bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Nature and Nurture of Child Development
Authors: Wachs Theodore D.
Published: November 2015

Although the reduction of child morbidity and the promotion of physical growth are important and necessary aspects of child development, these criteria by themselves do not define the adequacy of children's development. There are also behavioural-developmental criteria that emphasize the promotion of competence. the competent individual is one who can effectively adapt to and interact with his or her environment. Traits that define individual competence fall into five domains: cognitive skills, temperament/personality, motivation, self-perceptions, and interpersonal style. These domains are not completely independent, and there is at least partial overlap. the expression of individual differences in competence is partially moderated by context. Further, not all children achieve competence. Over time some children fall further and further behind their peers in their developmental course. in understanding what biological and psychosocial factors influence the development of individual differences in competence, four principles are critical.

First, most aspects of individual competence are multidetermined. This means that interventions designed to facilitate development must be multifocal in nature, integrating influences from different domains. Second, influences upon children's development tend to be specific in nature. This emphasizes the importance of targeting specific interventions to specific outcomes. Third, individual developmental influences rarely operate in isolation from each other. Developmental risk factors tend to cluster together, as do developmentally protective influences. the extent of the impact of a given developmental risk factor will depend, in part, on the degree to which this risk factor covaries with other risk factors. Fourth, developmental risk and protective factors operate across time. Early exposure to developmental risks may increase the individual's susceptibility to later risk factors (sensitizing) or may limit the degree to which the individual can profit from later exposure to protective factors such as intervention (blunting). Early exposure to developmentally protective factors may attenuate the impact of later exposure to developmental risk factors (steeling).

Principles underlying the nature and nurture of individual competence emphasize the need to use an IT-AT intervention strategy (Integrate Target Across Time). This means the need to integrate multi-domain interventions, target our intervention strategies to different contexts, risk conditions, and outcomes, and provide for recurring interventions across time to maximize the chances of long-term gains in individual competence.
Success Factors in Community-Based Nutrition Programmes
Authors: Sanders David
Published: November 2015

Community-based nutrition programmes (CBNPs) generally include such activities as growth monitoring, breastfeeding promotion, nutrition education, promotion of better weaning practices, and sometimes micronutrient programmes and deworming. Defining success in these programmes involves the attainment of objectives related to process, outcome, and sustainability (financial and functional), all of which are influenced by sociopolitical, technical, and financial factors. Four well-known programmes generally acknowledged as successful are used to illustrate the combination of contextual (sociopolitical), programmatic (technical), and financial factors that ensure success in CBNPs. the more technical programmes are more instructive and replicable, given the difficulty in creating conducive sociopolitical factors. However, the evidence demonstrates that with careful design and phased implementation of different components, nutrition activities can enhance positive sociopolitical factors, thereby creating a positive context for nutrition programmes and for capacity building for the broader challenge of social development.
Public Nutrition: Research and Training Needs to Advance the Field
Authors: Rogers Beatrice L.
Published: November 2015

The idea that nutrition as a field of study encompasses more than the laboratory and the clinic is by now widely accepted, as evidenced by recent visible and prestigious showcases for the broadest possible definition of nutrition. This paper goes beyond arguing for the validity of the concept of public nutrition, to identify the role of university-based research and training in advancing the field and professionalizing it. As a start, the false dichotomy of “basic” and “applied” research must be avoided. Public nutrition is inherently interdisciplinary and thus provides a dynamic merging of both. the more critical question is whether public nutrition is a discipline in its own right or a specialization within another discipline. A recent study suggests the possibility of distinct and complementary career paths for public nutrition professionals, each requiring different kinds and levels of training that transcend what any traditional discipline can offer.
Adolescent Schoolgirls: Daily Or Weekly Iron Supplementation?
Authors: Jayatissa Renuka , Piyasena Chandrani
Published: November 2015

In Sri Lanka 36% of all adolescents have inadequate iron intakes. Daily and weekly iron supplementation of 659 adolescent schoolgirls, divided into three groups, was studied in an eight-week double-blind trial. One group received 60 mg of iron, 250 μg of folic acid, and 100 mg of vitamin C daily. the second group was given the same doses on a weekly basis. the third group was given a placebo. All of the participants were dewormed at the beginning of the study. Anaemia was more common among older adolescents. Haemoglobin levels increased significantly at the end of the study. the prevalence of anaemia was reduced from 25% to 9.5% by weekly supplementation and from 18.5% to 8.6% by daily supplementation. the difference in haemoglobin levels between the two groups receiving supplementation was not significant. the daily administration of iron produced a greater increase in serum ferritin than weekly administration. the unit cost of weekly supplementation was 3.24 SLR (Sri Lankan rupees), equal to $US0.05. On the basis of these results, long-term weekly doses of iron are suitable for the prevention of iron-deficiency anaemia in adolescents. Use of the school as the administration channel ensures compliance.
Farm Commercialization and Nutritional Status of Children: The Case of the Vegetables, Fruits, and Cash Crops Programme in Western Nepal
Authors: Sharma Khem R.
Published: November 2015

There are two conflicting views regarding the effects of commercialization of subsistence agriculture on health and nutrition. While the proponents of agricultural commercialization argue that commercialization raises income, increases food availability, and improves the health and nutritional status of rural households, the critics claim that shifting resources from subsistence to commercial crops reduces food security and increases women's work burden, thereby affecting the health and nutrition of farm families, especially that of women and children. the literature also fails to provide clear evidence whether the commercialization of subsistence agriculture results in an improvement or a deterioration in health and nutrition. This paper examines the effects of farmers’ participation in a USAID-sponsored vegetables, fruits, and cash crops (VFC) programme on the nutritional status of children in western Nepal. According to a simple dichotomous comparison between the participating and non-participating households, the VFC programme had a positive impact on the nutritional status of children, especially in terms of standardized weight-for-age and weight-for-height measures. However, according to multivariate regression analysis, the VFC programme did not have a notable impact on children's nutritional status. the results suggest that household demographics, the nutrition and demographics of mothers, individual child demographics, and a complex set of other unknown factors play a greater role in children's nutritional performance than household economic strategies.
Testing Methods for Aflatoxins in Foods
Authors: Sinha Kaushal K.
Published: November 2015

Aflatoxins, a group of mycotoxins produced mainly by Aspergillus flavus Link ex Fries and A. parasiticus Speare, have been recognized as one of the major contaminants of food throughout the world. Because of their acute hepatocarcinogenic nature, these groups of fungal food contaminants have received considerable attention in recent years. Several analytical and immunological methods are available for testing and estimating aflatoxins in different food commodities. However, most of these analytical methods are actually minor modifications of the basic methods officially adopted for specific commodities. They differ only in the solvents used to extract the toxins and in the techniques used for estimating the intensity of fluorescence of the analysed toxins. All analytical methods for aflatoxins involve basically the same steps: sampling and sample extraction, clean-up, work-up, detection, and confirmation, as well as estimation of the toxin. Various types of high-performance chromatographic approaches are most commonly used. A rapid qualitative assessment has also been reported with the help of minicolumn methods. By using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, several sensitive and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and radioimmunoassays (RIA) have been developed for aflatoxin analysis. ELISA techniques are more rapid, more sensitive, and simpler to use than the conventional analytical methods. Several commercial ELISA-based aflatoxin kits using monoclonal antibodies are also available for aflatoxin analysis.
FYI: Why Do I Have to Be Here? The Advanced Placement Student in First-Year Composition: Problems and Issues in Cognitive Development
Authors: Henderson Sarah
Published: November 2015

Perry (1970) and Belenky, Clinchy, Goldberger, and Tarule's (1986) theories of cognitive development in college students are discussed. Connections are also made between the theories and the difficulties many students who have taken AP English in high school experience when they take first-year composition. Many of these students are resistant to learning more about writing although their work indicates that they need improvement in order to write effectively at the college level. The author posits that Perry's (1970) concepts of adherence and opposition to authority are especially useful in understanding these students. The author makes recommendations for helping these students develop in their thinking and writing.
Parents' Conceptions of Academic Success: Internal and External Standards
Authors: Ablard Karen E.
Published: November 2015

The ways in which parents get involved and advocate for their children's education rely upon parents' conceptions of academic success. Mothers (n = 547) and fathers (n = 547) of sixth-grade, academically talented students (62% males) completed a questionnaire assessing parents' definitions of academic success. Definitions were classified as Internal (i.e., emphasized behaviors relative to the student, had individual importance, or were self-satisfying), External (i.e., emphasized behaviors recognized as eminent by others or superior to peers), Both, or Neither. Conceptions were related to parents' education level, gender, and ethnic group. Parents likely to emphasize internal standards were those without a doctorate or medical degree, mothers, and White parents, which suggests that these groups are supportive of programs catering to individual needs and abilities. Fathers were more likely than mothers to measure academic success by external standards including high grades, college acceptance, and employment in a good career, which suggests that they support programs fostering the attainment of eminent achievements and may exert more pressure on their children.
Gifted Students' Attitudes and Perceptions of the Gifted Label, Special Programs, and Peer Relations
Authors: Feldhusen John F. , Dai David Yun
Published: November 2015

This study examined gifted students' perceptions and attitudes related to the “gifted” label and educational opportunities available to them. A questionnaire was administered to 305 students, ages 9–17, enrolled in a summer program for gifted children, Factor analysis of their responses yielded four factors: Acceptance of the Gifted Label, Perception of Ability as Incremental, Preference for Challenging Educational Opportunities, and Perceived Social Links to “Nongifted” Peers. A major finding was that gifted students hold a predominantly incremental view of their abilities. Results are discussed in terms of implications for students' academic and personal-social growth as well as a talent orientation for gifted education.
A Critique of the Talent Searches
Authors: Van Tassel-Baska Joyce
Published: November 2015

While talent search has offered many benefits to those students identified, there are issues which should be resolved to maximize its impact. The program's exclusivity in numbers of students selected for special programs, the cost of the programs both in tuition, transportation, and living expenses at, possibly, very distant locations means that many able learners are left unserved. The difficulties of a university-based program which serves school-age students include school opposition to such proven practices as acceleration, poor (or no) communication regarding identified students and their special needs, and a lack of understanding of talent search goals and procedures. The value of the program makes it worthwhile to address these difficulties through improved partnerships with schools, increased options in course offerings, and other recommended efforts. If the talent search projects are to continue to thrive, they must launch new strategies for growth coupled with an abiding commitment to facilitating the educational reform agenda in public schools.
The Effect of Hollyhock (Althaea officinalis L) Leaf Compresses Combined With Warm and Cold Compress on Breast Engorgement in Lactating Women
Authors: Khosravan Shahla , Mohammadzadeh-Moghadam Hossein , Mohammadzadeh Fatemeh , Fadafen Samane Ajam Khames , Gholami Malihe
Published: November 2015

Breast engorgement affects lactation. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of hollyhock combined with warm and cold compresses on improving breast engorgement in lactating women. Participants included 40 women with breast engorgement divided into intervention and control groups, with participants in both groups being applied routine interventions and warm compress before nursing and a cold compress after nursing; however, the intervention group was also applied hollyhock compress. Both groups received these treatments 6 times during 2 days. The data collected were analyzed in SPSS-16 using a generalized estimating equation. According to the results, a significant difference was observed in the overall breast engorgement severity in the intervention group ( P < .001). The severity of breast engorgement was also found to have a significant relationship with time ( P < .001). According to the findings, hollyhock leaf compress combined with performing routine interventions for breast engorgement can improve breast engorgement.
COPD and risk of venous thromboembolism and mortality in a general population
Authors: Børvik Trond , Brækkan Sigrid K. , Enga Kristin , Schirmer Henrik , Brodin Ellen E. , Melbye Hasse , Hansen John-Bjarne
Published: November 2015

The relationship between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been scarcely studied in the general population. We aimed to investigate the association between COPD and risk of VTE and mortality in a population-based cohort.

Spirometry was conducted in 8646 males and females, participating in the fifth (2001–02) and sixth (2007–08) surveys of the Tromsø Study. Incident VTE events during follow-up were registered from the date of inclusion to December 31, 2011. Cox-regression models with COPD stages and confounders as time varying covariates were used to calculate hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals for VTE and all-cause mortality.

During a median follow-up of 6.2 years, 215 subjects developed VTE. Subjects with COPD stage III/IV had a two-fold higher risk of secondary VTE compared to subjects with normal airflow (HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.02–4.10). COPD patients, particularly those with stage III/IV disease, with VTE had a higher mortality rate than COPD patients without VTE (50.2%versus5.6% per year).

Our findings suggest that patients with severe COPD may have increased risk of secondary VTE, and that COPD patients with VTE have a higher mortality rate than COPD patients without VTE.
Vitamin D represses rhinovirus replication in cystic fibrosis cells by inducing LL-37
Authors: Schögler Aline , Muster Ricardo J. , Kieninger Elisabeth , Casaulta Carmen , Tapparel Caroline , Jung Andreas , Moeller Alexander , Geiser Thomas , Regamey Nicolas , Alves Marco P.
Published: November 2015

Vitamin D has immunomodulatory properties in the defence against pathogens. Its insufficiency is a widespread feature of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, which are repeatedly suffering from rhinovirus (RV)-induced pulmonary exacerbations.

To investigate whether vitamin D has antiviral activity, primary bronchial epithelial cells from CF children were pre-treated with vitamin D and infected with RV16. Antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity of vitamin D was assessed. RV and LL-37 levels were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of CF children infected with RV.

Vitamin D reduced RV16 load in a dose-dependent manner in CF cells (10−7 M, p<0.01). The antiviral response mediated by interferons remained unchanged by vitamin D in CF cells. Vitamin D did not exert anti-inflammatory properties in RV-infected CF cells. Vitamin D increased the expression of the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 up to 17.4-fold (p<0.05). Addition of exogenous LL-37 decreased viral replication by 4.4-fold in CF cells (p<0.05). An inverse correlation between viral load and LL-37 levels in CF BAL (r=−0.48, p<0.05) was observed.

RV replication in primary CF bronchial cells was reduced by vitamin D through the induction of LL-37. Clinical studies are needed to determine the importance of an adequate control of vitamin D for prevention of virus-induced pulmonary CF exacerbations.
Angle‐torque relationship of the subtalar pronators and supinators in younger and elderly males and females
Authors: Hagen Marco , Sanchez‐Bergmann Daniel , Seidel Sebastian , Lahner Matthias
Published: November 2015

Background

The angle‐dependent torque capacity of the subtalar pronators and supinators is important to maintain dynamic ankle stabilisation. Based on the peak torques during maximum voluntary isometric pronation and supination across the subtalar range of motion, the strength curves of younger and elderly males and females were investigated.

Methods

Maximum voluntary isometric subtalar pronator and supinator strength tests were administered to 30 younger and 30 elderly volunteers (each 15 male and 15 female subjects). Total active subtalar range of motion and peak pronator and supinator torques were measured in five anatomical subtalar joint angles using a custom‐built apparatus with two force transducers. Furthermore, relative torques (normalised to the individual peak torque) and pronator‐to‐supinator strength‐ratios were also calculated.

Results

Pronator‐to‐supinator strength ratio, and peak pronator and supinator torques are affected by age and by joint angle x age interactions. All supinator strength curves show a steadily descending characteristic from the pronated to the supinated positions. The pronator strength curve had an inverted U‐shaped characteristic, except for younger women of whom 47 % exert highest peak values in the end‐range pronation angle. Both relative pronator and supinator strength are dependent on sex (P < 0.05). Relative pronator strength is also affected by joint angle x sex (P < 0.0001) and joint angle x sex x age (P < 0.05) interactions. Beside age effects on all range of motion parameters, pronation range of motion is influenced by a sex x age interaction (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Age‐ and sex‐related differences in both subtalar strength profile and range of motion have to be considered when testing strength across subtalar range of motion. Younger females have higher pronator strength capacity in the most pronated joint angle, which may be due in part to their greater subtalar joint range of motion compared to the other groups. In the most supinated position both pronator and supinator strength capacity is reduced in younger females compared to younger males.
The 2014 United States National Seismic Hazard Model
Authors: Petersen Mark D. , Moschetti Morgan P. , Powers Peter M. , Mueller Charles S. , Haller Kathleen M. , Frankel Arthur D. , Zeng Yuehua , Rezaeian Sanaz , Harmsen Stephen C. , Boyd Oliver S. , Field Ned , Chen Rui , Rukstales Kenneth S. , Luco Nico , Wheeler Russell L. , Williams Robert A. , Olsen Anna H.
Published: November 2015

New seismic hazard maps have been developed for the conterminous United States using the latest data, models, and methods available for assessing earthquake hazard. The hazard models incorporate new information on earthquake rupture behavior observed in recent earthquakes; fault studies that use both geologic and geodetic strain rate data; earthquake catalogs through 2012 that include new assessments of locations and magnitudes; earthquake adaptive smoothing models that more fully account for the spatial clustering of earthquakes; and 22 ground motion models, some of which consider more than double the shaking data applied previously. Alternative input models account for larger earthquakes, more complicated ruptures, and more varied ground shaking estimates than assumed in earlier models. The ground motions, for levels applied in building codes, differ from the previous version by less than ±10% over 60% of the country, but can differ by ±50% in localized areas. The models are incorporated in insurance rates, risk assessments, and as input into the U.S. building code provisions for earthquake ground shaking.
LPS impairs oxygen utilization in epithelia by triggering degradation of the mitochondrial enzyme Alcat1
Authors: Zou Chunbin , Synan Matthew J. , Li Jin , Xiong Sheng , Manni Michelle L. , Liu Yuan , Chen Bill B. , Zhao Yutong , Shiva Sruti , Tyurina Yulia Y. , Jiang Jianfei , Lee Janet S. , Das Sudipta , Ray Anuradha , Ray Prabir , Kagan Valerian E. , Mallampalli Rama K.
Published: November 2015

Cardiolipin (also known as PDL6) is an indispensable lipid required for mitochondrial respiration that is generated through de novo synthesis and remodeling. Here, the cardiolipin remodeling enzyme, acyl-CoA:lysocardiolipin-acyltransferase-1 (Alcat1; SwissProt ID, Q6UWP7) is destabilized in epithelia by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) impairing mitochondrial function. Exposure to LPS selectively decreased levels of carbon 20 (C20)-containing cardiolipin molecular species, whereas the content of C18 or C16 species was not significantly altered, consistent with decreased levels of Alcat1. Alcat1 is a labile protein that is lysosomally degraded by the ubiquitin E3 ligase Skp–Cullin–F-box containing the Fbxo28 subunit (SCF-Fbxo28) that targets Alcat1 for monoubiquitylation at residue K183. Interestingly, K183 is also an acetylation-acceptor site, and acetylation conferred stability to the enzyme. Histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) interacted with Alcat1, and expression of a plasmid encoding HDAC2 or treatment of cells with LPS deacetylated and destabilized Alcat1, whereas treatment of cells with a pan-HDAC inhibitor increased Alcat1 levels. Alcat1 degradation was partially abrogated in LPS-treated cells that had been silenced for HDAC2 or treated with MLN4924, an inhibitor of Cullin–RING E3 ubiquitin ligases. Thus, LPS increases HDAC2-mediated Alcat1 deacetylation and facilitates SCF-Fbxo28-mediated disposal of Alcat1, thus impairing mitochondrial integrity.
Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics Study of the Flow Around an Automotive Fan Airfoil
Authors: Matouk Rabea , Christophe Julien , Degrez Gérard
Published: November 2015

Turbulent flows around airfoils are very challenging to simulate accurately because of the complex flow phenomena, including leading-edge boundary layer separation, shear layer transition to turbulent behavior, reattachment and trailing-edge vortex shedding. In this paper, the flow around a CD (Controlled-Diffusion) airfoil is studied at a Reynolds number of 160,000 using Large-Eddy Simulations (LES). The in-house hybrid spectral/finite element SFELES solver [1] is used to solve the flow. The aim of this research is to study the unsteady turbulent boundary layer and to predict the corresponding wall-pressure spectrum which will be used for the noise predictions, to implement and evaluate the new SGS model proposed recently by G. Ghorbaniasl et al. [2] and to study the influence of the LES sub grid-scale models on the results. Another goal is to calculate the radiated broadband trailing-edge noise by applying Amiet's aeroacoustic theory and its extensions [3, 4] using the wall-pressure spectrum for a station near the trailing edge. The sound pressure level and its directivity are computed for the three SGS models. The aerodynamics and aeroacoustics results are compared with experimental results obtained by Moreau and Roger [5] and Moreau et al. [6] as well as other numerical results obtained by Christophe [7] using OpenFoam and Wang et al. [8] using a hybrid finite differences/spectral solver. The high variability of the leading edge recirculation bubble size with the SGS model is found. The predicted noise spectra is found insensitive to the choice of the SGS model, the difference does not exceed 2 dB for frequencies of interest (100-2000 Hz). This is linked to the insensitivity of the wall-pressure spectra to the choice of the SGS model.
Regulatory Support of Creation of the Contents of Professional Education in the Sphere of Physical Culture and Sports
Authors: Николаева  , Nikolaeva N. , Родионов  , Rodionov V. , Валюженич  , Valyuzhenich M.
Published: November 2015

The article deals with the problems of formation of the contents of professional education in the fi eld of physical culture and sports (FC and S). The

analysis of sports coach’ professional standard is given in connection with regulatory changes in the system of professional education. Modern content

of professional education is based on the competency approach. Competencies must be included into professional standards and in connection with the

kinds of activities and functions of sports coach according to the National Classifi er of Positions.
Technology of Pedagogical Goal Setting As a Methodological Basis for Solution of the Problem of Training Programs Selection from the Standpoint of the Standard of Education
Authors: ����������  , Turbovskoy Ya. , ��������  , Filinova Vera
Published: November 2015

The paper describes research fi nding solutions to a fundamental problem, which aff ects not only the quality and effi ciency of functioning of system of national

education, but also the strengthening of its unity and form integrity. The authors proceed from the fundamental importance of the state standard

as the basis for the organic association of state needs and challenges facing national education, and the need for their eff ective practical implementation

from the standpoint of the indissoluble unity of the standard with existing educational programs.

In the article it is disclosed, as may be decided so relevant to the national education problems through the use of technology pedagogical goal setting,

capable of producing a systemic set of criteria through which can be the optimal selection of training programs, most adequately implement the requirements

of the state standard.
Provisioning of Large-Scale Systems: The Interplay Between Network Effects and Strategic Behavior in the User Base
Authors: Nair Jayakrishnan , Wierman Adam , Zwart Bert
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we consider the problem of capacity provisioning for an online service supported by advertising. We analyse the strategic interaction between the service provider and the user base in this setting, modeling positive network effects, as well as congestion sensitivity in the user base. We focus specifically on the influence of positive network effects, as well as the impact of noncooperative behavior in the user base on the firm’s capacity provisioning decision and its profit. Our analysis reveals that stronger positive network effects, as well as noncooperation in the user base, drive the service into a more congested state and lead to increased profit for the service provider. However, the impact of noncooperation, or “anarchy” in the user base strongly dominates the impact of network effects.

This paper was accepted by Noah Gans, stochastic models and simulation.
Essence Without Fundamentality
Authors: Rayo Agustin
Published: November 2015

Modality and Explanatory Reasoning, Boris Kment argues that a single notion of essence can be used to play two distinct theoretical roles. He thinks there is an important connec- tion between essence and metaphysical necessity, on the one hand, and between essence and metaphysical explanation, on the other.

In this paper I will argue that it is not clear that a single notion of essence should be used to perform both these jobs. For whereas the project of giving metaphysical explanations requires a notion of essence that distinguishes between truths that are more or less “funda- mental” in a metaphysical sense, the project of shedding light on metaphysical necessity does not.
Unusual Cardiomyopathies: Some May Be More Usual Than Previously Thought and Simply Underdiagnosed
Authors: Smart Frank W.
Published: November 2015

Heart failure is the most common cause of hospitalization in the United States. Just as the prevalence of heart failure has increased, the number of diseases identified that result in the heart failure syndrome has escalated. Certain cardiomyopathies that have previously been regarded as very rare are being recognized with increasing frequency, because of improved imaging techniques and an increased understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms that result in these diseases. Improved echocardiographic techniques and methods such as spectral Doppler and 3D image rendering, along with the use of advanced diagnostic tools such as cardiac CT angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging are now common. These advanced imaging methods have led to an increased appreciation of the frequency of diseases such as isolated left ventricular noncompaction and cardiac amyloidosis. Left ventricular noncompaction, once thought to occur in roughly one in one million patients, may actually be seen in fewer than one in 1000 patients. Cardiac amyloidosis, in the senile form, may exist in 80% of 80-year-old patients, although the incidence of clinical symptoms is less. As the genetic alterations that contribute to these diseases are further elucidated, improved diagnosis and a better understanding of the prognosis of these uncommon cardiomyopathies will follow.
Cardiac Sarcoidosis: Sorting Fact from Fiction in This Rare Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Rajapreyar Indranee , Langlois Elizabeth
Published: November 2015

Sarcoidosis is a rare condition of granulomatous infiltration of many tissues of the body, including the heart. Cardiac sarcoidosis has been challenging to study, as it is often asymptomatic, although the initial presentation can be sudden cardiac death. The incidence and prevalence rates have been difficult to establish and no expert agreed upon guidelines for diagnosis and management of cardiac sarcoidosis exist, and clinical manifestations are varied. The pathophysiology of granuloma formation in the myocardium as well as other tissues is governed by immune response to some environmental antigen. Genetics is also thought to play a role, although gene alterations have not been extensively studied, and no specific set of genetic mutations has been identified to aid in identification of individuals at risk of developing disease. Epigenetic factors likely play a significant role in modulation of gene expression with respect to immune response. There is no standardized screening tool for the identification of cardiac sarcoidosis. The presence of systemic sarcoidosis and new-onset third-degree heart block or ventricular arrhythmias warrants further investigation for cardiac sarcoidosis. MRI and PET are useful in helping to identify cardiac sarcoidosis but are not stand-alone tests. Endomyocardial biopsy is the gold standard but has a low yield owing to the patchy nature of granuloma formation in the myocardium. Therapy should be instituted early and involves immunosuppressive therapy with predominant use of corticosteroids. Arrhythmias, either ventricular or high-grade heart blocks, are managed with device therapy. Clinical presentation may warrant use of antiarrhythmic agents and/or catheter ablation. Survival and disease prognosis are dependent on early diagnosis and treatment. This review details the current understanding of cardiac sarcoidosis and highlights diagnostic strategies and treatment with the aim of guiding the clinician to early identification of patients and implementation of appropriate management in this rare disease entity.
Noninvasive Hemodynamic Monitoring for Heart Failure: A New Era of Heart Failure Management
Authors: Hernandez Gabriel A. , Navas Viviana , Chaparro Sandra
Published: November 2015

Despite the development of noninvasive tools as echocardiography, right-sided heart catheterization remains an integral part of the cardiovascular evaluation. In the last decade, better understanding of the hemodynamic process before heart failure decompensation led to improvement of outpatient strategies to prevent it. Advances in implantable wireless technology now allow frequent and direct measurement of intracardiac filling pressures, which can be monitored by health care providers to help tailor therapy to reduce filling pressures and hospital readmission rates.
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in 2015: Lessons Learned
Authors: Ketha Siva , Kusumoto Fred M.
Published: November 2015

Over 20 years of research has led to the now widely accepted role of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in medically refractory, mild to severe systolic heart failure (HF) with increased QRS duration. In addition to conferring a mortality benefit, CRT has been shown to reduce HF hospitalization rates and improve functional status in this population. However, not all patients consistently demonstrate a positive response to CRT. Efforts to improve response to CRT have focused on improving patient selection and optimizing device implantation and follow-up, thereby correcting electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony. In this article we review the pathobiology of cardiac dyssynchrony, the rationale for the use of CRT, the history and the state of the art of CRT, and guidelines and recommendations for CRT, while also focusing on the areas of controversy and potential future applications.
Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Therapy: A Focused Review on Optimal Patient Selection and Long-Term Follow-up Using Echocardiography
Authors: Vilaro Juan R. , Szady Anita , Ahmed Mustafa M. , Dawson Jacqueline , Aranda Juan M.
Published: November 2015

Despite widespread awareness and use of scientifically proven life-prolonging medical and device-based therapies over the last two decades, heart failure remains a leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and health care expenditure in the United States. Mechanical circulatory support with a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD), either as a bridge to heart transplantation or as destination therapy, is an increasingly used treatment modality for patients with advanced heart failure syndromes that worsen despite their receiving standard therapies. CF-LVAD support creates unique hemodynamic alterations that must be understood to provide appropriate care for these patients before and after implantation. Echocardiography is essential in the evaluation of patients who are being considered for or are mechanically supported by CF-LVADs. Here we provide a focused clinical review on the use of echocardiography in two main aspects of the evaluation of these patients: (a) optimal patient selection for CF-LVAD support and (b) follow-up assessment of optimal pump function.
Loss of Projections, Functional Compensation, and Residual Deficits in the Mammalian Vestibulospinal System ofHoxb1-Deficient Mice
Authors: Di Bonito Maria , Boulland Jean-Luc , Krezel Wojciech , Setti Eya , Studer Michèle , Glover Joel C.
Published: November 2015

The genetic mechanisms underlying the developmental and functional specification of brainstem projection neurons are poorly understood. Here, we use transgenic mouse tools to investigate the role of the geneHoxb1in the developmental patterning of vestibular projection neurons, with particular focus on the lateral vestibulospinal tract (LVST). The LVST is the principal pathway that conveys vestibular information to limb-related spinal motor circuits and arose early during vertebrate evolution. We show that the segmental hindbrain expression domain uniquely defined by the rhombomere 4 (r4)Hoxb1enhancer is the origin of essentially all LVST neurons, but also gives rise to subpopulations of contralateral medial vestibulospinal tract (cMVST) neurons, vestibulo-ocular neurons, and reticulospinal (RS) neurons. In newborn mice homozygous for aHoxb1-null mutation, the r4-derived LVST and cMVST subpopulations fail to form and the r4-derived RS neurons are depleted. Several general motor skills appear unimpaired, but hindlimb vestibulospinal reflexes, which are mediated by the LVST, are greatly reduced. This functional deficit recovers, however, during the second postnatal week, indicating a substantial compensation for the missing LVST. Despite the compensatory plasticity in balance, adultHoxb1-null mice exhibit other behavioral deficits that manifest particularly in proprioception and interlimb coordination during locomotor tasks. Our results provide a comprehensive account of the developmental role ofHoxb1in patterning the vestibular system and evidence for a remarkable developmental plasticity in the descending control of reflex limb movements. They also suggest an involvement of the lateral vestibulospinal tract in proprioception and in ensuring limb alternation generated by locomotor circuitry.
Expression of Quinone Reductase-2 in the Cortex Is a Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor-Dependent Memory Consolidation Constraint
Authors: Rappaport Akiva N. , Jacob Eyal , Sharma Vijendra , Inberg Sharon , Elkobi Alina , Ounallah-Saad Hadile , Pasmanik-Chor Metsada , Edry Efrat , Rosenblum Kobi
Published: November 2015

Learning of novel information, including novel taste, requires activation of neuromodulatory transmission mediated, for example, by the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) in relevant brain structures. In addition, drugs enhancing the function of mAChRs are used to treat memory impairment and decline. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects are poorly understood. Here, using quantitative RT-PCR in Wistar Hola rats, we found quinone reductase 2 (QR2) to be expressed in the cortex in an mAChR-dependent manner. QR2 mRNA expression in the insular cortex is inversely correlated with mAChR activation both endogenously, after novel taste learning, and exogenously, after pharmacological manipulation of the muscarinic transmission. Moreover, reducing QR2 expression levels through lentiviral shRNA vectors or activity via inhibitors is sufficient to enhance long-term memories. We also show here that, in patients with Alzheimer's disease, QR2 is overexpressed in the cortex. It is suggested that QR2 expression in the cortex is a removable limiting factor of memory formation and thus serves as a new target to enhance cognitive function and delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe found that: (1) quinone reductase 2 (QR2) expression is a muscarinic-receptor-dependent removable constraint on memory formation in the cortex, (2) reducing QR2 expression or activity in the cortex enhances memory formation, and (3) Alzheimer's disease patients overexpressed QR2. We believe that these results propose a new mechanism by which muscarinic acetylcholine receptors affect cognition and suggest that inhibition of QR2 is a way to enhance cognition in normal and pathological conditions.
Neuronal RARβ Signaling Modulates PTEN Activity Directly in Neurons and via Exosome Transfer in Astrocytes to Prevent Glial Scar Formation and Induce Spinal Cord Regeneration
Authors: Goncalves Maria B. , Malmqvist Tony , Clarke Earl , Hubens Chantal J. , Grist John , Hobbs Carl , Trigo Diogo , Risling Mårten , Angeria Maria , Damberg Peter , Carlstedt Thomas P. , Corcoran Jonathan P.T
Published: November 2015

Failure of axonal regeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) is mainly attributed to a lack of intrinsic neuronal growth programs and an inhibitory environment from a glial scar. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is a major negative regulator of neuronal regeneration and, as such, inhibiting its activity has been considered a therapeutic target for spinal cord (SC) injuries (SCIs). Using a novel model of rat cervical avulsion, we show that treatment with a retinoic acid receptor β (RARβ) agonist results in locomotor and sensory recovery. Axonal regeneration from the severed roots into the SC could be seen by biotinylated dextran amine labeling. Light micrographs of the dorsal root entry zone show the peripheral nervous system (PNS)–CNS transition of regrown axons. RARβ agonist treatment also resulted in the absence of scar formation. Mechanism studies revealed that, in RARβ-agonist-treated neurons, PTEN activity is decreased by cytoplasmic phosphorylation and increased secretion in exosomes. These are taken up by astrocytes, resulting in hampered proliferation and causing them to arrange in a normal-appearing scaffold around the regenerating axons. Attribution of the glial modulation to neuronal PTEN in exosomes was demonstrated by the use of an exosome inhibitorin vivoand PTEN siRNAin vitroassays. The dual effect of RARβ signaling, both neuronal and neuronal–glial, results in axonal regeneration into the SC after dorsal root neurotmesis. Targeting this pathway may open new avenues for the treatment of SCIs.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSpinal cord injuries (SCIs) often result in permanent damage in the adult due to the very limited capacity of axonal regeneration. Intrinsic neuronal programs and the formation of a glial scar are the main obstacles. Here, we identify a single target, neuronal retinoic acid receptor β (RARβ), which modulates these two aspects of the postinjury physiological response. Activation of RARβ in the neuron inactivates phosphatase and tensin homolog and induces its transfer into the astrocytes in small vesicles, where it prevents scar formation. This may open new therapeutic avenues for SCIs.
A Smaug2-Based Translational Repression Complex Determines the Balance between Precursor Maintenance versus Differentiation during Mammalian Neurogenesis
Authors: Amadei Gianluca , Zander Mark A. , Yang Guang , Dumelie Jason G. , Vessey John P. , Lipshitz Howard D. , Smibert Craig A. , Kaplan David R. , Miller Freda D.
Published: November 2015

Here, we have asked about post-transcriptional mechanisms regulating murine developmental neurogenesis, focusing upon the RNA-binding proteins Smaug2 and Nanos1. We identify, in embryonic neural precursors of the murine cortex, a Smaug2 protein/nanos1mRNA complex that is present in cytoplasmic granules with the translational repression proteins Dcp1 and 4E-T. We show that Smaug2 inhibits and Nanos1 promotes neurogenesis, with Smaug2 knockdown enhancing neurogenesis and depleting precursors, and Nanos1 knockdown inhibiting neurogenesis and maintaining precursors. Moreover, we show that Smaug2 likely regulates neurogenesis by silencingnanos1mRNA. Specifically, Smaug2 knockdown inappropriately increases Nanos1 protein, and the Smaug2 knockdown-mediated neurogenesis is rescued by preventing this increase. Thus, Smaug2 and Nanos1 function as a bimodal translational repression switch to control neurogenesis, with Smaug2 acting in transcriptionally primed precursors to silence mRNAs important for neurogenesis, includingnanos1mRNA, and Nanos1 acting during the transition to neurons to repress the precursor state.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe mechanisms instructing neural stem cells to generate the appropriate progeny are still poorly understood. Here, we show that the RNA-binding proteins Smaug2 and Nanos1 are critical regulators of this balance and provide evidence supporting the idea that neural precursors are transcriptionally primed to generate neurons but translational regulation maintains these precursors in a stem cell state until the appropriate developmental time.
Investigating the Neural Correlates of Schemas: Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex Is Necessary for Normal Schematic Influence on Memory
Authors: Spalding Kelsey N. , Jones Samuel H. , Duff Melissa C. , Tranel Daniel , Warren David E.
Published: November 2015

Schemas, as memory representations of typical contexts, allow for generalization from previous experiences while often improving memory organization and accuracy. However, these advantageous characteristics of schematic memory may come at the cost of episode-specific information. In the human brain, this tradeoff between general and specific knowledge has been linked to differential contributions of the medial temporal lobes (MTL) to episode-specific memory and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) to generalized, schematic memory. Here, we used a neuropsychological approach to test whether participants with focal vmPFC damage (n= 6) would show a reduced influence of schematic memory relative to healthy normal comparison participants (n= 12) in a recognition task that presented schematically congruent or incongruent contexts at study. As predicted, normal comparison participants were more likely to identify items as old after studying them in congruent contexts, and this effect was reflected in increased true and false recognition. These effects of prior context on recognition were not observed in the vmPFC group, suggesting that vmPFC damage reduced the influence of schematic memory. These findings are consistent with the proposition that the vmPFC plays an important role in integrating previous experience into ongoing memory processes while acting as part of a larger memory network.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn the human brain, new memories are strongly influenced by existing knowledge of relevant context (sometimes called “schemas”). Schemas can benefit memory by expediting learning and increasing capacity in familiar contexts, but these benefits may simultaneously reduce episode-specific memory. Here we show that damage to the human ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) reduced the influence of existing knowledge on new memories. Our findings suggest that the vmPFC plays a key role in schematic memory processes by integrating previous experiences and contextual information to influence memory. These findings provide novel insight into the brain regions necessary for normal schematic memory and enhance our understanding of the brain networks supporting memory processes.
First record of Eichleriella leucophaea (Basidiomycota) from Italy
Authors: Saitta Alessandro
Published: November 2015

Eichleriella leucophaea Bres., a wood inhabiting heterobasidiomycete, is recorded for the first time in Italy. Fruiting body occurred on branch of Quercus ilex L. Description, distributional and ecological data of this uncommon taxon are here provided.
Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Ithomiinae, Scada reckia reckia: Suggestion of recent range expansion throughout the state of Espírito Santo, SE Brazil
Authors: Canuto Jaqueliny Zocca , Nogueira Talita Araújo , Brown Jr. Keith S. , Freitas André Victor Lucci
Published: November 2015

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