bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Spice” (Synthetic Marijuana) Induced Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Case Series
Authors: Ul Haq E. , Shafiq A. , Khan A. A. , Awan A. A. , Ezad S. , Minteer W. J. , Omar B.
Published: July 2017

Marijuana is the most widely abused “recreational” substance in the United States, with highest prevalence in young adults. It is reported to cause ischemic strokes, hepatitis, anxiety, and psychosis. Although it is associated with dose dependent tachycardia and can lead to coronary vasospasm, it has not been directly related to acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Marijuana induced coronary vasospasm can result in endothelial denudation at the site of a vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque in response to hemodynamic stressors, potentially causing an AMI. Spice refers to herbal mixture with composition and effects similar to that of marijuana and therefore is referred to as “synthetic marijuana.” Herein, we report 3 cases of spice induced ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. All patients were relatively young and had few or absolutely no risk factors for cardiovascular disease. All patients underwent emergent coronary angiography, with two needing stent placement and the third requiring only aspiration thrombectomy. Our case series emphasizes the importance of suspecting and investigating synthetic marijuana use in low risk young adults presenting with AMI.
The Physiology of Childhood Growth: Hormonal Regulation
Authors: Benyi Emelie , Sävendahl Lars
Published: July 2017

The growth patterns of a child changes from uterine life until the end of puberty. Height velocity is highest in utero and declines after birth until puberty when it rises again. Important hormonal regulators of childhood growth are growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor 1, sex steroids, and thyroid hormone. This review gives an overview of these hormonal regulators of growth and their interplay with nutrition and other key players such as inflammatory cytokines.
Screening for Retinopathy of Prematurity: Insight into Optimizing Screening
Authors: Pallot Charlotte , Soudry Faure Agnès , Charvy Camille , Ternoy Ninon , Langlet Muteau Claire , Acar Niyazi , Bron Alain M. , Speeg Schatz Claude , Creuzot-Garcher Catherine
Published: July 2017

Purpose: To determine the factors influencing the time from preterm birth and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) detection to optimize the timing of the initial screening. Methods: This multicenter retrospective study enrolled preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestational age (GA) and/or weighing less than 1,500 g between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2015. ROP screening was performed using fundus photography with a wide-field camera. Population and follow-up characteristics were recorded. Results: Among the 1,266 preterm infants observed, 795 were retained for analysis. One hundred seventy-four (21.6%) cases of ROP were detected with the first examination performed at 32.3 ± 1.6 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA) and 5.4 ± 1.0 weeks of postnatal age (PNA). The first signs of ROP were detected at 34.0 ± 1.9 weeks of PMA and 7.2 ± 1.8 weeks of PNA, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, an older GA, a longer duration of mechanical ventilation, and a lower birth weight were correlated with a longer time between preterm birth and ROP detection (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, and p = 0.0359, respectively). Conclusion: The first examination for ROP screening should be individualized to fit the first screening examination as closely as possible to the first signs of ROP in order to avoid unnecessary examinations without missing ROP.
Outcomes of Preoperative and Postoperative Corticosteroid Therapies in Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Jing Yun , Liu Xinxin , Yu Lei , Li Ran
Published: July 2017

Aims: To compare the long-term outcomes of non-thymomatous myasthenia gravis (MG) patients receiving pre-thymectomy (Pre-CS) or post-thymectomy corticosteroid (Post-CS) therapy. Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, 41 patients with MG were treated with Pre-CS therapy, and 110 were treated with Post-CS therapy. Results: In the MG cohorts, 9 of 40 patients (22.5%) in the Pre-CS group vs. 28 of 105 patients (26.7%) in the Post-CS group achieved a complete remission (CR) at 1 year, 29.7% (11/37) vs. 38.6% (32/83) at 2 years and 36.4% (8/22) in the Pre-CS group vs. 50.0% (28/56) in the Post-CS group achieved a CR at 5 years. For the entire population, Post-CS therapy (hazard rate [HR] 3.042, p = 0.020) was a positive predictor for remission, and a long preoperative interval (HR 0.936, p = 0.030) was a negative predictor. In 98 original ocular MG patients, Post-CS therapy (HR 2.663, p = 0.014) and an age at onset ≥15 years (HR 4.865, p = 0.001) were positive predictors for remission. Discussion: Post-CS therapy with a shorter preoperative interval increases the likelihood of CR in postpubertal and adult patients.
Occurrence of Cranial Neoplasms in Pediatric Patients with Noonan Syndrome Receiving Growth Hormone: Is Screening with Brain MRI prior to Initiation of Growth Hormone Indicated?
Authors: Bangalore Krishna Kanthi , Pagan Pedro , Escobar Oscar , Popovic Jadranka
Published: July 2017

Noonan syndrome (NS) is associated with short stature. Growth hormone treatment has been FDA approved for use in these patients. Children with NS are at a higher risk of developing benign and malignant proliferative disorders, primary brain tumors being one of them. Since growth hormone therapy can worsen the tumor burden, screening with a brain MRI prior to growth hormone initiation in NS patients is strongly recommended. Here we present two NS patients who developed different primary brain tumors while being on growth hormone therapy.
Captive breeding for conservation of Dussumier’s Catfish (Actinopterygii: Siluriformes: Clariidae: Clarias dussumieri) a Near Threatened endemic catfish of peninsular India
Authors: Padmakumar K. G. , Bindu L. , Sreerekha P. S. , Joseph Nitta , Krishnan Anuradha , Manu P. S. , Basheer V. S.
Published: July 2017

The peninsular Indian endemic Dussumier’s Catfish Clarias dussumieri once abundant in the wetlands and other water bodies of Kerala is now in rapid decline.  The present paper focuses on an approach towards the conservation of this rare catfish through artificial propagation.  Fishes were bred in captivity by the administration of fish pituitary extract at the rate of 20–40 mg.kg-1.  Spawning occurred after 12–14 hr of injection and fertilized eggs hatched after 16:30hr.  Larval rearing was carried out in cement cisterns and the larvae attained a mean size of 51.6±1.6mm in 60 days.  Since brooders of this species have become extremely rare in nature, the present study on captive breeding by hormonal manipulation methods without sacrificing the male fishes, assumes significance for conserving this endemic species.
New distribution records of three Sarcophyton species (Alcyonacea: Alcyoniidae) in Indian waters from Andaman Islands
Authors: Rajendra Seepana , Raghunathan C. , Mondal Tamal
Published: July 2017

Three alcyonacean corals—Sarcophyton acutum Tixier-Durivault, 1970, S. latum (Dana, 1846) and S. spongiosum Thompson & Dean, 1931—under the family Alcyoniidae are reported from Andaman Islands as new records to Indian waters.  The paper deals with the detailed taxonomic description of these three newly recorded alcyonacean species along with a note on their previously known distribution.
On the occurrence of the Black Spine-cheek Gudgeon Eleotris melanosoma Bleeker in Sri Lankan waters, with comments on the Green-backed Guavina Bunaka gyrinoides (Bleeker) (Teleostei: Eleotridae)
Authors: Batuwita Sudesh , Udugampala Sampath , Edirisinghe Udeni
Published: July 2017

A new record of Black Spine-cheek Gudgeon Eleotris melanosoma Bleeker is provided from the southern and western coasts of Sri Lanka.  This species was previously confused with two closely resembling eleotrid species—E. fusca (Bloch & Schneider in Bloch) and Bunaka gyrinoides (Bleeker) of Sri Lanka.  It is speculated that records of E. melanosoma juveniles from coastal areas and B. gyrinoides from inland freshwater habitats appear to be the elevated locality records of E. fusca in Sri Lanka.  Data are provided to distinguish Eleotris melanosoma from E. fusca and from B. gyrinoides, to clarify their taxonomy, and also discuss their distribution and natural history.  This study adds two new records of fishes to the Sri Lankan freshwater fish list.  Previous records of Eleotris fusca from Sri Lanka have to be clarified in future studies.
Butterflies of eastern Assam, India
Authors: Singh Arun P.
Published: July 2017

The paper provides information on butterfies sampled during random surveys from  November 2014 to September2016 from eight reserve forest areas and  Dehing-Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary, covering three districts (Tinsukhia, Dibrugarh & Sibasagar) in the eastern part of upper Assam which form part of the Indo-Burma hotspot.  The survey revealed 237 species which included 33 species a listed as protected under various schedules of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972  and 58 species that have distribution restricted to the eastern Himalaya and northeastern India in India.  An anotated list of 375 species of butterflies so far recorded from eastern Assam that includes a large number of very rare species (Indian Yellow-vein Lancer Pyroneura margherita; Grey-lined Lascar Pantoporia dindinga assamica; Assamese/Conjoined Lascar Pantoporia assamica; Bi-coloured Hedgeblue Udara selma cerima; Vinous Oakblue Arhopala athada aphade; Magnificent Oakblue Arhopala anarte; White Punch Dodona henrici; Pale Striped Dawnfly Capilia zennara; Andaman Yellowbanded Flat Celaenorrhinus andamanicus hanna; Sikkim Ace Halpe sikkima; Baby Swift Polytremis minuta; Maculate Lancer Salanoemia sala; Veined Palmer Hidari bhawani; Pallid Forester Lethe satyavati; Peal’s Palmfly Elymnias peali; Blue Baron Euthalia telchinia; Blue Nawab Polyura schreiber assamensis; Tytler’s Dull Oakblue Arhopala ace arata; Orchid Tit Hypolycaena othona othona; Purple Brown Tailless Oakblue Arhopala arvina ardea; Malayan Bushblue Arhopala ammon ariel and Broad-branded Brilliant Simiskina phalena harterti) along with their site and month of record, endemicity and relative abundance status in India, is provided.
A new species of Sarcinella (Ascomycetes) from Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Warangal District, Telangana, India
Authors: Mohammad Khaja Moinuddin , Gaddam Bagyanarayana , Kausar Rana
Published: July 2017

During the survey (2011–2014) and documentation of foliicolous fungi of Pasra forest localities of Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, a black mildew fungus infected leaves of Hardwickia binata Roxb.(Fabaceae) were collected.  A critical microscopic examination revealed that it as an undescribed species of the genus Sarcinella.
Three noteworthy additions to the flora of the western Himalaya, India
Authors: Rai Ishwari Datt , Kumar Amit , Singh Gajendra , Adhikari Bhupendra Singh , Rawat Gopal Singh
Published: July 2017

During recent botanical explorations in the western Himalaya, three interesting species were recorded from the subalpine-alpine areas, which were hitherto unknown from this region.  Their occurrence in this region is phytogeographically significant and noteworthy.  In this paper a brief description of these species along with phenology, distribution, ecology, photographs and phytogeographical notes are provided.
The status of Arabian Gazelles Gazella arabica (Mammalia: Cetartiodactyla: Bovidae) in Al Wusta Wildlife Reserve and Ras Ash Shajar Nature Reserve, Oman
Authors: Al Jahdhami Mansoor H. , Al Bulushi Sultan , Al Rawahi Haitham , Al Fazari Waheed , Al Amri Ahmed , Al Owaisi AbdulRahman , Al Rubaiey Salim , Al Abdulasalam Zahran , Al Ghafri Metab , Yadav Shaeilendra , Al Rahbi Sami , Ross Steven
Published: July 2017

We conducted distance sampling surveys of the Arabian Gazelle (Gazella arabica) in two protected areas, Al Wusta Wildife Reserve (WWR) and Ras Ash Shajar Nature Reserve (RSNR), regarded as important for gazelle conservation in northern and central Oman.  The survey in WWR estimated a gazelle density of 0.161 gazelles/km2 in the surveyed area, and in RSNR an estimated density of 25.8 gazelles/km2.  The density of Arabian Gazelle in RSNR is the highest recorded for a wild population.  Using gazelle sighting frequency in non-surveyed parts of each reserve, we estimate Arabian Gazelle populations of 498 and 505 in WWR and RSNR, respectively.  Our surveys demonstrated the potential for a high density of gazelles in well protected and productive habitats, but also that the Arabian Gazelle are in decline in WWR, most likely as a result of poaching and competition with domestic livestock.
A new distribution record of the European Free-tailed Bat Tadarida teniotis (Chiroptera: Molossidae) from the western Himalaya, India
Authors: Chakravarty Rohit
Published: July 2017

The distribution of the European Free-tailed Bat Tadarida teniotis extends from southern Europe and northern Africa to Myanmar.  In India it is known only from Bihar, West Bengal and Kerala.  This study records the species for the first time in the western Himalayan state of Uttarakhand.  Echolocation calls were found to be higher in frequency and shorter in duration than reported in previous studies.  Extensive acoustic surveys are recommended to assess the distribution of this species in India.
Immigration and the Crime Drop
Authors: Ignatans Dainis , Matthews Roger
Published: July 2017

The explanations to date of the remarkable decrease in crime that has been reported over the last two decades in a number of western countries have been less than convincing. In light of these limitations this article explores the impact that the recent increase of immigration into the uk may have had on recorded crime levels. Drawing on a range of international research the paper includes some empirical evidence from England and Wales that suggests that in contrast to the popular opinion that increased immigration is associated with an increase in crime, that not only are the recent waves of immigration not linked to rising crime, but also our findings lend qualified support to the contention that recent waves of immigration have contributed to the crime drop that has taken place in the uk and other countries over the last two decades.
Telling Good Love from Bad in Plato’s Phaedrus
Authors: Pappas Nickolas
Published: July 2017

When the Phaedrus produces an account of eros that goes beyond earlier oversimplifying terms, it rests its analysis on a distinction between human and divine. The dialogue’s attempts to articulate this distinction repeatedly fail. In part they rest on the difference between right and left, but in ways that problematize that difference as well. In the end this difficulty in definition casts a shadow over the prospect of the effective reciprocation of love, because the loved one will not be able to tell the difference between a lover in pursuit crazed by divine eros and the lover who is crazed in the ordinary and destructive fashion.
Are epiphytic bryophyte communities characterized by changes along an elevational gradient?—A preliminary study on eastern Viti Levu, Fiji Islands
Authors: TABUA MEREIA , RILEY RALPH , RENNER MATT A. M. , SÖDERSTRÖM LARS , HAGBORG ANDERS , KONRAT MATT VON
Published: July 2017

A comparative study of epiphytic bryophytes on tree trunks was undertaken in three principal vegetation types along an elevational gradient on the windward wet side of the largest island in Fiji, Viti Levu. This ecological study is the first of its kind for Fiji and the islands of the South Pacific and it serves as groundwork for any future ecological research in the region for bryophytes. This study set out to test if elevational range of study sites and height along host tree stem influenced bryophyte species diversity and distribution in Fiji. This was done by assessing bryophyte species presence/absence on the lower stems of the Calophyllum spp. trees and tree fern species at three elevations (~160 m, 590 m, and 1260 m). There were two main findings that emerged from this preliminary assessment. Firstly, there was a hump-shaped distribution of bryophyte diversity with a peak of species richness observed at mid-elevation or in the upland forest; with a dominance of liverworts at each of the three elevations. Secondly, the bryophyte communities showed good separation at both host tree level and at the site level, reflecting the ecological differences between the different host trees and between the three sites along the elevational gradient. The results from this survey alone suggest the need for priority to be given to upland forest protection and conservation. It also demonstrates the usefulness of bryophyte communities in discerning vegetation of different environmental and microclimatic conditions along an elevational gradient.
Catalog of the types of Coleoptera (Insecta) deposited at Museo de Historia Natural de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (MUSM), Lima, Peru
Authors: ASENJO ANGÉLICO , FIGUEROA LUIS
Published: July 2017

The Coleoptera type species of Museo de Historia Natural de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos housed in the Entomology Department, Lima, Peru, were examined and listed. This is an important collection in South America and the largest in Peru. All type material of Coleoptera were studied and photographed. Complete information is given for each type specimen, including the reference of the original description and labels data. A total of 275 types specimens were listed and arranged in families.
Erro gen. n. a new genus of featherwing beetles (Coleoptera: Ptiliidae) from Angola and Madagascar
Authors: DARBY MICHAEL
Published: July 2017

Erro gen. n. a new genus of Ptiliidae (Coleoptera) with the new species impiger  sp. n. and angolensis sp. n. is described and figured based on material collected in Angola and Madagascar. Pending further work on the phylogeny of the Ptiliidae the new genus is placed in the subfamily Ptiliinae where it appears to occupy a place close to the tribe Discheramocephalini.
Orthopodomyia pulcripalpis (Diptera: Culicidae), a genus and species new to the Iranian mosquito fauna, with a review of bionomical information*
Authors: AZARI-HAMIDIAN SHAHYAD , NOROUZI BEHZAD , NOORALLAHI AYOOB
Published: July 2017

The most recent checklist of Iranian mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) includes 64 species representing seven genera (Azari-Hamidian, 2007; Azari-Hamidian & Harbach, 2009). Subsequently, Oshaghi et al. (2008) found that Anopheles superpictus Grassi is two species in Iran based on the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences of rDNA, which were later listed as species A and B by Harbach (2013), and Djadid et al. (2009) recognized a new species of the Anopheles hyrcanus group (An. hyrcanus spIR) from southwestern Iran, also based on ITS2 sequence data. More recently, Doosti et al. (2016) reported the occurrence of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) in southeastern Iran.
Barsura Volynkin, Dubatolov & Kishida, gen. nov., with descriptions of three new species (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae)
Authors: VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , DUBATOLOV VLADIMIR V. , KISHIDA YASUNORI
Published: July 2017

The new genus Barsura Volynkin, Dubatolov & Kishida, gen. nov. is described for Barsine nubifascia Walker, 1864. Three new species, B. clandestina Volynkin, Dubatolov & Kishida, sp. nov., B. obscura Volynkin, Dubatolov & Kishida, sp. nov. and B. contrastata Volynkin, Dubatolov & Kishida, sp. nov. are described from China. B. simplicifascia (Elwes, 1890), stat. nov. is upgraded to the species level. Three species previously treated as Asura, B. lineata (Fang, 2000), comb. nov., B. melanoleuca (Hampson, 1894), comb. nov. and B. umbrifera (Hampson, 1900), comb. nov. are transferred to Barsura, and one species, Barsine umbrosa (Hampson, 1896) comb. nov. is transferred to Barsine. The name lineata Fang, 1993 is restored as valid. Adults, male and female genitalia of all Barsura species and representatives of the related genera Barsine and Asura are illustrated.
New replacement name for Kyra Zanol, 2011 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae)
Authors: YANG WEI-CHENG
Published: July 2017

The leafhopper genus Kyra was established by Zanol (2011) with Kyra paranaigua Zanol, 2011 as its type species, and additional new species, Kyra guaira Zanol 2011, and one previously described species (transferred to the genus from Bahita Oman): K. umbrina (Linnavuori, 1955). The genus belongs to the tribe Bahitini Zahniser & Dietrich, 2013 of subfamily Deltocephalinae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). Until now, there have been no further reports on this genus, and all species are recorded only from Brazil.
Who Gives, Who Takes? “Real America” and Contributions to the Nation–State
Authors: Abascal Maria , Angel Centeno Miguel
Published: July 2017

Although service to the nation–state features in academic and lay understandings of patriotism, claims of patriotism are rarely examined alongside contributions to the nation–state. The present study examines four behaviors—military enlistment, voting, monetary contributions, and census response—to evaluate the claim that certain parts of the United States, and specifically the communities of “real America,” contribute more than others to the country overall. Consistent with the words of several electoral candidates, ruralness, religiosity, political conservatism, and gun culture collectively identify a distinctive set of communities where residents are both more likely to report “American” as their ancestry and to vote for Republican presidential candidates, including Donald Trump. However, visual and statistical evidence undermine the claim that these communities contribute more than other parts of the country. Instead, and in several respects, these communities make smaller contributions to the nation–state than one would expect based on other characteristics. The findings undermine divisive claims about a “real” America that gives more than its “fair share.”
Party Animals of the 2016 Presidential Primaries: Political Cartoon Representations of the Republican and Democratic Parties
Authors: Conners Joan L.
Published: July 2017

This analysis of political cartoon coverage of the 2016 presidential primaries found considerable attention given to the political parties themselves, as well as issues, and controversies the parties were facing. In political cartoons, the Republican and Democratic parties were usually reflected in animal representations of the elephant and donkey. A qualitative textual analysis of cartoon images from U.S. newspapers found a number of themes emerged in 2016 with regard to the party animals: Both parties were portrayed expressing reluctance or hesitancy in their party’s nominee, the Republican Party in particular was represented as helpless to stop the political success that Donald Trump saw in the primaries, and the Democratic Party was portrayed as divided between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. These themes found in political cartoon images suggest how the two dominant political parties operate in electoral politics today.
Sex Positivity and Counseling Psychology: An Introduction to the Major Contribution
Authors: Burnes Theodore R. , Singh Anneliese A. , Witherspoon Ryan G.
Published: July 2017

In this introduction article to the Major Contribution on sex positivity in counseling psychology, we define sex positivity and its intersections with counseling psychology’s framework of social justice, wellness, and resilience. We describe related foundational aspects of sex positivity that counseling psychologists may integrate into their research and training, theory, and practice. Following this introductory article, the authors of four subsequent manuscripts in this Major Contribution focus on (a) the history of sex positivity in counseling and psychology, (b) training and supervision related to sex positivity in counseling psychology programs, (c) research on sex positivity within counseling psychology, and (d) clinical practice implications of sex positivity in counseling psychology.
Let’s Talk About Sex: Integrating Sex Positivity in Counseling Psychology Practice
Authors: Cruz Carmen , Greenwald Ellen , Sandil Riddhi
Published: July 2017

Counseling psychologists should take an active approach in broaching issues of sex and sexuality, given that clients may hesitate to initiate such conversations due to their discomfort or fears about therapists’ attitudes or judgments. Research has suggested that mental health providers need to be skilled and comfortable addressing issues of sex and sexuality in order to provide culturally competent, holistic care for clients. Consistent with a sex-positive approach, which views sexuality as a universal human experience and an important aspect of overall psychological health, quality of life, and relational satisfaction, in this article we present five recommendations for counseling psychologists, encouraging them to integrate topics of sex and sexuality into clinical practice. Following Pederson’s (2000) Triad Training Model of awareness, knowledge, and skills, we provide recommendations accompanied with questions and examples of proactive and sex-positive language.
Graduate Counseling Psychology Training in Sex and Sexuality: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Burnes Theodore R. , Singh Anneliese A. , Witherspoon Ryan G.
Published: July 2017

In this manuscript, we explore the need for inclusion of sex-positivity training in counseling psychology doctoral program curricula. We surveyed 25 counseling psychology doctoral program administrators throughout the United States and asked about the inclusion of human sexuality coursework and training opportunities as well as sex positivity within their curricula. We report our findings, noting the number of programs that include human sexuality coursework, incorporate sex positivity, discuss sex positivity, and discuss sex positivity from a multicultural lens. The implications of these findings for research, practice, training, and advocacy within counseling psychology are discussed.
Development and Validation of the Ableist Microaggressions Scale
Authors: Conover Kristin J. , Israel Tania , Nylund-Gibson Karen
Published: July 2017

Overt and covert experiences of prejudice and discrimination have been associated with increased stress and distress among people with disabilities. Although researchers have explored people with disabilities’ experiences with microaggressions, no measure exists to assess disability microaggressions. The present research was conducted to develop and validate a scale that measures microaggressions experienced by people with physical disabilities, the Ableist Microaggressions Scale (AMS). Study 1 developed the preliminary AMS based on eight primary disability microaggressions domains outlined in Keller and Galgay’s (2010) qualitative study, as well as expert feedback, cognitive interviews, and a pilot study. Study 2 consisted of exploratory factor analysis ( N = 559) to determine factor structure, and a 4-factor model emerged. Study 3 confirmed the factor structure through confirmatory factor analysis ( N = 833), and demonstrated adequate validity and reliability for the 20-item AMS. Additional findings, implications, and limitations are discussed.
Evaluating Teacher Preparation Programs With Teacher Evaluation Ratings: Implications for Program Accountability and Improvement
Authors: Bastian Kevin C. , Patterson Kristina M. , Pan Yi
Published: July 2017

States are incorporating evaluation ratings into new, multioutcome teacher preparation program (TPP) evaluation systems, yet little is known about the relationships between TPPs and the evaluation ratings of program graduates. To address this gap, we use teachers’ ratings on the North Carolina Educator Evaluation System to determine whether TPPs are associated with the evaluation ratings of their initially prepared teachers. We find that (a) teachers from certain TPPs have significantly different evaluation ratings than graduates of other programs; (b) it is important to adjust for elements of school context when analyzing the evaluation ratings of program graduates; (c) evaluation ratings are a function of preparation quality, not just selection into programs; and (d) evaluation ratings provide evidence on the performance of TPPs that is distinct from value-added. Our results indicate that evaluation ratings can be a valuable component of TPP evaluation systems and provide guidance for incorporating ratings into such systems.
Encounters with difference in the subdivided house: The case of secondary suites in Vancouver
Authors: Mendez Pablo
Published: July 2017

Policies that encourage tenure mix as a strategy to help narrow socio-spatial distance between homeowner households and their renter counterparts have a long and controversial history in North American and European cities. Research that seeks to evaluate the merits of such policies has typically focused on the frequency of encounters between these two types of household, at the expense of the quality of this contact. Accessory apartments in subdivided houses (also known as secondary suites) provide a germane micro-scale environment to examine the content of interactions between homeowners and renters. Inspired by Gill Valentine’s work on ‘encounters with difference’ and using a series of interviews with secondary-suite homeowner-landlords and their tenants in the city of Vancouver, this article illustrates three types of encounters across tenure-based difference. These examples of conflictive, tolerant, and respectful encounter provide helpful material to reflect on the limitations of tenure mix as a macro-scale policy.
Administering CR to Resuscitate Sociology
Authors: Crothers Charles
Published: July 2017

The Critical Realist meta-theoretical position in sociology and other social sciences has tended to remain on the margins of the mainstream. Porpora develops the case for reconstructing sociology through the more active deployment of Critical Realist tenets. In developing his reform agenda, Porpora reviews the contribution Critical Realist views could have on several key recalcitrant issues in sociological theory and assesses the comparative performances of an array of contemporary sociology approaches in contributing to each of these issues. This essay summarizes his argument and suggests extensions.
Finite-time feedback control of an input-delay system with nonlinear saturating actuators
Authors: Lin Xiangze , Huang Shuaiting , Li Shihua , Zou Yun
Published: July 2017

Finite-time feedback control of input-delay system with nonlinear saturating actuators is addressed in this paper. First, a state feedback controller is designed to make the closed-loop systems finite-time stable. Sufficient conditions which can guarantee finite-time stability of an input-delay system with saturating actuators are given in terms of the comparison function method. For the case where the states cannot be measured, an observer is presented to estimate the unavailable states and the observer-controller compensator strategy is proposed. Finally, an example is employed to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method. It is not difficult to conclude from the analysis and the simulation results that by virtue of the proposed method the transient characteristics of the closed-loop system can be easily guaranteed to comply with the requirements of the practice.
Social Cost Bias, Probability Bias, and Self-Efficacy as Correlates of Behavioral Action in Social Anxiety
Authors: Lee Carol S. , Hayes-Skelton Sarah A.
Published: July 2017

The present study investigated the role of social cost bias, probability bias, and self-efficacy as correlates of behavioral action in a nonclinical sample of 197 individuals, using a series of vignettes and self-report measures. The findings indicated that, as hypothesized, social cost bias, probability bias, and self-efficacy were associated with social anxiety. While social anxiety was associated with behavioral action, the three cognitive factors were associated with behavioral action above and beyond the contribution of social anxiety. However, contrary to the hypothesis, self-efficacy was the only cognitive factor directly associated with behavioral action when all variables were in the model. This information has implications for potential methods and target mechanisms for increasing client engagement with exposures and behavioral experiments in treatments for social anxiety.
Home-based step training using videogame technology in people with Parkinson’s disease: a single-blinded randomised controlled trial
Authors: Song Jooeun , Paul Serene S , Caetano Maria Joana D , Smith Stuart , Dibble Leland E , Love Rachelle , Schoene Daniel , Menant Jasmine C , Sherrington Cathie , Lord Stephen R , Canning Colleen G , Allen Natalie E
Published: July 2017

Objectives:

To determine whether 12-week home-based exergame step training can improve stepping performance, gait and complementary physical and neuropsychological measures associated with falls in Parkinson’s disease.

Design:

A single-blinded randomised controlled trial.

Setting:

Community (experimental intervention), university laboratory (outcome measures).

Subjects:

Sixty community-dwelling people with Parkinson’s disease.

Interventions:

Home-based step training using videogame technology.

Main measures:

The primary outcomes were the choice stepping reaction time test and Functional Gait Assessment. Secondary outcomes included physical and neuropsychological measures associated with falls in Parkinson’s disease, number of falls over six months and self-reported mobility and balance.

Results:

Post intervention, there were no differences between the intervention ( n = 28) and control ( n = 25) groups in the primary or secondary outcomes except for the Timed Up and Go test, where there was a significant difference in favour of the control group ( P = 0.02). Intervention participants reported mobility improvement, whereas control participants reported mobility deterioration—between-group difference on an 11-point scale = 0.9 (95% confidence interval: −1.8 to −0.1, P = 0.03). Interaction effects between intervention and disease severity on physical function measures were observed ( P = 0.01 to P = 0.08) with seemingly positive effects for the low-severity group and potentially negative effects for the high-severity group.

Conclusion:

Overall, home-based exergame step training was not effective in improving the outcomes assessed. However, the improved physical function in the lower disease severity intervention participants as well as the self-reported improved mobility in the intervention group suggest home-based exergame step training may have benefits for some people with Parkinson’s disease.
Intra-articular Injection of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A 2-Year Follow-up Study
Authors: Jo Chris Hyunchul , Chai Jee Won , Jeong Eui Cheol , Oh Sohee , Shin Ji Sun , Shim Hackjoon , Yoon Kang Sup
Published: July 2017

Background:

The intra-articular injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into the knee has shown a potential for the treatment of generalized cartilage loss in osteoarthritis (OA). However, there have been few midterm reports with clinical and structural outcomes.

Purpose:

To assess the midterm safety and efficacy of an intra-articular injection of autologous adipose tissue–derived (AD) MSCs for knee OA at 2-year follow-up.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Eighteen patients with OA of the knee were enrolled (3 male, 15 female; mean age, 61.8 ± 6.6 years [range, 52-72 years]). Patients in the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups received an intra-articular injection of 1.0 × 107, 5.0 × 107, and 1.0 × 108 AD MSCs into the knee, respectively. Clinical and structural evaluations were performed with widely used methodologies including the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and measurements of the size and depth of the cartilage defect, signal intensity of regenerated cartilage, and cartilage volume using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results:

There were no treatment-related adverse events during the 2-year period. An intra-articular injection of autologous AD MSCs improved knee function, as measured with the WOMAC, Knee Society clinical rating system (KSS), and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and reduced knee pain, as measured with the visual analog scale (VAS), for up to 2 years regardless of the cell dosage. However, statistical significance was found mainly in the high-dose group. Clinical outcomes tended to deteriorate after 1 year in the low- and medium-dose groups, whereas those in the high-dose group plateaued until 2 years. The structural outcomes evaluated with MRI also showed similar trends.

Conclusion:

This study identified the safety and efficacy of an intra-articular injection of AD MSCs into the OA knee over 2 years, encouraging a larger randomized clinical trial. However, this study also showed potential concerns about the durability of clinical and structural outcomes, suggesting the need for further studies.

Clinical Trial Registration:

NCT01300598
Nomads and settlers in the research-technology regime: The case of transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Lettkemann Eric
Published: July 2017

This article presents historical evidence for the rise of a new type of research-technology community that deviates in several respects from the social and epistemic configurations of work that Terry Shinn described in his seminal writings on the origins of the research-technology regime. The more recent type of settlers is distinguished from a nomadic type, prevalent in Shinn’s work. It is argued that, despite many configurational differences, both types constitute functional equivalents for producing and disseminating generic instrumentation. An important difference, however, is the prolonged life expectancy of settler communities, resulting in long-term upgrading cycles. On the basis of a case study on transmission electron microscopy in Germany, the article investigates social and epistemic conditions facilitating the emergence and permanent institutionalization of a settler community. It seems that material resistances, hindering nomadic research practices, as well as support from scientific/industrial elites have great impact on the formation of settler communities.
Do Acute Benefits of Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Endure?
Authors: Markowitz John C. , Choo Tse-Hwei , Neria Yuval
Published: July 2017

Objective:

The Psychotherapies for Chronic PTSD randomised trial found that three 14-week psychotherapies acutely benefitted patients with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous research has reported sustained follow-up benefits for prolonged exposure (PE) and relaxation therapy (RT), but few comparable data exist for interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT). We describe 3-month follow-up for acute responders to all 3 treatments.

Method:

Acute responders, defined a priori as ≥30% improved from baseline, were reevaluated after 3-month no-treatment follow-up by independent evaluators using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS).

Results:

Fifty of 110 initial study entrants met acute responder status at week 14. Forty-three (86%) responders entered follow-up: 23 remitters (CAPS ≤20) and 20 responders. At week 26, 27 had achieved remission status, 10 remained responders, and 6 had relapsed. Of week 14 remitters, 8 of 9 PE, all 8 IPT, and 4 of 6 RT patients remained remitted. Relapse rates were 7% (1/9) for PE, 10% (2/20) for IPT, and 33% (3/9) for RT. At week 26, PE showed greater improvement on CAPS than RT ( P = 0.048) and a trend for superiority over IPT ( P = 0.098), with no significant difference between IPT and RT. Depressive symptoms remained low during follow-up.

Conclusions:

These are the first systematic data on follow-up responder status and persistence of acute treatment benefits in patients receiving individual IPT for chronic PTSD. Patients generally maintained gains across treatments, fluctuating most in RT. Study limitations include small sample size and brief follow-up interval. PTSD research should employ response and remission criteria.
Caregiver Burden in Parkinson Disease: A Critical Review of Recent Literature
Authors: Mosley Philip E. , Moodie Rebecca , Dissanayaka Nadeeka
Published: July 2017

Burden is a negative psychological state induced in caregivers by the demands of providing care to a person with an illness or a disability. Managing caregiver burden in Parkinson disease (PD) is significant because informal caregivers make a substantial contribution to the well-being of persons with PD, incurring financial, social, and personal losses. Failure to recognize and manage caregiver burden may lead to burnout and premature institutionalization of the person with PD. We conducted a comprehensive literature review to identify and summarize factors that may amplify burden, including motor and nonmotor symptoms of PD, caregiver psychiatric symptoms, and caregiver coping style. We review instruments designed to sample the construct of burden among caregivers and evaluate interventions that may reduce burden, either by directly targeting caregivers or by treating PD symptoms associated with burden. We aim to provide a concise synopsis of these issues for the clinician or researcher working with this population in order to facilitate recognition of caregiver burden, provide accurate assessment, administer appropriate interventions, and stimulate further research in this area.
Unexpected Gains: Being Overweight Buffers Asian Americans From Prejudice Against Foreigners
Authors: Handron Caitlin , Kirby Teri A. , Wang Jennifer , Matskewich Helena E. , Cheryan Sapna
Published: July 2017

Can being overweight, a factor that commonly leads to stigmatization, ironically buffer some people from race-based assumptions about who is American? In 10 studies, participants were shown portraits that were edited to make the photographed person appear either overweight (body mass index, or BMI > 25) or normal weight (BMI < 25). A meta-analysis of these studies revealed that overweight Asian individuals were perceived as significantly more American than normal-weight versions of the same people, whereas this was not true for White, Black, or Latino individuals. A second meta-analysis showed that overweight Asian men were perceived as less likely to be in the United States without documentation than their normal-weight counterparts. A final study demonstrated that weight stereotypes about presumed countries of origin shape who is considered American. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that perceptions of nationality are malleable and that perceived race and body shape interact to inform these judgments.
Introducing a flexible approach to test validity based on a context-specific construct
Authors: Chen Jinsong
Published: July 2017

Although validity is acknowledged as the most fundamental consideration in psychological and educational testing, there is disagreement stemming from two different approaches: the ontological vs. the epistemological. This article introduces a flexible approach to test validity based on context-specific constructs, which can accommodate the two existing approaches conceptually. Based on the test foundation and rationale, a unique construct domain can be defined and measured by one test score given that the score meaning is valid. With the separation of the meaning and use validities and different types of score use (i.e., basic, extended, and joint), the proposed approach offers great flexibility for test validation. However, this paper only provides a skeleton for the flexible approach, and much more work is needed.
Endothelial Cell Senescence Inhibits Unidirectional Endothelialization in Vitro
Authors: Niu Satoshi , Matsuda Takehisa
Published: July 2017

We investigated the effects of cellular senescence on unidirectional endothelialization in vitro, simulating the anastomotic endothelialization of vascular prosthesis. The experiments were carried out with three different cumulative population-doubling levels (CPDLs) of bovine aortic endothelial cells (ECs), which have finite life span. Young ECs with 22 CPDL, middle aged with 46, and senescent with 70 at the time of inoculation were used. The effect of aging on unidirectional endothelialization, as well as cellular morphology and proliferative and migratory potentials of isolated cells, were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. The unidirectional endothelialization rate was determined by our newly designed method to prepare the square monolayer sheet with linear margins between cell-adhesion and noncell-adhesion regions. The results showed that endothelial cell senescence retarded not only proliferation and migration but also unidirectional endothelialization. Time-lapsed videomicroscopic study of unidirectional endothelialization process revealed that ECs at several rows back from the leading edge represented much slower rate of migration than did the ECs at the leading edge. These findings suggest that high cellular mobility observed for the ECs at the leading edge may result in localized excessive cell replication. Thus, atherosclerotic vessels containing senescent or injured ECs may have limited capability of anastomotic endothelialization.
Assessment of Intracellular Insulin Content during All Steps of Human Islet Isolation Procedure
Authors: Brandhorst Heide , Brandhorst Daniel , Brendel Mathias D. , Hering Bernhard J. , Bretzel Reinhard G.
Published: July 2017

This study investigated the recovery of pancreatic insulin content during human islet isolation prior to and after digestion-filtration, continuous Hanks-Ficoll gradient purification ( n = 20), and 3–4 day culture at 22°C ( n = 6). The native insulin content varied in a wide range from 28.4 U to 360.8 U/pancreas. After digestion the initially measured average insulin content of 115.8 ± 20.8 U/pancreas (mean ± SEM) increased to 264.6 ± 22.8% ( p < 0.001). This increase of insulin during pancreas digestion was attributed to the asymetrical distribution of insulin within the pancreas. Sampling of insulin within the pancreatic caput seemed not to be representative for the insulin content of the complete native organ, because the ratio of insulin per gram tissue within the pancreatic cauda compared to the caput ( n = 5) was 2.4 ± 0.4 ( p < 0.05). After purification total insulin recovery was 55.3 ± 4.8% ( p < 0.001). Because recovery of islet equivalent number (IEQ) (83.7 ± 4.4%) exceeded insulin recovery, insulin/IEQ ratio decreased from 656.8 ± 70.6 μU/IEQ before purification to 436.4 ± 58.1 μU/IEQ ( p < 0.001) after purification. After 22° C culture ( n = 6) recovery of insulin and IEQ was 80.1 ± 8.1% ( p < 0.05) and 92.8 ± 3.5% ( p = NS), respectively. Insulin content per IEQ decreased to 85.8 ± 6.5% ( p < 0.05). This study clearly shows that most of islet insulin is lost during purification. This seems to be caused rather by an amplified insulin release than by the loss of islets itself. This release may facilitate the separation of endocrine and exocrine tissue by gradient centrifugation, but may also accelerate islet exhaustion detrimental for long-term insulin independence. © 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.
Significant Difference in the Yields ofSukukBonds versus Conventional Bonds
Authors: Ariff M. , Chazi A. , Safari M. , Zarei A.
Published: July 2017

Bond yields of Treasury and corporate bonds are observed in a listed exchange. This article reports the findings on the market yield behaviour of two types of debt securities in the same exchange, the sharia-compliant sukuk bonds and the normal conventional bonds. There are 17 exchanges where sukuk bonds are traded, and the outstanding value is estimated at US$ 1,200 billion. The average yields of sukuk Treasury bonds are significantly higher (premium) than that of conventional Treasury bonds. On the other hand, investors in the sukuk corporate bonds receive slightly lower returns (discount) of about 25 basis points in the case of long-term sukuk bonds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to verify these differences using appropriate advanced econometric methods. These results have far-reaching implications for the market practices as well as for teaching of bond pricing behaviour since this new form of debt markets is growing at about 17 per cent a year.

JEL Classification: F23, F31, G12