bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Post Arab Spring Reform: The Maghreb at a Cross Roads
Authors: Sadiki Larbi , Bouandel Youcef
Published: February 2016

The Arab Spring, which was launched in Tunisia, took the Arab Middle East by storm. Its results, to varying degrees, have been felt in every country in the region. In the Maghreb, three scenarios have been unfolding. Tunisia has seen the greatest changes with the country maneuvering its transition to democracy. Algeria — whose aims have not necessarily been a genuine transition to democracy, but to keep the status quo — has continued its process of reforms that started almost three decades ago. In Morocco, the leadership has used the Arab Spring to initiate a series of incremental reforms to further open up the political space, in a more controlled fashion.
SURVEY MEASURES OF FAMILY DECISION PROCESSES FOR ECONOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF SCHOOLING DECISIONS
Authors: Giustinelli Pamela , Manski Charles F.
Published: February 2016

In this article, we consider the collection of novel subjective data on family processes of schooling decisions. In particular, we review recent progress on survey measurement of expectations, information, and locus of decision of American families within the context of secondary schooling, and we discuss possible future developments by providing concrete examples from recent exploratory efforts. We argue that collection of data on adolescents' and parents' perceptions of the available school options and the application‐and‐admission rules, their subjective expectations about short‐ and long‐term consequences of alternative choices, and their assessments of the locus of decision making within families could greatly enhance economic modeling and contribute to effective econometric analysis of schooling decisions. (JEL C83, D19, D79, D83, D84, I21, I26, J24)
Non‐Salient Geographic Variation in Birdsong in a Species That Learns by Improvisation
Authors: Soha Jill A. , Poesel Angelika , Nelson Douglas A. , Lohr Bernard
Published: February 2016

Geographic variation in birdsong and differential responses of territorial males to local and non‐local song variants have been documented in a number of songbird species in which males learn their songs through imitation. Here, we investigated geographic song variation and responses to local and non‐local song in the grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), a species in which males develop song by improvisation rather than imitation, as a first step toward understanding how the extent and salience of geographic song variation is related to the mode of song development. To describe the geographic variation in song, we compared songs from populations in eastern Maryland and central Ohio, USA, using multiple acoustic analysis techniques. We then conducted a playback experiment in Maryland using local and non‐local (Ohio) songs to test how territorial males responded to this geographic variation. We found acoustic differences between songs from the two sites. However, males responded similarly to playback of these songs, suggesting that this geographic variation is not behaviorally salient in a territorial context. Together with previous studies, our results suggest that across species, geographic song variation and the extent to which this variation functions in communication may be correlated with the accuracy with which song models are imitated during song development.
The Influence of Agglomeration Externalities on Manufacturing Growth Within Indonesian Locations
Authors: Ercole Roberto , O'neill Robert
Published: February 2016

Differences in agglomeration externalities and industrial regimes between locations generate performance differentials for their localized economic activities. For more than two decades, scholars have debated which externality is dominant for growth and under which regime. This study aims to resolve this debate by analyzing the influence of agglomeration economies on the growth of five‐digit manufacturing sectors and firms for Indonesian cities and regencies between 2000 and 2009. This is investigated employing the recent reconceptualization of variety based on sectoral linkages distinguishing related and unrelated varieties, which allow assessing their idiosyncratic economic roles. The findings support that economic relatedness is the dominant source for expansion of sectors and firms within Indonesian locations. Specialized clusters and competition are inversely related to manufacturing growth, although the latter fosters sectoral employment within Indonesian regencies. Population density and human capital show antithetic effects between cities and regencies due to their distinctive urbanization trajectories and industrial compositions.
An Analysis of UCNS Certified Headache Center Patient Intake Forms
Authors: Sharon Roni , Rayhill Melissa , Joseph Viknevich  , Charleston Larry , Mathew Paul G.
Published: February 2016

Objective

Compare the similarities and differences among headache intake forms from headache centers with United Council of Neurologic Subspecialties (UCNS) accredited headache medicine fellowships in the United States. Patient intake forms establish a first communication with patients. There have been no studies evaluating them at headache centers. Analysis of these forms can provide insight into their content and potential for improvement.

Methods

This observational study involved collection and analysis of intake forms from 25 UCNS fellowship accredited headache centers from July 2014 to October 2014. Forms were compared and contrasted in terms of data fields included, response format, and use of validated assessment tools.

Results

Forms shared many common elements, yet were highly variable in content, style, scales, and methods of analysis. Twenty percent (5/20) of centers did not have a formal intake form. Forms ranged from 1 to 28 pages. Seventy percent (12/17) utilized a check box format, 23% (4/17) utilized an open ended/fill in the blank format, and 6% (1/17) utilized a circle the response(s) format. Family history was inquired about in 82% (14/17) of forms and past medical history (PMH) in 58% (10/17) of forms. Gender questions were asked 82% (14/17) of the time for women, 29% (5/17) for men. Eighty‐eight percent (15/17) of forms had questions concerning any type of previous medication tried.

Discussion

Patient intake forms are useful for clinical purposes, but vary markedly between UCNS headache centers. Ultimately, a universal intake form could be generated, providing a research‐based alternative to the form currently used at each center. Use of a standardized intake form by UCNS centers would streamline data collection, a good first step in the eventual generation of a headache registry.
Development of rare resistance‐associated variants that are extremely tolerant against NS5A inhibitors during daclatasvir/asunaprevir therapy by a two‐hit mechanism
Authors: Uchida Yoshihito , Kouyama Jun‐ichi , Naiki Kayoko , Sugawara Kayoko , Inao Mie , Imai Yukinori , Nakayama Nobuaki , Mochida Satoshi
Published: February 2016

Aim

The virologic characteristics of resistance‐associated variants (RAVs) developing in patients receiving dual oral therapy with daclatasvir/asunaprevir, including those with previous triple therapy with simeprevir, were evaluated.

Methods

A total of 206 patients with genotype‐1b HCV infection, including 5 patients with previous simeprevir therapy, were treated with daclatasvir/asunaprevir for 24 weeks. Resistance‐associated variants in the NS5A regions at baseline and during/after therapy were evaluated using cycling‐probe real‐time polymerase chain reaction combined with direct sequencing. The dynamics of rare RAVs were also assessed using ultra‐deep sequencing.

Results

A sustained virologic response (SVR12) was achieved in 180 patients (87%); the rates were 95% in patients without baseline NS5A‐RAVs and 83%, 59%, and 77% in those with hepatitis C virus (HCV) strains carrying NS5A‐L31M, NS5A‐Y93H/C, and NS5A‐R30Q/H/L mutations, respectively. A multivariate analysis revealed baseline NS5A‐R30Q/H/L mutation and NS5A‐Y93H mutations as significant factors associated with SVR12. Virologic failure developed in all 5 patients with previous simeprevir treatment, and rare RAVs (HCV strains with NS5A‐R30H, NS5A‐A92K, NS5A‐P29del, and NS5A‐P32del) developed at virologic failure. Ultra‐deep sequencing revealed that HCV strains with NS5A‐P29del or NS5A‐P32del were absent at baseline and emerged within 4 weeks of dual oral therapy among the strains appearing after simeprevir administration.

Conclusion

NS5A‐R30Q/H/L and NS5A‐Y93H mutations at baseline determined the therapeutic efficacy of dual oral therapy with daclatasvir/asunaprevir, but rare NS5A‐RAVs developed frequently in patients with previous simeprevir treatment. Such RAVs may develop in a two‐hit manner, with simeprevir altering the quasispecies of HCV strains in the NS5A regions, leading to the emergence of HCV strains with NS5A‐P29del and NS5A‐P32del during exposure to daclatasvir/asunaprevir.
Strength of recommendation for single‐visit root canal treatment: grading the body of the evidence using a patient‐centred approach
Authors: De‐Deus G. , Canabarro A.
Published: February 2016

Aim

To identify, search for and critically interpret the results from clinical studies on single‐ versus multiple‐visit root canal treatment in the light of an evidence‐based paradigm. For that purpose, the quality of the available body of evidence was assessed using the SORT ‘grade’ – Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy.

Methodology

A protocol was followed including all aspects of the review methods: (i) search strategy, (ii) inclusion criteria for studies, (iii) screening methods, (iv) quality assessment, (v) data synthesis of the selected studies, and (vi) the assessment of quality of the body of evidence available by the means of the SORT ‘grade’. An extensive search of recent biomedical literature was performed in PubMed (up to May, 2014), EMBASE (dating from 1980 to May 2014) and Cochrane databases with appropriate headings and keywords related to single‐ and multiple‐visit root canal treatment. Selected studies were stratified according to their level of evidence using the SORT criteria: (i) quality – Level A high‐quality evidence, Level B medium/low‐quality evidence and Level C no evidence; (ii) degree of consistency – consistent, when most studies found a similar conclusion, or inconsistent, when there was considerable variation amongst study findings.

Results

After the digital and manual searches, 246 studies were indentified. Two hundred and seven studies were eliminated by exclusion criteria, resulting in a yield of 39 articles that were selected for retrieval. Of the 39 articles, only 11 could be classified as Level 2 (B); the other 28 articles did not obey the criteria to be considered as real patient‐oriented evidence; thus, they were classified as Level 3 (C). No studies were ranked as Level 1 because they did not obey the minimum standard to be considered as both good‐quality research and patient‐oriented evidence. Despite this, all of the selected Level B studies reported no significant differences between single‐ and multiple‐visit treatments.

Conclusion

There is B‐level (mid‐level) evidence to confirm there is no difference between the two different treatments, based on research addressing clinical outcomes and using some consistent but limited‐quality methods of scientific investigation. More studies focused on evaluating patient‐centred outcomes are urgently required.
Thyroid dysfunction and hepatic steatosis in overweight children and adolescents
Authors: Kaltenbach T. E.‐M. , Graeter T. , Oeztuerk S. , Holzner D. , Kratzer W. , Wabitsch M. , Denzer C.
Published: February 2016

Background

Overt or subclinical hypothyroidism is a common finding in adult populations affected by non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Currently, there are only sparse data available on the association of thyroid dysfunction and NAFLD in obese children and adolescents.

Objective

The study aims to investigate the association of thyroid function test values with NAFLD and metabolic risk factors in a population of obese children and adolescents.

Methods

A total of 332 overweight and obese children and adolescents (170 girls) aged between 10 and 19 years were analysed. Subjects underwent ultrasound examination of the liver. Thyroid function was evaluated by laboratory determination of thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), total triiodothyronine (T3) and total thyroxine levels. All included subjects were either euthyroid or had subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH > 4 μU mL−1, normal thyroxine). Further metabolic profiling included the determination of lipid status, insulin and liver function tests. Anthropometric parameters body mass index, waist and hip circumference were documented.

Results

The prevalence of hepatic steatosis was 29.8%. Subjects with NAFLD had significantly higher TSH levels than those without (p = 0.0007). After dividing TSH values into quartiles, both univariate and multivariate analyses (adjusted for age, body mass index–standard deviation scores and stage of puberty) showed a significant association with hepatic steatosis (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Taking possible variables into consideration, our results show that there is a significant association between hepatic steatosis and the TSH levels in obese children and adolescents. Mild thyroid dysfunction may therefore have a role in determining an unfavourable metabolic profile in obese children and adolescents.
The case for targeting community pharmacy-led health improvement: Findings from a skin cancer campaign in Wales
Authors: Pearce Sioned , Evans Andrew , Phelps Ceri , Matthews Maura , Hughes Gail , Lewis Ian
Published: February 2016

The use of community pharmacies to deliver health improvement campaigns is well established. Cancer incidence is closely related to increasing levels of deprivation.

Because community pharmacies are more prevalent in deprived areas there is potential for them to make an important contribution to health improvement by delivering interventions aimed at reducing cancer incidence amongst those at greatest risk.

Objectives

The aims of the study were: to examine the association between high risk behaviour and deprivation and contribute evidence to the case for or against targeting cancer prevention campaigns at specific risky behaviour in areas of high deprivation.

Methods

This study has an ecological design and involved retrospective analysis of data derived from 5739 sun-safety quizzes completed by pharmacy users at 714 community pharmacies in Wales during May 2014.

Results

Levels of participation in the campaign and high risk sun-safety behaviours were higher in more deprived areas. Respondents from deprived areas had significantly lower sun-safety knowledge. 3802 (66.2%) respondents reported ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ knowledge of behaviours which promote sun-safety but this did not necessarily translate into how individuals behaved. 3787 (66.1%) respondents considered community pharmacies an acceptable location for the campaign and for discussing the signs and symptoms of skin cancer.

Key Findings

Results show association between high risk behaviour and geographically defined deprivation adding to the case for targeting cancer prevention campaigns at specific behaviours and geographies.

Conclusions

Community pharmacies appear to be acceptable locations from which to deliver health improvement campaigns in terms of participant recruitment, ease of delivery, and pharmacy user feedback.
Brecha salarial étnica en el Perú. ¿A qué obedece la desventaja de las mujeres indígenas?
Authors: KOLEV Alexandre , SUÁREZ ROBLES Pablo
Published: February 2016

La desigualdad étnica profesional figura desde antiguo en la agenda política de América Latina. Con datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Hogares, los autores analizan la brecha salarial étnica por sexo en el Perú en 2005–2011. La brecha de género es menor que la étnica, pero las mujeres indígenas sufren ambas. Los autores interpretan el componente inexplicado de la brecha como la medida máxima de la discriminación étnica, y descomponen el explicado para determinar los efectos de las características individuales, las del empleo y la situación geográfica. Como estos efectos explican gran parte de la brecha salarial étnica que afecta a las mujeres, se concluye con propuestas de política al efecto.
Don't Try this at Home
Authors: Wainer Howard
Published: February 2016

The methods of science have descended from the ivory tower, says Howard Wainer. Drawing on his new book, Truth or Truthiness, he shares three examples of how to think like a data scientist

Book extract

Howard Wainer shares three examples of how to think like a data scientist
A Bayesian Analysis of Peer Reviewing
Authors: Somerville Andrew
Published: February 2016

Peer review is a cornerstone of scientific publishing, but is it any better than chance at keeping bad papers out of print? Andrew Somerville investigates
Getting a Fix on Price-Fixing Cartels
Authors: Crede Carsten
Published: February 2016

Carsten Crede outlines the pros and cons of cartel screens – statistical tools to help spot bad business behaviour

Cartel screens

The pros and cons of the statistical tools used to spot bad business behaviour
From Risk to Resiliency
Authors: Dalal Siddartha
Published: February 2016

Risk and resiliency

An interview with Siddartha Dalal, chief data scientist, and senior vice-president of advanced research and technology at AIG
In Closing/On the Web
Authors: Althouse Andrew D.
Published: February 2016

Don't let dummy codes get the better of you, says Andrew D. Althouse, a biostatistician at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Cultural immersion through international experiences among Japanese nurses: Present status, future intentions, and perceived barriers
Authors: Chiba Yoko , Nakayama Takeo
Published: February 2016

Aim

Given limited exposure to various ethnicities, languages, and cultures, providing health care to an increasing foreign population in Japan will likely be challenging for Japanese nurses. This study aimed to examine past and intended future international experiences of Japanese nurses to assess their cultural immersion level.

Methods

A cross‐sectional electronic survey was conducted among 2029 nurses in 2010. Participants were categorized by travel purpose, and the frequency of non‐holiday travel was analyzed. To examine participants' desire for and perceived feasibility of future non‐holiday international experiences by background characteristics, logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

Of 1039 participants, 10.1% had past non‐holiday international experiences, with 80% having traveled to high‐income, English‐speaking countries. The median value for travel frequency was once, and the median duration of travel was less than 1 month. The most common purpose of travel was participation in short‐term programs (e.g. professional training, language study). Fifty‐one percent of female nurses reported a desire for future non‐holiday international experiences. Of these, 37.2% considered such experiences feasible. Age of the youngest child, having nursing specialization, English proficiency, and past international experience were significant predictors for feasibility.

Conclusion

Japanese nurses with foreign experience were considered valuable human resources for culturally appropriate care. Efforts should be made to integrate them into the Japanese healthcare setting. The present study revealed room for improvement in foreign language proficiency and cross‐cultural training with a focus on non‐English‐speaking and developing countries. A supportive workplace environment should be created that allows nurses to pursue the international experiences they desire.
Hyperammonemia alters glycinergic neurotransmission and modulation of the glutamate‐nitric oxide‐cGMP pathway by extracellular glycine in cerebellum in vivo
Authors: Cabrera‐Pastor Andrea , Taoro‐Gonzalez Lucas , Felipo Vicente
Published: February 2016

The glutamate‐nitric oxide (NO)‐cGMP pathway modulates some forms of learning. How glycine modulates this pathway is unclear. Glycine could modulate the pathway biphasically, enhancing its function through NMDA receptor activation or reducing it through glycine receptor activation. Chronic hyperammonemia impairs the glutamate‐NO‐cGMP pathway in the cerebellum and induces cognitive impairment. The possible alterations in hyperammonemia of glycinergic neurotransmission and of glutamate‐NO‐cGMP pathway modulation by glycine remain unknown. The aims were to assess, by in vivo microdialysis in cerebellum: (i) the effects of different glycine concentrations, administered through the microdialysis probe, on the glutamate‐NO‐cGMP pathway function; (ii) the effects of tonic glycine receptors activation on the pathway function, by blocking them with strychnine; (iii) whether hyperammonemia alters the pathway modulation by glycine; (iv) and whether hyperammonemia alters extracellular glycine concentration and/or glycine receptor membrane expression. In control rats, low glycine levels reduce the pathway function, likely by activating glycine receptors, while 20 μM glycine enhances the pathway function, likely by enhancing NMDA receptor activation. In hyperammonemic rats, glycine did not reduce the pathway function, but enhanced it when administered at 1–20 μM. Hyperammonemia reduces extracellular glycine concentration by approximately 50% and glycine receptor membrane expression. However, tonic glycine receptor activation seems to be enhanced in hyperammonemic rats, as indicated by the larger increase in extracellular cGMP induced by strychnine. These data show that glycine modulates the glutamate‐NO‐cGMP pathway biphasically and that hyperammonemia strongly alters glycinergic neurotransmission and modulation by glycine of the glutamate‐NO‐cGMP pathway. These alterations may contribute to the cerebellar aspects of cognitive alterations in hyperammonemia.

image

The findings reported in this study show that hyperammonemia alters glycinergic neurotransmission and the glutamate‐NO‐cGMP pathway modulation by glycine. In control rats, low glycine levels reduced the pathway function, likely by activating glycine receptors, while 20 μM glycine enhanced the pathway, likely by enhancing NMDA receptor activation. In hyperammonemic rats, glycine (administered at 1–20 μM) enhances the pathway, likely by activating NMDA receptors.
Nutritional screening of patients at a memory clinic – association between patients’ and their relatives’ self‐reports
Authors: Lyngroth Anne Liv , Hernes Susanne Miriam Sørensen , Madsen Bengt‐Ove , Söderhamn Ulrika , Grov Ellen Karine
Published: February 2016

Aims and objectives

To compare individual reports by patients and relatives (proxy) of the Nutritional Form For the Elderly and relate the Nutritional Form For the Elderly scores to Mini Mental Status Examination scores, weight loss, Body Mass Index, five‐point Clock Drawing Test and background variables.

Background

Undernutrition or risk of undernutrition is a significant problem among people with dementia. A poor nutritional state increases the risk of infections, delayed convalescence after acute illness and reduced quality of life.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Method

Application of the Nutritional Form For the Elderly in addition to clinical nutrition parameters and cognitive tests in a memory clinic among 213 persons referred for assessment due to possible cognitive impairment or dementia.

Results

Patients’ and proxy Nutritional Form For the Elderly scores yielded comparative results. Nutritional Form For the Elderly scores ≥6 (medium to high risk of undernutrition) were found in 32% of the patients vs. 43% of proxy. Mean Mini Mental Status Examination score was 23·2 (SD 4·5) and 50% failed the Clock Drawing Test. Involuntary weight loss was reported by 42% of the patients, and in 26% of the patients, Body Mass Index values were below 22 kg/m2, indicating undernutrition. By regression analysis, Clock Drawing Test (p = 0·019) and Mini Mental Status Examination (p = 0·04) might predict the risk of reduced nutritional status.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that a significant proportion of patients at our memory clinic were at nutritional risk. Corresponding results exist between patients’ and proxy Nutritional Form For the Elderly scores; however, the patients assessed themselves more well‐nourished as compared to proxy assessment. The discrepancies seem to increase with more severe cognitive impairment. Females and single‐dwelling individuals were at higher risk of undernutrition compared to males and cohabitants.

Relevance to clinical practice

Self‐reporting and proxy‐rating seem both applicable for nutritional screening among moderate cognitive impaired. Cognitive decline seems to affect the accuracy when patients rate themselves. A reduced Mini Mental Status Examination and/or failed Clock Drawing Test might predict the risk of undernutrition.
Applying an ecological restoration approach to study patient safety culture in an intensive care unit
Authors: Gimenes Fernanda Raphael Escobar , Torrieri Mayara Carvalho Godinho Rigobello , Gabriel Carmen Silvia , Rocha Fernanda Ludmilla Rossi , Silva Ana Elisa Bauer de Camargo , Shasanmi Rebecca O , Cassiani Silvia Helena De Bortoli
Published: February 2016

Aims and objectives

To gain an understanding of medication safety culture and other quality issues in a Brazilian intensive care unit using a restorative approach.

Background

Patient safety should be considered one of the pillars of quality in health care. Thus, patient safety culture is increasingly being explored as a guide for quality improvement efforts.

Design

A qualitative approach.

Methods

Participatory photographic research methods from the field of ecological restoration were adapted in this study. This study used focus groups, then subsequent nurse‐led photo‐narrated walkabouts, and photo elicitation with 23 nurses and one physician in interactive phases of data collection and analysis over an eight‐month timeframe.

Results

The core themes identified were: the ‘medication system shapes patient safety’ and the ‘feeling of helplessness in the face of the prevailing organization culture’. Participants discussed supports exiting in the intensive care unit that shape medication safety, the barriers that impede safe medication management, the solutions to improve medication safety and the creation of a better medication safety culture.

Conclusions

The methods used allowed participants to visualise sound practices as well as key safety issues, reflect on their day‐to‐day work, re‐think potential improvements, and enact changes to improve medication safety and medication safety culture. However, the patient safety culture is also marked by administrative pressure. The hospital needs to adopt participatory management, where the health professionals can act together with the organisational leaders to promote a just culture.

Relevance to clinical practice

The participatory photographic research methods from the field of ecological restoration provided participants with a tool to promote patient safety culture and engage policy change dialogue. However, it will be important in future restorative research to track‐specific safety outcomes over time to assess the cost‐benefit of the adoption of participatory management models.
Changes in the Satisfaction of Cohabitors Relative to Spouses Over Time
Authors: Pirani Elena , Vignoli Daniele
Published: February 2016

Family scholars have noted a gap in the subjective well‐being of cohabitors relative to spouses and have hypothesized that the size of this “cohabitation gap” varies depending on how far cohabitation has diffused in a society. For the first time we test this hypothesis across time in a single country, Italy, by analyzing 20 cross‐sectional, nationally representative surveys collected from 1993 to 2013 by the Italian Institute of Statistics (N = 279,190 partnered young adults). We find that differences in the assessments of family satisfaction between cohabitors and spouses have eroded over the years and that there has been no detectable cohabitation gap since 2011. In addition, we illustrate that the weakening of the cohabitation gap is attributable to the diffusion of cohabiting unions in Italian society.
Experiments link competition and climate change responses
Authors: Alexander Jake M.
Published: February 2016

Species interactions can have a larger impact on plant performance than direct effects of climate change itself, as shown by Rysavy et al. in this issue of the Journal of Vegetation Science. Their study illustrates different ways in which plant–plant interactions can change following climate change, stressing the need for experiments to disentangle direct and indirect impacts of climate change.
Blended Sentencing Laws and the Punitive Turn in Juvenile Justice
Authors: Schaefer Shelly S. , Uggen Christopher
Published: February 2016

In many states, young people today can receive a “blended” combination of both a juvenile sanction and an adult criminal sentence. We ask what accounts for the rise of blended sentencing in juvenile justice and whether this trend parallels crime control developments in the adult criminal justice system. We use event history analysis to model state adoption of blended sentencing laws from 1985 to 2008, examining the relative influence of social, political, administrative, and economic factors. We find that states with high unemployment, greater prosecutorial discretion, and disproportionate rates of African American incarceration are most likely to pass blended sentencing provisions. This suggests that the turn toward blended sentencing largely parallels the punitive turn in adult sentencing and corrections—and that theory and research on adult punishment productively extends to developments in juvenile justice.
A Trichoderma atroviride stress‐activated MAPK pathway integrates stress and light signals
Authors: Esquivel‐Naranjo Edgardo Ulises , García‐Esquivel Mónica , Medina‐Castellanos Elizabeth , Correa‐Pérez Víctor Alejandro , Parra‐Arriaga Jorge Luis , Landeros‐Jaime Fidel , Cervantes‐Chávez José Antonio , Herrera‐Estrella Alfredo
Published: February 2016

Cells possess stress‐activated protein kinase (SAPK) signalling pathways, which are activated practically in response to any cellular insult, regulating responses for survival and adaptation to harmful environmental changes. To understand the function of SAPK pathways in T. atroviride, mutants lacking the MAPKK Pbs2 and the MAPK Tmk3 were analysed under several cellular stresses, and in their response to light. All mutants were highly sensitive to cellular insults such as osmotic and oxidative stress, cell wall damage, high temperature, cadmium, and UV irradiation. Under oxidative stress, the Tmk3 pathway showed specific roles during development, which in conidia are essential for tolerance to oxidant agents and appear to play a minor role in mycelia. The function of this pathway was more evident in Δpbs2 and Δtmk3 mutant strains when combining oxidative stress or cell wall damage with light. Light stimulates tolerance to osmotic stress through Tmk3 independently of the photoreceptor Blr1. Strikingly, photoconidiation and expression of blue light regulated genes was severally affected in Δtmk3 and Δpbs2 strains, indicating that this pathway regulates light responses. Furthermore, Tmk3 was rapidly phosphorylated upon light exposure. Thus, our data indicate that Tmk3 signalling cooperates with the Blr photoreceptor complex in the activation of gene expression.
Investigation of mental health in Indonesian health workers immigrating to Japan under the Economic Partnership Agreement
Authors: Sato Fumiko , Hayakawa Kazuo , Kamide Kei
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study was to assess the mental health status of Indonesian nurses and care workers who immigrated to Japan after the Economic Partnership Agreement was signed by the governments of Japan and Indonesia in 2008. From November 2012 to March 2013, questionnaires were mailed to 206 workers in 87 medical and caregiving facilities that openly accept Indonesian EPA immigrant workers. Responses were received from 71 workers in 35 facilities. Responses from 22.5% of workers suggested that they were at risk of developing mental health problems, and “gender” and “acquisition state of national qualifications” were the main factors influencing their mental health status. The results suggest that support after obtaining national qualifications is inadequate and that mid and long‐term support systems that focus on the needs of immigrant healthcare workers after passing national examinations are necessary.
Ampere Hour as a Predictor of Cardiac Resynchronization Defibrillator Pulse Generator Battery Longevity: A Multicenter Study
Authors: ELLIS CHRISTOPHER R. , DICKERMAN DEANNA I. , ORTON JODI M. , HASSAN SOHAIL , GOOD ERIC D. , OKABE TOSHIMASA , ANDRIULLI JOHN A. , QUAN KARA J. , GREENSPON ARNOLD J.
Published: February 2016

Background

Cardiac resynchronization defibrillator (CRT‐D) devices improve survival for New York Heart Association classes II‐IV systolic heart failure patients with QRS > 120 ms and left ventricular ejection fraction < 35%. A limitation of 100% CRT pacing is excess battery depletion and pulse generator (PG) replacement compared to VVI or dual‐chamber systems. Ampere hour (Ah) measures PG battery capacity and may predict CRT‐D device longevity.

Methods

We performed a multicenter retrospective study of all CRT‐D devices implanted at our centers from August 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010. Analysis was performed for survival to elective replacement indicator (ERI) between 1.0 Ah, 1.4 Ah, and 2.0 Ah devices, per manufacturers’ specifications.

Results

One thousand three hundred and two patients were studied through December 31, 2014. Patients were followed for an average of 3.0 ± 1.3 years (794 1.0 Ah, 322 2.0 Ah, and 186 1.4 Ah devices under study). CRT‐D generator ERI occurred in 13.5% of 1.0 Ah systems (107 out of 794), versus 3.8% in 1.4 Ah (seven out of 186), and 0.3% in 2.0 Ah devices (one out of 322) over mean follow‐up of 3.0 years. Odds ratio (OR) for reaching ERI with 1.0 Ah device versus 1.4 Ah or 2.0 Ah was 9.73, P < 0.0001. Univariate predictors for ERI included 1.0 Ah device and LV pacing output >3V @ 1 ms (OR: 3.74, P < 0.001). LV impedance >1,000 ohms predicted improved device survival (OR: 0.38, P = 0.0025).

Conclusions

CRT‐D battery capacity measured by Ah is a strong predictor of survival to ERI for modern systems. Further study on cost and morbidity associated with early PG change in 1.0 Ah systems is warranted.
Effects of Narrow‐band IR‐A and of Water‐Filtered Infrared A on Fibroblasts
Authors: Knels Lilla , Valtink Monika , Piazena Helmut , de la Vega Marin Jamlec , Gommel Kerstin , Lupp Amelie , Roehlecke Cora , Mehner Mirko , Funk Richard H. W.
Published: February 2016

Exposures of the skin with electromagnetic radiation of wavelengths between 670 nm and 1400 nm are often used as a general treatment to improve wound healing and reduce pain, for example, in chronic diabetic skin lesions. We investigated the effects of water‐filtered infrared A (wIRA) and of narrow‐band IR‐A provided by a light‐emitting diode LED (LED‐IR‐A) irradiation in vitro on 3T3 fibroblast cultures under defined conditions with and without glyoxal administration. Glyoxal triggers the formation of advanced glycation end products, thereby mimicking a diabetic metabolic state. Cell viability and apoptotic changes were determined by flow cytometry after vital staining with Annexin V, YO‐PRO‐1 and propidium iodide (PI), and by SubG1 assay. Mitochondrial function and oxidative stress were examined by vital staining for radical production, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and the ratio of reduced‐to‐oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG). The metabolic state was monitored by a resazurin conversion assay. The numbers of apoptotic cells were reduced in cultures irradiated with wIRA or LED‐IR‐A. More mitochondria showed a well‐polarized MMP after wIRA irradiation in glyoxal damaged cells. LED‐IR‐A treatment specifically restored the GSH/GSSG ratio. The immediate positive effects of wIRA and LED‐IR‐A observed in living cells, particularly on mitochondria, reflect the therapeutic benefits of wIRA and LED‐IR‐A.
Definition of a core module for the nuclear retrograde response to altered organellar gene expression identifies GLK overexpressors as gun mutants
Authors: Leister Dario , Kleine Tatjana
Published: February 2016

Retrograde signaling can be triggered by changes in organellar gene expression (OGE) induced by inhibitors such as lincomycin (LIN) or mutations that perturb OGE. Thus, an insufficiency of the organelle‐targeted prolyl‐tRNA synthetase PRORS1 in Arabidopsis thaliana activates retrograde signaling and reduces the expression of nuclear genes for photosynthetic proteins. Recently, we showed that mTERF6, a member of the so‐called mitochondrial transcription termination factor (mTERF) family, is involved in the formation of chloroplast (cp) isoleucine‐tRNA. To obtain further insights into its functions, co‐expression analysis of MTERF6, PRORS1 and two other genes for organellar aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases was conducted. The results suggest a prominent role of mTERF6 in aminoacylation activity, light signaling and seed storage. Analysis of changes in whole‐genome transcriptomes in the mterf6‐1 mutant showed that levels of nuclear transcripts for cp OGE proteins were particularly affected. Comparison of the mterf6‐1 transcriptome with that of prors1‐2 showed that reduced aminoacylation of proline (prors1‐2) and isoleucine (mterf6‐1) tRNAs alters retrograde signaling in similar ways. Database analyses indicate that comparable gene expression changes are provoked by treatment with LIN, norflurazon or high light. A core OGE response module was defined by identifying genes that were differentially expressed under at least four of six conditions relevant to OGE signaling. Based on this module, overexpressors of the Golden2‐like transcription factors GLK1 and GLK2 were identified as genomes uncoupled mutants.
Displacement behaviors in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes): A neurogenomics investigation of the RDoC Negative Valence Systems domain
Authors: Latzman Robert D. , Young Larry J. , Hopkins William D.
Published: February 2016

The current study aimed to systematically investigate genetic and neuroanatomical correlates of individual variation in scratching behaviors, a well‐validated animal‐behavioral indicator of negative emotional states with clear links to the NIMH Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) response to potential harm (“anxiety”) construct within the Negative Valence Systems domain. Utilizing data from a sample of 76 captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), we (a) examined the association between scratching and presence or absence of the RS3‐containing DupB element in the AVPR1A 5' flanking region, (b) utilized voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) to identify gray matter (GM) voxel clusters that differentiated AVPR1A genotype, and (c) conducted a VBM‐guided voxel‐of‐interest analysis to examine the association between GM intensity and scratching. AVPR1A evidenced sexually dimorphic associations with scratching. VBM analyses revealed significant differences in GM by genotype across twelve clusters largely in the frontal cortex. Regions differentiating AVPR1A genotype showed sex‐specific associations with scratching. Results suggest that sexually dimorphic associations between AVPR1A and scratching may be explained by genotype‐specific neuroanatomical variation. The current study provides an example of the way in which chimpanzee research is uniquely poised for multilevel, systematic investigations of psychopathology‐relevant constructs within the context of the RDoC framework.
RDoC, DSM, and the reflex physiology of fear: A biodimensional analysis of the anxiety disorders spectrum
Authors: Lang Peter J. , McTeague Lisa M. , Bradley Margaret M.
Published: February 2016

Evidence is presented supporting a dimension of defensive reactivity that varies across the anxiety disorder spectrum and is defined by physiological responses during threat‐imagery challenges that covary with objective measures of psychopathology. Previous imagery studies of anxiety disorders are reviewed, highlighting that, regardless of contemporary diagnostic convention, reliable psychophysiological patterns emerge for patients diagnosed with circumscribed fear compared to those diagnosed with pervasive anxious‐misery disorders. Based on the heuristic outlined by the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) initiative, an exploratory transdiagnostic analysis is presented, based on a sample of 425 treatment‐seeking patients from across the spectrum of DSM‐IV anxiety diagnoses. Using a composite index of startle reflex and heart rate reactivity during idiographic fear imagery for each patient, a defensive dimension was defined by ranking patients from most defensively reactive to least reactive and then creating five groups of equivalent size (quintile; N = 85). Subsequent analyses showed significant parallel trends of diminishing reactivity in both electrodermal and facial electromyographic reactions across this defensive dimension. Negative affectivity, defined by questionnaire and extent of functional interference, however, showed consistent, inverse trends with defensive reactivity—as reports of distress increased, defensive reactivity was increasingly attenuated. Notably, representatives of each principal diagnosis appeared in each quintile, underscoring the reality of pronounced within‐diagnosis heterogeneity in defensive reactivity. In concluding, we describe our new RDoC research project, focusing on the assessment of brain circuit function as it determines hypo/hyperreactivity to challenge—somatic and autonomic—and may relate to patients’ stress history and genetic inheritance.
Panic disorder with agoraphobia from a behavioral neuroscience perspective: Applying the research principles formulated by the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) initiative
Authors: Hamm Alfons O. , Richter Jan , Pané‐Farré Christiane , Westphal Dorte , Wittchen Hans‐Ulrich , Vossbeck‐Elsebusch Anna N. , Gerlach Alexander L. , Gloster Andrew T. , Ströhle Andreas , Lang Thomas , Kircher Tilo , Gerdes Antje B. M. , Alpers Georg W. , Reif Andreas , Deckert Jürgen
Published: February 2016

In the current review, we reconceptualize a categorical diagnosis—panic disorder and agoraphobia—in terms of two constructs within the domain “negative valence systems” suggested by the Research Domain Criteria initiative. Panic attacks are considered as abrupt and intense fear responses to acute threat arising from inside the body, while anxious apprehension refers to anxiety responses to potential harm and more distant or uncertain threat. Taking a dimensional view, panic disorder with agoraphobia is defined with the threat‐imminence model stating that defensive responses are dynamically organized along the dimension of the proximity of the threat. We tested this model within a large group of patients with panic disorder and agoraphobia (N = 369 and N = 124 in a replication sample) and found evidence that panic attacks are indeed instances of circa strike defense. This component of the defensive reactivity was related to genetic modulators within the serotonergic system. In contrast, anxious apprehension—characterized by attentive freezing during postencounter defense—was related to general distress and depressive mood, as well as to genetic modulations within the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis. Patients with a strong behavioral tendency for active and passive avoidance responded better to exposure treatment if the therapist guides the patient through the exposure exercises.
Applying Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) to the study of fear and anxiety: A critical comment
Authors: Zoellner Lori A. , Foa Edna B.
Published: February 2016

The goal of the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) is to develop an interdisciplinary science of psychopathology, forming a template for research and disconnecting conceptual and empirical questions from traditional diagnostic entities. In this article, we review some of the challenges in the implementation of this framework within the field of pathological fear and anxiety, specifically commenting on the article by Hamm and colleagues (2016). The study of pathological fear and anxiety has had considerable, yet stalled, success in its understanding of underlying mechanisms, prevention, and treatment. With a shift toward RDoC, it is unclear what to do with the existing diagnostic labels, and the importance of defining and measuring phenotypes becomes paramount. Additional concerns include the role of psychological constructs and mechanisms, the use of self‐report measures, the examination of replication and clinical utility, and the measurement of the role of the environment. Though a laudable and potentially necessary shift in focus, it remains to be seen whether new overall insights into psychopathology will emerge from focusing on small units of analyses and piecing them together and whether these insights will directly translate into the prevention of psychopathology, more efficacious treatments, and improved lives of patients.
What drives and inhibits university‐business cooperation inEurope? A comprehensive assessement
Authors: Galán‐Muros Victoria , Plewa Carolin
Published: February 2016

Knowledge transfer between universities and organizations is essential, not only for the organizations involved but also for the broader innovation system. Understanding the factors that drive or inhibit this process, thus, becomes a priority. Yet, the increasingly prolific academic literature dealing with university‐business cooperation (UBC) possesses a strong focus on barriers rather than drivers and only examines few of the cooperation activities that exist in practice. This article offers a comprehensive review and analysis of an extensive set of barriers and drivers across seven UBC activities with a large sample of European academics from 33 countries. Results highlight that while the identified drivers significantly affect the development of all cooperation activities, barriers have more diverse effects. While significantly limiting research and valorization activities, they barely impact cooperation in education. Additionally, results show that even if academics perceive no barriers they still may not cooperate with business if there are no drivers in place. This article concludes by discussing the relevant implications for research, management and policy development regarding UBC, leading to directions for future research.
Rethinking Iago's jests in Othello II.i: Honestas, imports and laughable deformity
Authors: Derrin Daniel
Published: February 2016

An early scene in Act Two of Shakespeare's Othello is often cut or shortened. It is the one in which Iago jests with Desdemona while she waits and hopes for Othello to arrive safely in Cyprus (II.i.100–166). Critics and directors have found the scene jarring. Many productions have cut it and many editors dismissed it. This makes sense if one sees Iago's and Desdemona's exchange literally as farce, that is, as stuffing or filler. However, that perception flattens out what can instead be seen as a complex communal exchange of power and moral ideals and a delicate negotiation of a particular ethos – honestas – in a public setting, which cannot be characterized merely as an attack and a defence. This article develops a means of exploring the scene more fully by treating it as a serious dramatic exploration of Iago's persuasiveness and Desdemona's cleverness. I shall argue that the scene embodies a more complex exchange of social values than has been acknowledged. In doing so, I suggest that the rhetoric of jesting Shakespeare dramatizes here is a kind of efficacy that works by producing what is better described as a morally meaningful community than simply as a power structure facilitating self‐interest in moral disguise.