bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melanopareia bitorquata (d'Orbigny & Lafresnaye, 1837) is a distinct species: an appraisal of morphological variation in the Collared Crescentchest Melanopareia torquata (zu Wied-Neuwied, 1831) (Aves: Melanopareiidae)
Authors: LOPES LEONARDO ESTEVES , GONZAGA LUIZ PEDREIRA
Published: November 2016

The Collared Crescentchest Melanopareia torquata is a poorly known and inconspicuous species of open savannas and grasslands in central Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia. Three subspecies are currently recognized, but their taxonomic limits, ranges and conservation status are far from well-established. This paper analyses individual and geographic variation in this species on the basis of body measurements and plumage coloration of 119 specimens. A clinal pattern of body size variation and considerable mensural overlap precludes a clear-cut separation between the two subspecies restricted to Brazil, and there is evidently sexual dichromatism in some Brazilian populations. However, M. t. bitorquata shows highly distinct plumage features in parapatry with other forms, strongly suggesting it should be treated as a full species
Resolving the taxonomy and nomenclature of Metochus abbreviatus (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Rhyparochromidae)
Authors: KONDOROSY ELŐD , ISHIKAWA TADASHI , RÉDEI DÁVID
Published: November 2016

The identity of Metochus abbreviatus Scott, 1874 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Rhyparochromidae: Rhyparochrominae: Rhyparochromini) is clarified based on reexamination of the lectotype. The subjective synonymy of Dieuches kreyenbergi Breddin, 1906 with M. abbreviatus is confirmed. The following new subjective synonymies are proposed: Rhyparochromus erosus Walker, 1872 = Metochus abbreviatus Scott, 1874, syn. nov. = Metochus holsti Distant, 1918, syn. nov. Bibliographies of the names are provided and it is demonstrated that the name M. abbreviatus is in prevailing usage. Reversion to the senior name Rh. erosus is considered to be undesirable, therefore an application has simultaneously been submitted to the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature to give the specific name abbreviatus precedence over the specific name erosus. The diagnostic characters, bionomics and distribution of the species are briefly reviewed.
Perioperative Outcomes of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Surgical Repair in a Nationally Validated Database
Authors: Nejim Besma , Alshaikh Husain N. , Arhuidese Isibor , Obeid Tammam , Lum Ying Wei , Canner Joseph , Locham Satinderjit S. , Malas Mahmoud
Published: November 2016

We evaluated the occurrence of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) and 30-day postoperative outcomes. Patients undergoing cervical/first rib resection surgery were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2005-2013). Thoracic outlet syndrome types were then examined. Propensity score matching was performed to account for potential confounders; 1180 patients were explored during the study period, 1007 (85.3%) were of the neurogenic TOS (NTOS), 32 (2.7%) patients had arterial TOS (ATOS), and 141 (12.0%) patients had venous TOS (VTOS). Patients with ATOS were significantly older (median age [interquartile range, IQR]—NTOS: 34 [25-44], ATOS: 49.5 [42.5-57], VTOS: 34 [23-43]; P < .001). Median operating time was significantly longer for patients with ATOS. Median in-hospital stay was also longer for patients with ATOS (median length of in-hospital stay [LOS; IQR]—NTOS: 2 [1-4]; ATOS: 6 [3-7]; and VTOS: 5 [2-7] days; P < .001). Patients with VTOS showed twice longer LOS when compared to NTOS after matching. Presentation and treatment of TOS have been studied extensively at highly experienced centers.
Carotid Bifurcation Geometry and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Spanos Konstantinos , Petrocheilou Glykeria , Karathanos Christos , Labropoulos Nicos , Mikhailidis Dimitri , Giannoukas Athanasios
Published: November 2016

Hemodynamic changes occurring at the initial segments of the arterial bifurcations appear to play an important role in the development of atherosclerotic plaque. Therefore, arterial geometry might be a potential marker for atherosclerosis. Considerable evidence suggests that geometry can influence local hemodynamics at the carotid bifurcation contributing to the development of atheroma. Bifurcation angle, differences in the area ratios including the flare, proximal curvature, sinus bulb width, and tortuosity of the internal or external carotid artery have been listed as potential contributory elements. These morphometric details have been studied not only in postmortem examination but also with the help of imaging modalities such as ultrasound, digital subtraction angiography, computed tomography angiography, and the assistance of computational models and magnetic resonance angiography. The establishment of certain anatomical and geometrical details in addition to traditional risk factors may help in the identification of patients at high risk of developing carotid artery disease. We reviewed the literature to highlight the evidence on the importance of various geometrical details in the development of carotid atheroma and to suggest areas of future research.
Syrian refugees in Jordan: Social workers use a Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA) methodology for needs assessment, human rights and community development
Authors: Al-Qdah Talal Abdel Karim , Lacroix Marie
Published: November 2016

Thousands of Syrian refugees have entered Jordan, which has led to a humanitarian crisis and compounded an already tenuous social and economic crisis in the country. Social workers at the WAQE3 community development centre put in place a Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA) methodology, which assesses not only the needs of Syrian refugees but also of marginalized Jordanians. Participatory, bottom-up, and human rights focused, it is effective in assessing needs and is a useful tool for community building and moving towards social development. It is argued this methodology could be used as a template for social workers in other countries where refugee situations have become protracted.
Association between Anxiety and Pain in Dental Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Lin C.-S. , Wu S.-Y. , Yi C.-A.
Published: November 2016

Accumulating evidence has revealed that dental anxiety (DA), as a dispositional factor toward the dental situation, is associated with the state anxiety (SA) and pain related to dental procedures. However, conclusions from individual studies may be limited by the treatment procedures that patients received, the tools used to assess DA, or the treatment stages when anxiety or pain was assessed. It is unclear whether DA, at the study level, accounts for the variance in pretreatment SA. The impact of DA and SA on pain at different treatment stages has not been systematically investigated. To address these questions, we present novel meta-analytical evidence from 35 articles (encompassing 47 clinical groups) that investigated DA in a clinical group. Subgroup analyses revealed that the studies of surgical and nonsurgical procedures did not significantly differ in either DA or pretreatment SA. Furthermore, metaregressions revealed DA as a significant predictor that explained the variance in SA assessed before and during treatment but not after treatment. The findings suggest that patient DA has a significant impact on patient SA. Metaregressions revealed DA as a significant predictor that explained the variance in expected pain, pain during treatment and posttreatment pain. In contrast, pretreatment SA was a significant predictor that explained the variance in expected pain. The findings reveal that DA has a consistent impact on pain through the entire period of dental treatment. Altogether, the findings highlight the role of DA as an overall indicator for anxiety and pain, across different types of dental procedures or treatment stages. We conclude that anxiety should be assessed as a critical step not only in anxiety management for high-DA patients, but also in pain control for all dental patients.
Robustified fractional-order controller based on adjustable fractional weights for a doubly fed induction generator
Authors: Sedraoui M , Amieur T , Bachir Bouiadjra R , Sahnoune M
Published: November 2016

In this paper, a robustification method of the primary fractional controller is proposed. This novel method uses the adjustable fractional weights on the H∞ mixed-sensitivity problem. It can achieve an enhancement in both nominal performance and robust stability margins for the uncertain plants while respecting the frequency-domain constraints, such as the tracking of the set-point references, load disturbance attenuation and measurement noise suppression. The proposed robustification holds two steps; in the first step, a primary fractional controller is designed from solving the H∞ mixed-sensitivity problem that uses fixed-integer weights. In the second step, the robustified fractional controller with adjustable fractional weights is designed in order to guarantee a good compromise between the nominal performance and the robust stability not only for the nominal plant, but also for all set of the neighbouring plants. The proposed robustified fractional controller is used to control the doubly fed induction generator. Its dynamic is modelled by the unstructured output-multiplicative uncertain plant. Simulation results given by both primary and robustified fractional controllers are compared in time and frequency domains with those given by the conventional integer H∞ controller in order to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The Application of the Multilevel Paradigm in Human Resource Management–Outcomes Research: Taking Stock and Going Forward
Authors: Peccei Riccardo , Van De Voorde Karina
Published: November 2016

The authors provide a systematic evaluation of the emerging multilevel paradigm in human resource management (HRM) research focusing, in particular, on multilevel mediation analyses of the HRM-outcomes relationship. They first distinguish different types of multilevel models and then identify a number of best practice theoretical and methodological criteria for the conduct of multilevel research derived from the literature. These criteria are used to analyze and evaluate all multilevel mediation studies ( N = 46) of the HRM-outcomes relationship published in 11 core management and HRM journals in the 2000 to 2016 period. The results suggest that progress in the application of the multilevel paradigm has been slow and uneven and that the new paradigm has not as yet taken firm root in the field of HRM. On the basis of this evaluation, the authors identify key areas for improvement in the application of the multilevel approach to the analysis of the HRM-outcomes relationship. In the process, they highlight important ways in which the further development of a multilevel perspective can enhance both strategic and employee-centered HRM research by contributing to a fuller substantive understanding of the processes and mechanisms through which HRM systems affect outcomes of interest at different levels of analysis.
Extraction of protein–protein interactions (PPIs) from the literature by deep convolutional neural networks with various feature embeddings
Authors: Choi Sung-Pil
Published: November 2016

The automatic extraction of protein–protein interactions (PPIs) reported in scientific publications are of great significance for biomedical researchers in that they could efficiently grasp the recent research results about biochemical events and molecular processes for conducting their original studies. This article introduces a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) equipped with various feature embeddings to battle the limitations of the existing machine learning-based PPI extraction methods. The proposed model learns and optimises word embeddings based on the publicly available word vectors and also exploits position embeddings to identify the locations of the target protein names in sentences. Furthermore, it can employ various linguistic feature embeddings to improve the PPI extraction. The intensive experiments using AIMed data set known as the most difficult collection not only show the superiority of the suggested model but also indicate important implications in optimising the network parameters and hyperparameters.
Interpreting and Integrating Clinical and Anatomic Pathology Results
Authors: Ramaiah Lila , Hinrichs Mary Jane , Skuba Elizabeth V. , Iverson William O. , Ennulat Daniela
Published: November 2016

The continuing education course on integrating clinical and anatomical pathology data was designed to communicate the importance of using a weight of evidence approach to interpret safety findings in toxicology studies. This approach is necessary, as neither clinical nor anatomic pathology data can be relied upon in isolation to fully understand the relationship between study findings and the test article. Basic principles for correlating anatomic pathology and clinical pathology findings and for integrating these with other study end points were reviewed. To highlight these relationships, a series of case examples, presented jointly by a clinical pathologist and an anatomic pathologist, were used to illustrate the collaborative effort required between clinical and anatomical pathologists. In addition, the diagnostic utility of traditional liver biomarkers was discussed using results from a meta-analysis of rat hepatobiliary marker and histopathology data. This discussion also included examples of traditional and novel liver and renal biomarker data implementation in nonclinical toxicology studies to illustrate the relationship between discrete changes in biochemistry and tissue morphology.
A National Study of the Validity and Utility of the Comprehensive Assessment of School Environment (CASE) Survey
Authors: McGuffey Amy R.
Published: November 2016

A healthy school climate is necessary for improvement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the construct validity and usability of the Comprehensive Assessment of School Environment (CASE) as it was purportedly realigned to the three dimensions of the Breaking Ranks Framework developed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Over 4,000 stakeholders representing 28 secondary schools across 21 states participated. A four-factor solution was derived and CASE was found to be usable.
Early surgery after angiography in patients scheduled for valve replacement
Authors: Dayan Victor , Stanham Roberto , Soca Gerardo , Genta Fernando , Mariño Jorge , Lorenzo Alvaro
Published: November 2016

Background

There are limited data regarding the risks of cardiac surgery early after coronary angiography in patients scheduled for isolated aortic and/or mitral valve replacement. Our aim was to evaluate the risk of early surgery after coronary angiography in these patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data of 1044 patients who underwent isolated aortic and/or mitral valve replacement from 2006 to 2014. Baseline, operative, and postoperative variables were collected. The patients were divided into 3 groups based on the interval between coronary angiography and surgery: ≤3 days ( n = 216), 4–7 days ( n = 109), and ≥8 days ( n = 719). We evaluated hospital mortality and postoperative acute kidney injury. Subgroup analysis was performed according to preoperative creatinine clearance.

Results

Postoperative creatinine clearance was lower in patients who underwent surgery ≤3 days after coronary angiography (63.57 ± 38.52 mL min−1) compared to ≥8 days after coronary angiography (74.56 ± 54.25 mL min−1, p = 0.015). Patients who underwent surgery ≤3 days after coronary angiography had higher hospital mortality when preoperative creatinine clearance was ≤60 mL min−1 (12% vs. 4% for creatinine clearance ≤and >60 mL min−1, respectively; p = 0.039). Predictors of hospital mortality were New York Heart Association class and postoperative creatinine clearance.

Conclusion

Hospital mortality was higher in patients with decreased preoperative renal function who underwent surgery within the first 3 days after coronary angiography. Delaying surgery in this subgroup of patients could be a good strategy.
ALCAM (CD166) is involved in extravasation of monocytes rather than T cells across the blood–brain barrier
Authors: Lyck Ruth , Lécuyer Marc-André , Abadier Michael , Wyss Christof B , Matti Christoph , Rosito Maria , Enzmann Gaby , Zeis Thomas , Michel Laure , García Martín Ana B , Sallusto Federica , Gosselet Fabien , Deutsch Urban , Weiner Joshua A , Schaeren-Wiemers Nicole , Prat Alexandre , Engelhardt Britta
Published: November 2016

Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) has been proposed to mediate leukocyte migration across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in multiple sclerosis or experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Here, we confirmed vascular ALCAM expression in human brain tissue samples in situ and on two different human in vitro BBB models. Antibody-mediated inhibition of ALCAM reduced diapedesis of human CD4+ Th1 but not of Th17 cells across the human BBB in vitro. In accordance to human Th1 cells, mouse Th1 cells showed reduced diapedesis across an ALCAM−/− in vitro BBB model under static but no longer under flow conditions. In contrast to the limited role of ALCAM in T cell extravasation across the BBB, we found a contribution of ALCAM to rolling, adhesion, and diapedesis of human CD14+ monocytes across the human BBB under flow and static conditions. Taken together, our study highlights the potential differences in the CNS expression of ALCAM in mouse and human and supports a prominent role for ALCAM in the multi-step extravasation of monocytes across the BBB.
Impact of iterative reconstruction on image quality of low-dose CT of the lumbar spine
Authors: Alshamari Muhammed , Geijer Mats , Norrman Eva , Lidén Mats , Krauss Wolfgang , Jendeberg Johan , Magnuson Anders , Geijer Håkan
Published: November 2016

Background

Iterative reconstruction (IR) is a recent reconstruction algorithm for computed tomography (CT) that can be used instead of the standard algorithm, filtered back projection (FBP), to reduce radiation dose and/or improve image quality.

Purpose

To evaluate and compare the image quality of low-dose CT of the lumbar spine reconstructed with IR to conventional FBP, without further reduction of radiation dose.

Material and Methods

Low-dose CT on 55 patients was performed on a Siemens scanner using 120 kV tube voltage, 30 reference mAs, and automatic dose modulation. From raw CT data, lumbar spine CT images were reconstructed with a medium filter (B41f) using FBP and four levels of IR (levels 2–5). Five reviewers scored all images on seven image quality criteria according to the European guidelines on quality criteria for CT, using a five-grade scale. A side-by-side comparison was also performed.

Results

There was significant improvement in image quality for IR (levels 2–4) compared to FBP. According to visual grading regression, odds ratios of all criteria with 95% confidence intervals for IR2, IR3, IR4, and IR5 were: 1.59 (1.39–1.83), 1.74 (1.51–1.99), 1.68 (1.46–1.93), and 1.08 (0.94–1.23), respectively. In the side-by-side comparison of all reconstructions, images with IR (levels 2–4) received the highest scores. The mean overall CTDIvol was 1.70 mGy (SD 0.46; range, 1.01–3.83 mGy). Image noise decreased in a linear fashion with increased strength of IR.

Conclusion

Iterative reconstruction at levels 2, 3, and 4 improves image quality of low-dose CT of the lumbar spine compared to FPB.
Feminist geographies of digital work
Authors: Richardson Lizzie
Published: November 2016

Feminist thought challenges essentialist and normative categorizations of ‘work’. Therefore, feminism provides a critical lens on ‘working space’ as a theoretical and empirical focus for digital geographies. Digital technologies extend and intensify working activity, rendering the boundaries of the workplace emergent. Such emergence heightens the ambivalence of working experience: the possibilities for affirmation and/or negation through work. A digital geography is put forward through feminist theorizations of the ambivalence of intimacy. The emergent properties of working with digital technologies create space through the intimacies of postwork places where bodies and machines feel the possibilities of being ‘at’ work.
Effects of kynurenic acid analogue 1 (KYNA-A1) in nitroglycerin-induced hyperalgesia: Targets and anti-migraine mechanisms
Authors: Greco Rosaria , Demartini Chiara , Zanaboni Anna Maria , Redavide Elisa , Pampalone Selena , Toldi Joseph , Fülöp Ferenc , Blandini Fabio , Nappi Giuseppe , Sandrini Giorgio , Vécsei László , Tassorelli Cristina
Published: November 2016

Background

Trigeminal sensitization represents a major mechanism underlying migraine attacks and their recurrence. Nitroglycerin (NTG) administration provokes spontaneous migraine-like headaches and in rat, an increased sensitivity to the formalin test. Kynurenic acid (KYNA), an endogenous regulator of glutamate activity and its analogues attenuate NTG-induced neuronal activation in the nucleus trigeminalis caudalis (NTC). The anti-hyperalgesic effect of KYNA analogue 1 (KYNA-A1) was investigated on animal models specific for migraine pain.

Aim

Rats made hyperalgesic by NTG administration underwent the plantar or orofacial formalin tests. The effect of KYNA-A1 was evaluated in terms of nocifensive behavior and of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and cytokines expression in areas involved in trigeminal nociception.

Results

KYNA-A1 abolished NTG-induced hyperalgesia in both pain models; NTG alone or associated to formalin injection induced an increased mRNA expression of CGRP, nNOS and cytokines in the trigeminal ganglia and central areas, which was reduced by KYNA-A1. Additionally, NTG caused a significant increase in nNOS immunoreactivity in the NTC, which was prevented by KYNA-A1.

Conclusion

Glutamate activity is likely involved in mediating hyperalgesia in an animal model specific for migraine. Its inhibition by means of a KYNA analogue modulates nNOS, CGRP and cytokines expression at peripheral and central levels.
Hippocampus and amygdala volume in relation to migraine frequency and prognosis
Authors: Liu Hung-Yu , Chou Kun-Hsien , Lee Pei-Lin , Fuh Jong-Ling , Niddam David M , Lai Kuan-Lin , Hsiao Fu-Jung , Lin Yung-Yang , Chen Wei-Ta , Wang Shuu-Jiun , Lin Ching-Po
Published: November 2016

Objectives

To investigate the structural changes of hippocampus and amygdala and their relationships with migraine frequency and prognosis.

Methods

Hippocampus and amygdala volumes were measured by 3-T brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 31 controls and 122 migraine patients who were categorized into eight groups by headache frequency: group 1 (1–2 headache days/month), 2 (3–4), 3 (5–7), 4 (8–10), 5 (11–14), 6 (15–19), 7 (20–24), and 8 (25–30). Headache frequency was reassessed 2 years later and a frequency reduction ≥50% was regarded a good outcome.

Results

Hippocampus and amygdala volumes fluctuated in patient groups but did not differ from the controls. In migraine patients, the bilateral hippocampus volumes peaked in group 3. The volumes and headache frequencies correlated positively in groups 2–3 on bilateral sides (L: r = 0.44, p = 0.007; R: r = 0.35, p = 0.037), and negatively in groups 3–7 on the left side (5–24 days/month; L: r = −0.31, p = 0.004) and groups 3–8 on the right side ( r = −0.31, p = 0.002). The left amygdala volume also peaked in group 3, and correlated with headache frequency in groups 1–3 ( r = 0.34, p = 0.020) and groups 3–6 ( r = −0.30, p = 0.012). The volumetric changes of the right amygdala with headache frequency did not reach statistical significance. At 2-year follow-up, the right hippocampus volume was positively associated with a good migraine outcome after adjustment of headache frequency (OR 4.72, p = 0.024).

Conclusions

Hippocampus and amygdala display a structural plasticity linked to both headache frequency and clinical outcome of migraine.
Global optimization of recirculation flow type casing treatment in centrifugal compressors of turbochargers
Authors: Sakaguchi D , Tun MT , Numakura R , Wang BT
Published: November 2016

This paper describes a global optimization of a recirculation flow type casing treatment in centrifugal compressors of turbochargers. The global optimization for the recirculating flow type casing treatment has been performed based on the existing casing treatment. The optimization approach to the recirculation flow type casing treatment for the centrifugal compressor, incorporating meta-model assisted evolutionary algorithm, computational fluid dynamics analysis technique, artificial neural network, and genetic algorithms has been presented. For the baseline design of the casing treatment, numerical approach is validated with an experimental result from a test rig. The technical issue of the casing treatment is found to be the dropping of the adiabatic efficiency at smaller flow rate condition. In this study, the objective of the optimization is to improve adiabatic efficiency under multipoint mass flow rate conditions. The shape of the casing treatment has been parameterized by six parameters. The numerical optimization result gives the optimized recirculation casing shape, which has a possibility to improve the efficiency not only at design flow rate but also at smaller flow rate. The improvement in adiabatic efficiency at off-design point is discussed by means of the improved flow incidence at the inlet of the rotating impeller. The influence on adiabatic efficiencies at both design and off-design conditions is discussed by the sensitivity of the recirculation flow rate. It is found that the optimized design of the casing treatment provides optimized recirculation flow rate.
Similar efficacy and tolerability of raltegravir-based antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients, irrespective of age group, burden of comorbidities and concomitant medication: Real-life analysis of the German ‘WIP’ cohort
Authors: Naumann U , Moll A , Schleehauf D , Lutz T , Schmidt W , Jaeger H , Funke B , Witte V
Published: November 2016

Only limited efficacy and tolerability data on raltegravir (RAL) use are currently available. Study objectives were to describe the efficacy and tolerability profile of RAL-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) in routine clinical practice in Germany. The WIP study (WIP = “Wirksamkeit von Isentress unter Praxisbedingungen”, Efficacy of Isentress under routine clinical conditions) was a prospective, multi-centre cohort study in Germany. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients aged ≥ 18 years in whom combinational ART with RAL 400 mg BID was indicated were enrolled. The primary endpoint was virologic response (HIV-RNA <50 copies/mL; non-completion equals failure) after 48 weeks. Of 451 patients, 85.1% (n = 384) were still receiving RAL at week 48. At baseline (BL), the prevalence of concomitant diseases was higher in patients of the age group ≥50 years (94.2% vs. 75.7%) as well as concomitant medications (74.8 % vs. 55.4%). Virologic response at week 48 was 74.7% (overall), 75.0% (naïve at BL), 81.5% (suppressed at BL), 47.1% (interrupted previous treatment at BL) and 64.9% (failing at BL), without significant differences by age group. A significant correlation of achievement of HIV-RNA <50 copies/mL was seen with treatment status at BL (p = 0.004). In addition, 77.3 % of the patients with a CD4 cell count >200 cells/µL at BL achieved HIV-RNA <50 copies/mL (p = 0.029). RAL was well tolerated with 80 adverse events (AEs) in 49 patients (10.9%) and 8 serious AEs (SAEs) in 6 patients (1.3%) reported to be drug related. A total of 22 patients (4.9%) discontinued treatment due to AEs. The WIP study shows that the previously reported efficacy and safety profile of RAL can be achieved in a population with multiple comorbidities and comedications, with no major difference observed in ageing patients (≥50 years) vs. younger patients. RAL is therefore an attractive treatment option in routine medical care in Germany.
The Uniformity Illusion
Authors: Otten Marte , Pinto Yair , Paffen Chris L. E. , Seth Anil K. , Kanai Ryota
Published: November 2016

Vision in the fovea, the center of the visual field, is much more accurate and detailed than vision in the periphery. This is not in line with the rich phenomenology of peripheral vision. Here, we investigated a visual illusion that shows that detailed peripheral visual experience is partially based on a reconstruction of reality. Participants fixated on the center of a visual display in which central stimuli differed from peripheral stimuli. Over time, participants perceived that the peripheral stimuli changed to match the central stimuli, so that the display seemed uniform. We showed that a wide range of visual features, including shape, orientation, motion, luminance, pattern, and identity, are susceptible to this uniformity illusion. We argue that the uniformity illusion is the result of a reconstruction of sparse visual information (from the periphery) based on more readily available detailed visual information (from the fovea), which gives rise to a rich, but illusory, experience of peripheral vision.
Primary school music teachers’ professional development motivations, needs, and preferences: Does specialization make a difference?
Authors: Bautista Alfredo , Toh Guo-Zheng , Wong Joanne
Published: November 2016

There is widespread agreement that one-size-fits-all professional development (PD) has limited potential to foster teacher learning and that PD should be ‘responsive’ to the demands of teachers with different profiles. The purpose of this exploratory study was to analyze the PD motivations, needs, and preferences of Singapore primary school music teachers according to their level of specialization in music education. This variable has been relatively unexplored within the field of music-teacher PD. A nationwide survey was run to collect the data. Participants were 286 primary music teachers (about 40% of the entire population), who were split into three groups based on their music education background (Major = 113, Minor = 64, Generalist = 109). Findings indicated that the three groups of teachers had different motivation levels to participate in music-specific PD (e.g., generalists being the least motivated), various needs for further training (e.g., music education majors being the most interested in improving their music content knowledge), and different preferences regarding PD providers and learning formats (e.g., generalists preferring to learn from other fellow colleagues within informal settings). We concluded that the level of specialization in music education plays a major role in determining teachers’ PD motivations, needs, and preferences. This study has the potential to inform the design of more responsive PD initiatives.
Gender wage differences in Nigerian self and paid employment: Do marriage and children matter?
Authors: Nwaka Ikechukwu Darlington , Guven-Lisaniler Fatma , Tuna Gulcay
Published: November 2016

This article investigates gender differences in Nigeria, in the impact of marriage and children on location in the self or waged employment sector, and on income from work. Findings show that the pay structure varies across employment sectors – waged and self-employed – and that the determinants of employment sector vary by gender and family roles. Differences in human capital investment and geopolitical zones also need to be considered. The estimates in the study reveal that there is a marriage premium for both males and females in the waged labour market, but partially support Becker’s (1991) gender-based household specialisation model in terms of the relative incidence of self-employment. There is a wage penalty for married women with children in the paid-employment labour market, but motherhood is also negatively associated with income levels for self-employed women. We also find a fatherhood penalty for paid-employed men. Nevertheless, overall, the gender difference is higher in relatively less regulated self-employment compared to the more regulated paid employment labour market. Findings therefore offer some policy inputs but also suggest the need for further research into the causes of the gender pay gap in self- and paid employment, and thus into the overall wage gap in Nigeria that inhibits women’s labour market participation and welfare.
Applications of Color in Design for Color-Deficient Users
Authors: Chaparro Alex , Chaparro Maria
Published: November 2016

Color vision deficiency is common, affecting one in every 12 men. Despite its prevalence, displays are seldom designed to accommodate color-vision-deficient (CVD) users, who confront daily challenges interpreting color in a broad range of applications, whether weather displays, informational graphics, road signs, or computer interfaces. In this article we discuss the prevalence of color deficiency, its effects, and the availability of tools that enable design teams to evaluate candidate solutions that meet the needs of CVD users, thereby ensuring universal accessibility.
Complacency and Automation Bias in the Enbridge Pipeline Disaster
Authors: Wesley David , Dau Luis Alfonso
Published: November 2016

Automation bias was likely the main contributing factor in the Enbridge pipeline disaster that occurred on July 26, 2010, when large amounts of crude oil were released into the Kalamazoo River and Talmadge Creek. An examination of the Enbridge oil pipeline accident suggests that complacency and automation bias played leading roles but were overlooked by regulators. Moreover, we believe that because the National Transportation Safety Board overlooked existing research on automation bias, its recommendations are flawed and could exacerbate, rather than alleviate, the problem. Industry, policy makers, and regulators need to consider automation bias when developing systems to reduce the likelihood of complacency errors.
Improving Wayfinding for Older Users With Selective Attention Deficits
Authors: Mishler Ada D. , Neider Mark B.
Published: November 2016

Older adults experience difficulties with navigating their environments and may need to rely on signs more heavily than younger adults. However, older adults also experience difficulties with focusing their visual attention, which suggests that signs need to be designed with the goal of making it as easy as possible to attend to them. This article discusses some design principles that may be especially important to compensate for declining attentional focus. These principles include distinctiveness, consistent appearance and location, standardized images, simplicity, isolation from other elements of the environment, and reassurance about the current route.
Effect of Direct Ligament Repair and Tenodesis Reconstruction on Simulated Subtalar Joint Instability
Authors: Choisne Julie , Hoch Matthew C. , Alexander Ian , Ringleb Stacie I.
Published: November 2016

Background:

Subtalar instability is associated with up to 80% of patients presenting with chronic ankle instability but is often not considered in the diagnosis or treatment. Operative procedures to repair ankle instability have shown good clinical results, but the effects of these reconstruction procedures on isolated subtalar instability are not well understood. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of the Gould modification of the Broström procedure and a new tenodesis reconstruction procedure on ankle and subtalar joint kinematics after simulating a subtalar injury.

Methods:

Kinematic data were collected on 7 cadaveric ankles during inversion through the range of ankle flexion and during internal rotation. Testing was performed on the intact foot; after sectioning the calcaneofibular ligament, cervical ligament, and interosseous talocalcaneal ligament; after the Gould modification of the Broström procedure was performed; and after tenodesis was performed and sutures from the Gould modification removed.

Results:

The Gould modification of the Broström procedure significantly decreased subtalar and ankle inversion motion and subtalar internal rotation compared to the unstable condition. The tenodesis method restricted internal rotation at the subtalar joint and ankle inversion compared to the intact state.

Conclusion:

Both operative procedures improved stability of the ankle complex, but tenodesis was unable to restore subtalar inversion and restricted ankle inversion in maximum plantarflexion.

Clinical Relevance:

The Gould modification of Broström ligament repair may be a favorable operative procedure for the restoration of subtalar and ankle joint kinematics.
The Health Promoting Schools Framework: Known Unknowns and an Agenda for Future Research
Authors: Langford Rebecca , Bonell Christopher , Komro Kelli , Murphy Simon , Magnus Daniel , Waters Elizabeth , Gibbs Lisa , Campbell Rona
Published: November 2016

The World Health Organization’s Health Promoting Schools (HPS) framework is a whole-school approach to promoting health that recognizes the intrinsic relationship between health and education. Our recent Cochrane systematic review found HPS interventions produced improvements in a number of student health outcomes. Here we reflect on what this review was not able to tell us: in other words, what evidence is missing with regard to the HPS approach. Few HPS interventions engage with schools’ “core business” by examining impacts on educational outcomes. Current evidence is dominated by obesity interventions, with most studies conducted with children rather than adolescents. Evidence is lacking for outcomes such as mental or sexual health, substance use, and violence. Activities to engage families and communities are currently weak and unlikely to prompt behavioral change. The HPS approach is largely absent in low-income settings, despite its potential in meeting children’s basic health needs. Intervention theories are insufficiently complex, often ignoring upstream determinants of health. Few studies provide evidence on intervention sustainability or cost-effectiveness, nor in-depth contextual or process data. We set out an agenda for future school health promotion research, considering implications for key stakeholders, namely, national governments, research funders, academics, and schools.
The influence of posterior visual pathway damage on visual information processing speed in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Gabilondo Iñigo , Rilo Oiane , Ojeda Natalia , Pena Javier , Gómez-Gastiasoro Ainara , Mendibe Bilbao Mar , Rodríguez-Antigüedad Alfredo , Cabrera Alberto , Diez Ibai , Ibarretxe-Bilbao Naroa
Published: November 2016

Background:

The injury of visual pathway and abnormalities of visual processing speed (VPS) are frequent in MS, but their association remains unexplored.

Objective:

To evaluate the impact of posterior visual pathway structural and functional integrity on VPS of MS patients.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study of 30 MS patients and 28 controls, evaluating the association of a VPS tests composite (Salthouse Perceptual Comparison test, Trail Making Test A and Symbol Digit Modalities Test) with 3T MRI visual cortex thickness, optic radiations (OR) diffusion tensor imaging indexes, and medial visual component (MVC) functional connectivity (FC) (MVC-MVC FC (iFC) and MVC-brain FC (eFC)) by linear regression, removing the effect of premorbid IQ, fatigue, and depression.

Results:

V2 atrophy, lower OR fractional anisotropy (FA) and MVC FC significantly influenced VPS in MS (at none or lesser extent in controls), even after removing the effect of Expanded Disability Status Scale and previous optic neuritis (V2 ( r2 = 0.210): β = +0.366, p = 0.046; OR FA ( r2 = 0.243): β = +0.378, p = 0.034; MVC iFC, for example, left cuneus ( r2 = 0.450): β = −0.613, p < 0.001; MVC eFC, for example, right precuneus-postcentral gyrus ( r2 = 0.368): β = −0.466, p = 0.002).

Conclusion:

Posterior visual pathway integrity, structural (V2 thickness and OR FA) and functional (MVC FC), may explain respectively up to 24% and 45% of VPS variability in MS.
Natural killer cell subpopulations are associated with MRI activity in a relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patient cohort from Australia
Authors: Caruana P , Lemmert K , Ribbons K , Lea R , Lechner-Scott J
Published: November 2016

Background:

The importance of the innate immune system in multiple sclerosis (MS) is increasingly recognized and the role of natural killer (NK) cells in controlling autoimmunity may be an important modulator of disease activity.

Objective:

To examine NK subsets in MS patients on different treatments and to evaluate the role of NK subsets as indicators for disease activity.

Methods:

We measured NK subset levels in blood obtained from 110 relapsing-remitting MS patients. Patients were either off treatment or on treatment with natalizumab, fingolimod, glatiramer acetate or beta-interferon. Disease activity was defined according to ‘No Evidence of Disease Activity’ (NEDA) criteria within an observation period of up to 2.4 years. The mean NK subset levels were compared among treatment groups using multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) and association analysis with disease activity performed using multi-factor logistic regression.

Results:

Our analysis revealed differences in NK cells and subsets on treatment compared to off treatment ( p < 0.0005). A high proportion of bright NK cells were significantly associated with stable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging after adjusting for treatment effects ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The independent association of NK subsets with MRI stability needs to be confirmed in prospective studies to test their usefulness in predicting disease activity in MS patients.
Saccadic eye movements in adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Zalla Tiziana , Seassau Magali , Cazalis Fabienne , Gras Doriane , Leboyer Marion
Published: November 2016

In this study, we examined the accuracy and dynamics of visually guided saccades in 20 adults with autism spectrum disorder, as compared to 20 typically developed adults using the Step/Overlap/Gap paradigms. Performances in participants with autistic spectrum disorder were characterized by preserved Gap/Overlap effect, but reduced gain and peak velocity, as well as a greater trial-to-trial variability in task performance, as compared to the control group. While visual orienting and attentional engagement were relatively preserved in individuals with autistic spectrum disorder, overall these findings provide evidence that abnormal oculomotor behavior in autistic spectrum disorder reflects an altered sensorimotor control due to cerebellar abnormalities, rather than a deficit in the volitional control of eye movements. This study contributes to a growing body of evidence implicating this structure in the physiopathology of autism.
The production of Norwegian tones by multilingual non-native speakers
Authors: Steien Guri Bordal , van Dommelen Wim A
Published: November 2016

Aim and objectives/purpose/research questions:

The aim of this study is to examine the extent to which multilingual second language (L2) speakers of Norwegian manage to produce lexical pitch accents (L*H¯ or H*LH¯) as expected in natural spontaneous speech. Using native speech as a reference, we analyse realizations of multilingual speakers whose respective dominant languages are Lingala, a lexical tone language, and Swahili, a non-tonal language with fixed stress, and hypothesize that this difference might be reflected in the speakers’ competence in the East Norwegian tone system.

Design/methodology/approach:

We examined a corpus of spontaneous speech produced by eight L2 speakers and two native speakers of East Norwegian. Acoustic analysis was performed to collect fundamental frequency (f0) contours of 60 accentual phrases per speaker.

Data and analysis:

For LH and HLH tonal patterns, measuring points were defined for quantitative evaluation of f0 values. Relevant aspects investigated were (a) pattern consistency, (b) f0 dynamic range and (c) rate of f0 change. Pattern consistency data were statistically evaluated using chi-square testing. The dynamic range and rate of f0 change data were explored through to linear mixed effects models.

Findings/conclusions:

We found no really substantial differences between the speaker groups in the parameters we examined, neither between the L2 speakers and the Norwegian natives nor between the Lingala and Swahili speakers.

Originality and significance/implications:

This study is a contribution to the scarcely explored area of L2 acquisition of tones. It is concerned with languages that have received little or no attention in the field: Norwegian, Lingala and Swahili. Participants are multilinguals who have extensive language learning experience. Further, the study is based on a corpus of spontaneous speech.
Vascular risk in obesity: Facts, misconceptions and the unknown
Authors: King Rhodri J , Ajjan Ramzi A
Published: November 2016

Obesity is a major burden on healthcare systems worldwide due to the association with numerous complications, arguably the most important of which are the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Both are thought to develop from similar origins and occur at variable rates in obese individuals, including those with similar body mass indices. This phenomenon is likely a result of an increased susceptibility for the storage of excess fat in the wrong place, namely, ectopic fat surrounding the liver, pancreas and muscles. This triggers a concatenation of events leading to insulin resistance and inflammation which culminate in an increased atherothrombotic potential due to the dysfunction of vascular endothelial cells causing accelerated atherosclerotic plaque formation and a pro-thrombotic phenotype. The degree of weight loss following different interventions is well documented but it is less widely known what effect weight loss by various means has on the deleterious process mentioned above, in particular their effects on cardiovascular events. This review summarises the processes leading to increased vascular risk in obesity and examines the effects of currently available weight loss strategies on reversing these processes and how this translates to cardiovascular disease.
Tetrahydrobiopterin rescues impaired responses of cerebral resistance arterioles during type 1 diabetes
Authors: Mayhan William G , Arrick Denise M
Published: November 2016

Our goal was to test the hypothesis that administration of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) would improve impaired endothelial nitric oxide synthase–dependent dilation of cerebral arterioles during type 1 diabetes. In addition, we examined the influence of BH4 on levels of superoxide in brain tissue. In vivo diameter of cerebral arterioles in nondiabetic and diabetic rats was measured in response to endothelial nitric oxide synthase–dependent agonists (acetylcholine and adenosine 5′-diphosphate) and an endothelial nitric oxide synthase–independent agonist (nitroglycerine) before and during application of BH4 (1.0 µM). We also measured levels of superoxide from cortex tissue in nondiabetic and diabetic rats under basal states and during BH4. Acetylcholine and adenosine 5′-diphosphate dilated cerebral arterioles in nondiabetic rats, but this vasodilation was significantly impaired in diabetic rats. In contrast, nitroglycerine produced similar vasodilation in nondiabetic and diabetic rats. Application of BH4 did not enhance vasodilation in nondiabetic rats but improved impaired cerebral vasodilation in diabetic rats. Basal superoxide levels were increased in cortex tissue from diabetic rats, and BH4 reduced these levels to that found in nondiabetic rats. Thus, BH4 is an important mediator of endothelial nitric oxide synthase–dependent responses of cerebral arterioles in diabetes and may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of cerebral vascular disease.