bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of High Pressure on Bacillus licheniformis Spore Germination and Inactivation
Authors: Borch-Pedersen Kristina , Mellegård Hilde , Reineke Kai , Boysen Preben , Sevenich Robert , Lindbäck Toril , Aspholm Marina
Published: May 2017

Bacillus
and
Clostridium
species form spores, which pose a challenge to the food industry due to their ubiquitous nature and extreme resistance. Pressurization at <300 MPa triggers spore germination by activating germination receptors (GRs), while pressurization at >300 MPa likely triggers germination by opening dipicolinic acid (DPA) channels present in the inner membrane of the spores. In this work, we expose spores of
Bacillus licheniformis
, a species associated with food spoilage and occasionally with food poisoning, to high pressure (HP) for holding times of up to 2 h. By using mutant spores lacking one or several GRs, we dissect the roles of the GerA, Ynd, and GerK GRs in moderately HP (mHP; 150 MPa)-induced spore germination. We show that Ynd alone is sufficient for efficient mHP-induced spore germination. GerK also triggers germination with mHP, although at a reduced germination rate compared to that of Ynd. GerA stimulates mHP-induced germination but only in the presence of either the intact GerK or Ynd GR. These results suggests that the effectiveness of the individual GRs in mHP-induced germination differs from their effectiveness in nutrient-induced germination, where GerA plays an essential role. In contrast to
Bacillus subtilis
spores, treatment with very HP (vHP) of 550 MPa at 37°C did not promote effective germination of
B. licheniformis
spores. However, treatment with vHP in combination with elevated temperatures (60°C) gave a synergistic effect on spore germination and inactivation. Together, these results provide novel insights into how HP affects
B. licheniformis
spore germination and inactivation and the role of individual GRs in this process.

IMPORTANCE
Bacterial spores are inherently resistant to food-processing regimes, such as high-temperature short-time pasteurization, and may therefore compromise food durability and safety. The induction of spore germination facilitates subsequent inactivation by gentler processing conditions that maintain the sensory and nutritional qualities of the food. High-pressure (HP) processing is a nonthermal food-processing technology used to eliminate microbes from food. The application of this technology for spore eradication in the food industry requires a better understanding of how HP affects the spores of different bacterial species. The present study provides novel insights into how HP affects
Bacillus licheniformis
spores, a species associated with food spoilage and occasionally food poisoning. We describe the roles of different germination receptors in HP-induced germination and the effects of two different pressure levels on the germination and inactivation of spores. This study will potentially contribute to the effort to implement HP technology for spore inactivation in the food industry.
Defining Genetic Fitness Determinants and Creating Genomic Resources for an Oral Pathogen
Authors: Narayanan Ajay M. , Ramsey Matthew M. , Stacy Apollo , Whiteley Marvin
Published: May 2017

Periodontitis is a microbial infection that destroys the structures that support the teeth. Although it is typically a chronic condition, rapidly progressing, aggressive forms are associated with the oral pathogen
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
. One of this bacterium's key virulence traits is its ability to attach to surfaces and form robust biofilms that resist killing by the host and antibiotics. Though much has been learned about
A. actinomycetemcomitans
since its initial discovery, we lack insight into a fundamental aspect of its basic biology, as we do not know the full set of genes that it requires for viability (the essential genome). Furthermore, research on
A. actinomycetemcomitans
is hampered by the field's lack of a mutant collection. To address these gaps, we used rapid transposon mutant sequencing (Tn-seq) to define the essential genomes of two strains of
A. actinomycetemcomitans
, revealing a core set of 319 genes. We then generated an arrayed mutant library comprising >1,500 unique insertions and used a sequencing-based approach to define each mutant's position (well and plate) in the library. To demonstrate its utility, we screened the library for mutants with weakened resistance to subinhibitory erythromycin, revealing the multidrug efflux pump AcrAB as a critical resistance factor. During the screen, we discovered that erythromycin induces
A. actinomycetemcomitans
to form biofilms. We therefore devised a novel Tn-seq-based screen to identify specific factors that mediate this phenotype and in follow-up experiments confirmed 4 mutants. Together, these studies present new insights and resources for investigating the basic biology and disease mechanisms of a human pathogen.

IMPORTANCE
Millions suffer from gum disease, which often is caused by
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
, a bacterium that forms antibiotic-resistant biofilms. To fully understand any organism, we should be able to answer: what genes does it require for life? Here, we address this question for
A. actinomycetemcomitans
by determining the genes in its genome that cannot be mutated. As for the genes that can be mutated, we archived these mutants into a library, which we used to find genes that contribute to antibiotic resistance, leading us to discover that antibiotics cause
A. actinomycetemcomitans
to form biofilms. We then devised an approach to find genes that mediate this process and confirmed 4 genes. These results illuminate new fundamental traits of a human pathogen.
Soil Bacterial and Fungal Communities Show Distinct Recovery Patterns during Forest Ecosystem Restoration
Authors: Sun Shan , Li Song , Avera Bethany N. , Strahm Brian D. , Badgley Brian D.
Published: May 2017

Bacteria and fungi are important mediators of biogeochemical processes and play essential roles in the establishment of plant communities, which makes knowledge about their recovery after extreme disturbances valuable for understanding ecosystem development. However, broad ecological differences between bacterial and fungal organisms, such as growth rates, stress tolerance, and substrate utilization, suggest they could follow distinct trajectories and show contrasting dynamics during recovery. In this study, we analyzed both the intra-annual variability and decade-scale recovery of bacterial and fungal communities in a chronosequence of reclaimed mined soils using next-generation sequencing to quantify their abundance, richness, β-diversity, taxonomic composition, and cooccurrence network properties. Bacterial communities shifted gradually, with overlapping β-diversity patterns across chronosequence ages, while shifts in fungal communities were more distinct among different ages. In addition, the magnitude of intra-annual variability in bacterial β-diversity was comparable to the changes across decades of chronosequence age, while fungal communities changed minimally across months. Finally, the complexity of bacterial cooccurrence networks increased with chronosequence age, while fungal networks did not show clear age-related trends. We hypothesize that these contrasting dynamics of bacteria and fungi in the chronosequence result from (i) higher growth rates for bacteria, leading to higher intra-annual variability; (ii) higher tolerance to environmental changes for fungi; and (iii) stronger influence of vegetation on fungal communities.

IMPORTANCE
Both bacteria and fungi play essential roles in ecosystem functions, and information about their recovery after extreme disturbances is important for understanding whole-ecosystem development. Given their many differences in phenotype, phylogeny, and life history, a comparison of different bacterial and fungal recovery patterns improves the understanding of how different components of the soil microbiota respond to ecosystem recovery. In this study, we highlight key differences between soil bacteria and fungi during the restoration of reclaimed mine soils in the form of long-term diversity patterns, intra-annual variability, and potential interaction networks. Cooccurrence networks revealed increasingly complex bacterial community interactions during recovery, in contrast to much simpler and more isolated fungal network patterns. This study compares bacterial and fungal cooccurrence networks and reveals cooccurrences persisting through successional ages.
Is combining gait retraining or an exercise programme with education better than education alone in treating runners with patellofemoral pain?A randomised clinical trial
Authors: Esculier Jean-Francois , Bouyer Laurent Julien , Dubois Blaise , Fremont Pierre , Moore Lynne , McFadyen Bradford , Roy Jean-Sébastien
Published: May 2017

Design

Single-blind randomised clinical trial.

Objective

To compare the effects of three 8-week rehabilitation programmes on symptoms and functional limitations of runners with patellofemoral pain (PFP).

Methods

Sixty-nine runners with PFP were randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups: (1) education on symptoms management and training modifications (education); (2) exercise programme in addition to education (exercises); (3) gait retraining in addition to education (gait retraining). Symptoms and functional limitations were assessed at baseline (T0), and after 4, 8 and 20 weeks (T4, T8and T20) using the Knee Outcome Survey of the Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADLS) and visual analogue scales (VASs) for usual pain, worst pain and pain during running. Lower limb kinematics and kinetics during running, and isometric strength were also evaluated at T0and T8. The effects of rehabilitation programmes were assessed using two-way analysis of variance.

Results

No significant group × time interactions (p<0.447) were found for KOS-ADLS and VASs. All three groups showed similar improvements at T4, T8and T20compared with T0(p<0.05). Only the exercises group increased knee extension strength following rehabilitation (group × time: p<0.001) and only the gait retraining group (group × time: p<0.001) increased step rate (+7.0%) and decreased average vertical loading rate (−25.4%).

Conclusion

Even though gait retraining and exercises improved their targeted mechanisms, their addition to education did not provide additional benefits on symptoms and functional limitations. Appropriate education on symptoms and management of training loads should be included as a primary component of treatment in runners with PFP.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02352909).
Antimicrobial susceptibility in Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from five sentinel surveillance sites in Zimbabwe, 2015–2016
Authors: Latif Ahmed S , Gwanzura Lovemore , Machiha Anna , Ndowa Francis , Tarupiwa Andrew , Gudza-Mugabe Muchaneta , Shukusho Fungai D , Chakanyuka Musanhu Christine , Wi Teodora , Unemo Magnus
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Gonorrhoea and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae are major public health concerns worldwide. Enhanced AMR surveillance for gonococci is essential globally. In Zimbabwe, very limited gonococcal AMR data were reported. Our aims were to (i) implement quality-assured gonococcal AMR surveillance in Zimbabwe and (ii) investigate gonococcal AMR at five health centres in 2015–2016.

Methods

Gonococcal isolates from 104 men with urethral discharge were tested for susceptibility to kanamycin, ceftriaxone, cefixime, ciprofloxacin and azithromycin using Etest.

Results

All isolates (102 possible to test) were susceptible to ceftriaxone and cefixime. The level of resistance (intermediate resistance) to kanamycin and ciprofloxacin was 2.0% (2.0%) and 18.6% (27.5%), respectively. The two kanamycin-resistant isolates (R≥128 mg/L) had a kanamycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of >256 mg/L. The ciprofloxacin resistance ranged from 9.5% to 30.8% in the five sentinel sites. Only 10 (9.6%) of the isolates were tested for susceptibility to azithromycin and 1 (10.0%) was resistant (MIC=4 mg/L).

Conclusions

The emergence of multidrug-resistant gonorrhoea internationally is a major public health concern and gonococcal AMR surveillance is crucial globally. In Zimbabwe, gonococcal AMR surveillance has now been implemented and quality assured according to WHO standards. The results of this first surveillance will be used to directly inform revisions of the national treatment guidelines. It is imperative to further strengthen the surveillance of gonococcal AMR, and ideally also treatment failures, in Zimbabwe and most countries in the WHO African region, which requires continuous national and international support, including technical support, and political and financial commitment.
Gait speed and pedestrian crossings in COPD
Authors: Nolan Claire M , Kon Samantha S C , Patel Suhani , Jones Sarah E , Barker Ruth E , Polkey Michael I , Maddocks Matthew , Man William D-C
Published: May 2017

The assumed minimum walking speed at pedestrian crossings is 1.2 m/s. In this prospective cohort study, usual walking speed was measured over a 4 m course in 926 community-dwelling, ambulatory patients with stable COPD. Mean (SD) walking speed was 0.91 (0.24) m/s with only 10.7% walking at a speed equal or greater than 1.2 m/s. In order for 95% of this cohort to safely negotiate a pedestrian cross, traffic lights would have to assume a minimum walking speed of 0.50 m/s (2.4 times longer than current times). The current assumed normal walking speed for pedestrian crossings is inappropriate for patients with COPD.

The studies were registered on clinicaltrials.gov and these data relate to the pre-results stage: NCT01649193, NCT01515709 and NCT01507415.
Intracerebral haemorrhage in a dog with steroid‐responsive meningitis arteritis
Authors: Brocal Josep , José López Roberto , Hammond Gawain , Gutierrez‐Quintana Rodrigo
Published: May 2017

A one‐year and six‐month‐old female neutered Boxer dog was presented with a four‐day history of pyrexia, lethargy and neck pain. An intracerebral haemorrhage and a mediastinal mass were identified. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed severe neutrophilic pleocytosis, and steroid‐responsive meningitis arteritis (SRMA) was suspected. A significant improvement was observed with immunosuppressive steroid therapy and subsequent imaging revealed a reduction in size of the intracerebral haemorrhage and disappearance of the mediastinal mass. SRMA is a systemic disease with potential involvement of multiple organs. Intracerebral haemorrhage can occur secondary to SRMA and can have a successful outcome.
Endothelial cAMP deactivates ischemia-reperfusion-induced microvascular hyperpermeability via Rap1-mediated mechanisms
Authors: Korayem Adam H. , Mujica Patricio E. , Aramoto Haruo , Durán Ricardo G. , Nepali Prerna R. , Kim David D. , Harris Andrew L. , Sánchez Fabiola A. , Durán Walter N.
Published: May 2017

Approaches to reduce excessive edema due to the microvascular hyperpermeability that occurs during ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) are needed to prevent muscle compartment syndrome. We tested the hypothesis that cAMP-activated mechanisms actively restore barrier integrity in postischemic striated muscle. We found, using I/R in intact muscles and hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R, an I/R mimic) in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs), that hyperpermeability can be deactivated by increasing cAMP levels through application of forskolin. This effect was seen whether or not the hyperpermeability was accompanied by increased mRNA expression of VEGF, which occurred only after 4 h of ischemia. We found that cAMP increases in HMVECs after H/R, suggesting that cAMP-mediated restoration of barrier function is a physiological mechanism. We explored the mechanisms underlying this effect of cAMP. We found that exchange protein activated by cAMP 1 (Epac1), a downstream effector of cAMP that stimulates Rap1 to enhance cell adhesion, was activated only at or after reoxygenation. Thus, when Rap1 was depleted by small interfering RNA, H/R-induced hyperpermeability persisted even when forskolin was applied. We demonstrate that 1) VEGF mRNA expression is not involved in hyperpermeability after brief ischemia, 2) elevation of cAMP concentration at reperfusion deactivates hyperpermeability, and 3) cAMP activates the Epac1-Rap1 pathway to restore normal microvascular permeability. Our data support the novel concepts that 1) different hyperpermeability mechanisms operate after brief and prolonged ischemia and 2) cAMP concentration elevation during reperfusion contributes to deactivation of I/R-induced hyperpermeability through the Epac-Rap1 pathway. Endothelial cAMP management at reperfusion may be therapeutic in I/R injury.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here, we demonstrate that 1) stimulation of cAMP production deactivates ischemia-reperfusion-induced hyperpermeability in muscle and endothelial cells; 2) VEGF mRNA expression is not enhanced by brief ischemia, suggesting that VEGF mechanisms do not activate immediate postischemic hyperpermeability; and 3) deactivation mechanisms operate via cAMP-exchange protein activated by cAMP 1-Rap1 to restore integrity of the endothelial barrier.
Prognostic Value of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate for Patients With Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wu Ting‐Ting , Chen Yuan , Zhou Yun , Adi Dilare , Zheng Ying‐Ying , Liu Fen , Ma Yi‐Tong , Xie Xiang
Published: May 2017

Background

The aim of the present study was to estimate the impact of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (
DHEAS
) on the prognosis of patients with cardiovascular disease by performing a systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods and Results

The
Emb
ase, PubMed, Web of Science,
CNKI,
and WanFang databases were searched up to September 5, 2016, to identify eligible studies. The quality of each study was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. The association between
DHEAS
, either on admission or at discharge, and cardiovascular disease outcomes were reviewed. The overall risk ratio for the effect of
DHEAS
on all‐cause mortality and fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events was pooled using a fixed‐effects or a random‐effects model. The publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots. Twenty‐five studies were included for systematic review. The follow‐up duration ranged from 1 to 19 years. Eighteen studies were included in the meta‐analysis. We found that lower
DHEAS
levels indicated a significant increased risk for all‐cause mortality (risk ratio, 1.47; 95%
CI
, 1.38–1.56 [
P
<0.00001]), fatal cardiovascular event (risk ratio, 1.58; 95%
CI
, 1.30–1.91 [
P
<0.00001]), and nonfatal cardiovascular event (risk ratio, 1.42; 95%
CI
, 1.24–1.62 [
P
<0.0001]) in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions

Patients with cardiovascular disease who have lower
DHEAS
levels may have poorer prognosis than those with higher DHEAS levels.
Questioning the Selective Exposure to News: Understanding the Impact of Social Networks on Political News Consumption
Authors: Masip Pere , Suau-Martínez Jaume , Ruiz-Caballero Carlos
Published: May 2017

Within the current hybrid media system, in which the “old” and “new” media coexist, the role of social networks in the consumption of news has become increasingly important in recent years. Previous research has highlighted the importance and the transformational potential of user interactions in social networks in the traditional news cycle, when exchanging or discussing content related to news or public affairs, jeopardizing the traditional hegemony of the journalists and media as gatekeepers of public affairs. Our research follows a mixed methodological approach (survey plus focus groups) that reach relevant conclusions that expands the body of research about the role of news sites and social networks within the formulation of public opinion and its effects on audiences and journalism. Results showed how news sites and social networks, through links posted by friends, relatives, or acquaintances, facilitate people to access news outside their usual patterns of news consumption. Social networks, in this way, could break with the preestablished dynamics of selective exposure of individuals.
Pattern of psychotropic medication use over two decades in Australian women
Authors: Stuart Amanda L , Mohebbi Mohammadreza , Pasco Julie A , Quirk Shae E , Brennan-Olsen Sharon L , Berk Michael , Williams Lana J
Published: May 2017

Objective:

Few population-based studies have been used to investigate secular trends in psychotropic medication use. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine psychotropic medication use over time using data from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study, an on-going, population-based, cohort study of Australian women.

Methods:

Of the 1494 women recruited at Time 1 (1993–1997), self-reported medication use from Time 2 (2004–2008) and/or Time 3 (2011–2014) was available for 889 women. Prevalence of antidepressant/antipsychotic/anxiolytic/sedative/anticonvulsant use by age and cohort strata was calculated using bootstrapping methods. Simultaneous age-cohort patterns were evaluated using logistic regression techniques.

Results:

The prevalence of any psychotropic medication use increased from 8.0% (95% confidence interval = [6.3, 9.8]) at Time 1 to 26.0% (95% confidence interval = [22.4, 29.4]) at Time 3, translating to a 4.3-fold increase in the likelihood of psychotropic medication use over the study period (odds ratio = 4.3, 95% confidence interval = [3.2, 5.8], p < 0.001). This increase was driven by the use of antidepressants (odds ratio = 6.4, 95% confidence interval = [4.2, 9.5], p < 0.001) and anticonvulsants (odds ratio = 4.4, 95% confidence interval = [1.8, 11.1]) and modest increases in the use of anxiolytic agents (odds ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval = [1.1, 3.1]) and sedatives (odds ratio = 1.7, 95% confidence interval = [1.6, 1.9]). The prevalence of any psychotropic medication use increased with increasing age (40–59.9 years: odds ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval = [1.5, 2.6]; 60–79.9 years: odds ratio = 2.6, 95% confidence interval = [1.9, 3.5], compared to the 20- to 39.9-year group). Use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors increased dramatically over the study period (odds ratio = 15.3, 95% confidence interval = [7.0, 33.4]).

Conclusion:

Use of psychotropic medication has increased substantially over the past two decades, especially among older women. Further investigations into the correlates and outcomes of the increased use of psychotropic medications are warranted.
Association of Condylar Bone Quality with TMJ Osteoarthritis
Authors: Shi J. , Lee S. , Pan H.C. , Mohammad A. , Lin A. , Guo W. , Chen E. , Ahn A. , Li J. , Ting K. , Kwak J.H.
Published: May 2017

The etiology and treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis (TMJOA) remain complex and unclear. Based on clinical observations, we hypothesized that low condylar bone quality is significantly correlated with TMJOA and explored this association in a cross-sectional study with human patients. A total of 254 postmenopausal female participants were included in this study. Radiographic findings from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and clinical symptoms were used to classify each TMJ data sample as healthy control ( n = 124) or TMJOA ( n = 130). Condylar bone mineral density (BMD) (computed tomography Hounsfield unit [CT HU]) and bone volume fraction (BV/TV) were measured and modeled as predictors of healthy control versus TMJOA status in multilevel logistic regression analyses. Both CT HU (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.9989, interquartile odds ratio [IOR] = 0.4206) and BV/TV (AOR= 0.8096, IOR = 0.1769) were negatively associated with TMJOA ( P = 0.049, 0.011, respectively). To assess the diagnostic performance of CT HU and BV/TV for identification of TMJOA, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted. The estimated areas under the curve (AUC) were 0.6622 for BV/TV alone, 0.6074 for CT HU alone, and 0.7136 for CT HU and BV/TV together. The model incorporating CT HU and BV/TV together had a significantly higher AUC than the models using BV/TV alone ( P = 0.038) or HU alone ( P = 0.021). In conclusion, we found that low condylar bone quality was significantly correlated with TMJOA development and that condylar CT HU and BV/TV can be used together as a potential diagnostic tool for TMJOA. Careful clinical evaluation of the condyle coupled with appropriate radiographic interpretation would thus be critical for the early detection of TMJOA.
The Influence of Risk Assessment Instrument Scores on Evaluators’ Risk Opinions and Sexual Offender Containment Recommendations
Authors: McCallum Katherine E. , Boccaccini Marcus T. , Bryson Claire N.
Published: May 2017

In Colorado, evaluators conducting sex offender risk assessments are required to assess 17 risk factors specified by the state’s Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB), in addition to scoring actuarial risk assessment instruments. This study examined the association between instrument scores, the 17 SOMB risk factors, and evaluator opinions concerning risk and need for containment in 302 Colorado cases. Evaluators’ ratings of risk indicated by noninstrument factors were often higher than their ratings of risk indicated by instrument results, but only their ratings of noninstrument factors were independently predictive of containment recommendations. Several of the most influential noninstrument factors (e.g., denial, treatment motivation) have been described by researchers as potentially misleading because they are not predictive of future offending. Findings highlight the need for more studies examining the validity of what risk assessment evaluators actually do, as opposed to what researchers think they should do.
“Supervision by Public Opinion” or by Government Officials? Media Criticism and Central-Local Government Relations in China
Authors: Chen Dan
Published: May 2017

Despite the sophisticated control of media in China, criticism of the party-state is not uncommon. Why does the authoritarian regime allow criticism? This article offers an explanation based on political institutions. It examines central-local government relations and finds that criticism can help advance the interests of different political actors. Criticism of local government bureaus and officials can help the central government ensure local compliance and create favorable public opinion. Local leaders can also use criticism to establish political authority over their subordinates and impress superiors, thus enhancing their chances to advance their career. Despite formal institutional arrangements, both central and local leaders have used informal measures such as criticism to achieve their political objectives. This underscores the importance of informal measures in the operation of China’s authoritarian regime.
Authoritarianism and National Identity: Examining the Longitudinal Effects of SDO and RWA on Nationalism and Patriotism
Authors: Osborne Danny , Milojev Petar , Sibley Chris G.
Published: May 2017

The resurgence of right-wing political parties across the globe raises questions about the origins of national identity. Based on the Dual Process Model of Ideology and Prejudice, we argue that people’s tendency to submit to ingroup authorities (Right-Wing Authoritarianism [RWA]) and preference for group-based hierarchy (Social Dominance Orientation [SDO]) underlie people’s belief in the superiority of their nation (nationalism) and attachment to their homeland (patriotism). We examine these hypotheses using three waves of data from an annually conducted national longitudinal panel study of New Zealanders ( N = 3,838). As predicted, RWA had positive cross-lagged effects on nationalism and patriotism. Conversely, SDO had a positive cross-lagged effect on nationalism, but a negative cross-lagged effect on patriotism. Little evidence of reciprocal cross-lagged effects (i.e., national identity on authoritarianism) was found. These results demonstrate that nationalism and patriotism are related, albeit distinct, ways of identifying with one’s nation that are ultimately rooted in authoritarianism.
Developing a user-oriented second language comprehensibility scale for English-medium universities
Authors: Isaacs Talia , Trofimovich Pavel , Foote Jennifer Ann
Published: May 2017

There is growing research on the linguistic features that most contribute to making second language (L2) speech easy or difficult to understand. Comprehensibility, which is usually captured through listener judgments, is increasingly viewed as integral to the L2 speaking construct. However, there are shortcomings in how this construct is operationalized in L2 speaking proficiency scales. Moreover, teachers and learners have little practical means of benefiting from research pinpointing the properties of learners’ oral performance that optimize or hinder their ability to be understood. There is thus the need for a tool to guide teachers on what to focus on in instruction in order to target more effectively the linguistic factors that matter most for being understood and to raise learners’ awareness about their abilities. To address this gap, this article reports on the development of an L2 English comprehensibility scale targeting the degree of perceived listener effort required for understanding L2 speech. The starting point was Isaacs and Trofimovich’s (2012) preliminary 3-level empirically based L2 English comprehensibility scale, restricted for use with learners from one first language (L1) background on a single task. Through focus group consultations and piloting involving nine Canada- and UK-based English for Academic Purposes teachers (target end-users) rating international university students’ speech samples drawn from Isaacs and Trofimovich’s (2011) unpublished corpus, the instrument was expanded to a 6-level scale through iterative revisions. The resulting formative assessment tool is intended for use with pre- and in-sessional university students from mixed L1 backgrounds on academic extemporaneous speaking tasks to support their oral language development.
Strategies Students With and Without Mathematics Disabilities Use When Estimating Fractions on Number Lines
Authors: Zhang Dake , Stecker Pamela , Beqiri Klesti
Published: May 2017

We examined faulty strategies with possible underlying misconceptions, as well as execution mistakes, among middle schoolers with and without mathematics disabilities when estimating fractions on number lines. Fifty-one middle schoolers participated in this study, including 27 students with mathematics disabilities. Participants were asked to estimate 10 fractions on a 0-1 number line and 11 fractions on a 0-5 number line and explain their procedures. We identified two incorrect strategies (i.e., not-on-the-line and ruler-tick-mark counting strategy) and two execution mistakes (i.e., unequal segmentation based on denominator and inaccurate numerical transformation) on both number-line estimation tasks. We also identified one additional faulty strategy (i.e., treating 0-5 as the 0-1 number line) with the 0-5 number-line estimation tasks. Students with mathematics disabilities were significantly more likely to use the faulty strategies than students without mathematics disabilities. The faulty strategies, rather than execution mistakes, were consistent across two number-line tasks and predicted students’ performance in other fraction problem-solving tasks. Results illustrated specific problems that students with and without mathematics disabilities encountered when using number lines to illustrate fractions. We discussed possible negative influences of using rulers to teach fractions and how to help students to construct the concept of units.
Variation in the Oxytocin Receptor Gene Is Associated With Social Cognition and ADHD
Authors: Kalyoncu Tuğba , Özbaran Burcu , Köse Sezen , Onay Hüseyin
Published: May 2017

Objective: Children with ADHD show substantial deficits in social cognitive abilities. Oxytocin, mediated through its specific receptor (OXTR), is involved in the regulation of social behavior and social cognition. Method: The entire coding sequence of the human OXT and OXTR genes were sequenced to identify mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 151 children with ADHD (ADHD-combined, n = 51; inattentive subtype, n = 50; ADHD-C plus conduct disorder [CD], n = 50; 11-18 years) and 100 healthy controls. Results: We examined the association of three detected SNPs of OXTR with social cognition deficits. A significant association was shown between the children with ADHD and children with CT/TT genotypes of rs4686302 (χ2 = 3.695; p = .037). ADHD children with CT/TT genotype for the OXTR rs4686302 performed significantly lower on the facial emotion recognition task than those with CC genotype. Conclusion: OXTR rs4686302 polymorphism was shown to be a genetic marker in social cognition deficits in ADHD children.
Does Poverty Moderate Psychosocial Treatment Efficacy for ADHD? A Systematic Review
Authors: Ogle Robert Ray , Frazier Stacy Lynn , Helseth Sarah Ashley , Cromer Kelly , Lesperance Nephtalie
Published: May 2017

Objective: To determine the extent to which children in poverty show differential benefit versus non-impoverished peers when undergoing behavioral treatment for ADHD. Method: Multiple readers conducted a systematic review using four research databases, one national treatment database, and multiple recent reviews and meta-analyses to identify appropriate studies. Results: Of 1192 initial search results, only five studies met inclusion criteria and were fully abstracted. Conclusion: Results suggest mixed evidence that low-income children may benefit less, compared with peers from higher income families, from psychosocial treatment for ADHD. Findings point to the need for more consistent, more precise, and higher quality reporting of income information.
Comparability of an ADHD Latent Trait Between Groups: Disentangling True Between-Group Differences From Measurement Problems
Authors: Cogo-Moreira Hugo , Lúcio Patrícia Silva , Swardfager Walter , Gadelha Ary , Mari Jair de Jesus , Miguel Eurípedes Constantino , Rohde Luis Augusto , Salum Giovanni A.
Published: May 2017

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate measurement invariance (MI) for an ADHD latent trait across different sociodemographic groups (sex, age, and maternal education), IQs, and co-occurring psychiatric diagnoses. Method: Participants were 2,299 children aged 6 to 14 years. ADHD symptoms were assessed by parent report using the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA). MI was tested through multigroup confirmatory factor analysis and multiple indicators multiple causes models. Results: In a bifactor model including a general ADHD factor and three specific factors (hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity), invariance properties were demonstrated and no individual items showed differential functioning. The ADHD general factor was higher in boys and in those with psychiatric disorders. Younger age predicted hyperactivity. Lower IQ and higher level of education of the mother predicted inattention. Conclusion: The ADHD trait, as measured by the DAWBA, functions in the same way, and with equivalent scale, revealing true differences in ADHD symptoms based on those.
Differences in pragmatic skills between bilingual Turkish immigrant children in the Netherlands and monolingual peers
Authors: Backus Ad , Yağmur Kutlay
Published: May 2017

In bilingualism studies, comparing the competence of mono- and bilingual speakers is common, but it comes with certain limitations. In immigration contexts, many studies concentrate on the skills of immigrant pupils in the mainstream language. In order to account for educational underachievement of minority children, gaps in their language development are often documented by comparing mainstream pupils with immigrant children. Competence in the first language (L1), on the other hand, receives very little attention, despite the fact that it is often assumed that L1 competence has an impact on second language acquisition. Here, we present the findings of an empirical study that compared bilingual Turkish immigrant children ( n = 30) in the Netherlands with monolingual Turkish peers ( n = 30) in Turkey. Contrary to most other such studies, we focus on the development of socio-pragmatic skills. The evidence shows that, from the viewpoint of monolingual conventions, the immigrant children lag behind in their command of these skills. Also after controlling for socioeconomic status, bilingual Turkish immigrant children display much lower knowledge of the socio-pragmatic skills than monolingual Turkish children. The causes of this difference can be attributed to the limited Turkish input in the immigration context.
Group-centric attitudes mediate the relationship between need for closure and intergroup hostility
Authors: Dugas Michelle , Schori-Eyal Noa , Kruglanski Arie W. , Klar Yechiel , Touchton-Leonard Kate , McNeill Andrew , Gelfand Michele J. , Roccas Sonia
Published: May 2017

A model of the relationship between need for closure (NFC) and intergroup hostility was tested in four studies. According to the model, heightened NFC promotes glorification of the ingroup which fosters support for extreme measures against the group’s perceived enemies. In a parallel process, high level of NFC induces perceptions of ingroup victimhood, which also adds support for aggressive actions toward rival outgroups. In the first two studies, conducted in Palestine’s West Bank (Study 1) and in the United States (Study 2), NFC promoted a greater sense of moral entitlement to engage in violence against the outgroup, and this was mediated by perceived ingroup victimhood. The subsequent two studies tested the full hypothesized parallel mediation model among students in Northern Ireland (Study 3) and Jewish-Israelis (Study 4). Results largely supported the proposed model. Findings are discussed in relation to additional evidence linking NFC to phenomena of intergroup hostility.
From victimhood to peace activism: The potential role of personal loss and inclusive victim beliefs
Authors: Shnabel Nurit , Belhassen Yaniv , Mor Shira
Published: May 2017

Most of the literature on collective victimhood has focused on its negative consequences for conflict resolution. Only recently has the understanding emerged that collective victimhood can also play a role in reconciliation. The present research aimed to test this recent insight in the context of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. A sample of 200 Israeli Jews who participated in the 2015 Israeli–Palestinian Memorial Day ceremony organized by the Combatants for Peace organization completed online questionnaires. In line with our predictions, personal victimization (i.e., losing a significant other due to the conflict) and inclusive victim perceptions (i.e., perceptions of a “common victim identity,” namely, similarity between the ingroup’s and the outgroup’s suffering) predicted peace activism. However, perceptions of a common perpetrator identity failed to predict activism. These results were replicated in a sample of 106 Israeli Jews who participated in the 2016 ceremony. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
The role of group size in reactions to ostracism and inclusion
Authors: Tobin Stephanie J. , McDermott Sarah , French Luke
Published: May 2017

Three experiments examined the effects of group size on reactions to ostracism and inclusion. Participants engaged in an online introduction activity with 2 or 6 other people and received likes from everyone (inclusion) or no one (ostracism). In Studies 1 and 2, group size had a significant effect on need satisfaction only when participants were ostracized, with larger groups threatening needs to a greater extent. These effects were evident during and immediately after the task, but not after a reflection period and delay. In Study 3, being ostracized by a larger group increased sadness and anger only when ostracism was public. Together, these results indicate that people react more negatively to ostracism by larger groups, but do not reap greater benefits in terms of need satisfaction or affect when included by larger groups. Implications for the ostracism literature and social media use are discussed.
Right Wing Militias, Guns, and the Technics of State Power
Authors: Obert Jonathan , Schultz Elias
Published: May 2017

Drawing inspiration from Lewis Mumford’s classic analysis of the “technics” of political organization, this article explores ways in which anti-government militias and like-minded groups frame the civic role of dissent in technological terms. For militia activists, guns are tangible artifacts that uniquely align existing social practices with an important historical tradition, enhance agency, and provide interpretive finality, while militias serve to help embed that protection and defense with participation in an organic, empowering community. To members, these participatory technics provide a seemingly democratic counter to the authoritarian logic of the federal government.
The Political Economy of Cardamom Farming in Eastern Nepal: Crop Disease, Coping Strategies, and Institutional Innovation
Authors: K. C. Sony , Upreti Bishnu Raj
Published: May 2017

This study investigated farmers’ strategies for coping with disease in large cardamom in eastern Nepal, which has undergone a tremendous decline in production. Conducting a political economy analysis on data from Ilam district, this study investigated the impact of crop disease on farmers’ livelihoods, as well as both individual and institutional efforts to combat the disease. Strategies varied by household circumstances (size of landholding, alternative income sources, and access to supporting institutions). They included burning fields, changing land use patterns, diversifying crops, and seeking institutional support. Due to weak capacity, local government support was limited to providing training and distributing new varieties of cardamom. During a crisis, farmers expect government institutions to help, especially when customary practices have not solved the problem. To protect and improve farmers’ livelihoods, institutional innovation at the community level is needed, along with policies that provide immediate and sustainable support during crises.
Classroom Microenterprises: If I Can Do It, You Can Do It!
Authors: Kearney Kelly B. , Dukes Charles
Published: May 2017

Microenterprises in the classroom provide a unique way to incorporate academic goals within transitional skill instruction for students with developmental disabilities. The purpose of this article is to discuss how the principles of microenterprises can be used by classroom teachers to practice these skills as well as an overview of how to create a microenterprise. Vignettes are used to illustrate this process.
Economic Evaluation of a Pilot School–Based Dental Checkup Program
Authors: Nguyen T.M. , Hsueh Y.-S. , Morgan M.V. , Mariño R.J. , Koshy S.
Published: May 2017

The objectives of this study were to perform an economic evaluation of a targeted school-based dental checkup program in northern metropolitan Melbourne, Victoria. A 12-mo retrospective case-control cohort analysis using the decision tree method evaluated the incremental cost-utility and cost-effectiveness ratio (ICUR/ICER) for passive standard care dental services and an outreach pilot intervention completed in 2013. A societal perspective was adopted. A total of 273 children ( n = 273) aged between 3 and 12 y met the inclusion/exclusion criteria: 128 in the standard care group and 145 in the intervention group. The total society costs included health sector costs, patient/family costs, and productivity losses in 2014 Australian dollars. Outcome measures were evaluated using quality-adjusted tooth years (QATY) and the combined deciduous and permanent decayed, missing, and filled teeth prevented (DMFT-prevented). A generic outcome variable was created to determine the impact of the intervention to reach underserved populations based on government concession eligibility (cardholder status). Uncertainties were incorporated using 95% confidence intervals. The mean total society cost per child is $463 and $291 ( P = 0.002), QATY utility difference is 0.283 and 0.293 ( P = 0.937), effectiveness difference is 0.16 and 0.10 ( P = 0.756), and cardholder status is 50.0% and 66.2% ( P = 0.007), respectively, for the standard care and intervention groups. On average per child, there was a cost saving of $172 and improvement of 0.01 QATY, with an additional proportion of 16.2% of cardholder children reached. The calculated ICER was $3,252 per DMFT-prevented. The intervention dominates standard care for QATY and per 1% cardholder reached outcome measures. Our study found the pilot checkup program was largely less costly and more effective compared with the current standard care. Further research is needed to quantify the value of outreach interventions to prevent dental caries development and progression in populations from low socioeconomic status.

Knowledge Transfer Statement: The findings of this research demonstrated that an outreach dental program can be less costly and more effective than standard models of dental care. It showed that a school-based dental checkup program is beneficial despite other opinions that dental screening is ineffective as a method to improve public dental health. There is fiscal economic evidence to support broader expansion of similar programs locally and internationally to reduce dental caries for children from low-income families.
Frontline Science: Myeloid cell-specific deletion of Cebpb decreases sepsis-induced immunosuppression in mice
Authors: McPeak Melissa B , Youssef Dima , Williams Danielle A , Pritchett Christopher L , Yao Zhi Q , McCall Charles E , El Gazzar Mohamed
Published: May 2017

Sepsis inflammation accelerates myeloid cell generation to compensate for rapid mobilization of the myeloid progenitors from bone marrow. This inflammation-driven myelopoiesis, however, generates myeloid progenitors with immunosuppressive functions that are unable to differentiate into mature, innate immune cells. The myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) expand markedly in the later phases of sepsis, suppress both innate and adaptive immunity, and thus, elevate mortality. Using a murine model with myeloid-restricted deletion of the C/EBPβ transcription factor, we show that sepsis-induced generation of MDSCs depends on C/EBPβ. C/EBPβ myeloid cell–deficient mice did not generate MDSCs or develop immunosuppression and survived sepsis. However, septic mice still generated Gr1+CD11b+ myeloid progenitors at the steady-state levels similar to the control sham mice, suggesting that C/EBPβ is not involved in healthy, steady-state myelopoiesis. C/EBPβ-deficient Gr1+CD11b+ cells generated fewer monocyte- and granulocyte-like colonies than control mice did, indicating reduced proliferation potential, but differentiated normally in response to growth factors. Adoptive transfer of C/EBPβ-deficient Gr1+CD11b+ cells from late septic mice exacerbated inflammation in control mice undergoing early sepsis, confirming they were not immunosuppressive. These results show that C/EBPβ directs a switch from proinflammatory to repressor myeloid cells and identifies a novel treatment target.