In comparison to information-only messages, framing mental health help seeking as a first-time experience was linked with increased appeal, support, and engagement (Minformationonly = 2.79 [standard deviation, SD = 1.34], Minformationplusbanner = 3.25 [SD = 1.23], Mfullcampaign = 4.07 [SD = 1.28], P < .001, Minformationonly = 4.38 [SD = 1.47], Minformationplusbanner = 4.92 [SD = 1.21], Mfullcampaign = 4.57 [SD = 1.26], P = .014, and Minformationonly = 3.13 [SD = 1.76], Minformationplusbanner = 3.56 [SD = 1.48], Mfullcampaign = 4.02 [SD = 1.42], P < .001, respectively). As anticipated, the full campaign garnered the highest affect and engagement scores. When comparing the 4 first-time experiences, there were main effects on support and engagement (Mtrain = 5.06 [SD = 1.17], Mplane = 4.27 [SD = 1.28], Mhome = 4.59 [SD = 1.19], Mplay = 4.38 [SD = 1.29], P = .009 and Mtrain = 4.50 [SD = 1.27], Mplane = 3.75 [SD = 1.43], Mhome = 4.01 [SD = 1.49], Mplay = 3.84 [SD = 1.39], P = .042, respectively), with the novel experience of “working with a personal trainer” rated highest.

Conclusion:

Findings from this study have implications for the design of health promotion materials on college campuses. Specifically, campaigns that frame seeking help for mental health as a new experience potentially increase student engagement in this behavior. A key finding from the present study is that a campaign in which this behavior is linked to a familiar form of interpersonal help seeking (personal training) can create receptivity to the stigmatized issue of mental health help seeking.
‘Sons of the soil’: A model of assimilation and population control
Authors: Acharya Avidit , Laitin David D , Zhang Anna
Published: November 2017

We model the cultural outcomes of ‘sons of the soil’ conflicts. These are conflicts between the local inhabitants of a particular region and migrants to the region, typically belonging to a dominant national culture. Our goal is to understand the conditions under which migrants assimilate into the local culture, or in which locals assimilate into the national culture. The model has two main actors: a national elite of a dominant ethnic group, and a regional elite seeking to promote the traditional culture of the sons of the soil. Both actors have parallel strategies, viz. assimilating the other group into their culture, controlling the size of the migrant population, doing both, or allowing market forces to determine outcomes. The model has three possible cultural outcomes: the culture tips to that of the sons of the soil; the culture tips to that of the migrant group; or the region remains bicultural, with each group retaining its own culture. We illustrate these outcomes through four cases: (i) Bengalis and Assamese in the Indian state of Assam; (ii) Russians and Estonians in the Ida-Virumaa county of Estonia; (iii) Tamils and Sinhalese in Jaffna and the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka; and (iv) Castilians and Catalans in the autonomous community of Catalonia in Spain.
Developments in tyre design for lower rolling resistance: A state of the art review
Authors: Aldhufairi Hamad Sarhan , Olatunbosun Oluremi Ayotunde
Published: November 2017

Future sustainability of road transportation will require substantial improvement in the efficient use of energy by road vehicles. As new technologies being deployed reduce total vehicle energy consumption, the contribution of tyre rolling resistance to total energy consumption continues to increase. For this reason tyre rolling-resistance is starting to drive the focus of many tyre developments nowadays. This is because the rolling-resistance can be responsible for 20–30% of the total vehicle fuel consumption. Thus, lowering the rolling-resistance would help to reduce the fuel consumption (i.e. CO2, NOx and hydrocarbon emissions) and hence improve the environment greatly given the large number of vehicles used globally. It is found that the primary source of the rolling-resistance is the tyre deformational behaviour (i.e. hysteresis damping) which can account for 80–95% of the total rolling-resistance. This paper reviews the state of the art in tyre design, research and development for lower rolling-resistance, with focus on the primary source for the rolling-resistance (i.e. mechanical hysteresis damping), from three perspectives: the structural lay-up; the dimensional features; and the materials compound(s) of the tyre.
Does Smile Intensity in Photographs Really Predict Longevity? A Replication and Extension of Abel and Kruger (2010)
Authors: Dufner Michael , Brümmer Martin , Chung Joanne M. , Drewke Pia M. , Blaison Christophe , Schmukle Stefan C.
Published: November 2017

Abel and Kruger (2010) found that the smile intensity of professional baseball players who were active in 1952, as coded from photographs, predicted these players’ longevity. In the current investigation, we sought to replicate this result and to extend the initial analyses. We analyzed (a) a sample that was almost identical to the one from Abel and Kruger’s study using the same database and inclusion criteria ( N = 224), (b) a considerably larger nonoverlapping sample consisting of other players from the same cohort ( N = 527), and (c) all players in the database ( N = 13,530 valid cases). Like Abel and Kruger, we relied on categorical smile codings as indicators of positive affectivity, yet we supplemented these codings with subjective ratings of joy intensity and automatic codings of positive affectivity made by computer programs. In both samples and for all three indicators, we found that positive affectivity did not predict mortality once birth year was controlled as a covariate.
Con Drury: philosopher and psychiatrist
Authors: Hayes John
Published: November 2017

Maurice O’Connor Drury (1907–76), an Irish psychiatrist, is best known for his accounts of his close friendship with the eminent twentieth-century philosopher, Ludwig Wittgenstein. His only book, The Danger of Words (1973), was well received by those who had an interest in the relationship between psychiatry, psychology and philosophy. This article concentrates on Drury’s experiences, studies and writings in these fields.