bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Records of Naididae and Lumbriculidae (Clitellata) from Tibet, China,
with description of a new species of Nais
Authors: CUI YONGDE , HE XUEBAO , PENG YU , WANG HONGZHU
Published: May 2015

The Tibetan Plateau is considered to have a unique fauna of fish and invertebrates. However, little taxonomic work has been conducted on the aquatic Oligochaeta of Tibet, China. Based on the surveys of rivers and lakes in this region between 2010 and 2011, we recorded 25 species of oligochaetes belonging to 2 families and 15 genera. This paper provides an overview of the species composition of different waterbodies, the description of one new species, Nais longidentata sp. n., and re-descriptions of four previously described species. Hitherto, 30 species of aquatic oligochaetes have been recorded from Tibet. The oligochaete fauna is similar to that of the Holarctic, but has several endemic elements.
Bayesian Model Averaging with Stratified Sampling for Probabilistic Quantitative Precipitation Forecasting in Northern China during Summer 2010
Authors: Zhu Jiangshan , Kong Fanyou , Ran Lingkun , Lei Hengchi
Published: May 2015

To study the impact of training sample heterogeneity on the performance of Bayesian model averaging (BMA), two BMA experiments were performed on probabilistic quantitative precipitation forecasts (PQPFs) in the northern China region in July and August of 2010 generated from an 11-member short-range ensemble forecasting system. One experiment, as in many conventional BMA studies, used an overall training sample that consisted of all available cases in the training period, while the second experiment used stratified sampling BMA by first dividing all available training cases into subsamples according to their ensemble spread, and then performing BMA on each subsample. The results showed that ensemble spread is a good criterion to divide ensemble precipitation cases into subsamples, and that the subsamples have different statistical properties. Pooling the subsamples together forms a heterogeneous overall sample. Conventional BMA is incapable of interpreting heterogeneous samples, and produces unreliable PQPF. It underestimates the forecast probability at high-threshold PQPF and local rainfall maxima in BMA percentile forecasts. BMA with stratified sampling according to ensemble spread overcomes the problem reasonably well, producing sharper predictive probability density functions and BMA percentile forecasts, and more reliable PQPF than the conventional BMA approach. The continuous ranked probability scores, Brier skill scores, and reliability diagrams of the two BMA experiments were examined for all available forecast days, along with a logistic regression experiment. Stratified sampling BMA outperformed the raw ensemble and conventional BMA in all verifications, and also showed better skill than logistic regression in low-threshold forecasts.
Inherent Predictability, Requirements on the Ensemble Size, and Complementarity
Authors: Kumar Arun , Chen Mingyue
Published: May 2015

Faced with the scenario when prediction skill is low, particularly in conjunction with long-range predictions, a commonly proposed solution is that an increase in ensemble size will rectify the issue of low skill. Although it is well known that an increase in ensemble size does lead to an increase in prediction skill, the general scope of this supposition, however, is that low prediction skill is not a consequence of constraints imposed by inherent predictability limits, but an artifact of small ensemble sizes, and further, increases in ensemble sizes (that are often limited by computational resources) are the major bottlenecks for improving long-range predictions. In proposing that larger ensemble sizes will remedy the issue of low skill, a fact that is not well appreciated is that for scenarios with high inherent predictability, a small ensemble size is sufficient to realize high predictability, while for scenarios with low inherent predictability, much larger ensemble sizes are needed to realize low predictability. In other words, requirements on ensemble size (to realize the inherent predictability) and inherent predictability are complementary variables. A perceived need for larger ensembles, therefore, may also imply the presence of low predictability.
Provider-Level Characteristics Associated With Adolescent Varicella, Meningococcal, and Human Papillomavirus Immunization Initiation
Authors: Grout Rebecca L. , Beal Sarah J. , Kahn Jessica A. , Widdice Lea E.
Published: May 2015

Purpose. We examined patient- and provider-level factors associated with initiation of three adolescent immunizations among 13 to 18 year olds in an adolescent primary care clinic. Methods. Data were extracted retrospectively from medical records. Logistic regression models identified associations with immunization initiation. Post hoc analyses stratified by gender were conducted to examine provider-type contribution to human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization initiation. Results. Among 2932 adolescents, rates of meningococcal and varicella immunization initiation differed by age. Girls were more likely to have initiated HPV immunization than boys. The probability of girls initiating HPV immunization was the same when last seen by advanced practice nurses (APNs) versus physicians, but the probability of boys initiating HPV immunization was lower when last seen by APNs. Conclusions. Differences in HPV immunization initiation were observed between genders, and for boys, between APN versus physician at last clinic visit. This may reflect changes to HPV immunization recommendations for boys and APNs having shorter clinic visits.
Dissemination of Evidence-Based Behavioral Advice via Video in Pediatric Primary Care
Authors: Riley Andrew R. , Freeman Kurt A. , Marshall Sondra
Published: May 2015

Background. Research suggests that multimedia-based interventions possess advantages for disseminating safe and effective methods of behavior management to parents in pediatric primary care; however, little is known about their utilization in real-life settings. In order to maximize the impact of multimedia resources, more knowledge regarding dissemination and implementation is needed. Objective. To examine provider and parental perception and utilization of videos designed to communicate evidence-based parenting strategies for disruptive behavior. Videos were available in clinic and online. Results. Both provider and parent perceptions of the videos were largely positive. However, of 240 parents surveyed, only 33% were aware of the availability of videos subsequent to a well-child visit. Parents were unlikely to view the videos if they did not do so as part of their child’s health care visit. Conclusion. Multimedia interventions for behavior management are likely to be well received, but systematic methods of implementation are needed. Further study of dissemination of multimedia interventions is merited.
Adult Attachment Dimensions and College Student Distress
Authors: McDermott Ryon C. , Cheng Hsiu-Lan , Wright Christina , Browning Brandon R. , Upton Amy W. , Sevig Todd D.
Published: May 2015

The present investigation examined dispositional hope as a psychological strength that mediates the associations between adult attachment dimensions and seven commonly assessed college student psychological symptoms, as measured by the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms–62 (CCAPS-62): depression, eating concerns, substance use, generalized anxiety, hostility, social anxiety, and academic distress. Structural equation modeling of data obtained from students at a large Midwestern university ( N = 2,644) revealed that (a) adult attachment dimensions were positively associated with CCAPS-62 domains and negatively associated with hope, (b) hope was negatively associated with all seven CCAPS-62 domains with the exception of substance use, and (c) hope mediated the associations between attachment dimensions and all seven CCAPS-62 psychological symptoms, with the exception of substance use. Findings suggest that addressing adult attachment-driven automatic views of self and others may have important implications for hopeful thinking as well as for counseling intervention and prevention of college student psychological distress.
The Reciprocal Effects Model Revisited
Authors: Seaton Marjorie , Marsh Herbert W. , Parker Philip D. , Craven Rhonda G. , Yeung Alexander S.
Published: May 2015

The reciprocal effects model (REM) predicts a reciprocal relation between academic self-concept and academic achievement, whereby prior academic self-concept is associated with future gains in achievement, and prior achievement is related to subsequent academic self-concept. Although research in this area has been extensive, there has been a paucity of research specifically examining the REM from the standpoint of students who attend academically selective schools. The present research aimed to rectify this gap in the literature by testing the equivalence of the REM across a sample of high school students who attend both academically selective ( n = 738) and mixed-ability comprehensive ( n = 2,048) schools. Multigroup analyses revealed that the REM existed for both groups and that there were no differences between the groups in either the size or the direction of the paths that constitute the REM. Implications for REM theory and teaching practice are discussed.
Family functioning, social support, and quality of life for patients with anxiety disorder
Authors: Wang Jikun , Chen Yuhao , Tan Cuicui , Zhao Xudong
Published: May 2015

Background:

Few studies have examined the relationship between family functioning, social support and quality of life in patients with anxiety disorder. There is a paucity of research on anxiety disorders and their predictors in China.

Aims:

This study aimed to explore family functioning, social support and quality of life for patients with anxiety disorder and examine the relationship between these elements.

Methods:

A total of 107 patients who met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) criteria for anxiety disorder and 80 healthy controls completed the McMaster Family Assessment Device, the Perceived Social Support Scale and the short form of the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire.

Results:

The findings indicate that patients with anxiety disorder in China tend to have poor family functioning and quality of life, as well as a higher subjective perception of social support. There were strong correlations between family functioning, social support and quality of life. Affective involvement and not living with parents were identified as risk factors for anxiety disorders, while a high family income was a protective factor.

Conclusion:

Anxiety disorder is associated with reduced family functioning and poorer quality of life for Chinese patients. In addition, the Family Assessment Device is a suitable instrument for evaluating family functioning in Chinese patients with anxiety disorder.
Post-Gaddafi Libya and the African Union: Challenges and the Road to Sustainable Peace
Authors: Hove Mediel
Published: May 2015

The overthrow of dictatorial regimes in Tunisia and Egypt by revolutionary demonstrations during the Arab Spring in 2011 inspired Libyans to depose the Gaddafi regime. The heavy handedness of Gaddafi attracted the intervention of the West and the United States under the emblem of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973. The article argues that instead of effecting regime change, the demonstrations whose epicentre was Benghazi culminated in a deeply contested civil war. This was caused partly by the United States of America and its allies’ active involvement at the expense of the African Union and its member states.
On the Directionality Test of Peer Effects in Social Networks
Authors: An Weihua
Published: May 2015

One interesting idea in social network analysis is the directionality test that utilizes the directions of social ties to help identify peer effects. The null hypothesis of the test is that if contextual factors are the only force that affects peer outcomes, the estimated peer effects should not differ, if the directions of social ties are reversed. In this article, I statistically formalize this test and investigate its properties under various scenarios. In particular, I point out the validity of the test is contingent on the presence of peer selection, sampling error, and simultaneity bias. I also outline several methods that can help provide causal estimates of peer effects in social networks.
Decomposition of Gender or Racial Inequality with Endogenous Intervening Covariates
Authors: Yamaguchi Kazuo
Published: May 2015

This paper begins by clarifying that propensity-score weighting in the DiNardo-Fortin-Lemieux (DFL) decomposition analysis—unlike propensity-score weighting in Rubin’s causal model, in which confounding covariates can be endogenous—may generate biased estimates for the decomposition of inequality into “direct” and “indirect” components when intervening variables are endogenous. The paper also clarifies that the Blinder-Oaxaca method confounds the modeling of two distinct counterfactual situations: one in which the covariate effects of the first group become equal to those of the second group and the other in which the covariate distribution of the second group becomes equal to that of the first group. The paper shows that the DFL method requires a distinct condition to provide an unbiased decomposition of inequality that remains under each counterfactual situation. The paper then introduces a combination of the DFL method with Heckman’s two-step method as a way of testing and eliminating bias in the DFL estimate when some intervening covariates are endogenous. The paper also intends to bring gender and race back to the center of statistical causal analysis. An application focuses on the decomposition of gender inequality in earned income among white-collar regular employees in Japan.
Political parties and citizenship legislation change in EU28 countries, 1992–2013
Authors: Sredanovic Djordje
Published: May 2015

I analyze the changes to naturalization and jus soli legislation in EU28 states between 1992 and 2013, examining the links with the party composition of the cabinet in power. The direction, inclusive or restrictive, of the 104 changes to legislation analyzed, shows a variable but intelligible link to the left–right position and EU Parliament group affiliation of government parties. Distinguishing between EU15 states and post-1995 EU member states results in clearer links between politics and citizenship legislation change in the EU15, and also in less clear links in the post-1995 EU. Finally, a number of different analytical approaches all show limited evidence of the role of far-right xenophobic parties in influencing the direction of the legislation changes, suggesting that the origin of restrictive citizenship legislation could be found in the mainstream right rather than in the far right.
A novel forming method for three-dimensional thin sheet metal
Authors: Hu Zhiqing , Wang Chuanguo , Chen Xun , Liu Jiaan
Published: May 2015

For conventional stamping, appropriate process can be applied on top and bottom die to enhance the performance and efficiency of the forming process. But it is difficult and expensive for the conventional stamping to form high-strength large spring-back thin sheet components of complex shape in small batch. In an effort to improve forming precision and to minimize the cost, a novel spinning and pressing forming method is presented in this article. The forming performances, including forming forces and surface roughness, were evaluated with the processes of forming titanium alloy and aluminum alloy sheets. Reduced forming forces, lower tool wear, improved surface roughness and lower cost were observed using spinning and pressing forming. The investigation illustrates a great potential of applying spinning and pressing forming for improving shape precision and reducing the cost.
Dynamics of a hydraulic-transformer-controlled hydraulic motor system for automobiles
Authors: Wu Wei , Di Chongfeng , Hu Jibin
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a hydraulic-transformer-controlled hydraulic motor system for automobiles. The system consists of a hydraulic common pressure rail, a hydraulic transformer and a hydraulic pump–motor. The inherent dynamic characteristics of the system are investigated by an analytical method. The results are validated by simulations and tests. Because of the symmetrical mechanical structure of the valve plate in the hydraulic transformer, the system has both minimum-phase characteristics and non-minimum-phase system characteristics. The negative response characteristics of the system appear if the controlled angle is larger than 30°. The non-minimum phase of the system is unavoidable and should be considered in the controller design of the system. The stiffness of the system is also lower than those of the pump-controlled and valve-controlled systems. The stiffness changes with the variation in the controlled angle and becomes higher with increasing controlled angle.
Effects of fatty infiltration in human livers on the backscattered statistics of ultrasound imaging
Authors: Wan Yung-Liang , Tai Dar-In , Ma Hsiang-Yang , Chiang Bing-Hao , Chen Chin-Kuo , Tsui Po-Hsiang
Published: May 2015

Ultrasound imaging has been widely applied to screen fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease is a condition where large vacuoles of triglyceride fat accumulate in liver cells, thereby altering the arrangement of scatterers and the corresponding backscattered statistics. In this study, we used ultrasound Nakagami imaging to explore the effects of fatty infiltration in human livers on the statistical distribution of backscattered signals. A total of 107 patients volunteered to participate in the experiments. The livers were scanned using a clinical ultrasound scanner to obtain the raw backscattered signals for ultrasound B-mode and Nakagami imaging. Clinical scores of fatty liver disease for each patient were determined according to a well-accepted sonographic scoring system. The results showed that the Nakagami image can visualize the local backscattering properties of liver tissues. The Nakagami parameter increased from 0.62 ± 0.11 to 1.02 ± 0.07 as the fatty liver disease stage increased from normal to severe, indicating that the backscattered statistics vary from pre-Rayleigh to Rayleigh distributions. A significant positive correlation (correlation coefficient ρ = 0.84; probability value ( p value) < 0.0001) exists between the degree of fatty infiltration and the Nakagami parameter, suggesting that ultrasound Nakagami imaging has potentials in future applications in fatty liver disease diagnosis.
Solid waste management and sustainable cities in India: the case of Chandigarh
Authors: Gupta Namita , Gupta Rajiv
Published: May 2015

Urban India generates about 42 million tonnes of municipal solid waste per annum. By 2050, 50 per cent of the country’s population is projected to be urban, and the amount of waste will increase substantially. The 12th Schedule of the Constitution of India makes it obligatory for municipal authorities to keep cities and towns clean. Given their wide range of responsibilities, however, dealing with waste in both practical and environmentally sound ways is one of their most significant challenges, and innovative solutions are called for. This paper presents research on solid waste management in the city of Chandigarh, well known in India for its achievements in this regard. It provides an overview of the situation, discussing the strategies adopted and the continued and emerging challenges in waste management, as well as suggesting measures for possible solutions.
It’s All in the Family
Authors: Lee Chia-lin , Federmeier Kara D.
Published: May 2015

Although left-hemisphere (LH) specialization for language is often viewed as a key example of functional lateralization, there is increasing evidence that the right hemisphere (RH) can also extract meaning from words and sentences. However, the right hemisphere’s ability to appreciate syntactic aspects of language remains poorly understood. In the current study, we used separable, functionally well-characterized electrophysiological indices of lexico-semantic and syntactic processes to demonstrate RH sensitivity to syntactic violations among right-handers with a strong manual preference. Critically, however, the nature of this RH sensitivity to structural information was modulated by a genetically determined factor—familial sinistrality. The right hemisphere in right-handers without left-handed family members processed syntactic violations via the words’ accompanying lexico-semantic unexpectedness. In contrast, the right hemisphere in right-handers with left-handed family members could process syntactic information in a manner qualitatively similar to that of the left hemisphere.
Visualizing Trumps Vision in Training Attention
Authors: Reinhart Robert M. G. , McClenahan Laura J. , Woodman Geoffrey F.
Published: May 2015

Mental imagery can have powerful training effects on behavior, but how this occurs is not well understood. Here we show that even a single instance of mental imagery can improve attentional selection of a target more effectively than actually practicing visual search. By recording subjects’ brain activity, we found that these imagery-induced training effects were due to perceptual attention being more effectively focused on targets following imagined training. Next, we examined the downside of this potent training by changing the target after several trials of training attention with imagery and found that imagined search resulted in more potent interference than actual practice following these target changes. Finally, we found that proactive interference from task-irrelevant elements in the visual displays appears to underlie the superiority of imagined training relative to actual practice. Our findings demonstrate that visual attention mechanisms can be effectively trained to select target objects in the absence of visual input, and this results in more effective control of attention than practicing the task itself.
Fish/flaxseed oil protect against nitric oxide-induced hepatotoxicity and cell death in the rat liver
Authors: Khan MW , Priyamvada S , Khan SA , Khan S , Gangopadhyay A , Yusufi ANK
Published: May 2015

Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) is an antihypertensive drug with proven toxic effects attributed mainly to the production of nitric oxide (NO). Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are widely regarded as functional foods and have been shown to ameliorate the harmful effects of many toxicants. This study examined whether feeding of fish oil (FO)/flaxseed oil (FXO) would have any protective effect against SNP-induced hepatotoxicity and cell death. Male Wistar rats were fed either on normal diet or with 15% FO/FXO for 15 days, following which SNP (1.5 mg/kg body weight) was administered intraperitoneally for 7 days. Animals were killed after treatment, and livers were collected for further analysis. We observed that SNP significantly elevated tissue nitrite levels and lipid peroxidation (LPO) with concomitant perturbation in antioxidant defense systems accompanied with dysregulated glucose metabolism and pronounced cellular death. FO/FXO supplementation to SNP-treated rats caused reversal of tissue injury/cell death and markedly decreased LPO and improved antioxidant defense systems. FO/FXO appear to protect against SNP-induced hepatotoxicity by improving energy metabolism and antioxidant defense mechanism.
Jihad and Counter-jihad in Germany
Authors: Banerjee Jyotirmoy
Published: May 2015

Historically, jihad was long encouraged by the West, a perspective which has not gained sufficient recognition in scholarly literature. Berlin played an important role in this ever since the times of Kaiser Wilhelm II till the end of Hitler’s Third Reich. The Germans, playing the game of big-power politics against primarily the British Empire, actively fanned jihad among the Muslims worldwide. Later, the USA did the same to encourage Afghan mujahideen fighters to fight back the Soviet invasion of their country in December 1979. Hence the term ‘directed jihad’, suggesting that the history of jihad in the twentieth century shows much active Western support behind the phenomenon. Paradoxically, this—at least partial—creation of the West is now turning against the latter.
Influences of Teacher Delivery, Student Engagement, and Observation Focus on Preservice Teachers’ Perceptions of Teaching Effectiveness
Authors: Napoles Jessica , MacLeod Rebecca B.
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this study was to examine how teacher delivery, student engagement, and observation focus influenced preservice teachers’ ratings of teaching effectiveness. Participants ( N = 84 preservice teachers) viewed short teaching excerpts of orchestral and choral rehearsals wherein the teacher displayed either high or low teacher delivery, the students displayed high or low student engagement, and the camera was focused on either the teacher or the students. Participants were asked to rate the overall effectiveness of the lesson on a 7-point Likert-type scale. Results indicated that lessons with high teacher delivery and high student engagement, with a view of the teacher, were rated as most effective, and lessons with low teacher delivery and low student engagement, with a view of the students, were rated as least effective. There were significant main effects for observation focus, teacher delivery, and student engagement, and significant two-way interactions between each of the variables.
School Nurses’ Professional Practice in the HPV Vaccine Decision-Making Process
Authors: Rosen Brittany L. , Ashwood Daniel , Richardson George B.
Published: May 2015

Because U.S. human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates remain low, we evaluated school nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, perceptions of their role as opinion leaders, self-efficacy, intention, and professional practice regarding the HPV vaccine and determined if these variables influenced their professional practice concerning the HPV vaccine. We utilized a cross-sectional design by recruiting Ohio Association of School Nurses (OASN) members. Participants ( n = 145) completed a paper survey during the OASN annual conference. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the proposed model. Our model yielded a well-fitting solution, χ2 = 1.118 (degrees of freedom = 2, p = .57). Knowledge had positive effects on intention and self-efficacy. Attitude had a positive effect on perception of role as opinion leaders. Intention to provide HPV vaccine education had a positive effect on professional practice. To develop school nurses’ practice, interventions should center on increasing knowledge, attitudes, and intention toward providing HPV vaccine education.
A Comparison of Dabigatran With Warfarin for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation in an Asian Population
Authors: Yap Lok Bin , Eng Daniel Theng Sheng , Sivalingam Lingghesh , Rusani Beni Isman , Umadevan Dhanan , Muhammad Zulkeflee , Koh Kok Wei , Aisha Barveen , Hashim Mohd Irwan , Rebo Rosila , Hussin Azlan , Kaur Surinder , Shanmugam Rajasingam , Omar Razali
Published: May 2015

Background:

The Asian population with atrial fibrillation (AF) have a higher risk of stroke than the caucasian population and a higher risk of intracranial bleeding when anticoagulated with warfarin. There are few real-world studies comparing the efficacy of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and warfarin among Asian patients to assess its outcomes of ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study of 1000 patients on dabigatran and warfarin from 2009 to 2013.

Results:

Data were available for 500 patients on dabigatran and 500 patients on warfarin. The average follow-up duration was 315 ± 280 days in the dabigatran group and 355 ± 232 in the warfarin group. The time in therapeutic range (TTR) was 53.2% in the warfarin-treated group, with 32.8% of patients in the subtherapeutic international normalized ratio range of <2. None of the patients in the dabigatran group had ischemic cerebrovascular accident (CVA) compared to 4 (0.8%) patients in the warfarin group, hazard ratio (HR) 0.13, P = .3. There was 1 (0.2%) patient in both dabigatran and warfarin groups with hemorrhagic CVA (HR 1.16, P = .92). There were 3 (0.6%) patients with major bleeding in the dabigatran group compared to 2 (0.4%) patients in the warfarin group (HR 1.57, P = .59).

Conclusion:

There were similar rates of efficacy for outcomes of ischemic CVA, hemorrhagic CVA, and bleeding when comparing dabigatran with warfarin. Our study shows that despite similar efficacy, suboptimal TTR rates and inconveniences with warfarin demonstrate that NOACs are preferred for stroke prevention in AF.
Fish Intake and Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Mattiuzzi Camilla , Cervellin Gianfranco , Franchini Massimo , Lippi Giuseppe
Published: May 2015

Diet plays an important role in modulating the risk of arterial and venous thrombosis. Several lines of evidence attest that consumption of fish and its compounds, especially omega-3 fatty acids, may be effective to decrease the cardiovascular risk. Since the pathogenesis of arterial and venous thrombosis share some common aspects, we performed a systematic review of published clinical studies that investigated the association between fish intake and venous thrombosis. An electronic search was carried out in Medline, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science using the key words “fish” OR “seafood” AND “venous thromboembolism” OR “deep vein thrombosis” OR “pulmonary embolism”, with no language or date restriction. Overall, 6 studies (5 prospective and 1 case–control) were finally identified. In only 1 small case–control study, a larger intake of total fish was found to be negatively associated with the risk of venous thromboembolism. No association was found in 4 large prospective studies, whereas a positive association was observed in the remaining. No substantial difference was also noticed between intake of fatty or lean fish. Taken together, the current epidemiological evidence does not support the existence of a significant effect of total fish consumption on the risk of venous thromboembolism.
Exercise Interventions in Children and Adolescents With ADHD: A Systematic Review
Authors: Neudecker Christina , Mewes Nadine , Reimers Anne K. , Woll Alexander
Published: May 2015

Objective: Exercise has attracted attention as a potential helpful intervention in children with ADHD. Effects are emphasized on cognition, social-emotional, and motor development. Method: A systematic literature search was conducted using the electronic databases Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and ERIC to analyze the efficacy of different types of exercise interventions in children and adolescents with ADHD. Seven studies examining the acute and 14 studies examining the long-term effects were included. Results: The largest effects were reported for mixed exercise programs on ADHD symptomatology and fine motor precision. However, because of the large differences in the study designs, the comparability is limited. Conclusion: At this time, no evidence-based recommendation can be formulated regarding frequency, intensity, or duration of exercise. Nevertheless, some first trends regarding the effects of certain types of exercise can be identified. When focusing on long-term health benefits in children and adolescents with ADHD, qualitative exercise characteristics might play an important role.
Acute neurokinin-1 receptor antagonism fails to dampen airflow limitation or airway eosinophilia in an experimental model of feline asthma
Authors: Grobman Megan , Krumme Stacy , Outi Hilton , Dodam John R , Reinero Carol R
Published: May 2015

Objectives

Feline allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the lower airways that may manifest with acute, life-threatening clinical signs. Tachykinins released from sensory nerves and immune cells binding neurokinin (NK)-1, NK-2 and NK-3 receptors have been implicated in asthma pathogenesis. Maropitant, an NK-1 receptor antagonist, blocks neuroimmune pathways and may be a viable treatment option for cats in asthmatic crisis. Using an experimental chronic allergic feline asthma model, we hypothesized that a single dose of maropitant given immediately after allergen challenge would blunt clinical signs, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and airway eosinophilia.

Methods

Cats (n = 7) induced to have an asthmatic phenotype using Bermuda grass allergen (BGA) were enrolled in a prospective, placebo-controlled crossover design study. Cats randomly received maropitant (2 mg/kg SC) or placebo (saline SC) immediately post-BGA challenge, followed 12 h later by pulmonary mechanics testing and measurement of airway eosinophils. After a 2 week washout, cats were crossed-over to the alternate treatment. Study endpoints included subjective clinical scoring systems post-BGA challenge, ventilator-acquired pulmonary mechanics to assess AHR after bronchoprovocation with methacholine and collection of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid to quantify airway eosinophilia. Data were analyzed using a Mann–Whitney rank sum test with P <0.05 considered significant.

Results

A single injection of maropitant failed to diminish clinical composite score ( P = 0.902), visual analogue scale scoring ( P = 0.710), AHR ( P = 0.456) or airway eosinophilia ( P = 0.165) compared with placebo.

Conclusions and relevance

A single injection of maropitant given immediately post-allergen challenge was ineffective at blunting clinical signs, AHR and airway eosinophilia, and cannot be recommended as treatment for feline status asthmaticus.
Anti-platelet and anti-hypertension medication use in patients with fibromuscular dysplasia: Results from the United States Registry for Fibromuscular Dysplasia
Authors: Weinberg Ido , Gu Xiaokui , Giri Jay , Kim Soo E , Bacharach Michael J , Gray Bruce H , Katzen Barry T , Matsumoto Alan H , Chi Yung-Wei , Rogers Kevin R , Froehlich James , Olin Jeffrey W , Gornik Heather L , Jaff Michael R
Published: May 2015

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), a non-inflammatory arterial disease, may lead to renovascular hypertension (HTN) and cerebrovascular disease. Little is known about medication use in FMD. Clinical features and medication use were reviewed in a national FMD registry (12 US sites). Medication usage was assessed in raw and adjusted analyses. Covariates included demographic characteristics, co-morbid conditions and vascular bed involvement. A total of 874 subjects (93.6% female) were included in the analysis. Mean age was 55.6±13.1 years, 74.5% had HTN, 25.4% had a history of transient ischemic attack or stroke, and 7.5% had a history of coronary artery disease (CAD). Renal and cerebrovascular arteries were affected in 70.4% and 74.7%, respectively. Anti-platelet agents were administered to 72.9% of patients. In multivariate analyses, factors associated with a greater likelihood of anti-platelet agent use were older age (OR=1.02 per year, p=0.005), CAD (OR=3.76, p=0.015), cerebrovascular artery FMD involvement in isolation (OR=2.31, p<0.0001) or a history of previous intervention for FMD (OR=1.52, p=0.036). A greater number of anti-HTN medications was evident in isolated renal versus isolated cerebrovascular FMD patients. Factors associated with a greater number of anti-HTN medications were older age (OR=1.03 per year, p<0.0001), history of HTN (OR=24.04, p<0.0001), history of CAD (OR=2.71, p=0.0008) and a history of a previous therapeutic procedure (OR=1.72, p=0.001). In conclusion, in FMD, medication use varies based on vascular bed involvement. Isolated renal FMD patients receive more anti-HTN agents and there is greater anti-platelet agent use among patients with cerebrovascular FMD. Further studies correlating medication use in FMD with clinically meaningful patient outcomes are necessary.
Can findings from randomized controlled trials of social skills training in autism spectrum disorder be generalized? The neglected dimension of external validity
Authors: Jonsson Ulf , Choque Olsson Nora , Bölte Sven
Published: May 2015

Systematic reviews have traditionally focused on internal validity, while external validity often has been overlooked. In this study, we systematically reviewed determinants of external validity in the accumulated randomized controlled trials of social skills group interventions for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. We extracted data clustered into six overarching themes: source population, included population, context, treatment provider, treatment intervention, and outcome. A total of 15 eligible randomized controlled trials were identified. The eligible population was typically limited to high-functioning school-aged children with autism spectrum disorder, and the included population was predominantly male and Caucasian. Scant information about the recruitment of participants was provided, and details about treatment providers and settings were sparse. It was not evident from the trials to what extent acquired social skills were enacted in everyday life and maintained over time. We conclude that the generalizability of the accumulated evidence is unclear and that the determinants of external validity are often inadequately reported. At this point, more effectiveness-oriented randomized controlled trials of equally high internal and external validity are needed. More attention to the determinants of external validity is warranted when this new generation of randomized controlled trials are planned and reported. We provide a tentative checklist for this purpose.
Characterizing the daily life, needs, and priorities of adults with autism spectrum disorder from Interactive Autism Network data
Authors: Gotham Katherine , Marvin Alison R , Taylor Julie Lounds , Warren Zachary , Anderson Connie M , Law Paul A , Law Jessica K , Lipkin Paul H
Published: May 2015

Using online survey data from a large sample of adults with autism spectrum disorder and legal guardians, we first report outcomes across a variety of contexts for participants with a wide range of functioning, and second, summarize these stakeholders’ priorities for future research. The sample included n = 255 self-reporting adults with autism spectrum disorder aged 18–71 years (M = 38.5 years, standard deviation = 13.1 years) and n = 143 adults with autism spectrum disorder aged 18–58 years (M = 25.0 years, standard deviation = 8.2 years) whose information was provided by legal guardians. Although the self-reporting subsample had much higher rates of employment, marriage/partnership, and independent living than are typically seen in autism spectrum disorder outcome studies, they remained underemployed and had strikingly high rates of comorbid disorders. Data on both descriptive outcomes and rated priorities converged across subsamples to indicate the need for more adult research on life skills, treatments, co-occurring conditions, and vocational and educational opportunities. Stakeholders also placed priority on improving public services, health care access, and above all, public acceptance of adults with autism spectrum disorder. Findings must be interpreted in light of the self-reporting subsample’s significant proportion of females and of later-diagnosed individuals. This study underscores the need for lifespan research; initiatives will benefit from incorporating information from the unique perspectives of adults with autism spectrum disorder and their families.
Online discussion, politicized identity, and collective action
Authors: Alberici Augusta Isabella , Milesi Patrizia
Published: May 2015

Although online discussions may stimulate political participation, little is known about how computer-mediated communication among members of political groups contributes to develop their politicized identity, thus indirectly stimulating collective action. Two studies involving activists from two web-based social movements investigated how online discussions moderate the effects of collective efficacy, group-based anger, and moral obligation on politicized identity. Self-reported frequency of online discussions and activists’ perceptions of two content-related characteristics of online discussions both interacted with collective efficacy and moral obligation beliefs in predicting politicized identity. Politicized identity mediated the effects of these interactions on collective action intention. We discuss how specific characteristics of online political discussions may contribute to politicize group identity via group-level and individual-level paths.
Moderators of the disapproval of peer punishment
Authors: Eriksson Kimmo , Andersson Per A. , Strimling Pontus
Published: May 2015

Recent studies have found disapproval of peer punishment of norm violations. This seems puzzling, given the potential benefits peer punishers contribute to the group. We suggest part of the answer is that peer punishers tend to come across as aggressive and as such may be viewed as more problematic than beneficial to have around. We used simple computer animations of geometric shapes to enact 15 precise variations of social sanctions against a norm violator. More than 1,800 subjects were recruited to watch an animation and judge the behavior and character of the animated agents. They also completed a trait aggression measure. Across the variations peer punishment was typically disapproved of, especially when severe or openly aggressive, and especially by subjects low on trait aggression. We conclude that there seems to be a social norm against peer punishment and that dislike of aggressiveness seems to be part of the reason why.
Growing gaps: The importance of income and family for educational inequalities in mortality among Swedish men and women 1990–2009
Authors: Östergren Olof
Published: May 2015

Aims: Although absolute levels of mortality have decreased among Swedish men and women in recent decades, educational inequalities in mortality have increased, especially among women. The aim of this study is to disentangle the role of income and family type in educational inequalities in mortality in Sweden during 1990–2009, focusing on gender differences. Methods: Data on individuals born in Sweden between the ages of 30 and 74 years were collected from total population registries, covering a total of 529,275 deaths and 729 million person-months. Temporary life expectancies (age 30–74 years) by education were calculated using life tables, and rate ratios were estimated with Poisson regression with robust standard errors. Results: Temporary life expectancy improved among all groups except low educated women. Relative educational inequalities in mortality (RRs) increased from 1.79 to 1.98 among men and from 1.78 to 2.10 among women. Variation in family type explained some of the inequalities among men, but not among women, and did not contribute to the trend. Variation in income explained a larger part of the educational inequalities among men compared to women and also explained the increase in educational inequalities in mortality among men and women. Conclusions: Increasing educational inequalities in mortality in Sweden may be attributed to the increase in income inequalities in mortality.
‘No hint of bulging muscles’: The surveillance of sportswomen’s bodies in British print media
Authors: Godoy-Pressland Amy
Published: May 2015

Since the inception of second wave feminism, feminists have placed female bodies at the centre of the equality discourse. The female body is a contested site for feminist scholars who have identified the under- and mis-representation of sportswomen’s bodies in the media. This article investigates how surveillance techniques are employed in British Sunday newspapers as a function of hegemonic power to influence gendered notions of sport and the display of female bodies in line with normative femininity. Data stem from a semi-longitudinal study which analysed the quantitative and qualitative representation of sportswomen in British print media during January 2008–December 2009. Foucault’s analysis of the Panopticon and Mulvey’s concept of ‘gaze’ are used to interpret the data through the lens of surveillance. Findings demonstrate how the surveillance of female sporting bodies occurred in four distinct ways. The categories, which emerged from the data, include the body as (1) trivialised, (2) secondary, (3) commercial and (4) feminine.
Relational Patterns Between Caregivers With PTSD and Their Nonexposed Children
Authors: van Ee Elisa , Kleber Rolf J. , Jongmans Marian J.
Published: May 2015

The question as to whether or not children can be affected by the traumatization of their parents has been the topic of a long-standing debate. This article provides a critical review of 72 research studies on traumatized parents with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the parent–child interaction, and the impact on their nonexposed child (0–18 years). The evidence suggests that traumatization can cause parenting limitations, and these limitations can disrupt the development of the young child. From the studies reviewed several patterns emerged: Relational patterns of traumatized parents who are observed to be emotionally less available and who perceive their children more negatively than parents without symptoms of PTSD; relational patterns of children who at a young age are easily deregulated or distressed and at an older age are reported to face more difficulties in their psychosocial development than children of parents without symptoms of PTSD; and relational patterns that show remarkable similarities to relational patterns between depressed or anxious parents and their children. Mechanisms such as mentalization, attachment, physiological factors, and the cycle of abuse offer a valuable perspective to further our understanding of the relational patterns. This article builds on previous work by discussing the emerged patterns between traumatized parents and their nonexposed children from a relational and transactional perspective.
Very late in-stent thrombosis 9 years after double stent treatment of fusiform basilar artery aneurysm
Authors: Juszkat Robert , Stanislawska Katarzyna , Wasik Norbert , Jankowski Roman , Liebert Włodzimierz
Published: May 2015

Endovascular treatment seems to be the best approach to posterior circulation fusiform aneurysms. Double stent techniques are frequently used to occlude basilar artery dilations. Unfortunately, there is a limited number of studies that have followed up with patients over prolonged periods of time in order to evaluate delayed complications, such as stenosis, thrombosis or migration of stents. We present an unusual case of in-stent thrombosis 9 years after basilar artery aneurysm treatment to caution about complications associated with double stent implantation.
Spontaneous thrombosis of the main draining vein revealing an unruptured brain arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Cao Catherine , Sourour Nader , Reina Vincent , Nouet Aurélien , Di Maria Federico , Chiras Jacques , Cornu Philippe , Clarençon Frédéric
Published: May 2015

Haemorrhage is the most frequent revealing condition of brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs). We report a rare case of unruptured parietal bAVM revealed by spontaneous thrombosis of the main draining vein, responsible for a focal neurological deficit. The bAVM was embolized in emergency conditions; complete regression of the neurological symptoms was observed within five days after the embolization. Potential mechanisms of such spontaneous thrombosis of the bAVM’s main drainage pathway as well as an exhaustive review of the literature concerning this rare revealing condition are presented and discussed.