bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study Between the Wingate and Force–Velocity Anaerobic Cycling Tests: Effect of Physical Fitness
Authors: Jaafar Hamdi , Rouis Majdi , Attiogbé Elvis , Vandewalle Henry , Driss Tarak
Published: April 2015

Purpose:

To verify the hypothesis that the peak power (PP) of a Wingate test (WT) is an underestimation of maximal power (Pmax) computed from the force–velocity test (FVT), to examine possible fatigue effect on Pmax, and to investigate the effect of load on mean power (MP) and fatigue index (FI) during a WT in trained and recreational men.

Methods:

Ten recreational (22.9 ± 1.7 y, 1.81 ± 0.06 m, 73.3 ± 10.4 kg) and 10 highly trained subjects (22.7 ± 1.4 y, 1.85 ± 0.05 m, 78.9 ± 6.6 kg) performed 2 WTs with 2 loads (8.7% and 11% of body mass [BM]) and an FVT on the same cycle ergometer, in randomized order.

Results:

Optimal load was equal to 10% BM in recreational participants. Given the quadratic relationship between load and power, the underestimation of Pmax was lower than 10% for the average values of trained and recreational participants with both loads. However, PP with a load equal to 8.7% BM was a large underestimation (~30%) of Pmax in the most powerful individuals. In addition, PP was not greater than Pmax of FVT for the same load. FI was independent of the load only if it was expressed relative to PP. The optimal load for MP during WT was close to the optimal load for PP.

Conclusions:

The optimal load for WT performance should be approximately equal to 10% BM in recreational subjects. In powerful subjects, the FVT appears to be more appropriate in assessing maximal power, and loads higher than 11% BM should be verified for the WT.
Reproducibility in science
Authors: Yaffe Michael B.
Published: April 2015

Multiple sources can lead to issues with reproducibility and reliability in scientific data.
G protein–independent MC4R signaling
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: April 2015

MC4R controls appetite by modulating potassium channel activity.
Colonization of Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase- and NDM-1-Producing Enterobacteriaceae among Pregnant Women in the Community in a Low-Income Country: a Potential Reservoir for Transmission of Multiresistant Enterobacteriaceae to Neonates
Authors: Chereau Fanny , Herindrainy Perlinot , Garin Benoit , Huynh Bich-Tram , Randrianirina Frederique , Padget Michael , Piola Patrice , Guillemot Didier , Delarocque-Astagneau Elisabeth
Published: April 2015

The spread of extended-spectrum-β-lactamase-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
(ESBL-PE) in low-income countries, where the burden of neonatal sepsis is high, may have a serious impact on neonatal mortality rates. Given the potential for mother-to-child transmission of multiresistant bacteria, this study investigated the ESBL-PE rectal colonization among pregnant women at delivery in the community in Madagascar and estimated a prevalence of 18.5% (95% confidence interval, 14.5% to 22.6%). One strain of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolated was also a New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) producer.
Commensal Streptococci Serve as a Reservoir for β-Lactam Resistance Genes in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Jensen Anders , Valdórsson Oskar , Frimodt-Møller Niels , Hollingshead Susan , Kilian Mogens
Published: April 2015

Streptococcus pneumoniae
is a leading cause of pneumonia, meningitis, septicemia, and middle ear infections. The incidence of
S. pneumoniae
isolates that are not susceptible to penicillin has risen worldwide and may be above 20% in some countries. Beta-lactam antibiotic resistance in pneumococci is associated with significant sequence polymorphism in penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). Commensal streptococci, especially
S. mitis
and
S. oralis
, have been identified as putative donors of mutated gene fragments. However, no studies have compared sequences of the involved
pbp
genes in large collections of commensal streptococci with those of
S. pneumoniae
. We therefore investigated the sequence diversity of the transpeptidase region of the three
pbp
genes,
pbp2x
,
pbp2b
, and
pbp1a
in 107, 96, and 88 susceptible and nonsusceptible strains of commensal streptococci, respectively, at the nucleotide and amino acid levels to determine to what extent homologous recombination between commensal streptococci and
S. pneumoniae
plays a role in the development of beta-lactam resistance in
S. pneumoniae
. In contrast to pneumococci, extensive sequence variation in the transpeptidase region of
pbp2x
,
pbp2b
, and
pbp1a
was observed in both susceptible and nonsusceptible strains of commensal streptococci, conceivably reflecting the genetic diversity of the many evolutionary lineages of commensal streptococci combined with the recombination events occurring with intra- and interspecies homologues. Our data support the notion that resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics in pneumococci is due to sequences acquired from commensal Mitis group streptococci, especially
S. mitis
. However, several amino acid alterations previously linked to beta-lactam resistance in pneumococci appear to represent species signatures of the donor strain rather than being causal of resistance.
Clinical and Microbiologic Analysis of the Risk Factors for Mortality in Patients with Heterogeneous Vancomycin-Intermediate Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia
Authors: Chong Yong Pil , Park Ki-Ho , Kim Eun Sil , Kim Mi-Na , Kim Sung-Han , Lee Sang-Oh , Choi Sang-Ho , Jeong Jin-Yong , Woo Jun Hee , Kim Yang Soo
Published: April 2015

The prevalence of the heterogeneous vancomycin-intermediate
Staphylococcus aureus
(hVISA) phenotype among methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) blood isolates can reach 38%. hVISA bacteremia is known to be associated with vancomycin treatment failure, including persistent bacteremia. We conducted this study to evaluate risk factors for 12-week mortality in patients with hVISA bacteremia through a detailed clinical and microbiological analysis of a prospective cohort of patients with
S. aureus
bacteremia. All isolates were collected on the first day of bacteremia and subjected to population analysis profiling for hVISA detection, genotyping, and PCR analysis for 39 virulence factors. Of 382 patient with MRSA bacteremia, 121 (32%) had hVISA bacteremia. Deceased patients were more likely to have hematologic malignancy (
P
= 0.033), ultimately or rapidly fatal disease (
P
= 0.007), and a higher Pitt bacteremia score (
P
= 0.010) than surviving patients. The sequence type 239 (ST239) clonal type and definitive linezolid treatment were associated with a trend toward reduced mortality (
P
= 0.061 and 0.072, respectively), but a high vancomycin MIC (≥2 mg/liter) was not associated with increased mortality (
P
= 0.368). In a multivariate analysis, ultimately or rapidly fatal disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14 to 6.85) and a high Pitt bacteremia score (aOR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.48) were independent risk factors for mortality. Hematologic malignancy was associated with a trend toward increased mortality (
P
= 0.094), and ST239 was associated with a trend toward reduced mortality (
P
= 0.095). Our study suggests that ST239 hVISA is a possible predictor of survival in hVISA bacteremia.
Ceftazidime-Avibactam Activity against Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated in U.S. Medical Centers in 2012 and 2013
Authors: Sader Helio S. , Castanheira Mariana , Mendes Rodrigo E. , Flamm Robert K. , Farrell David J. , Jones Ronald N.
Published: April 2015

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates (
n
= 3,902) from 75 U.S. medical centers were tested against ceftazidime-avibactam and comparator agents by the reference broth microdilution method. Overall, 96.9% of the strains were susceptible (MIC, ≤8 μg/ml) to ceftazidime-avibactam, while the rates of susceptibility for ceftazidime, meropenem, and piperacillin-tazobactam were 83.8, 81.9, and 78.5%, respectively. Multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant phenotypes were observed in 14.9 and 8.7% of the strains, respectively, and 81.0 and 73.7% of the strains were susceptible to ceftazidime-avibactam, respectively.
Draft Genome Sequence of Neurospora crassa Strain FGSC 73
Authors: Baker Scott E. , Schackwitz Wendy , Lipzen Anna , Martin Joel , Haridas Sajeet , LaButti Kurt , Grigoriev Igor V. , Simmons Blake A. , McCluskey Kevin
Published: April 2015

We report the elucidation of the complete genome of the
Neurospora crassa
(Shear and Dodge) strain FGSC 73, a
mat-a
,
trp-3
mutant strain. The genome sequence around the idiotypic mating type locus represents the only publicly available sequence for a
mat-a
strain. 40.42 Megabases are assembled into 358 scaffolds carrying 11,978 gene models.
High-Quality Draft Genome Sequence of Actinobacterium Kibdelosporangium sp. MJ126-NF4, Producer of Type II Polyketide Azicemicins, Using Illumina and PacBio Technologies
Authors: Ogasawara Yasushi , Torrez-Martinez Norah , Aragon Anthony D. , Yackley Benjamin J. , Weber Jessica A. , Sundararajan Anitha , Ramaraj Thiruvarangan , Edwards Jeremy S. , Melançon Charles E.
Published: April 2015

Here, we report the high-quality draft genome sequence of actinobacterium Kibdelosporangium sp. MJ126-NF4, producer of the type II polyketide azicemicins, obtained using Illumina and PacBio sequencing technologies. The 11.75-Mbp genome contains >11,000 genes and 22 polyketide and nonribosomal peptide natural product gene clusters.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Tomato Mottle Mosaic Virus Isolate from the United States
Authors: Fillmer Kornelia , Adkins Scott , Pongam Patchara , D’Elia Tom
Published: April 2015

Tomato mottle mosaic virus was recently reported from the United States following its original description from Mexico as a novel
Tobamovirus
species. We present the first complete genome sequence of a tomato mottle mosaic virus isolate from the United States.
Draft Whole-Genome Sequences of 14 Vibrio parahaemolyticus Clinical Isolates with an Ambiguous K Serogroup
Authors: Ronholm J. , Petronella N. , Kenwell R. , Banerjee S.
Published: April 2015

Vibrio parahaemolyticus
is a bacterial pathogen responsible for mild to severe gastroenteritis, wound infections, and septicemia resulting from the ingestion or handling of raw or undercooked contaminated seafood. Here, we report the draft whole-genome sequences and annotations of 14 Canadian
V. parahaemolyticus
clinical isolates that were serologically identified as K group II using polyvalent antisera but were not specifically K serogrouped using monovalent antisera.
Inactivation of the Antifungal and Immunomodulatory Properties of Human Cathelicidin LL-37 by Aspartic Proteases Produced by the Pathogenic Yeast Candida albicans
Authors: Rapala-Kozik Maria , Bochenska Oliwia , Zawrotniak Marcin , Wolak Natalia , Trebacz Grzegorz , Gogol Mariusz , Ostrowska Dominika , Aoki Wataru , Ueda Mitsuyoshi , Kozik Andrzej
Published: April 2015

Constant cross talk between
Candida albicans
yeast cells and their human host determines the outcome of fungal colonization and, eventually, the progress of infectious disease (candidiasis). An effective weapon used by
C. albicans
to cope with the host defense system is the release of 10 distinct secreted aspartic proteases (SAPs). Here, we validate a hypothesis that neutrophils and epithelial cells use the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 to inactivate
C. albicans
at sites of candidal infection and that
C. albicans
uses SAPs to effectively degrade LL-37. LL-37 is cleaved into multiple products by SAP1 to -4, SAP8, and SAP9, and this proteolytic processing is correlated with the gradual decrease in the antifungal activity of LL-37. Moreover, a major intermediate of LL-37 cleavage—the LL-25 peptide—is antifungal but devoid of the immunomodulatory properties of LL-37. In contrast to LL-37, LL-25 did not affect the generation of reactive oxygen species by neutrophils upon treatment with phorbol esters. Stimulating neutrophils with LL-25 (rather than LL-37) significantly decreased calcium flux and interleukin-8 production, resulting in lower chemotactic activity of the peptide against neutrophils, which may decrease the recruitment of neutrophils to infection foci. LL-25 also lost the function of LL-37 as an inhibitor of neutrophil apoptosis, thereby reducing the life span of these defense cells. This study indicates that
C. albicans
can effectively use aspartic proteases to destroy the antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties of LL-37, thus enabling the pathogen to survive and propagate.
Methenyl-Dephosphotetrahydromethanopterin Is a Regulatory Signal for Acclimation to Changes in Substrate Availability in Methylobacterium extorquens AM1
Authors: Martinez-Gomez N. Cecilia , Good Nathan M. , Lidstrom Mary E.
Published: April 2015

During an environmental perturbation, the survival of a cell and its response to the perturbation depend on both the robustness and functionality of the metabolic network. The regulatory mechanisms that allow the facultative methylotrophic bacterium
Methylobacterium extorquens
AM1 to effect the metabolic transition from succinate to methanol growth are not well understood. Methenyl-dephosphotetrahydromethanopterin (methenyl-dH
4
MPT), an early intermediate during methanol metabolism, transiently accumulated 7- to 11-fold after addition of methanol to a succinate-limited culture. This accumulation partially inhibited the activity of the methylene-H
4
MPT dehydrogenase, MtdA, restricting carbon flux to the assimilation cycles. A strain overexpressing the gene (
mch
) encoding the enzyme that consumes methenyl-dH
4
MPT did not accumulate methenyl-dH
4
MPT and had a growth rate that was 2.7-fold lower than that of the wild type. This growth defect demonstrates the physiological relevance of this enzymatic regulatory mechanism during the acclimation period. Changes in metabolites and enzymatic activities were analyzed in the strain overexpressing
mch
. Under these conditions, the activity of the enzyme coupling formaldehyde with dH
4
MPT (Fae) remained constant, with concomitant formaldehyde accumulation. Release of methenyl-dH
4
MPT regulation did not affect the induction of the serine cycle enzyme activities immediately after methanol addition, but after 1 h, the activity of these enzymes decreased, likely due to the toxicity of formaldehyde accumulation. Our results support the hypothesis that in a changing environment, the transient accumulation of methenyl-dH
4
MPT and inhibition of MtdA activity are strategies that permit flexibility and acclimation of the metabolic network while preventing the accumulation of the toxic compound formaldehyde.

IMPORTANCE
The identification and characterization of regulatory mechanisms for methylotrophy are in the early stages. We report a nontranscriptional regulatory mechanism that was found to operate as an immediate response for acclimation during changes in substrate availability. Methenyl-dH
4
MPT, an early intermediate during methanol oxidation, reversibly inhibits the methylene-H
4
MPT dehydrogenase, MtdA, when
Methylobacterium extorquens
is challenged to switch from succinate to methanol growth. Bypassing this regulatory mechanism causes formaldehyde to accumulate. Fae, the enzyme catalyzing the conversion of formaldehyde to methylene-dH
4
MPT, was also identified as another potential regulatory target using this strategy. The results herein further our understanding of the complex regulatory network in methylotrophy and will allow us to improve metabolic engineering strategies of methylotrophs for the production of value-added products.
Gamification as an Intervention Method in Practice-Based Innovation
Authors: Hyypiä Mirva , Parjanen Satu
Published: April 2015

This paper concentrates on the possibilities offered by gamification in practice-based innovation activities. It addresses the following research questions: How does gamification enhance creativity in practice-based innovation? How can gamification be modified into a method that facilitates experiences of gamefulness? A case study presented in the paper examines the impact of gamification in co-creating a value-adding network for open innovation processes between organizations. The results indicate that gamification can be developed into a successful method that enhances creativity and interaction among collaborators.
Is More News Good News? Media Coverage of CEOs, Firm Value, and Rent Extraction
Authors: Nguyen Bang Dang
Published: April 2015

This paper provides empirical evidence that media coverage of CEOs, a channel of investor recognition, significantly increases firm value, measured by Tobin’s q. The result is robust to alternative econometric methods and checks of causality. Firms with the highest level of CEO media coverage and positive coverage outperform those with the lowest levels by 8% and 7% per year, respectively, in abnormal stock returns. Media coverage also impacts CEO rent extraction through compensation. Subsequent total pay rise is 4.1% above and beyond what CEOs obtain from the increase in firm value that arises due to media coverage.
Management of Ovarian Cancer in 14th Gestational Week of Pregnancy by Robotic Approach with Preservation of the Fetus
Authors: Chen Ching-Hui , Chiu Li-Hsuan , Chan Cindy , Liu Wei-Min
Published: April 2015

The objective of this study is to present a rare case of pregnancy complicated with ovarian cancer managed by robotic surgery. A 36-year-old woman suffered from sudden onset of lower abdominal pain during her pregnancy at 14 weeks of gestation. As malignancy was highly suspected, left salpingo-oophorectomy, bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection, and omentectomy were performed by robotic approach. The uterus and fetus were preserved. After surgery, 5 courses of carboplatin and paclitaxel were given, and the patient was delivered by cesarean section at 37 weeks of pregnancy. Follow-up at 18 months showed no signs of cancer recurrence. As there is limited report of pregnancy complicated with ovarian cancer managed by robotic surgery, we provide this rare case and suggest that surgical staging for ovarian malignancy can be safely accomplished by robotic approach at 14 weeks of pregnancy.
A New Method to Measure the Subpubic Arch Angle Using 3-D Ultrasound
Authors: Ghi Tullio , Youssef Aly , Martelli Federica , Montaguti Elisa , Krsmanovic Jovana , Pacella Giuseppina , Pilu Gianluigi , Rizzo Nicola , Gabrielli Sandro
Published: April 2015

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the reproducibility of both a new contrast-enhancing technique (Oblique View eXtended Imaging, OVIX; Samsung) and the recently reported 3-D multiplanar technique (MPT) in the measurement of the subpubic angle (SPA) among a group of women at term gestation. In addition, we aimed to study the intermethod agreement between the OVIX technique and MPT. Methods: We acquired a transperineal 3-D ultrasound volume from 155 women with a singleton uncomplicated term pregnancy before the onset of labor. Each 3-D dataset was analyzed by the MPT and OVIX algorithm. The angle formed by the lower edges of the pubic rami (SPA) was measured twice by an operator and once by another operator for each technique in order to assess intra- and interobserver reproducibility. Reproducibility and intermethod agreement were studied by means of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman method. Results: SPA measurements performed with OVIX showed high intraobserver [ICC 0.912, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.882-0.935] and good interobserver (ICC 0.791, 95% CI 0.724-0.844) agreement, while those measured with MPT showed moderate intraobserver (ICC 0.573, 95% CI 0.457-0.670) and good interobserver (ICC 0.640, 95% CI 0.537-0.724) agreement. Whereas the intermethod analysis showed good agreement between the MPT and the OVIX techniques (ICC 0.614, 95% CI 0.414-0.757), the SPA measured by MPT were significantly wider than those measured by OVIX (125 ± 12 vs. 120 ± 11°, p = 0.006). Conclusions: OVIX is a reliable technique for SPA measurement. MPT overestimates the SPA in comparison with OVIX. Further studies are needed to assess its clinical utility.
Serum Sodium Levels and Patient Outcomes in an Ambulatory Clinic-Based Chronic Kidney Disease Cohort
Authors: Han Sang-Woong , Tilea Anca , Gillespie Brenda W. , Finkelstein Fredric O. , Kiser Margaret A. , Eisele George , Kotanko Peter , Levin Nathan , Saran Rajiv
Published: April 2015

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are prone to both hypo- and hypernatremia. Little has been published on the epidemiology of hypo- and hypernatremia in ambulatory patients with non-dialysis CKD. Methods: Data collected in two contemporaneous CKD cohort studies, the Renal Research Institute (RRI)-CKD study (n = 834) and the Study of Treatment of Renal Insufficiency: Data and Evaluation (STRIDE) (n = 1,348) were combined and analyzed to study the association between serum sodium (Na+) and clinical outcomes. Results: Baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and Na+ were 26 ± 11 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 140.2 ± 3.4 mEq/l, respectively. The prevalence of Na+ ≤135 mEq/l and ≥144 mEq/l was 6 and 16%, respectively. Higher baseline Na+ was significantly associated with male sex, older age, systolic blood pressure, BMI, serum albumin, presence of heart failure, and lower eGFR. The risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) was marginally significantly higher among patients with Na+ ≤135 mEq/l, compared with 140< Na+ <144 mEq/l (referent), in time-dependent models (adjusted hazard ratio, HR = 1.52, p = 0.06). Mortality risk was significantly greater at 135< Na+ ≤140 mEq/l (adjusted HR = 1.68, p = 0.02) and Na+ ≥144 mEq/l (adjusted HR = 2.01, p = 0.01). Conclusion: CKD patients with Na+ ≤135 mEq/l were at a higher risk for progression to ESRD, whereas both lower and higher Na+ levels were associated with a higher risk of mortality. While caring for CKD patients, greater attention to serum sodium levels by clinicians is warranted and could potentially help improve patient outcomes.
A New Nomenclature of Xenopus laevis Chromosomes Based on the Phylogenetic Relationship to Silurana/Xenopus tropicalis
Authors: Matsuda Yoichi , Uno Yoshinobu , Kondo Mariko , Gilchrist Michael J. , Zorn Aaron M. , Rokhsar Daniel S. , Schmid Michael , Taira Masanori
Published: April 2015

Xenopus laevis (XLA) is an allotetraploid species which appears to have undergone whole-genome duplication after the interspecific hybridization of 2 diploid species closely related to Silurana/Xenopus tropicalis (XTR). Previous cDNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) experiments have identified 9 sets of homoeologous chromosomes in X. laevis, in which 8 sets correspond to chromosomes 1-8 of X. tropicalis (XTR1-XTR8), and the last set corresponds to a fusion of XTR9 and XTR10. In addition, recent X. laevis genome sequencing and BAC-FISH experiments support this physiological relationship and show no gross chromosome translocation in the X. laevis karyotype. Therefore, for the benefit of both comparative cytogenetics and genome research, we here propose a new chromosome nomenclature for X. laevis based on the phylogenetic relationship and chromosome length, i.e. XLA1L, XLA1S, XLA2L, XLA2S, and so on, in which the numbering of XLA chromosomes corresponds to that in X. tropicalis and the postfixes ‘L' and ‘S' stand for ‘long' and ‘short' chromosomes in the homoeologous pairs, which can be distinguished cytologically by their relative size. The last chromosome set is named XLA9L and XLA9S, in which XLA9 corresponds to both XTR9 and XTR10, and hence, to emphasize the phylogenetic relationship to X. tropicalis, XLA9_10L and XLA9_10S are also used as synonyms.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest During Sports Activity in Middle Age
Authors: Marijon Eloi , Uy-Evanado Audrey , Reinier Kyndaron , Teodorescu Carmen , Narayanan Kumar , Jouven Xavier , Gunson Karen , Jui Jonathan , Chugh Sumeet S.
Published: April 2015

Background—

Sports-associated sudden cardiac arrests (SCAs) occur mostly during middle age. We sought to determine the burden, characteristics, and outcomes of SCA during sports among middle-aged residents of a large US community.

Methods and Results—

Patients with SCA who were 35 to 65 years of age were identified in a large, prospective, population-based study (2002–2013), with systematic and comprehensive assessment of their lifetime medical history. Of the 1247 SCA cases, 63 (5%) occurred during sports activities at a mean age of 51.1±8.8 years, yielding an incidence of 21.7 (95% confidence interval, 8.1–35.4) per 1 million per year. The incidence varied significantly by sex, with a higher incidence among men (relative risk, 18.68; 95% confidence interval, 2.50–139.56) for sports SCAs compared with all other SCAs (relative risk 2.58; 95% confidence interval, 2.12–3.13). Sports SCA was also more likely to be a witnessed event (87% versus 53%;
P
<0.001) with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (44% versus 25%;
P
=0.001) and ventricular fibrillation (84% versus 51%;
P
<0.0001). Survival to hospital discharge was higher for sports-associated SCA (23.2% versus 13.6%;
P
=0.04). Sports SCA cases presented with known preexisting cardiac disease in 16% and ≥1 cardiovascular risk factors in 56%, and overall, 36% of cases had typical cardiovascular symptoms during the week preceding the SCA.

Conclusions—

Sports-associated SCA in middle age represents a relatively small proportion of the overall SCA burden, reinforcing the idea of the high-benefit, low-risk nature of sports activity. Especially in light of current population aging trends, our findings emphasize that targeted education could maximize both safety and acceptance of sports activity in the older athlete.
Rapid Context-based Identification of Target Sounds in an Auditory Scene
Authors: Gamble Marissa L. , Woldorff Marty G.
Published: April 2015

To make sense of our dynamic and complex auditory environment, we must be able to parse the sensory input into usable parts and pick out relevant sounds from all the potentially distracting auditory information. Although it is unclear exactly how we accomplish this difficult task, Gamble and Woldorff [Gamble, M. L., & Woldorff, M. G. The temporal cascade of neural processes underlying target detection and attentional processing during auditory search. Cerebral Cortex (New York, N.Y.: 1991), 2014] recently reported an ERP study of an auditory target-search task in a temporally and spatially distributed, rapidly presented, auditory scene. They reported an early, differential, bilateral activation (beginning at 60 msec) between feature-deviating target stimuli and physically equivalent feature-deviating nontargets, reflecting a rapid target detection process. This was followed shortly later (at 130 msec) by the lateralized N2ac ERP activation, that reflects the focusing of auditory spatial attention toward the target sound and parallels the attentional-shifting processes widely studied in vision. Here we directly examined the early, bilateral, target-selective effect to better understand its nature and functional role. Participants listened to midline-presented sounds that included target and nontarget stimuli that were randomly either embedded in a brief rapid stream or presented alone. The results indicate that this early bilateral effect results from a template for the target that utilizes its feature deviancy within a stream to enable rapid identification. Moreover, individual-differences analysis showed that the size of this effect was larger for participants with faster RTs. The findings support the hypothesis that our auditory attentional systems can implement and utilize a context-based relational template for a target sound, making use of additional auditory information in the environment when needing to rapidly detect a relevant sound.
Early Visual Word Processing Is Flexible: Evidence from Spatiotemporal Brain Dynamics
Authors: Chen Yuanyuan , Davis Matthew H. , Pulvermüller Friedemann , Hauk Olaf
Published: April 2015

Visual word recognition is often described as automatic, but the functional locus of top–down effects is still a matter of debate. Do task demands modulate how information is retrieved, or only how it is used? We used EEG/MEG recordings to assess whether, when, and how task contexts modify early retrieval of specific psycholinguistic information in occipitotemporal cortex, an area likely to contribute to early stages of visual word processing. Using a parametric approach, we analyzed the spatiotemporal response patterns of occipitotemporal cortex for orthographic, lexical, and semantic variables in three psycholinguistic tasks: silent reading, lexical decision, and semantic decision. Task modulation of word frequency and imageability effects occurred simultaneously in ventral occipitotemporal regions—in the vicinity of the putative visual word form area—around 160 msec, following task effects on orthographic typicality around 100 msec. Frequency and typicality also produced task-independent effects in anterior temporal lobe regions after 200 msec. The early task modulation for several specific psycholinguistic variables indicates that occipitotemporal areas integrate perceptual input with prior knowledge in a task-dependent manner. Still, later task-independent effects in anterior temporal lobes suggest that word recognition eventually leads to retrieval of semantic information irrespective of task demands. We conclude that even a highly overlearned visual task like word recognition should be described as flexible rather than automatic.
Jesus as his Friends Remembered Him
Authors: Rodríguez Rafael
Published: April 2015

Despite considerable variation in its details, historical Jesus scholarship has largely depended on refining and employing the criteria of authenticity in order to differentiate authentic from secondary material in the Jesus tradition. Dale Allison has expressed doubts concerning the criteria and their usefulness for producing knowledge of the historical figure of Jesus. His recent volume, Constructing Jesus, sets out to explore a different route for discussing the historical Jesus, one that accounts for recent psychological and sociological discussions of memory. This essay briefly describes the new shape of historical Jesus scholarship and then summarizes Allison’s central arguments and asks some questions raised by those arguments.
Response to Rafael Rodríguez, ‘Jesus as his Friends Remembered Him
Authors: Allison Dale C.
Published: April 2015

This article responds to Raphael Rodríguez's discussion of my book, Constructing Jesus.

For the most part, his appreciative description of my contribution and aims is accurate. Three points, however, call for further clarification. The first has to do with the extent to which human memory is reliable—I am less sanguine than is Rodríguez—and the ways in which modern cognitive studies should affect Jesus research. The second concerns whether or not my method can be formalized—I do not think it can be—and thus commended to others. The third has to do with the larger goals of my volume, which are misunderstood if one fails to see that the book quite consciously restricts itself to a small number of topics.
Rhagovelia of Madagascar and adjacent Indian Ocean islands (Heteroptera: Veliidae), Part 2: Revision of the tesari species group
Authors: Polhemus Dan A. , Andersen Nils Möller
Published: April 2015

Riffle bugs in the genus Rhagovelia have diversified extensively on the island of Madagascar. The current paper defines and segregates a distinct set of species within this endemic assemblage as the tesari species-group, containing the previously described species R. tesari Hoberlandt, R. adrienneaebrasili Poisson, R. hovana Hoberlandt, R. abalienata Hoberlandt, R. tsaratananae Poisson, and R. mohelii Poisson (originally described as a subspecies of R. tesari but here raised to full species status), as well as the following 13 new species described herein: R. aquacola n. sp., R. ambra n. sp., and R. sahabe n. sp. from northern Madagascar; R. mandraka n. sp., R. faratsihoi n. sp., and R. wenzeli n. sp. from central Madagascar; R. enckelli n. sp., R. takona n. sp., R. manga n. sp., R. brincki n. sp., and R. sandoka n. sp. from eastern Madagascar; R. andringitrae n. sp. from south-central Madagascar; and R. mondena n. sp. from southeastern Madagascar. Rhagovelia tesari flavomarginata
Hoberlandt 1951 is synonymized under R. adrienneaebrasili
Poisson 1945. Figures of key morphological characters, including male parameres are provided for all species, accompanied by distribution maps.
When Fascism Became Mainstream: The Challenge of Extremism in Times of Crisis
Authors: Kallis Aristotle
Published: April 2015

In the years between the two world wars a fledgling radical force that we today call ‘fascism’ was transformed from a tiny fringe movement into a dominant international political paradigm that challenged liberal ‘mainstream’ values and violently reversed decades of progressive change. Fascism’s spectacular and devastating success underlined how limited, resented, and reversible the alleged liberal consensus was in large parts of Europe during the interwar years; and how much demand for radical ultranationalist and authoritarian alternatives lay just below the fragile veneer of the liberal-democratic mainstream. The worldwide economic crisis was a catalyst for, rather than the primary cause of, this transformation, revealing and legitimising strong pre-existing concerns and resentments, both among the elites and public opinion.

What is the relevance of this sombre historical precedent for contemporary Europe, haunted by perceptions of unprecedented existential, economic, and identity crises? How robust is the current mainstream consensus around liberal values and what kind of challenge does the continuing popularity of the radical populist right pose for ‘mainstream’ politics and society? More importantly, even if the new radical right still commands minority – though growing – support, are some of its extreme discourses becoming normalised and embedded into the mainstream?
Italian Cinema and the Fascist Past: Tracing Memory Amnesia
Authors: Lichtner Giacomo
Published: April 2015

In Italy, cinema has contributed to constructing a paradox of memory in which the rememberer is asked to prevent past mistakes from happening again and yet is encouraged to forget what those mistakes were, or that they ever even took place. Through an examination of the long-term trends in Italian cinema about the Fascist period, this article explores its recurrent tropes alongside its recurrent absences, isolating in particular the act of killing and Italy’s African Empire as crucial absences in Italy’s memory. The dominant narrative of italiani brava gente explains popular amnesia and institutional silences that still surround the darkest and bloodiest pages in Italy’s history. From the narratives of innocence and sacrifice that populate the canon of Italian film about Fascism to the sanitised representations of Italy’s wars of aggression or the boycott of Moustapha Akkad’s The Lion of the Desert (1981), this paper argues that recurrent presences and absences in Italy’s cinematic memories of the long Second World War have not been random but coherent, cogent and consistent.
Youth Ministry Called 'To Behold' the Young
Authors: Vallabaraj Jerome
Published: April 2015

In this article, jerome Vallabaraj lays down some foundations for the emergence of youth ministry practice. The core motivation of our ministry is explored from a pastoral perspective. This paper was first given at the IASYM Conference, Pune in ovember 2004.
Aerosol–Stratocumulus–Radiation Interactions over the Southeast Pacific
Authors: Chen Guoxing , Wang Wei-Chyung , Chen Jen-Ping
Published: April 2015

Atmosphere–ocean general circulation models tend to underestimate the solar radiative forcing by stratocumulus over the southeast Pacific, contributing to a warm sea surface temperature (SST) bias. The underestimation may be caused by biases in either macro- or micro- (or both) physical properties of clouds. This study used the WRF Model (incorporated with a physics-based two-moment cloud microphysical scheme) together with the 2008 Variability of the American Monsoon Systems Ocean–Cloud–Atmosphere–Land Study (VOCALS) field observations to investigate the effects of anthropogenic aerosols on the stratocumulus properties and their subsequent effects on the surface radiation balance. The effects were studied by comparing two cases: a control case with the anthropogenic aerosols and a sensitivity case without the anthropogenic aerosols. Results show that the control case produced cloud properties comparable with the measurements by aircraft and that aerosol–cloud microphysical interactions play an important role in regulating solar cloud radiative forcing. As expected, the anthropogenic aerosols increase the cloud droplet number and decrease the cloud droplet size, resulting in an enhancement of solar cloud radiative forcing and a reduction in solar radiation reaching the sea surface, up to a maximum of about 30 W m−2 near the coast. Results also show that aerosol–cloud microphysics–radiation interactions are sensitive to cloud fraction, thus highlighting the role of cloud diurnal variation in studying the cloud–radiation interactions. Analysis of the high-resolution (3 km) model simulations reveals that there exists an inherent scale dependence of aerosol–cloud–radiation interactions, with coarser horizontal resolution yielding a weaker variability.
Tree-Ring Amplification of the Early Nineteenth-Century Summer Cooling in Central Europea
Authors: Büntgen Ulf , Trnka Miroslav , Krusic Paul J. , Kyncl Tomáš , Kyncl Josef , Luterbacher Jürg , Zorita Eduardo , Ljungqvist Fredrik Charpentier , Auer Ingeborg , Konter Oliver , Schneider Lea , Tegel Willy , Štěpánek Petr , Brönnimann Stefan , Hellmann Lena , Nievergelt Daniel , Esper Jan
Published: April 2015

Annually resolved and absolutely dated tree-ring chronologies are the most important proxy archives to reconstruct climate variability over centuries to millennia. However, the suitability of tree-ring chronologies to reflect the “true” spectral properties of past changes in temperature and hydroclimate has recently been debated. At issue is the accurate quantification of temperature differences between early nineteenth-century cooling and recent warming. In this regard, central Europe (CEU) offers the unique opportunity to compare evidence from instrumental measurements, paleomodel simulations, and proxy reconstructions covering both the exceptionally hot summer of 2003 and the year without summer in 1816. This study uses 565 Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra) ring width samples from high-elevation sites in the Slovakian Tatra Mountains and Austrian Alps to reconstruct CEU summer temperatures over the past three centuries. This new temperature history is compared to different sets of instrumental measurements and state-of-the-art climate model simulations. All records independently reveal the coolest conditions in the 1810s and warmest after 1996, but the ring width–based reconstruction overestimates the intensity and duration of the early nineteenth-century summer cooling by approximately 1.5°C at decadal scales. This proxy-specific deviation is most likely triggered by inflated biological memory in response to reduced warm season temperature, together with changes in radiation and precipitation following the Tambora eruption in April 1815. While suggesting there exists a specific limitation in ring width chronologies to capture abrupt climate perturbations with increased climate system inertia, the results underline the importance of alternative dendrochronological and wood anatomical parameters, including stable isotopes and maximum density, to assess the frequency and severity of climatic extremes.
Storm-Scale Data Assimilation and Ensemble Forecasts for the 27 April 2011 Severe Weather Outbreak in Alabama
Authors: Yussouf Nusrat , Dowell David C. , Wicker Louis J. , Knopfmeier Kent H. , Wheatley Dustan M.
Published: April 2015

As part of NOAA’s Warn-on-Forecast (WoF) initiative, a multiscale ensemble-based assimilation and prediction system is developed using the WRF-ARW model and DART assimilation software. To evaluate the capabilities of the system, retrospective short-range probabilistic storm-scale (convection allowing) ensemble analyses and forecasts are produced for the 27 April 2011 Alabama severe weather outbreak. Results indicate that the storm-scale ensembles are able to analyze the observed storms with strong low-level rotation at approximately the correct locations and to retain the supercell structures during the 0–1-h forecasts with reasonable accuracy. The system predicts the low-level mesocyclones of significant isolated tornadic supercells that align well with the locations of radar-derived rotation. For cases with multiple interacting storms in close proximity, the system tends to produce more variability in mesocyclone forecasts from one initialization time to the next until the observations show the dominance of one of the cells. The short-range ensemble probabilistic forecasts obtained from this continuous 5-min storm-scale 6-h-long update system demonstrate the potential of a frequently updated, high-resolution NWP system that could be used to extend severe weather warning lead times. This study also demonstrates the challenges associated with developing a WoF-type system. The results motivate future work to reduce model errors associated with storm motion and spurious cells, and to design storm-scale ensembles that better represent typical 1-h forecast errors.
Communities of practice: Exploring enablers and barriers with school health clinicians
Authors: Roberts Gwenyth I.
Published: April 2015

Background.

It is imperative that therapists keep pace with relevant knowledge and reflect on their practice. Community of practice (CoP) sessions provide clinicians with a forum to share stories, exchange information, and foster scholarly practice. Studies on CoPs in health care are limited.

Purpose.

The purpose of this study was to explore the enablers and barriers to participation in CoPs.

Method.

Occupational therapists and physiotherapists in a school health program participated in a questionnaire ( n = 18) and semi-structured interviews ( n = 14). Analyses were completed using descriptive statistics (questionnaires) and interpretative phenomenological analysis (interviews).

Findings.

Six themes describing participation in CoPs emerged: structure–engagement, learning, growth–becoming, fellowship–belonging, implementation–doing, and contributing–influencing. The findings highlight the importance of situated learning, reflection, and creativity to influence practice through discussions of ideas, research, and resources in small supportive groups of like-minded individuals with an informal, self-directed structure.

Implications.

Features to consider when implementing CoPs in the workplace are discussed.
Enhancing student occupational therapists’ client-centred counselling skills
Authors: Wener Pamela F. , Bergen Carolyn O. , Diamond-Burchuk Lisa G. , Yamamoto Cynthia M. , Hosegood Alana E. , Staley James D.
Published: April 2015

Background.

Client-centred practice is the cornerstone of the occupational therapy profession. However, there has been little focus on how to teach students to be client-centred practitioners while engaged in counselling.

Purpose.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the use of a client-completed rating scale on student occupational therapists’ client-centred counselling skills.

Method.

A time-series design was used to measure the changes in students’ counselling skills over time. Demographic information was collected prior to time one. An online questionnaire was administered after study completion to explore students’ experiences of using the Session Rating Scale.

Findings.

The impact of using the Session Rating Scale as a measure of students’ client-centred counselling skills performance significantly improved over time. Most students valued using the rating scale and would recommend its use for future students.

Implications.

The process of supporting students to learn how to engage clients in providing timely feedback and using this feedback to design treatment sets the stage for integration and application of client-centred practice.
Collaborative priority setting for human immunodeficiency virus rehabilitation research: A case report
Authors: Restall Gayle J. , Carnochan Tara N. , Roger Kerstin Stieber , Sullivan Theresa M. , Etcheverry Emily J. , Roddy Pumulo
Published: April 2015

Background.

The inclusion of community members and other stakeholders in the establishment of research priorities is vital to ensuring that priorities are congruent with the main concerns of affected communities.

Purpose.

The purpose of this project was to identify priority research topics for addressing the activity and community participation needs of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and meaningfully involve multiple stakeholders in the development of those priorities.

Method.

We invited people living with HIV, researchers, service providers, and policy makers to a 2-day forum. Twenty-six people participated in developing priorities through the application of two methodologies, the World Café and Dotmocracy. We evaluated the forum though immediate dialogue and a postproject survey.

Findings.

Participants identified 10 high-priority research topics. Evaluation findings highlighted positive substantive, instrumental, personal, and normative outcomes of stakeholder involvement.

Implications.

The identified priority topics can guide future occupational therapy practice and research in this emerging area.
Positive Psychological Interventions in Counseling
Authors: Magyar-Moe Jeana L. , Owens Rhea L. , Conoley Collie W.
Published: April 2015

Counseling psychologists are in a prime position to claim preeminence in the field of applied positive psychology. A number of misunderstandings or misconceptions of positive psychology seem to interfere, however, with the focus (or lack thereof) that has been placed upon training counseling psychologists to utilize and contribute to positive psychological scholarship and applications. In this article, the most commonly reported misconceptions are addressed, and foundational information regarding positive psychological constructs, theories, and processes most relevant to the applied work of counseling psychologists is reviewed. Counseling psychologists are encouraged to claim positive psychology as the logical extension of our humanistic roots and to consider how to both utilize and contribute to the growing body of positive psychological scholarship.
Stressful life events preceding the onset of depression in Asian patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Park Subin , Hatim Ahmad , Si Tian-Mei , Jeon Hong Jin , Srisurapanont Manit , Bautista Dianne , Liu Shen-ing , Chua Hong Choon , Hong Jin Pyo
Published: April 2015

Background:

Previous studies have identified the significant role of stressful life events in the onset of depressive episodes. However, there is a paucity of cross-national studies on stressful life events that precede depression.

Aims:

We aimed to compare types of stressful life events associated with the onset of depressive episodes in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) in five Asian countries.

Method:

A total of 507 outpatients with MDD were recruited in China ( n = 114), South Korea ( n = 101), Malaysia ( n = 90), Thailand ( n = 103) and Taiwan ( n = 99). All patients were assessed with the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview and the List of Threatening Experiences. The prevalence of each type of stressful life events was calculated and compared between each country.

Results:

The type of stressful life event that preceded the onset of a depressive episode differed between patients in China and Taiwan and those in South Korea, Malaysia and Thailand. Patients in China and Taiwan were less likely to report interpersonal relationship problems and occupational/financial problems than patients in South Korea, Malaysia and Thailand.

Conclusion:

Understanding the nature and basis of culturally determined susceptibilities to specific stressful life events is critical for establishing a policy of depression prevention and providing effective counseling services for depressed patients.