bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Turing test for collective motion
Authors: Herbert-Read J. E. , Romenskyy M. , Sumpter D. J. T.
Published: December 2015

A widespread problem in biological research is assessing whether a model adequately describes some real-world data. But even if a model captures the large-scale statistical properties of the data, should we be satisfied with it? We developed a method, inspired by Alan Turing, to assess the effectiveness of model fitting. We first built a self-propelled particle model whose properties (order and cohesion) statistically matched those of real fish schools. We then asked members of the public to play an online game (a modified Turing test) in which they attempted to distinguish between the movements of real fish schools or those generated by the model. Even though the statistical properties of the real data and the model were consistent with each other, the public could still distinguish between the two, highlighting the need for model refinement. Our results demonstrate that we can use ‘citizen science’ to cross-validate and improve model fitting not only in the field of collective behaviour, but also across a broad range of biological systems.
Warming alters food web-driven changes in the CO
2
flux of experimental pond ecosystems
Authors: Atwood T. B. , Hammill E. , Kratina P. , Greig H. S. , Shurin J. B. , Richardson J. S.
Published: December 2015

Evidence shows the important role biota play in the carbon cycle, and strategic management of plant and animal populations could enhance CO
2
uptake in aquatic ecosystems. However, it is currently unknown how management-driven changes to community structure may interact with climate warming and other anthropogenic perturbations to alter CO
2
fluxes. Here we showed that under ambient water temperatures, predators (three-spined stickleback) and nutrient enrichment synergistically increased primary producer biomass, resulting in increased CO
2
uptake by mesocosms in early dawn. However, a 3°C increase in water temperatures counteracted positive effects of predators and nutrients, leading to reduced primary producer biomass and a switch from CO
2
influx to efflux. This confounding effect of temperature demonstrates that climate scenarios must be accounted for when undertaking ecosystem management actions to increase biosequestration.
Irregularities of crystallographic orientation and residual stresses in the crossed-lamellar shell as a natural functionally graded material
Authors: Bonarski Jan T. , Checa Antonio G. , Rodriguez-Navarro Alejandro , Tarkowski Leszek , Wajda Wojciech
Published: December 2015

The microstructures of different groups of molluscs are characterized by preferential orientations of crystallites (texture), leading to a significant anisotropy of the physical properties of the shells. A complementary characteristic, usually neglected, is the distribution of the residual stresses existing within the shell wall. By means of X-ray diffraction, we study the distribution of stresses with thickness in the shell wall of the gastropod
Conus marmoreus
, which has a microstructure of the crossed-lamellar type. The results revealed an extraordinary texture inhomogeneity and the existence of tensional residual stresses along the shell thickness, the origins of which are unknown. Some of the observed changes in textural parameters and stresses coincide with the transitions between shell layers, although other features are of unknown origin. Our results provide insight into the microstructural regularities that govern the mesoscale construction of shells, such as that of
C. marmoreus
.
Interaction betweenVarroa destructorand imidacloprid reduces flight capacity of honeybees
Authors: Blanken Lisa J. , van Langevelde Frank , van Dooremalen Coby
Published: December 2015

Current high losses of honeybees seriously threaten crop pollination. Whereas parasite exposure is acknowledged as an important cause of these losses, the role of insecticides is controversial. Parasites and neonicotinoid insecticides reduce homing success of foragers (e.g. by reduced orientation), but it is unknown whether they negatively affect flight capacity. We investigated how exposing colonies to the parasitic miteVarroa destructorand the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid affect flight capacity of foragers. Flight distance, time and speed of foragers were measured in flight mills to assess the relative and interactive effects of highV. destructorload and a field-realistic, chronic sub-lethal dose of imidacloprid. Foragers from colonies exposed to high levels ofV. destructorflew shorter distances, with a larger effect when also exposed to imidacloprid. Bee body mass partly explained our results as bees were heavier when exposed to these stressors, possibly due to an earlier onset of foraging. Our findings contribute to understanding of interacting stressors that can explain colony losses. Reduced flight capacity decreases the food-collecting ability of honeybees and may hamper the use of precocious foraging as a coping mechanism during colony (nutritional) stress. Ineffective coping mechanisms may lead to destructive cascading effects and subsequent colony collapse.
On the origin of mongrels: evolutionary history of free-breeding dogs in Eurasia
Authors: Pilot Małgorzata , Malewski Tadeusz , Moura Andre E. , Grzybowski Tomasz , Oleński Kamil , Ruść Anna , Kamiński Stanisław , Ruiz Fadel Fernanda , Mills Daniel S. , Alagaili Abdulaziz N. , Mohammed Osama B. , Kłys Grzegorz , Okhlopkov Innokentiy M. , Suchecka Ewa , Bogdanowicz Wiesław
Published: December 2015

Although a large part of the global domestic dog population is free-ranging and free-breeding, knowledge of genetic diversity in these free-breeding dogs (FBDs) and their ancestry relations to pure-breed dogs is limited, and the indigenous status of FBDs in Asia is still uncertain. We analyse genome-wide SNP variability of FBDs across Eurasia, and show that they display weak genetic structure and are genetically distinct from pure-breed dogs rather than constituting an admixture of breeds. Our results suggest that modern European breeds originated locally from European FBDs. East Asian and Arctic breeds show closest affinity to East Asian FBDs, and they both represent the earliest branching lineages in the phylogeny of extant Eurasian dogs. Our biogeographic reconstruction of ancestral distributions indicates a gradual westward expansion of East Asian indigenous dogs to the Middle East and Europe through Central and West Asia, providing evidence for a major expansion that shaped the patterns of genetic differentiation in modern dogs. This expansion was probably secondary and could have led to the replacement of earlier resident populations in Western Eurasia. This could explain why earlier studies based on modern DNA suggest East Asia as the region of dog origin, while ancient DNA and archaeological data point to Western Eurasia.
Size is not everything: rates of genome size evolution, not
C
-value, correlate with speciation in angiosperms
Authors: Puttick Mark N. , Clark James , Donoghue Philip C. J.
Published: December 2015

Angiosperms represent one of the key examples of evolutionary success, and their diversity dwarfs other land plants; this success has been linked, in part, to genome size and phenomena such as whole genome duplication events. However, while angiosperms exhibit a remarkable breadth of genome size, evidence linking overall genome size to diversity is equivocal, at best. Here, we show that the rates of speciation and genome size evolution are tightly correlated across land plants, and angiosperms show the highest rates for both, whereas very slow rates are seen in their comparatively species-poor sister group, the gymnosperms. No evidence is found linking overall genome size and rates of speciation. Within angiosperms, both the monocots and eudicots show the highest rates of speciation and genome size evolution, and these data suggest a potential explanation for the megadiversity of angiosperms. It is difficult to associate high rates of diversification with different types of polyploidy, but it is likely that high rates of evolution correlate with a smaller genome size after genome duplications. The diversity of angiosperms may, in part, be due to an ability to increase evolvability by benefiting from whole genome duplications, transposable elements and general genome plasticity.
On being the right size: increased body size is associated with reduced telomere length under natural conditions
Authors: Ringsby Thor Harald , Jensen Henrik , Pärn Henrik , Kvalnes Thomas , Boner Winnie , Gillespie Robert , Holand Håkon , Hagen Ingerid Julie , Rønning Bernt , Sæther Bernt-Erik , Monaghan Pat
Published: December 2015

Evolution of body size is likely to involve trade-offs between body size, growth rate and longevity. Within species, larger body size is associated with faster growth and ageing, and reduced longevity, but the cellular processes driving these relationships are poorly understood. One mechanism that might play a key role in determining optimal body size is the relationship between body size and telomere dynamics. However, we know little about how telomere length is affected when selection for larger size is imposed in natural populations. We report here on the relationship between structural body size and telomere length in wild house sparrows at the beginning and end of a selection regime for larger parent size that was imposed for 4 years in an isolated population of house sparrows. A negative relationship between fledgling size and telomere length was present at the start of the selection; this was extended when fledgling size increased under the selection regime, demonstrating a persistent covariance between structural size and telomere length. Changes in telomere dynamics, either as a correlated trait or a consequence of larger size, could reduce potential longevity and the consequent trade-offs could thereby play an important role in the evolution of optimal body size.
Flexibility in motor timing constrains the topology and dynamics of pattern generator circuits
Authors: Pehlevan Cengiz , Ali Farhan , Ölveczky Bence P.
Published: December 2015

Temporally precise movement patterns underlie many motor skills and innate actions, yet the flexibility with which the timing of such stereotyped behaviors can be modified is poorly understood. To probe this, we induced adaptive changes to the temporal structure of birdsong. We find that the duration of specific song segments can be modified without affecting the timing in other parts of the song. We derive formal prescriptions for how neural networks can implement such flexible motor timing. We find that randomly connected recurrent networks, a common approximation for how neocortex is wired, do not generally conform to these, though certain implementations can approximate them. We show that feedforward networks, by virtue of their one-to-one mapping between network activity and time, are better suited. Our study provides general prescriptions for pattern generator networks that implement flexible motor timing, an important aspect of many motor skills, including birdsong and human speech.
Global lengthening of 3ʹ untranslated regions of mRNAs by alternative cleavage and polyadenylation in cellular senescence
Authors: Han Miao , Lv Guoliang , Nie Hongbo , Shen Ting , Niu Yichi , Li Xueping , Chen Meng , Zheng Xia , Li Wei , Ding Chen , Wei Gang , Gu Jun , Tian Xiao-Li , Zheng Yufang , Liu Xinhua , Hu Jinfeng , Tao Wei , Ni Ting
Published: December 2015

Cellular senescence has been viewed as an irreversible cell cycle arrest that acts to prevent cancer. Recent studies discovered widespread shortening of 3' untranslated regions (3' UTRs) by alternative cleavage and polyadenylation (APA) in cancer cells. However, the role of APA in the process of cellular senescence remains elusive. We thus applied our published PA-seq method to investigate APA regulation in different passages of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from rats of different ages. We found that genes in senescent cells tended to use distal poly(A) sites (pAs). An independent RNA-seq analysis gave rise to the same conclusion. Interestingly, the level of expression of genes preferred to use distal pAs in senescent MFEs and VSMCs tended to decrease. More importantly, genes that preferred to use distal pAs in senescent MFEs and VSMCs were enriched in common senescence-related pathways such as ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis and cell cycle. Further, the longer 3' UTRs of the genes that tended to use distal pAs introduced more conserved binding sites of senescence-related microRNAs (miRNAs) and RNA binding proteins (RBPs). Noteworthy, the expression level of core factors involved in cleavage and the polyadenylation tended to decrease, while those factors showed opposite trend in cancer cells. In summary, we showed, for the first time, that APA is a hidden layer of post-transcriptional gene expression regulation involved in cellular senescence.
Blind spots in ecosystem services research and implementation
Authors: Lautenbach Sven , Mupepele Anne-Christine , Dormann Carsten F. , Lee Heera , Schmidt Stefan , Scholte Samantha S.K. , Seppelt Ralf , van Teeffelen Astrid J.A. , Verhagen Willem , Volk Martin
Published: December 2015

Ecosystem service research has gained attraction, and the topic is also high on the policy agenda. Projects such as TEEB have generalized results of individual case studies to provide guidelines for policy makers and stakeholders. Seppelt et al. (2011) raised critical questions about four facets that characterize the holistic ideal of ecosystem services research: (i) biophysical realism of ecosystem data and models; (ii) consideration of trade-offs between ecosystem services; (iii) recognition of off-site effects; and (iv) comprehensive but shrewd involvement of stakeholders within assessment studies. An extended and updated analysis of ecosystem service case studies showed that the majority of these facets were still not addressed by the majority of case studies. Whilst most indicators did not improve within the span analyzed (1996–2013), we found a tendency for an increasing geographical spread of the case studies. Moreover, we incorporated an additional facet, namely the relevance and usability of case study results for the operationalization of the ecosystem service concept. Only a minority of studies addressed this facet sufficiently with no significant trend for improvement over time.
Structure ofD-alanine-D-alanine ligase fromYersinia pestis: nucleotide phosphate recognition by the serine loop
Authors: Tran Huyen-Thi , Hong Myoung-Ki , Ngo Ho-Phuong-Thuy , Huynh Kim-Hung , Ahn Yeh-Jin , Wang Zhong , Kang Lin-Woo
Published: December 2015

D-Alanyl-D-alanine is an essential precursor of bacterial peptidoglycan and is synthesized by D-alanine-D-alanine ligase (DDL) with hydrolysis of ATP; this reaction makes DDL an important drug target for the development of antibacterial agents. Five crystal structures of DDL fromYersinia pestis(YpDDL) were determined at 1.7–2.5 Å resolution: apo, AMP-bound, ADP-bound, adenosine 5′-(β,γ-imido)triphosphate-bound, and D-alanyl-D-alanine- and ADP-bound structures. YpDDL consists of three domains, in which four loops, loop 1, loop 2 (the serine loop), loop 3 (the ω-loop) and loop 4, constitute the binding sites for two D-alanine molecules and one ATP molecule. Some of them, especially the serine loop and the ω-loop, show flexible conformations, and the serine loop is mainly responsible for the conformational change in substrate nucleotide phosphates. Enzyme-kinetics assays were carried out for both the D-alanine and ATP substrates and a substrate-binding mechanism was proposed for YpDDL involving conformational changes of the loops.
Who Inherits the State? Colonial Rule and Postcolonial Conflict
Authors: Wucherpfennig Julian , Hunziker Philipp , Cederman Lars‐Erik
Published: December 2015

Postulating grievance‐based mechanisms, several recent studies show that politically excluded ethnic groups are more likely to experience civil conflict. However, critics argue that endogeneity may undermine this finding since governments' decisions to include or exclude could be motivated by the anticipation of conflict. We counter this threat to inference by articulating a causal pathway that explains ethnic groups' access to power independently of conflict. Focusing on postcolonial states, we exploit differences in colonial empires' strategies of rule to model which ethnic groups were represented in government at the time of independence. This identification strategy allows estimating the exogenous effect of inclusiveness on conflict. We find that previous studies have tended to understate the conflict‐dampening impact of political inclusion. This finding suggests that grievances have been prematurely dismissed from conventional explanations of conflict, and that policy makers should consider conflict resolution methods based on power sharing and group rights.
Short‐term outcomes of local infiltration anaesthetic in total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled double‐blinded controlled trial
Authors: Mulford Jonathan S. , Watson Anna , Broe David , Solomon Michael , Loefler Andreas , Harris Ian
Published: December 2015

Background

The primary objective of the study was to determine if local infiltration anaesthetic (LIA) reduced total length of hospital stay in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. The study also examined whether LIA improves early pain management, patient satisfaction and range of motion in TKA patients.

Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled double‐blinded study. Fifty patients undergoing TKA were randomized to receive either placebo or LIA at the time of surgery and on the first day post‐operatively. Pain scores, level of satisfaction and range of motion were recorded preoperatively and post‐operatively.

Results

There was no statistical difference between the groups for length of stay, post‐operative pain scores, satisfaction scores or range of motion 6 weeks post‐operatively.

Conclusion

This randomized double‐blinded trial did not demonstrate a decrease in pain or reduction of length of stay due to local infiltration analgesia.
Hard or Easy? Difficulty of Entrepreneurial Startups in 107 Climato‐Economic Environments
Authors: Van de Vliert Evert , Janssen Onne , Van der Vegt Gerben S.
Published: December 2015

Driven by existential needs for thermal comfort, nutrition, and health, human populations create cultural adaptations to environmental conditions. Entrepreneurs starting new businesses in more threatening or more challenging environments may be a case in point. In a secondary analysis of population‐level data from 107 nations, we cross‐sectionally examined six adaptation hypotheses based on climato‐economic theorising. The regression results show that new business creation is experienced as being the hardest in the threatening environments of poorer countries with colder winters and cooler summers (e.g. Bolivia and Ukraine), and as being the easiest in the challenging environments of richer countries with hotter summers and warmer winters (e.g. Singapore and United Arab Emirates). Rival explanations in terms of the historical trajectory of state emergence (state antiquity, colonial past, communist past) and societal development (industrialisation, democratisation, education) are ruled out and discussed. This article suggests that results of individual‐level and group‐level research into entrepreneurship are tentative at best as long as cultural adaptations to climato‐economic environments are left out of consideration.
Exploring Links between Women's Business Ownership and Empowerment among Maasai Women in Tanzania
Authors: Dutt Anjali , Grabe Shelly , Castro Marina
Published: December 2015

Despite increasing interest and effort to support women's empowerment globally, women remain a severely disadvantaged group in nearly every country throughout the globe. In the current study, we examine the relationship between women's participation in financial markets and different indices of empowerment. Questionnaires were administered to three groups of Maasai women (N = 224) living in rural, northern Tanzania: women who were members of cooperatively owned business groups, women who owned businesses independently via microcredit loans, and women who did not own businesses. Group difference tests revealed that cooperative business owners reported higher levels of agency than independent owners, and lower levels of partner control and greater involvement in financial decision making than nonbusiness owners. Independent owners reported greater involvement in financial decision making, and lower levels of agency than nonowners. Additionally, results from structural equation models demonstrated that participation in cooperatives, versus independent or nonbusiness ownership, was associated with fewer experiences of domestic violence and enhanced psychological well‐being via the effects of partner control, agency, and financial decision making. Policy implications regarding the importance of considering cultural norms and what may be required to facilitate a transformative context for women are discussed.
A spatially explicit estimate of the prewhaling abundance of the endangered North Atlantic right whale
Authors: Monsarrat Sophie , Pennino M. Grazia , Smith Tim D. , Reeves Randall R. , Meynard Christine N. , Kaplan David M. , Rodrigues Ana S.L.
Published: December 2015

The North Atlantic right whale (NARW)(Eubalaena glacialis)is one of the world's most threatened whales. It came close to extinction after nearly a millennium of exploitation and currently persists as a population of only approximately 500 individuals. Setting appropriate conservation targets for this species requires an understanding of its historical population size, as a baseline for measuring levels of depletion and progress toward recovery. This is made difficult by the scarcity of records over this species’ long whaling history. We sought to estimate the preexploitation population size of the North Atlantic right whale and understand how this species was distributed across its range. We used a spatially explicit data set on historical catches of North Pacific right whales (NPRWs)(Eubalaena japonica)to model the relationship between right whale relative density and the environment during the summer feeding season. Assuming the 2 right whale species select similar environments, we projected this model to the North Atlantic to predict how the relative abundance of NARWs varied across their range. We calibrated these relative abundances with estimates of the NPRW total prewhaling population size to obtain high and low estimates for the overall NARW population size prior to exploitation. The model predicted 9,075–21,328 right whales in the North Atlantic. The current NARW population is thus <6% of the historical North Atlantic carrying capacity and has enormous potential for recovery. According to the model, in June–September NARWs concentrated in 2 main feeding areas: east of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland and in the Norwegian Sea. These 2 areas may become important in the future as feeding grounds and may already be used more regularly by this endangered species than is thought.
α‐fetoprotein levels after interferon therapy predict regression of liver fibrosis in patients with sustained virological response
Authors: Tachi Yoshihiko , Hirai Takanori , Ishizu Youji , Honda Takashi , Kuzuya Teiji , Hayashi Kazuhiko , Ishigami Masatoshi , Goto Hidemi
Published: December 2015

Background and Aims:

Eradicating chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection improves liver fibrosis and reduces hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence in chronic HCV patients. We evaluated the relationship between fibrosis regression, as assessed by sequential biopsies, and clinical factors of patients with sustained virological response (SVR).

Methods:

We retrospectively enrolled 130 patients (74 men; 60.1 ± 8.1 years) with chronic HCV treated with interferon and ribavirin therapy who achieved SVR. To evaluate the change in fibrosis stage over time, all patients underwent a pre‐therapy initial biopsy and a second biopsy after achieving SVR.

Results:

The mean time between biopsies was 5.5 ± 1.2 years. Fibrosis stage regressed in 55 patients (42.3%), remained stable in 69 (53.1%), and progressed in 6 (4.6%). The mean fibrosis stage significantly decreased, from 2.01 ± 0.99 units to 1.61 ± 1.24 units (P < 0.001). Aspartate aminotransferase, γ‐glutamyltransferase, and α‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels at 24 weeks after the end of treatment (EOT) were significantly lower, and the platelet count at 24 weeks after the EOT was significantly higher in patients with fibrosis regression than in those without. Logistic regression analysis confirmed that lower AFP levels (< 5.4 ng/mL) at 24 weeks after the EOT (odds ratio [OR], 4.626; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.557–13.153; P = 0.006) and HCV genotype 2 (OR, 2.198; 95% CI, 1.010–4.786; P = 0.047) were significant independent predictive factors for regressed fibrosis after SVR.

Conclusions:

Lower post‐treatment AFP levels and HCV genotype 2 significantly correlated with liver fibrosis regression after SVR.
Enhancing the Adoption of Life Cycle Assessment by Small and Medium Enterprises Grouped in an Industrial Cluster: A Case Study of the Tanning Cluster in Tuscany (Italy)
Authors: Daddi Tiberio , Nucci Benedetta , Iraldo Fabio , Testa Francesco
Published: December 2015

Greenhouse gas emissions from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) account for 70% of the industrial pollution in the European Union. Owing to limited economic and human resources, only a few SMEs start procedures to evaluate the environmental impact of processes and products through life cycle assessment (LCA). In this work, a cluster life cycle assessment (Cluster‐LCA) is proposed as an instrument for the diffusion and realization of LCA analysis in clustered SMEs. This methodology is illustrated with a case study in the tanning cluster in Tuscany. The different characteristics of the methodology are analyzed by identifying the intrinsic strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The application of this methodology in a particular cluster is then discussed in order to gather some helpful insight for the application of this methodology in different clusters.
Predictable Outcomes with Porcelain Laminate Veneers: A Clinical Report
Authors: Pimentel Welson , Teixeira Marcelo Lucchesi , Costa Priscila Paganini , Jorge Mônica Zacharias , Tiossi Rodrigo
Published: December 2015

This clinical report describes how to achieve predictable outcomes for anterior teeth esthetic restorations with porcelain laminate veneers by associating the digital planning and design of the restoration with interim restorations. The previous digital smile design of the restoration eliminates the communication barrier with the patient and assists the clinician throughout patient treatment. Interim restorations (diagnostic mock‐ups) further enhance communication with the patient and prevent unnecessary tooth reduction for conservative tooth preparation. Adequate communication between patient and clinician contributes to successful definitive restorations and patient satisfaction with the final esthetic outcome.
Headache, hypertension and seizures
Authors: Arcos‐Machancoses José Vicente , García‐Williams Sofía , Fuentes‐Socorro Carolina , Fernández‐Navarro José María , Menor‐Serrano Francisco , Verdeguer‐Miralles Amparo
Published: December 2015

See Answer
Maternal C‐Reactive Protein Concentration in Early Pregnancy and Child Autistic Traits in the General Population
Authors: Koks Natasja , Ghassabian Akhgar , Greaves‐Lord Kirstin , Hofman Albert , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Verhulst Frank C. , Tiemeier Henning
Published: December 2015

Background

Exposure to elevated levels of inflammatory markers during pregnancy has been suggested as possible aetiologic factor in the occurrence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this study, we investigated the prospective relation between maternal C‐reactive protein (CRP) during early pregnancy and children's autistic traits in the general population.

Methods

In a large population‐based cohort in the Netherlands, we measured maternal CRP levels before 18 weeks of gestation (N = 4165). Parents reported on their children's autistic traits at age 6 years using the Social Responsiveness Scale, and the Pervasive Developmental Problem scale. Regression models were used to examine the relation between maternal CRP levels and autistic traits in children.

Results

Compared with the reference group (CRP < 2.3 mg/L), elevated levels of CRP (>7.8 mg/L) in pregnant women were associated with higher Social Responsiveness Scale scores in children [β = 0.055, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.033, 0.078]; however, the effect was strongly attenuated after adjustment for several socioeconomic factors and in particular by maternal health‐related factors including body mass index (fully adjusted model β = 0.018, 95% CI −0.005, 0.042). We found no relation between maternal CRP levels and pervasive developmental problem.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the association between elevated levels of maternal CRP in pregnancy and autistic traits in children is confounded by maternal health‐related and socioeconomic factors. Further studies are needed to explore whether other maternal inflammatory markers during pregnancy, as a response to maternal inflammation, are associated with the development of autistic traits in the offspring.
Danish translation and validation of the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre questionnaires on overuse injuries and health problems
Authors: Jorgensen J. E. , Rathleff C. R. , Rathleff M. S. , Andreasen J.
Published: December 2015

The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Overuse Injury Questionnaire (OSTRC‐O) and the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre questionnaire on Health Problems (The OSTRC‐H) make it possible to monitor illness and injury at regular intervals capturing prevalence and incidence of acute injury, overuse injury, and illnesses. The aim of this study was to translate, culturally adapt, and establish the face validity of the OSTRC‐O and the OSTRC‐H into a Danish context (DK) through cognitive interviews and the assessment of test–retest reliability. The OSTRC‐O.DK was distributed to 57 heterogenous respondents; response rate was 89%. The OSTRC‐H was distributed to 58 heterogenous respondents; response rate was 86%. No major disagreements were observed between the original and translated versions of the questionnaires. The OSTRC‐O had high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.80–0.93). The primary reliability analyses including all participants, showed reliability ICC: 0.62 (95% CI: 0.42–0.77. The secondary reliability analyses that only included subjects who did not change injury region from the test to the retest showed an ICC of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.77–0.92).The questionnaires were found to be valid, reliable, and acceptable for use in a Danish population.
The Role of Hope in Preventive Interventions
Authors: Kwon Paul , Birrueta Maira , Faust Emily , Brown Emilia R.
Published: December 2015

Preventive interventions have historically focused on reducing risk factors for psychological difficulties. Recent research has found that prevention programs are more effective when they enhance strengths, rather than merely reduce risk factors. An increased focus on strengths is consistent with a positive psychology perspective. In fact, hope has been found to be a central human strength in the positive psychology literature. Hope is associated with better adjustment, lower anxiety, lower depression, greater academic performance, and greater athletic achievement. In addition, individuals with high hope are able to respond more adaptively after traumatic events and physical illnesses. Intervention studies have shown that hope can be increased in individuals, and hope has been shown to predict more positive outcomes in psychotherapy. Future directions for research are outlined, including investigating hope as a preventive intervention for members of stigmatized groups, including ethnic minorities and lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals.
Respuesta a un programa de resiliencia aplicado a padres de niños con Síndrome de Down
Authors: Sánchez-Teruel David , Robles-Bello María Auxiliadora
Published: December 2015

El estrés de los padres de niños con Síndrome de Down (SD) sigue siendo un tema de interés para profesionales durante todo el proceso de intervención en atención infantil temprana (0-6 años). El presente estudio pretende comprobar si existen diferencias en 78 padres de niños con Síndrome de Down (entre 3 y 11 meses de edad), con edades comprendidas entre 37 y 56 años (M=46.5; DT=1.94), utilizando un entrenamiento basado en el fomento de la resiliencia. Para lograr este objetivo se ha planteado un diseño de evaluación en dos momentos (antes y después de entrenamiento), estableciendo un grupo de padres como experimental y otro como control. Los resultados muestran efectos positivos sobre el estrés que sufren los padres de niños con SD. En particular se reduce el nivel de estrés parental derivado del cuidado del niño (ECN) y el estrés total (ET) tras la aplicación del programa. Se discute la importancia de aplicar tratamientos para el fomento de la resiliencia en padres para amplificar los efectos positivos del proceso de atención infantil temprana en niños con Síndrome de Down y en sus familias.
Aprendizaje y práctica de la conciencia plena en estudiantes de bachillerato para potenciar la relajación y la autoeficacia en el rendimiento escolar
Authors: Amutio-Kareaga Alberto , Franco Justo Clemente , Gázquez Linares José Jesús , Mañas Mañas Israel
Published: December 2015

El objetivo este estudio fue analizar los efectos que produce un programa psicoeducativo de entrenamiento en conciencia plena (mindfulness) sobre la autoeficacia en el rendimiento escolar y los estados de relajación (Estados-R), en adolescentes estudiantes de bachillerato. Se realizó un diseño controlado y aleatorizado con un grupo experimental y un grupo control en lista de espera con medición pretest-postest. Los instrumentos de medida empleados fueron el Cuestionario de Cartagena (Cartagena, 2008) y el Cuestionario SRSI-3 (Smith, 2005a). Los análisis estadísticos muestran la existencia de mejoras significativas en el grupo experimental en comparación con el grupo control, en los niveles de autoeficacia en el rendimiento escolar, así como en los estados de relajación básica, conciencia plena y energía positiva; además, se obtuvo una reducción significativa en el grupo experimental en comparación con el grupo control en la dimensión de estrés percibido.
La integración social de los hijos de inmigrantes africanos, europeos del este y latinoamericanos: un estudio de caso en España
Authors: Checa Juan Carlos , Monserrat Montserrat
Published: December 2015

El objetivo principal de este artículo fue estudiar el proceso de integración social en Almería (España) de hijos de inmigrantes, llegados de África, Latinoamérica y Europa del Este. Se estudió la integración social a partir de las siguientes dimensiones: aspectos socioeconómicos, relaciones mixtas, referentes culturales, normas, transnacionalidad y factor psicosocial. Los datos se obtuvieron a partir de la administración de una encuesta. Los resultados muestran que el origen es una variable fundamental a la hora de definir la integración social. También, aparecen otras variables importantes que definen el proceso de integración de los inmigrados, como son el capital humano, el entorno o los patrones religiosos. Esta variedad de elementos que intervienen en la integración permite afirmar que esta se está produciendo en Almería de manera fragmentada y no responde a un proceso lineal.
Modelo predictor de las motivaciones para correr: análisis con corredores de ruta españoles vs. mexicanos
Authors: Sancho Antonio Zarauz , Ruiz-Juan Francisco , Arbinaga Ibarzábal Félix , Jaenes Sánchez José Carlos , Flores-Allende Gabriel
Published: December 2015

En la práctica de ejercicio físico, estudiar las motivaciones implicadas en que un sujeto desarrolle tal actividad, se ha convertido en uno de los temas fundamentales de la psicología del deporte y el ejercicio. Se pretendía conocer qué relaciones predictivas presentaban el compromiso a correr, la ansiedad competitiva y la percepción de éxito en las carreras en ruta sobre los motivos para realizarlas. Participaron 1.795 corredores de fondo en ruta (1.105 españoles, 690 mexicanos). De ellos el 85.65% fueron hombres con una edad de M=38.98 (DT=10.45), y 14.35% mujeres, con una edad M=37.88 (DT=9.80). La recogida de datos se llevó a cabo mediante las adaptaciones al castellano de las Motivations of Marathoners Scales-34 (MOMS-34), la Commitment to Running Scale-11 (CR-11), el Revised Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2R) y el Perception of Success Questionnaire (POSQ). Se ha obtenido que los mexicanos, frente al grupo de españoles, alcanzaron mayores puntuaciones en todas las subescalas de las MOMS-34, en la CR-11, en el POSQ y en las subescalas Autoconfianza del CSAI-2R, pero menor puntuación en ansiedad somática, no habiendo diferencias significativas en ansiedad cognitiva. Por último, los siete modelos predictivos basados en los análisis de regresión fueron muy similares cuando se compararon las dos nacionalidades agrupadas por el sexo del participante, obteniéndose unas varianzas explicativas muy altas. Pero se mostraron como modelos predictivos diferenciales cuando se compararon los hombres vs. las mujeres.
Relación entre soporte social, la satisfacción de vida y bienestar subjetivo en adolescentes brasileros
Authors: Castellá Sarriera Jorge , Bedin Lívia , Abs Daniel , Casas Ferran , Calza Tiago
Published: December 2015

This study explores the subjective well-being, overall life satisfaction and perceived social support of Brazilian adolescents by analysing different models that explain the relationships among these three constructs. The sample is comprised of 1,588 adolescents (aged 12–16, 65.5% female), who answered the Personal Well-Being Index (PWI), a measure of Perceived Social Support of Family and Friends, and also an Overall Life Satisfaction single-item scale (OLS). MANOVA and ANOVA were used to assess the differences between groups, with respect to gender, it is observed that girls present lower means than boys for the OLS. Considering age, there was a significant decrease in the mean of the PWI with age. Boys present lower means of friends’ social support. Structural Equation Modelling was used to test theoretical frameworks on data. After analysing different models, the best fit model is presented using the PWI as a mediating factor between social support and satisfaction with life. The perception of social support from family and friends results to be a significant dimension of well-being among Brazilian adolescents. The importance of social support for the subjective well-being is explained by identifying how it contributes to the overall life satisfaction of adolescents.
Trastornos y calidad de sueño en trabajadores industriales de turno rotatorio y turno fijo diurno
Authors: Tellez López Arnoldo , Villegas Guinea Diana Rocio , Juárez García Dehisy Marisol , Segura Herrera Luis Guillermo , Fuentes Avilés Luis
Published: December 2015

El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la prevalencia de los trastornos de sueño y conocer su relación con la calidad de sueño, el estrés, la depresión y variables médicas en una muestra de personal operativo, así como comparar dichas variables entre trabajadores con turno rotatorio (173) y trabajadores con turno fijo (153). Se encontró que los trabajadores con turno rotatorio presentan más trastornos del sueño como insomnio, ronquido, excesiva somnolencia diurna, entre otros; reportan una peor calidad de sueño y tienen una puntuación mayor en depresión en comparación con los trabajadores con turno habitual. Es importante continuar con investigaciones dirigidas a los trabajadores por turnos con el fin de buscar estrategias para mejorar su calidad de vida.
Violencia escolar en adolescentes: un análisis en función de la actividad física y lugar de residencia habitual
Authors: Zurita Ortega Felix , Vilches Aznar Jose Maria , Cachon Zagalaz Javier , Padial Ruz Rosario , Martínez Martinez Asuncion , Castro Sanchez Manuel
Published: December 2015

Son variados y frecuentes los estudios que intentan establecer la relación directa entre variables de tipo psicosocial y deportivo en la conducta violenta y agresiva de los adolescentes, pero pocos incluyen la relación con residir fuera del contexto familiar. De esta manera en este estudio se evalúa la agresividad y componentes de la misma en jóvenes adolescentes, determinando los niveles de práctica de actividad físico-deportiva así como el lugar de residencia de alumnos de ESO de la ciudad de Granada (España) y dictaminando posibles relaciones entre la agresividad, lugar de residencia y realización de actividad física continua. La participación de un total de 2.273 adolescentes permitió el registro y evaluación de las variables de conducta violenta (medida con la escala de conducta violenta en la escuela), lugar de residencia y práctica de actividad física. Los resultados mostraron que los adolescentes no residentes en el hogar familiar tenían mayores índices de agresividad que los residentes y que los que practicaban deporte de manera regular presentaban índices de agresividad manifiesta mayores que los sedentarios. Como principal conclusión indicamos la necesidad de elaborar más estudios que intenten dilucidar más detalladamente aquellas variables que pueden inducir a comportamientos agresivos.
ARGENTINA (1976-1983): IMPACTO Y AFRONTAMIENTO PSICOSOCIAL
Authors: ARNOSO MARTINEZ MAITANE , ARNOSO MARTINEZ AINARA , PEREZ SALES PAU
Published: December 2015

El presente estudio explora el impacto que tuvo la violencia represiva de la última dictadura militar argentina en una muestra de familiares de personas detenidas desaparecidas (n=30) y de personas que sobrevivieron a las cárceles de la dictadura (n=22). De los resultados se extrae que un tipo de afrontamiento activo de la experiencia y un apoyo social positivo, se relaciona con la posibilidad de dar sentido a lo ocurrido y la generación de una identidad de sobreviviente. A la inversa, las formas de afrontamiento marcadas por la evitación, se relacionan con más sintomatología de estrés postraumático, una mayor alteración en el proceso de duelo y un mayor impacto negativo en las creencias básicas.
Análisis de la Socialización sobre Perfiles de la dinámica Bullying.
Authors: Polo del Río María Isabel
Published: December 2015

Con esta investigación, mediante un análisis discriminante se pretende analizar que variables de socialización presentan un mayor poder de discriminación o cuantifican mejor las diferencias entre los distintos niveles de agresión y victimización en el fenómeno bullying. La muestra está formada por 700 adolescentes estudiantes. Se utilizó el Cuestionario de Convivencia Escolar (Defensor del Pueblo, 2006) y el BAS-3 (Batería de socialización, en formato de autoevaluación) de Silva y Martorell (1989). Nuestros resultados confirman que niveles altos de agresión en el acoso escolar estarían caracterizados por puntuaciones bajas en consideración hacia los demás y autocontrol en las relaciones sociales, mientras que niveles altos de victimización, estarían caracterizados por puntuaciones altas en ansiedad social/timidez y retraimiento social.
Conceptualización y Evaluación de la Impulsividad en Adolescentes: una Revisión Sistemática
Authors: Buela-Casal Gualberto , Riaño-Hernández Diana , Guillen Riquelme Alejandro
Published: December 2015

La impulsividad es un constructo ampliamente estudiado y se ha caracterizado por la falta de consenso entre los autores sobre: su definición, características y formas de evaluación; generando que actualmente sea un constructo complejo. Se realizó la revisión sistemática sobre impulsividad en adolescentes, con el objetivo de identificar las diferentes definiciones, analizar las medidas que son usadas para evaluar impulsividad y puntualizar los diferentes rasgos psicológicos con los cuales se relaciona en la investigación. La recopilación de artículos se hizo por medio de las bases de datos, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, PsycInfo, Scielo, Redalyc, Google Escolar, Teseo y Cochrane, donde se seleccionaron 3.457 artículos de los cuales se revisaron 108 artículos. Los resultados muestran las definiciones de impulsividad, la población, medidas de evaluación y la relación con otras variables. Se concluye que, (a) la impulsividad es un constructo con múltiples definiciones, (b) se identificó el MFFT como medida más usada para evaluar el constructo y (c) se encontró que se ha investigado su relación en temas como problemas de conducta, medidas cognitivas, agresión y aspectos familiares.
ESTIMACIÓN Y CARACTERIZACIÓN DE LOS ANTECEDENTES DE PROTECCIÓN DE LOS MENORES INFRACTORES
Authors: Carrasco García Natalio
Published: December 2015

: El presente estudio descriptivo tiene como objetivo estimar el porcentaje de menores infractores que han pasado por los Servicios de Protección en España, ofreciendo una descripción del fenómeno estudiado. Para ello se ha realizado una revisión sistemática de la bibliografía de aquellos estudios sobre menores infractores que incluían el número o porcentaje de menores infractores que provenían de algún recurso de protección. Los resultados muestran que el Sistema de Justicia Juvenil está sobre-representado por menores provenientes del Sistema de Protección a la Infancia, siendo el porcentaje de menores que provienen de recursos residenciales ordinarios inferior al de menores extranjeros y al de menores que presentan problemas de abuso de sustancias. Se describen algunas de las actuaciones que podrían llevarse a cabo para prevenir esta relación.
Examen psicométrico del IQTest como herramienta de discriminación de individuos normales y talentosos en la población escolar chilena
Authors: Cerda Etchepare Gamal , Pérez Wilson Carlos , Melipillán Araneda Roberto , Ortega-Ruiz Rosario
Published: December 2015

Se presentan los resultados del proceso de adaptación del IQTest del grupo Mensa Dinamarca (www.iqtest.dk), con la finalidad de utilizarse en Chile para discriminar grupos de capacidad intelectual diferenciada. Se aplicó el instrumento a dos muestras de estudiantes secundarios chilenos: 2994 (grupo normal) y 394 (grupo aventajado). El instrumento presenta adecuados índices de fiabilidad, confirmándose la validez de constructo mediante análisis factoriales y de Rasch. La validez concurrente se constató al comparar los desempeños con otro Test de Inteligencia previamente estandarizado en la población escolar chilena. El instrumento logra diferenciar individuos en los dos grupos (normal y aventajado), y sus puntuaciones se correlacionan positivamente con el rendimiento en matemáticas. Se discuten las principales implicancias del estudio para el sistema escolar chileno.
La formación universitaria en Psicología en Argentina. Perspectivas actuales y desafíos a la luz de la historia
Authors: Klappenbach Hugo Alberto
Published: December 2015

El presente trabajo analiza los orígenes de la enseñanza de la psicología en Argentina para centrarse luego en la organización de las carreras o programas de psicología en el país. La finalidad es realizar un relevamiento completo de los centros universitarios que incluyen carreras de su psicología en su oferta educativa. Posteriormente se analiza el impacto del proceso de acreditación obligatoria de carreras de psicología de grado, iniciado en 2009 y parcialmente finalizado en diciembre de 2013. También se relevan las carreras de posgrado y las organizaciones de la psicología, las cuales revelan el sesgo profesionalista y clinicista que ha caracterizado a la psicología argentina desde comienzos de la década de 1960.