bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The mechano-gated channel inhibitor GsMTx4 reduces the exercise pressor reflex in rats with ligated femoral arteries
Authors: Copp Steven W. , Kim Joyce S. , Ruiz-Velasco Victor , Kaufman Marc P.
Published: February 2016

Mechanical and metabolic stimuli arising from contracting muscles evoke the exercise pressor reflex. This reflex is greater in a rat model of simulated peripheral arterial disease in which a femoral artery is chronically ligated than it is in rats with freely perfused femoral arteries. The role played by the mechanically sensitive component of the exaggerated exercise pressor reflex in ligated rats is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that the mechano-gated channel inhibitor GsMTx4, a relatively selective inhibitor of mechano-gated Piezo channels, reduces the exercise pressor reflex in decerebrate rats with ligated femoral arteries. Injection of 10 μg of GsMTx4 into the arterial supply of the hindlimb reduced the pressor response to Achilles tendon stretch (a purely mechanical stimulus) but had no effect on the pressor responses to intra-arterial injection of α,β-methylene ATP or lactic acid (purely metabolic stimuli). Moreover, injection of 10 μg of GsMTx4 into the arterial supply of the hindlimb reduced both the integrated pressor area (control 535 ± 21, GsMTx4 218 ± 24 mmHg·s; P < 0.01), peak pressor (control 29 ± 2, GsMTx4 14 ± 3 mmHg; P < 0.01), and renal sympathetic nerve responses to electrically induced intermittent hindlimb muscle contraction (a mixed mechanical and metabolic stimulus). The reduction of the integrated pressor area during contraction caused by GsMTx4 was greater in rats with ligated femoral arteries than it was in rats with freely perfused femoral arteries. We conclude that the mechanically sensitive component of the reflex contributes to the exaggerated exercise pressor reflex during intermittent hindlimb muscle contractions in rats with ligated femoral arteries.
Chronic intermittent hypoxia alters ventilatory and metabolic responses to acute hypoxia in rats
Authors: Morgan Barbara J. , Adrian Russell , Wang Zun-yi , Bates Melissa L. , Dopp John M.
Published: February 2016

We determined the effects of chronic exposure to intermittent hypoxia (CIH) on chemoreflex control of ventilation in conscious animals. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to CIH [nadir oxygen saturation (SpO2), 75%; 15 events/h; 10 h/day] or normoxia (NORM) for 21 days. We assessed the following responses to acute, graded hypoxia before and after exposures: ventilation (V̇e, via barometric plethysmography), V̇o2and V̇co2(analysis of expired air), heart rate (HR), and SpO2(pulse oximetry via neck collar). We quantified hypoxia-induced chemoreceptor sensitivity by calculating the stimulus-response relationship between SpO2and the ventilatory equivalent for V̇co2(linear regression). An additional aim was to determine whether CIH causes proliferation of carotid body glomus cells (using bromodeoxyuridine). CIH exposure increased the slope of the V̇e/V̇co2/SpO2relationship and caused hyperventilation in normoxia. Bromodeoxyuridine staining was comparable in CIH and NORM. Thus our CIH paradigm augmented hypoxic chemosensitivity without causing glomus cell proliferation.
Effects of meal ingestion on blood pressure and regional hemodynamic responses after exercise
Authors: Endo Masako Yamaoka , Fujihara Chizuko , Miura Akira , Kashima Hideaki , Fukuba Yoshiyuki
Published: February 2016

This study investigated the combined effects of consuming a meal during postexercise hypotension (PEH) on hemodynamics. Nine healthy young male subjects performed each of three trials in random order: 1) cycling at 50% of heart rate reserve for 60 min, 2) oral ingestion of a carbohydrate liquid meal (75 g glucose), or 3) carbohydrate ingestion at 40 min after cycling exercise. Blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output, and blood flow in the superior mesenteric (SMA), brachial, and popliteal arteries were measured continuously before and after each trial. Regional vascular conductance (VC) was calculated as blood flow/mean arterial pressure. Blood pressure decreased relative to baseline values ( P < 0.05) after exercise cessation. Blood flow and VC in the calf and arm increased after exercise, whereas blood flow and VC in the SMA did not. Blood pressure did not change after meal ingestion; however, blood flow and VC significantly decreased in the brachial and popliteal arteries and increased in the SMA for 120 min after the meal ( P < 0.05). When the meal was ingested during PEH, blood pressure decreased below PEH levels and remained decreased for 40 min before returning to postexercise levels. The sustained increase in blood flow and VC in the limbs after exercise was reduced to baseline resting levels immediately after the meal, postprandial cardiac output was unchanged by the increased blood flow in the SMA, and total VC and SMA VC increased. Healthy young subjects can suppress severe hypotension by vasoconstriction of the limbs even when carbohydrate is ingested during PEH.
ACE Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism Associated with Caries in Permanent but Not Primary Dentition in Czech Children
Authors: Borilova Linhartova Petra , Kastovsky Jakub , Bartosova Michaela , Musilova Kristina , Zackova Lenka , Kukletova Martina , Kukla Lubomir , Izakovicova Holla Lydie
Published: February 2016

Objective: Dental caries is a multifactorial, infectious disease where genetic predisposition plays an important role. Insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) has very recently been associated with caries in Polish children. The aim of this study was to analyze ACE I/D polymorphism in a group of caries-free children versus subjects affected by dental caries in the Czech population. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 182 caries-free children (with decayed/missing/filled teeth, DMFT = 0), 561 subjects with dental caries (DMFT ≥1) aged 13-15 years and 220 children aged 2-6 years with early childhood caries (ECC, dmft ≥1) were included. Genotype determination of ACE I/D polymorphism in intron 16 was based on the TaqMan method. Results: Although no significant differences in the allele or genotype frequencies between the caries-free children and those affected by dental caries were observed, statistically significant differences between the children with DMFT = 0 and the subgroup of 179 patients with high caries experience (DMFT ≥4; p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) were detected. The comparison of DD versus II+ID genotype frequencies between the patients with DMFT ≥1 or DMFT ≥4 and healthy children also showed significant differences (31.5% or 35.6% vs. 23.6%, p < 0.05 or p < 0.01, respectively). A gender-based analysis identified a significant difference in the DD versus II+ID genotype frequencies only in girls (p < 0.05). In contrast, no significant association of ACE I/D polymorphism with ECC in young children was found (p > 0.05). Conclusions:ACE I/D polymorphism may be associated with caries in permanent but not primary dentition, especially in girls in the Czech population.
PASS Syndrome: An IL-1-Driven Autoinflammatory Disease
Authors: Leuenberger Mathieu , Berner Jeanne , Di Lucca Julie , Fischer Lara , Kaparos Nikolaos , Conrad Curdin , Hohl Daniel , So Alexander , Gilliet Michel
Published: February 2016

PASS syndrome is a rare inflammatory disease characterized by a chronic-relapsing course of pyoderma gangrenosum, acne vulgaris, hidradenitis suppurativa and ankylosing spondylitis. Here, we describe a case of a patient with spontaneously recurrent purulent skin lesions along with seronegative spondylarthritis consistent with the PASS syndrome. During his disease exacerbation, the patient displayed episodes of fever along with elevated serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β. Skin lesions were characterized by sterile neutrophilic infiltrates and showed a rapid response to the IL-1 receptor antagonist anakinra (Kineret®) consistent with the autoinflammatory nature of this disease. However, unlike other autoinflammatory diseases such as PAPA and PAPASH, we did not find mutations in the gene PSTPIP1, raising the possibility that other specific mutations in the IL-1 pathway may be involved.
Diagnostic Utility of Bronchial Brush-Tip Washings for the Immunohistochemical Assessment of Peripheral Lung Lesions
Authors: Bonney Asha , Beaty Anne , See Katharine , Irving Louis , Steinfort Daniel
Published: February 2016

Objectives: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is an important component of lung cancer diagnosis and management, although performance can be limited due to tissue availability. We describe a novel technique for processing brush-tip washings (BTW) and evaluate the feasibility of IHC testing on these samples. Study Design: All patients who had cell blocks (CB) created from BTW following bronchoscopic investigation of peripheral lung lesions were included. CB were assessed for adequate material before undergoing IHC staining. Results: 75 patients were included in the study, with bronchoscopic diagnosis of malignancy achieved in 77%. Sixty-seven samples (89%) had sufficient cells for diagnosis on CB and 56 of these (84%) proved amenable to IHC. CB created from BTW were the sole specimens available for IHC subtyping in 7 patients (9%). Conclusions: CB are easily created from BTW and are a simple method for increasing the diagnostic utility of bronchoscopic specimens without increasing the risk or duration of bronchoscopy. IHC can be easily performed in a high proportion of cases, increasing the likelihood of accurate sub-typing of tumours following diagnostic bronchoscopy.
Potential Survival Benefit of Polymyxin B Hemoperfusion in Septic Shock Patients on Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: A Propensity-Matched Analysis
Authors: Iwagami Masao , Yasunaga Hideo , Noiri Eisei , Horiguchi Hiromasa , Fushimi Kiyohide , Matsubara Takehiro , Yahagi Naoki , Nangaku Masaomi , Doi Kent
Published: February 2016

Background/Aims: We assessed the survival benefit of polymyxin B hemoperfusion (PMX) in septic shock patients starting continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), who are known to have an increased rate of mortality. Methods: Adult patients in the Japanese diagnosis procedure combination database satisfying the following criteria were enrolled: hospitalized in 2007-2012; diagnosed as having sepsis; required noradrenaline and/or dopamine; and started CRRT in intensive care unit. Propensity scores for receiving PMX were created from patient and hospital characteristics. Results: Of 3,759 eligible patients, 1,068 received PMX. Propensity-score matching produced a matched cohort of 978 pairs. The 28-day mortality was 40.2% (393/978) in the PMX group and 46.8% (458/978) in the control group (p = 0.003). Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between the use of PMX and decreased 28-day mortality (adjusted OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.62-0.91). Conclusion: This large retrospective study suggests that septic shock patients starting CRRT may benefit from PMX.
Enhanced Production Level of Quinine in Cell Suspension Culture of Cinchona ledgeriana Moens by Paclobutrazol
Authors: Ratnadewi Diah
Published: February 2016

Quinine is one of the major alkaloids in Cinchona spp., and it is used both as a medication and as a drink additive. The plant produces most of its alkaloids in the bark after 6â€“8 years of age.Repeated harvests can be performed until the plant dies, but only after every 3â€“5 years. We tested an improved method for culturing cell suspensions of Cinchona ledgerianato investigate the possibility of increasing production of quinine. The clone QRC 315 was treated with either a growth retardant (abscisic acid or paclobutrazol) or precursor feeding of L-tryptophan. To generate stress, we applied mannitol at 5.3 g/L combined with sucrose at a lower concentration (20 g/L),and we used sucrose at 30 g/L as the control. Paclobutrazol (7 mg/L) significantly suppressed cell growth and produced the highest level of quinine (11%) after 7 weeks of culture. L-tryptophan also reduced cell growth, but without any positive effect in the production of quinoline. The highest amount of quinine per culture flask, however, Â resulted in cells treated with 3 mg/L abscisic acid.
Impact of aerobic exercise on haemostatic indices in paediatric patients with haemophilia
Authors: Kumar Riten , Bouskill Vanessa , Schneiderman Jane , Pluthero Fred , Kahr Walter , Craik Allison , Clark Dewi , Whitney Karen , Zhang Christine , Rand Margaret , Carcao Manuel
Published: February 2016

This study investigated the impact of aerobic exercise on laboratory assessments of haemostatic activity in boys (5–18 years of age) with haemophilia A (HA) or B (HB), examining the hypothesis that laboratory coagulation parameters temporarily improve with exercise. Thirty subjects meeting eligibility criteria (19 HA; 11 HB; mean age: 12.8 years) were invited to participate. They underwent a replacement factor washout period and were advised against strenuous activity for three days prior to the planned intervention. At study visit, baseline blood samples were drawn prior to exercise on a stationary cycle ergometer, aiming to attain 3 minutes (min) of cycling at 85 % of predicted maximum heart rate. Blood work was repeated 5 min (t5) and 60 min (t60) post exercise completion. Samples were assessed for platelet count (PC), factor VIII activity (FVIII:C), von Willebrand antigen (VWF:Ag), ristocetin cofactor activity (VWF:RCo) and platelet function analysis (PFA-100); maximum rate of thrombus generation (MRTG) in blood was measured via thromboelastography and plasma peak thrombin generation (PTG) via calibrated automated thrombography. Mean duration of exercise was 13.9 (± 2.6) min. On average, t5 samples showed significant elevation, relative to baseline in PC, FVIII:C, VWF:Ag, VWF:RCo and PTG, while FVIII:C, VWF:Ag, VWF:RCo and MRTG were significantly elevated in t60 samples. Within the cohort, participants with severe HA showed no change in FVIII:C levels with exercise. The greatest improvement in haemostatic indices was observed in post-adolescent males with mild-moderate HA, who thus represent the group most likely to benefit from a reduction of bleeding risk in the setting of exercise.
Contextos globais, textos locais: a relevância de Hall para uma analítica da globalização
Authors: Borda Erik Barbosa
Published: February 2016

Neste trabalho propomos, através de um deslocamento nas discussões comuns sobre global/local, discutir e defender a não incompatibilidade entre textos produzidos localmente, referentes a situações empíricas limitadas, e seus contextos globais mais amplos. Para isso fizemos um balanço de parte da bibliografia que trata de discutir a “temática da globalização”, identificando tendências e avaliando algumas de suas implicações e pressupostos para se teorizar o global de maneira crítica. Encontramos no tipo de trabalho produzido por Stuart Hall contribuições para o tema, as quais tentamos explicitar e trazer à tona. Ao final, propomos algumas saídas para as questões levantadas com base em articulações teóricas encontradas em diferentes campos do saber, seja na Sociologia, na Antropologia, nos Estudos Culturais, na Crítica Pós-colonial, e na mais recente perspectiva Decolonial.
A filosofia crítica de Foucault: uma recusa do transcendental?
Authors: Noto Carolina De Souza
Published: February 2016

O presente artigo pretende defender que, em Foucault, há uma filosofia crítica que não pode ser compreendida exatamente nos mesmos termos que a filosofia crítica de Kant. Apesar de a filosofia crítica de Foucault investigar as condições de possibilidades de um saber, tais condições não são condições transcendentais de possibilidade, assim como em Kant. O interesse crítico de Foucault não é pelas condições subjetivas universais que possibilitam, em geral, o conhecimento verdadeiro, mas pelas condições singulares ou históricas que fazem com que, numa determinada época, um campo de saber possa existir. Nesse sentido, pode-se mesmo dizer que a filosofia crítica de Foucault consiste numa inversão da filosofia crítica de Kant.
Description of a new species of Oligosita Walker (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) from Punjab, India
Authors: Ikram Mohsin , Yousuf Mohd.
Published: February 2016

One new species, Oligosita ferozepurensis is described based on specimens collected from Ferozepur, Punjab, India. 

 
The effect of daytime rain on the Indian Flying Fox (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Pteropodidae Pteropus giganteus)
Authors: Baskaran S. , Rathinakumar A. , Maruthupandian J. , Kaliraj P. , Marimuthu G.
Published: February 2016

Excessive water loss during the day due to heat stress in bats of the genus Pteropus appears to be inevitable, because these bats are exposed to direct sunlight.  Rain also affects the rest pattern of the Indian Flying Fox Pteropus giganteus during the day.  When rain occurred during the day, most of the bats hung in a slanting position and did not exhibit any movements.  After rain, they licked both ventral and dorsal surfaces of the wing membrane and scratched their body with their thumb claws.  They also licked the water droplets that remained on the leaves and branches of the tree.  Even though their rest had been affected by the rain the bats utilized the water droplets to quench their thirst, cool their body and clean their fur.  The construction of water reservoirs near Pteropus roosts will help to assure their long-term conservation.

 
Report on the genus Herdonia Walker (Lepidoptera: Thyrididae) in Karnataka Western Ghats, India
Authors: Shashank P. R.
Published: February 2016

Genus Herdonia comprises more than 34 species worldwide. Only one species H. osacesalis have been recorded from northeastern states in Darjeeling, West Bengal and Meghalaya. In our recent surveys in Chettalli, Kodagu, Karnataka we have collected H. thaiensis. This is the first documentation of range extension of both the genus Herdonia and the species H. thaiensis to the Western Ghats (Kodagu, Karnataka) of peninsular India.

 
Numerical taxonomy of Berlinia species (Caesalpinioideae: Leguminosae) and their distribution in Nigeria
Authors: Chukwuma Emmanuel C. , Ayodele Abiodun E. , Soladoye Michael Olasunkanmi , Adewumi Deborah Moradeke
Published: February 2016

A morphometric study was performed on six Berlinia species of the Nigerian flora. Individual specimens deposited at Forest Herbarium Ibadan and University of Ibadan Herbarium formed the units of study.  Twenty morphological characters were assessed and analyzed following conventional taxonomic practice. Results showed a close resemblance between B. craibiana and B. grandiflora, which share affinity with B. bracteosa and B. confusa, while B. coriacea appears to be distantly related.  Species distribution studies revealed that B. grandiflora exists in savanna and forest regions while other members of the genus are found only in forest zones. While suggesting practical measures for conserving endangered Nigerian flora, we also recommend that further taxonomic studies be carried out on the genus Berlinia and its related allies to ascertain their placement within the Caesalpiniodeae.

 
Three interesting wood rotting macro-fungi from Jharkhand, India
Authors: Hembrom Manoj Emanuel , Parihar Arvind , Das Kanad
Published: February 2016

Routine surveys of mycologically unexplored forest areas of Jharkhand, followed by a thorough examination of macro-fungal collections reveal two hitherto unrecorded poroid species (Basidiomycete) for Indian mycobiota namely, Ganoderma elegantum and Perenniporia bambusicola, and a less known hydnoid wood-rotting species Beenakia fuliginosa.  Detailed taxonomic descriptions coupled with illustrations are provided for all three taxa and compared with allied taxa.

 
Association of Left Atrial Local Conduction Velocity With Late Gadolinium Enhancement on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Fukumoto Kotaro , Habibi Mohammadali , Ipek Esra Gucuk , Zahid Sohail , Khurram Irfan M. , Zimmerman Stefan L. , Zipunnikov Vadim , Spragg David , Ashikaga Hiroshi , Trayanova Natalia , Tomaselli Gordon F. , Rickard John , Marine Joseph E. , Berger Ronald D. , Calkins Hugh , Nazarian Saman
Published: February 2016

Background—

Prior studies have demonstrated regional left atrial late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) heterogeneity on magnetic resonance imaging. Heterogeneity in regional conduction velocities is a critical substrate for functional reentry. We sought to examine the association between left atrial conduction velocity and LGE in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Methods and Results—

LGE imaging and left atrial activation mapping were performed during sinus rhythm in 22 patients before pulmonary vein isolation. The locations of 1468 electroanatomic map points were registered to the corresponding anatomic sites on 469 axial LGE image planes. The local conduction velocity at each point was calculated using previously established methods. The myocardial wall thickness and image intensity ratio defined as left atrial myocardial LGE signal intensity divided by the mean left atrial blood pool intensity was calculated for each mapping site. The local conduction velocity and image intensity ratio in the left atrium (mean±SD) were 0.98±0.46 and 0.95±0.26 m/s, respectively. In multivariable regression analysis, clustered by patient, and adjusting for left atrial wall thickness, conduction velocity was associated with the local image intensity ratio (0.20 m/s decrease in conduction velocity per increase in unit image intensity ratio,
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

In this clinical in vivo study, we demonstrate that left atrial myocardium with increased gadolinium uptake has lower local conduction velocity. Identification of such regions may facilitate the targeting of the substrate for reentrant arrhythmias.
Weak Jets and Strong Cyclones: Shallow-Water Modeling of Giant Planet Polar Caps
Authors: O’Neill Morgan E , Emanuel Kerry A. , Flierl Glenn R.
Published: February 2016

Giant planet tropospheres lack a solid, frictional bottom boundary. The troposphere instead smoothly transitions to a denser fluid interior below. However, Saturn exhibits a hot, symmetric cyclone centered directly on each pole, bearing many similarities to terrestrial hurricanes. Transient cyclonic features are observed at Neptune’s South Pole as well. The wind-induced surface heat exchange mechanism for tropical cyclones on Earth requires energy flux from a surface, so another mechanism must be responsible for the polar accumulation of cyclonic vorticity on giant planets. Here it is argued that the vortical hot tower mechanism, claimed by Montgomery et al. and others to be essential for tropical cyclone formation, is the key ingredient responsible for Saturn’s polar vortices. A 2.5-layer polar shallow-water model, introduced by O’Neill et al., is employed and described in detail. The authors first explore freely evolving behavior and then forced-dissipative behavior. It is demonstrated that local, intense vertical mass fluxes, representing baroclinic moist convective thunderstorms, can become vertically aligned and accumulate cyclonic vorticity at the pole. A scaling is found for the energy density of the model as a function of control parameters. Here it is shown that, for a fixed planetary radius and deformation radius, total energy density is the primary predictor of whether a strong polar vortex forms. Further, multiple very weak jets are formed in simulations that are not conducive to polar cyclones.
Has Arctic Sea Ice Loss Contributed to Increased Surface Melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet?
Authors: Liu Jiping , Chen Zhiqiang , Francis Jennifer , Song Mirong , Mote Thomas , Hu Yongyun
Published: February 2016

In recent decades, the Greenland ice sheet has experienced increased surface melt. However, the underlying cause of this increased surface melting and how it relates to cryospheric changes across the Arctic remain unclear. Here it is shown that an important contributing factor is the decreasing Arctic sea ice. Reduced summer sea ice favors stronger and more frequent occurrences of blocking-high pressure events over Greenland. Blocking highs enhance the transport of warm, moist air over Greenland, which increases downwelling infrared radiation, contributes to increased extreme heat events, and accounts for the majority of the observed warming trends. These findings are supported by analyses of observations and reanalysis data, as well as by independent atmospheric model simulations using a state-of-the-art atmospheric model that is forced by varying only the sea ice conditions. Reduced sea ice conditions in the model favor more extensive Greenland surface melting. The authors find a positive feedback between the variability in the extent of summer Arctic sea ice and melt area of the summer Greenland ice sheet, which affects the Greenland ice sheet mass balance. This linkage may improve the projections of changes in the global sea level and thermohaline circulation.
The Great and the Small
Authors: Yue Lori Qingyuan
Published: February 2016

Conventional research in organizational theory highlights the role of board interlocks in facilitating business collective action. In this article, I propose that business collective action affects the evolutionary path of interlock networks. In particular, large market players’ response after a collective action to the classic problem of the “exploitation” of the great by the small provides a mechanism for interlocks to evolve. Through studying the two types of collective action that banks organized during the Panic of 1907, I find that the experience of issuing currency substitutes, a course of collective action that needed to mobilize community support, made bankers more aware of their responsibility for community welfare. In the post-crisis period, bankers were thus more supportive of the market stabilization strategy of assisting small banks. In contrast, the experience of organizing mutual lending, a course of collective action that highlighted the power of businesses independent of the communities in which they were located, led bankers to focus more on their sectional interest and favor the market stabilization strategy of eliminating small banks. These different attitudes toward small banks affected the evolution of the interlock networks between large and small banks.
Longitudinal Study Evaluating Postural Balance of Young Athletes
Authors: Steinberg Nili , Nemet Dan , Pantanowitz Michal , Zeev Aviva , Hallumi Monder , Sindiani Mahmood , Meckel Yoav , Eliakim Alon
Published: February 2016

Repeated anaerobic conditions during athletic performance may cause general and local fatigue that result in postural balance deficit. Evidence suggests that improved postural balance during athletic training may decrease the risk for fallings and traumatic injuries among athletes. Twenty athletes (12 girls, 8 boys) and 20 controls (12 girls, 8 boys) ages 10–15 years participated in the current study. All athletes were active in an 8-month physical activity program, 3 times per week for 90 min., specific to basketball, soccer, or athletic training. The control children participated in physical education at school only, with no involvement in organized extracurricular sports. All participants were evaluated for postural balance in three assessments over one year (at 4-mo intervals); the Interactive Balance System machine (Tetrax device) was used to assess balance at three test times (pre-, post-, and 10 min) after a session of a repeated sprint anaerobic test, consisting of 12 × 20 m run starting every 20 sec. The athletes had better postural balance than controls. There were different group patterns of change over the sessions; a significant interaction of session and group indicated that postural balance of the groups differed. The contribution of low sway frequencies (F1) and high sway frequencies (F6) differed between the controls and the athletes group. Results suggested that although athletes had better postural balance, improvement should be encouraged during training over the sessions and seasons, with special awareness of the balance deficit that occurs immediately after anaerobic stress and at the end of the season, to decrease the risk of injuries.
Case Studies of Technology-aided Interventions to Promote Hand Reaching and Standing or Basic Ambulation in Persons with Multiple Disabilities
Authors: Lancioni Giulio E. , Singh Nirbhay N. , O’Reilly Mark F. , Sigafoos Jeff , Alberti Gloria , Campodonico Francesca
Published: February 2016

Motor impairments such as lack of standing and/or independent ambulation are common among persons with multiple disabilities. These two studies assessed technology-aided programs for persons with those impairments. Specifically, Study I assessed a program to teach two non-ambulatory adults to hand reach a stimulation-linked object by standing up. Study II assessed a program to teach a child and a man to ambulate while holding a rail or following a corridor wall. Standing increased from below 15% to about or over 80% of the session duration in Study I. The participants of Study II managed to complete brief ambulation trials independent of guidance. These performance achievements were discussed in relation to the technology-aided programs employed in the studies and the programs’ applicability in daily contexts.
Taiwanese Learners’ Durational Patterns for Japanese Obstruent Geminates/Singletons and Adjacent Vowels1
Authors: Lu Shihying , Chen Lijen , Yamada Jun
Published: February 2016

This study measured the durations of Japanese obstruent geminates/singletons and their adjacent vowels (V1 and V2) embedded in words repeatedly spoken by four intermediate-level Taiwanese learners of Japanese. The results indicated that the four learners were more or less at a native-like level in terms of geminate lengthening, but not in terms of the V1/V2 duration ratio. These findings suggest that for Chinese learners of Japanese, the learning of Japanese geminates consists of two stages: geminate/singleton phonemic contrast learning, followed by V1/V2 phonetic contrast learning. It is suggested that explicit instruction may be effective at the second stage.
The Precision of Effect Size Estimation From Published Psychological Research
Authors: Brand Andrew , Bradley Michael T.
Published: February 2016

Confidence interval ( CI) widths were calculated for reported Cohen's d standardized effect sizes and examined in two automated surveys of published psychological literature. The first survey reviewed 1,902 articles from Psychological Science. The second survey reviewed a total of 5,169 articles from across the following four APA journals: Journal of Abnormal Psychology, Journal of Applied Psychology, Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, and Developmental Psychology. The median CI width for d was greater than 1 in both surveys. Hence, CI widths were, as Cohen (1994) speculated, embarrassingly large. Additional exploratory analyses revealed that CI widths varied across psychological research areas and that CI widths were not discernably decreasing over time. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed along with ways of reducing the CI widths and thus improving precision of effect size estimation.
Relationship Between Sport Website Quality and Consumption Intentions
Authors: Chiu Weisheng , Won Doyeon
Published: February 2016

This study investigated the cognitive structure of sport website quality constructs by comparing a bifactor model (a.k.a., a general-specific model) to a second-order model. The models are two alternative approaches for representing general constructs consisting of several highly related but distinct domains. In addition, the link between sport website quality and the revisitation and media consumption intentions was empirically tested. Data ( N = 272) were collected through an online survey, and the majority of respondents were men (66.3%) between 21 and 30 years old (63.0%). The bifactor and second-order models of sport website quality were also assessed and compared, and a simultaneous equation modeling analysis was used. The bifactor model fit the data significantly better than the second-order model, indicating that the five sub-constructs revealed both the specific dimensions of sport website quality and the holistic nature of sport website quality. Results from the simultaneous equation model indicated that sport website quality explained 70.2% of the variance in revisitation and 58.7% of intention to consume sports media.
Relationships Among Valued Action, Behavioral Activation, Avoidance, and Reinforcement in a Sample of College Students
Authors: Doi S. , Yokomitsu K. , Sakano Y.
Published: February 2016

Behavioral activation is a validated intervention for depression, which helps depressed people re-engage overt behaviors to facilitate contacts with reinforcing environmental contingencies and subsequent reductions in depression. Moreover, behavioral activation deals with values that are based on acceptance and commitment therapy. However, there is no empirical study that examines the role of behavior in line with values in behavioral activation. This study examined the role of behavior in line with values in behavioral activation by examining the association between behavior in line with values and variables of behavioral activation intervention targets, as well as the mediating effect of behavioral commitment. Japanese versions of the Personal Values Questionnaire II, the Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale, the Environmental Reward Observation Scale, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression were completed by 292 Japanese undergraduate students ( M age = 19.2 yr., SD = 1.7; 65 men, 226 women, 1 unknown). Results indicated that behavior in line with values was associated with focused, goal-directed activation and completion of scheduled activities, which were mediated by behavioral commitment to values.
Emotional Intelligence Partially Mediates the Association between Anxiety Sensitivity and Anxiety Symptoms1,2
Authors: Killgore William D. S. , Sonis Lily A. , Rosso Isabelle M. , Rauch Scott L.
Published: February 2016

Anxiety Sensitivity (AS), the propensity to fear the somatic, mental, and social consequences of anxiety, is associated with an elevated risk of developing anxiety disorders. It was hypothesized that Emotional Intelligence (EI) might serve as a mediating variable between AS and anxiety symptom expression. Sixty-one healthy adults (30 men, 31 women; M age = 30.4 yr., SD = 8.0), recruited through posted advertisements, completed the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI) and the ANX subscale of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), as well as three assessments of EI, including two indices of the Ability model of EI (MSCEIT; SREIS), and one index of the Trait model of EI (i.e., Bar-On EQ–i). Partial mediation between AS and ANX was found for the EQ–i but not for the MSCEIT or SREIS, as determined by the bootstrap method of mediation analysis. The association between AS and anxiety symptoms was partly explained through its effects on the intervening variable of Trait EI, and points to the possibility that interventions improving Trait EI may be useful in reducing the expression of anxiety symptoms in people with high AS.
Self-Serving Bias in the Implicit and Explicit Evaluation of Partners and Exes as Parents
Authors: Verrastro Valeria , Petruccelli Irene , Diotaiuti Pierluigi , Petruccelli Filippo , Dentale Francesco , Barbaranelli Claudio
Published: February 2016

The quality of partners’ relationship can be influenced by the reciprocal respect of the other’s parenting role, especially when the couple breaks up. This study is aimed at investigating the implicit versus explicit self-serving biases in the evaluation of partners and exes as parents (or potential parents), exploring sex differences and possible relationships with dyadic cohesion. Two Implicit Association Tests and two semantic differentials, comparing each respondent with current partners and last significant exes, and also a scale measuring dyadic cohesion were administered to 108 participants (40 men; M age = 28.1 yr., SD = 8.7). As expected, participants assessed themselves as better than others on both IAT and self-report evaluations, with larger effects toward exes than toward partners and on implicit than explicit measures. Women devalued exes, but not partners, more than men. Dyadic cohesion scores were negatively correlated with the explicit evaluations of partners but not with implicit ones. Theoretical interpretations in terms of self-serving bias were discussed.
Refractory coeliac disease a reality: views from Pakistan
Authors: Mandhwani Rajesh M , Wadhwa Rajesh K , Laeeq Syed Mudassir , Luck Nasir Hasan , Mubarak Mohammad , Majid Zain
Published: February 2016

Refractory coeliac disease (RCD) is described as persistence or recurrence of signs and symptoms of malabsorption with small-intestinal villous atrophy despite being on a strict gluten-free diet (GFD) for more than 12 months. RCD is a diagnosis of exclusion. There are two types of RCD, based upon the immunohistochemical features (presence of intraepithelial lymphocytes), response to treatment and prognosis. The treatment of RCD includes GFD and immunosuppressive agents. We hereby present a case of refractory celiac disease type II in a young man who later went on to develop Addisonian crisis and did not survive.
The “public” of a missiology of public life: Actors and opportunities
Authors: Leffel Gregory
Published: February 2016

This article describes the “public” that we engage in mission and seeks to clarify “public” as a subject of missiological reflection and as a field of missional engagement. With what, exactly, are missiology and mission so engaged? “Public” is treated here in terms of actors and opportunities. The argument is that “public” in its fullest sense consists of a space of social experience. Within this space individual and group actors take advantage of the opportunities open to them for self-expression and to pursue their interests in relation to each other, with the sum of their interactions adding up to create public life. The discussion offers a working definition of the term “public.” It then addresses several features of public life, including the construction of public life through social interaction; the role of social structures and cultural systems in shaping the context of such interaction; and the ways in which actors exploit the opportunities open to them to form identities and advance their interests to create change. The picture we isolate through this “public frame” is the unfolding interaction through which public actors pursue their interests, mobilize their resources, and create new identities, solidarities, sensibilities, and forms of relationships—the living, emerging public context with which mission engages and seeks relevance.
Translating Institutional Change to Local Communities: The Role of Linking Organizations
Authors: Heinze Kathryn L. , Soderstrom Sara , Heinze Justin E.
Published: February 2016

We examine the processes and mechanisms of translating broader field-level change to the local community, drawing on insights from the inhabited institutions perspective and community-based institutionalism. In particular, we develop the concept of linking organizations as key actors in institutional change that connect the broader field and community levels. We use multiple forms of qualitative data, collected over a two-year time frame, to study the processes of a community foundation, the ‘Rainbow Wellness Foundation’, as a linking organization that engaged five community coalitions to embed a new wellness approach, locally. Our findings suggest that linking organizations interpret the central tenets of the approach, define them locally around relevant aims, and regulate community organizations’ adherence, to ensure legitimacy with the field. In addition, by engaging and negotiating with the community and helping manage ambiguity, linking organizations enable local ‘filling-in’ of these models with practices that meet community needs and interests. This study contributes to the literature on institutional change by identifying the activities of linking organizations as agents that translate broader field change, locally.
Investigating the effect of tendering capabilities on SME activity and performance in public contract competitions
Authors: Flynn Anthony , Davis Paul
Published: February 2016

Barriers to small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) participation in public procurement have been the focus of research for many years. Much less attention has been paid to the predictors of SME success. This article examines the role that tendering capabilities – relational and procedural – play in explaining SME activity and performance in public contract competitions. Analysis of primary survey data from 3010 SMEs supports a capability-based perspective. Procedural capability has a significant effect on number of tenders submitted and value of contract sought. Relational capability does not. However, procedural and relational capabilities have a significant and positive effect on contract win-ratio and percentage of total revenue derived from public contracts. For SMEs, these findings underline the importance of investing in tendering skills and devising buyer engagement strategies. Enterprise support agencies and public sector organisations can play their part through the provision of targeted training programmes and better communication with SME suppliers, respectively.
The German federal president in the press: Public officeholder or private citizen?
Authors: Sörensen Jil
Published: February 2016

This article analyses the news coverage of German federal presidents’ private lives and personal characteristics. The federal president is the only constitutional entity in Germany to consist of just one person. Automatically, the incumbent’s personality is important in determining how the person exercises the role. Although the federal president’s office possesses little hard power competences, as a politician the federal president has an integrative function and is one of the most powerful opinion leaders of the country. A successful presidency therefore hinges on mediated visibility. Recently, political communication scholars have identified a trend towards intimization politics. This article specifically investigates how news coverage of the German federal president has developed since 1949. The results are twofold: first, the mediated visibility of the federal president has increased over time. Second, the current analysis does not provide evidence for a trend towards intimization politics.
In vivo evaluation of [11C]preladenant positron emission tomography for quantification of adenosine A2A receptors in the rat brain
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyun , Khanapur Shivashankar , de Jong Johan R , Willemsen Antoon TM , Dierckx Rudi AJO , Elsinga Philip H , de Vries Erik FJ
Published: February 2016

[11C]Preladenant was developed as a novel adenosine A2A receptor positron emission tomography radioligand. The present study aims to evaluate the suitability of [11C]preladenant positron emission tomography for the quantification of striatal A2A receptor density and the assessment of striatal A2A receptor occupancy by KW-6002. Sixty- or ninety-minute dynamic positron emission tomography imaging was performed on rats. Tracer kinetics was quantified by the two-tissue compartment model, Logan graphical analysis and several reference tissue-based models. Test–retest reproducibility was assessed by repeated imaging on two consecutive days. Two-tissue compartment model and Logan plot estimated comparable distribution volume ( VT) values of ∼10 in the A2A receptor-rich striatum and substantially lower values in all extra-striatal regions (∼1.5–2.5). The simplified reference tissue model with midbrain or occipital cortex as the reference region proved to be the best non-invasive model for quantification of A2A receptor, showing a striatal binding potential ( BPND) value of ∼5.5, and a test–retest variability of ∼5.5%. The brain metabolite analysis showed that at 60-min post injection, 17% of the radioactivity in the brain was due to radioactive metabolites. The ED50 of KW-6002 in rat striatum for i.p. injection was 0.044–0.062 mg/kg. The study demonstrates that [11C]preladenant is a suitable tracer to quantify striatal A2A receptor density and assess A2A receptor occupancy by A2A receptor-targeting molecules.
T2* mapping combined with conventional T2-weighted image for prostate cancer detection at 3.0T MRI: a multi-observer study
Authors: Wu Lian-Ming , Yao Qiu-Ying , Zhu Jiong , Lu Qing , Suo Si-Teng , Liu Qiang , Xu Jian-Rong , Chen Xiao-Xi , Haacke EM , Hu Jiani
Published: February 2016

Background

T2* relaxation is a primary determinant of image contrast with Gradient echo (GRE) sequences, and it has been widely used across body regions.

Purpose

To compare the diagnostic performance of T2* mapping in combination with T2-weighted (T2W) imaging to T2W imaging alone for prostate cancer (PCa) detection.

Material and Methods

The study included 31 patients (mean age, 62 ± 3 years; age range, 45–78 years) who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3.0T and histological examination. Three observers with varying experience levels reviewed T2W imaging alone, T2* mapping alone, and T2W imaging combined with T2* mapping. A five-point scale was used to assess the probability of PCa in each segment on MR images. Statistical analysis was performed using Z tests after adjusting for data clustering.

Results

The area under the curve (AUC) of T2W imaging and T2* mapping data (observer 1, 0.93; observer 2, 0.90; observer 3, 0.77) was higher than T2W imaging (observer 1, 0.84; observer 2, 0.79; observer 3, 0.69) for all observers ( P < 0.01 in all comparisons). The AUC of T2W imaging and T2* mapping data was higher for observers 1 and 2 than for observer 3 ( P < 0.01). The sensitivity and specificity of T2W imaging and T2* mapping data (observer 1, 95%, 85%; observer 2, 90%, 83%; and observer 3, 82%, 63%, respectively) was higher than T2W imaging (observer 1, 78%, 79%; observer 2, 76%, 72%; observer 3, 74%, 51%, respectively) for all observers ( P < 0.01 for observer 1; P < 0.01 for observers 2 and 3).

Conclusion

The addition of T2* mapping to T2W imaging improved the diagnostic performance of MRI in PCa detection.
X-Linked Hereditary Nephropathy in Navasota Dogs
Authors: Benali S. L. , Lees G. E. , Nabity M. B. , Aricò A. , Drigo M. , Gallo E. , Giantin M. , Aresu L.
Published: February 2016

X-linked hereditary nephropathy (XLHN) in Navasota dogs is a spontaneously occurring disease caused by a mutation resulting in defective production of type IV collagen and juvenile-onset renal failure. The study was aimed at examining the evolution of renal damage and the expression of selected molecules potentially involved in the pathogenesis of XLHN. Clinical data and renal samples were obtained in 10 XLHN male dogs and 5 controls at 4 (T0), 6 (T1), and 9 (T2) months of age. Glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions were scored by light microscopy, and the expression of 21 molecules was investigated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction with selected proteins evaluated by immunohistochemistry. No significant histologic lesions or clinicopathologic abnormalities were identified in controls at any time-point. XLHN dogs had progressive proteinuria starting at T0. At T1, XLHN dogs had a mesangioproliferative glomerulopathy with glomerular loss, tubular necrosis, and interstitial fibrosis. At T2, glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions were more severe, particularly glomerular loss, interstitial fibrosis, and inflammation. At T0, transforming growth factor β, connective tissue growth factor, and platelet-derived growth factor α mRNA were overexpressed in XLHN dogs compared with controls. Clusterin and TIMP1 transcripts were upregulated in later stages of the disease. Transforming growth factor β, connective tissue growth factor, and platelet-derived growth factor α should be considered as key players in the initial events of XHLN. Clusterin and TIMP1 appear to be more associated with the progression rather than initiation of tubulointerstitial damage in chronic renal disease.