bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond Nostalgia
Authors: Mišina Dalibor
Published: September 2016

This article addresses the issue of socialist nostalgia. Specifically, it deals with the inadequacy of treating the post-socialist “return of socialism” as different incarnations of socialist nostalgia. The author contends that this kind of treatment suffers from “nostalgia reductionism” and “socialism essentialism,” and leads to the very problematic conceptual and analytical shortcoming of pre-determining the nature of what needs to be understood and explained. Correspondingly, the author argues that a meaningful consideration of the post-socialist return of socialism has to free itself from the “nostalgia presumption” and embrace a non-essentialist analytical viewpoint whereby socialist nostalgia is recast as a plurality of heterogeneous and context-dependent post-socialist socialist discourses. To this end, the author analyzes two post-Yugoslav documentary films, Sretno dijete and Orkestar, to substantiate the claim that socialist nostalgia is too narrow of a framework to encapsulate adequately the span of an entire range of post-socialist socialist discourses and the ways they operate in specific sociocultural contexts and communicate to and with particular audience(s). In advancing this argument, the author does not propose that “the nostalgic” has no place in the analysis of the post-socialist memory of socialism but, rather, that the degree and nature of its presence has to be established through an interpretive reading of particular post-socialist socialist texts, rather than presumed a priori.
A new species of the Aphaenogaster cecconii group (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Rhodes
Authors: SALATA SEBASTIAN , BOROWIEC LECH
Published: September 2016

Aphaenogaster charesi, a new species in the A. cecconii group, is described from two localities on the island of Rhodes. The recent revision of the group by Borowiec and Salata is updated with (1) a modified key to include this new species, (2) new locality and habitat data for A. jolantae Borowiec & Salata, 2014, and (3) corrected measurements for A. olympica Borowiec & Salata, 2014.
Review of the genus Defilippia Lioy (Bombyliidae, Diptera) from Egypt, with description of a new species, new combinations, and a neotype designation for D. pharaonis (Paramonov, 1928)
Authors: EL-HAWAGRY MAGDI S.
Published: September 2016

In the present study, five Defilippia species are shown to be represented in Egypt. Two species, D. efflatouni (Bezzi) and D. minos (Meigen), were already included in Defilippia; two species, D. decrepita (Wiedemann), comb. nov., and D. pharaonis (Paramonov), comb. nov., are newly combined to Defilippia; and a new species, D. elbayensis, sp. nov., is described herein. Homeotypes of Exoprosopa flava Paramonov, 1928 and Defilippia decrepita (Wiedemann, 1828), comb. nov. have been examined and it was found that the two species are not synonymous and Exoprosopa flava Paramonov, 1928,  stat. rev. is rather a distinct valid species in its original genus Exoprosopa. A neotype for D. pharaonis (Paramonov, 1928) is designated.
Passive Microwave Quantification of Tropical Cyclone Inner-Core Cloud Populations Relative to Subsequent Intensity Change
Authors: Harnos Daniel S. , Nesbitt Stephen W.
Published: September 2016

Characteristics of over 15 000 tropical cyclone (TC) inner cores are evaluated coincidentally using 37- and 85-GHz passive microwave data to quantify the relative prevalence of cold clouds (i.e., deep convection and stratiform clouds) versus predominantly warm clouds (i.e., shallow cumuli and cumulus congestus). Results indicate greater presence of combined liquid and frozen hydrometeors associated with cold clouds within the atmospheric column for TCs undergoing subsequent rapid intensification (RI) or intensification. RI episodes compared to the full intensity change distribution exhibit approximately an order of magnitude increase for inner-core cold cloud frequency relative to warm cloud presence. Incorporation of an objective ring detection algorithm shows the robust presence of rings associated with hydrometeors for 85-GHz polarization corrected temperatures () and 37-GHz vertically polarized brightness temperatures () for differentiating RI with significance levels ≥99.99%, while 37-GHz false color rings of a combined cyan and pink appearance surrounding a region that is not cyan or pink lack statistical significance for discriminating RI against lesser intensification. Rings of depressed and enhanced tied to RI suggest the combined presence of liquid and frozen hydrometeors within the atmospheric column, indicative of cold clouds. The rings also exhibit preferences for those with collocated more widespread ice scattering signatures to be more commonly associated with RI and general intensification.
The Role of School-Based Colleagues in Shaping the Commitment of Novice Special and General Education Teachers
Authors: Jones Nathan D. , Youngs Peter , Frank Kenneth A.
Published: September 2016

We compare beginning special and general education teachers’ access to school-based colleagues. Our findings demonstrate that colleague relationships are critical for the experiences of beginning teachers, as are the school organizational norms that these beginning teachers experience. For special education teachers in particular, perception of colleague support was a strong predictor of retention plans. Similar results were seen with respect to their perception of the level of collective responsibility among the faculty. Taken together, these results suggest that schools and districts should make efforts to facilitate productive relationships between general and special education faculty, as well as to differentiate induction support for beginning special educators.
Multi-threaded distributed system simulations using the transmission line element method
Authors: Braun R , Krus P
Published: September 2016

By introducing physically motivated time delays, simulation models can be partitioned into decoupled independent sub-models. This enables parallel simulations on multi-core processors. An automatic algorithm is used for partitioning and running distributed system simulations. Methods for sorting and distributing components for good load balancing have been developed. Mathematical correctness during simulation is maintained by a busy-waiting thread synchronization algorithm. Independence between sub-models is achieved by using the transmission line element method. In contrast to the more commonly used centralized solvers, this method uses distributed solvers with physically motivated time delays, making simulations inherently parallel. Results show that simulation speed increases almost proportionally to the number of processor cores in the case of large models. However, overhead time costs mean that models need to be over a certain size to benefit from parallelization.
A post-secular reading of public sociology
Authors: Hashemi Morteza
Published: September 2016

There are two theses originally put forward by Michael Burawoy but which still need to be highlighted; the first is the necessity of challenging the assumed neutrality of the social sciences and the second is the necessity of public engagement in the form of encouraging co-practice in society. Burawoy suggests public sociology should play a role in the struggle to protect humanity against the tyranny of the market. I tend to challenge this by arguing that a post-secular and post-neutrality public sociology could only work as a frame of dialogue about the priority of each struggle. Otherwise, it can be easily turned into a target for the criticism of those who do not share the interest in Burawoy’s preferred struggle. The article would also suggest that Ali Shariati’s political rereading of religious ideas not only to adapt to the modern world but also to transform it makes this Iranian intellectual a classic figure of the traditional post-secular public sociology.
Building on Bibliography: Toward Useful Categorization of Research in Rhetorics of Health and Medicine
Authors: Reed Amy R.
Published: September 2016

This article reports on an analysis of research questions in the emerging field of Rhetoric of Health and Medicine (RHM). The data set included 54 articles, published in 4 journals between the years 2000 and 2014. The articles were found to address five areas, including questions about (a) the identity of RHM, (b) disciplinarity, (c) ecological interaction, (d) maneuverability, and (e) process. Overall, this article argues that RHM tends to take a critical stance toward medicine, treating it as a monolithic profession and set of discourses. Given the conclusions of many of the articles in the data set, this stance may be unwarranted. The article concludes by suggesting future directions for scholarship in RHM.
Beyond Affective Influences on Deontological Moral Judgment
Authors: Gamez-Djokic Monica , Molden Daniel
Published: September 2016

Past research suggests that deontological judgments, which condemn deliberate harm no matter what the beneficial consequences, typically arise from emotional and intuitive reactions to the harm, whereas utilitarian judgments, which acknowledge the potential benefits of deliberate harm, typically arise from rational deliberation about whether these benefits outweigh the costs. The present research explores whether specific motivational orientations might, at times, increase the likelihood of deontological judgments without increasing emotional reactions. A meta-analysis of 10 newly conducted studies indicated that, compared with when focused on advancement ( promotion), when people were focused on security ( prevention) they made stronger deontological judgments in hypothetical moral dilemmas. Moreover, this effect could not be explained by participants’ differing emotional reactions to the dilemmas when prevention-focused, but instead mirrored reports of their explicit reasoning. Implications for expanding current models of deontological and utilitarian moral judgment are discussed.
Where Do Market Categories Come From and How? Distinguishing Category Creation From Category Emergence
Authors: Durand Rodolphe , Khaire Mukti
Published: September 2016

This paper reviews several streams of research on market category formation. Most past research has largely focused on established category systems and the antecedents and consequences of categorical positioning (i.e., categorical purity vs. spanning; combination vs. replacement) but relatively ignored the formative processes leading to new categories. In this review, we address this lacuna to posit that scholarship would benefit from clearly disentangling category emergence from category creation. We analytically describe the differences between the two and elaborate the boundary conditions that guide and define which process is more likely to occur in a given market. Our review contributes to illuminating the role of organizational agency and strategic actions in market categories and their formation, which deserve greater attention as a result of their theoretical and practical implications.
Functional adequacy in L2 writing: Towards a new rating scale
Authors: Kuiken Folkert , Vedder Ineke
Published: September 2016

The importance of functional adequacy as an essential component of L2 proficiency has been observed by several authors (Pallotti, 2009; De Jong, Steinel, Florijn, Schoonen, & Hulstijn, 2012a, b). The rationale underlying the present study is that the assessment of writing proficiency in L2 is not fully possible without taking into account the functional dimension of L2 production. In the paper a rating scale for functional adequacy is proposed, containing four dimensions: (1) content, (2) task requirements, (3) comprehensibility, and (4) coherence and cohesion. The scale is an adaptation of the global rating scale of functional adequacy, which in an earlier study was carried out with expert raters (Kuiken, Vedder, & Gilabert, 2010; Kuiken & Vedder, 2014). The new rating scale for functional adequacy was tested out by a group of non-expert raters, who assessed the functional adequacy of a corpus of argumentative texts written by native and non-native writers of Dutch and Italian. The results showed that functional adequacy in L2 writing can be reliably measured by a rating scale comprising four different subscales.
A negotiation decision model for public–private partnerships in brownfield redevelopment
Authors: Glumac B , Han Q , Schaefer W
Published: September 2016

Urban development cannot proceed without the commitment of multiple actors, because decision-making processes have become more and more interdependent. This article supports better decision-making in brownfield redevelopment projects in cases where the project realization depends on a public–private partnership between a municipality and a developer. In a broader sense, in this research, we investigate how the negotiation process in brownfield redevelopment projects can be improved by providing an understanding of the characteristics of a brownfield area and the interaction between the parties involved. In order to improve the process, a negotiation decision model is proposed. This is a hybrid model consisting of five phases. Its novelty lies in the combination of a latent class model and a strategic choice model that can be formulated as a prescriptive-interactive approach in decision theory. The hybrid negotiation model is applied to a reconstructed case study in order to present its possibilities. Accordingly, three applications of the model are introduced, and in each application the beneficiary is a municipality. Although using decision models for brownfield redevelopment projects has already been thoroughly studied, there is little evidence concerning the prescriptive-interactive component built into existing models.
Obesity and stroke: Can we translate from rodents to patients?
Authors: Haley Michael J , Lawrence Catherine B
Published: September 2016

Obesity is a risk factor for stroke and is consequently one of the most common co-morbidities found in patients. There is therefore an identified need to model co-morbidities preclinically to allow better translation from bench to bedside. In preclinical studies, both diet-induced and genetically obese rodents have worse stroke outcome, characterised by increased ischaemic damage and an altered inflammatory response. However, clinical studies have reported an ‘obesity paradox’ in stroke, characterised by reduced mortality and morbidity in obese patients. We discuss the potential reasons why the preclinical and clinical studies may not agree, and review the mechanisms identified in preclinical studies through which obesity may affects stroke outcome. We suggest inflammation plays a central role in this relationship, as obesity features increases in inflammatory mediators such as C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, and chronic inflammation has been linked to worse stroke risk and outcome.
Experimental characterization of tensile properties of epoxy resin by using micro-fiber specimens
Authors: Misumi Jun , Ganesh Raja , Sockalingam Subramani , Gillespie John W
Published: September 2016

In unidirectional carbon fiber-reinforced plastic laminates, the distance between fibers can varies from submicron to micron length scales. The mechanical properties of the matrix at this length scale are not well understood. In this study, processing methods have been developed to produce high quality epoxy micro-fibers with diameters ranging from 100 to 150 µm that are used for tensile testing. Five types of epoxy resin systems ranging from standard DGEBA to high-crosslink TGDDM and TGMAP epoxy systems have been characterized. Epoxy macroscopic specimens with film thickness of 3300 µm exhibited brittle behavior (1.7 to 4.9% average failure strain) with DGEBA resin having the highest failure strain level. The epoxy micro-fiber specimens exhibited significant ductile behavior (20 to 42% average failure strain) with a distinct yield point being observed in all five resin systems. In addition, the ultimate stress of the highly cross-linked TGDDM epoxy fiber exceeded the bulk film properties by a factor of two and the energy absorption was over 50 times greater on average. The mechanism explaining the dramatic difference in properties is discussed and is based on size effects (the film volume is about 2000 times greater than the fiber volume within the gage sections) and surface defects. Based on the findings presented in this paper, the microscale fiber test specimens are recommended and provide more realistic stress–strain response for describing the role of the matrix in composites at smaller length scales.
Seniors Online: Attitudes Toward the Internet and Coping With Everyday Life
Authors: Seifert Alexander , Schelling Hans Rudolf
Published: September 2016

Many older people do not use the Internet. We investigated the attitudes of older people who do (onliners) or do not (offliners) use the Internet, to assess their views of the Internet and whether they see the Internet as a resource for coping with everyday life situations. Participants aged ≥65 years ( N = 1,037), living in Switzerland, were interviewed in a telephone survey. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted. The data show (a) many of the respondents viewed the Internet as useful, in general, and for coping with everyday life situations; (b) onliners saw more positive aspects of the Internet than did offliners; and (c) among onliners, 53% agreed with the statement, “The Internet allows me to stay independent longer into old age.” However, it appears that especially older onliners with a high affinity for technology will presumably use the Internet to cope with everyday life.
ANOVA model for network meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy data
Authors: Nyaga Victoria N , Aerts Marc , Arbyn Marc
Published: September 2016

Procedures combining and summarising direct and indirect evidence from independent studies assessing the diagnostic accuracy of different tests for the same disease are referred to network meta-analysis. Network meta-analysis provides a unified inference framework and uses the data more efficiently. Nonetheless, handling the inherent correlation between sensitivity and specificity continues to be a statistical challenge. We developed an arm-based hierarchical model which expresses the logit transformed sensitivity and specificity as the sum of fixed effects for test, correlated study-effects to model the inherent correlation between sensitivity and specificity and a random error associated with various tests evaluated in a given study. We present the accuracy of 11 tests used to triage women with minor cervical lesions to detect cervical precancer. Finally, we compare the results with those from a contrast-based model which expresses the linear predictor as a contrast to a comparator test. The proposed arm-based model is more appealing than the contrast-based model since the former permits more straightforward interpretation of the parameters, makes use of all available data yielding shorter credible intervals, and models more natural variance–covariance matrix structures.
Development of an Expectations Survey for Patients Undergoing Foot and Ankle Surgery
Authors: Cody Elizabeth A. , Mancuso Carol A. , MacMahon Aoife , Marinescu Anca , Burket Jayme C. , Drakos Mark C. , Roberts Matthew M. , Ellis Scott J.
Published: September 2016

Background:

Many authors have reported on patient satisfaction from foot and ankle surgery, but rarely on expectations, which may vary widely between patients and strongly affect satisfaction. In this study, we aimed to develop a patient-derived survey on expectations from foot and ankle surgery.

Methods:

We developed and tested our survey using a 3-phase process. Patients with a wide spectrum of foot and ankle diagnoses were enrolled. In phase 1, patients were interviewed preoperatively with open-ended questions about their expectations from surgery. Major concepts were grouped into categories that were used to form a draft survey. In phase 2, the survey was administered to preoperative patients on 2 occasions to establish test-retest reliability. In phase 3, the final survey items were selected based on weighted kappa values for response concordance and clinical relevance.

Results:

In phase 1, 94 preoperative patients volunteered 655 expectations. Twenty-nine representative categories were discerned by qualitative analysis and became the draft survey. In phase 2, another 60 patients completed the draft survey twice preoperatively. In phase 3, 23 items were retained for the final survey. For retained items, the average weighted kappa value was 0.54. An overall score was calculated based on the amount of improvement expected for each item on the survey and ranged from zero to 100, with higher scores indicating more expectations. For patients in phase 2, mean scores for both administrations were 65 and 66 and approximated normal distributions. The intraclass correlation coefficient between scores was 0.78.

Conclusion:

We developed a patient-derived survey specific to foot and ankle surgery that is valid, reliable, applicable to diverse diagnoses, and includes physical and psychological expectations. The survey generates an overall score that is easy to calculate and interpret, and thus offers a practical and comprehensive way to record patients’ expectations. We believe this survey may be used preoperatively by surgeons to help guide patients’ expectations and facilitate shared decision making.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, cross-sectional study.
Three-Dimensional Analysis of Fibular Motion After Fixation of Syndesmotic Injuries With a Screw or Suture-Button Construct
Authors: LaMothe Jeremy M. , Baxter Josh R. , Murphy Conor , Gilbert Susannah , DeSandis Bridget , Drakos Mark C.
Published: September 2016

Background:

Suture-button constructs are an alternative to screw fixation for syndesmotic injuries, and proponents advocate that suture-button constructs may allow physiological motion of the syndesmosis. Recent biomechanical data suggest that fibular instability with syndesmotic injuries is greatest in the sagittal plane, but the design of a suture-button construct, being a rope and 2 retention washers, is most effective along the axis of the rope (in the coronal plane). Some studies report that suture-button constructs are able to constrain fibular motion in the coronal plane, but the ability of a tightrope to constrain sagittal fibular motion is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess fibular motion in response to an external rotation stress test in a syndesmotic injury model after fixation with a screw or suture-button constructs.

Methods:

Eleven fresh-frozen cadaver whole legs with intact tibia-fibula articulations were secured to a custom fixture. Fibular motion (coronal, sagittal, and rotational planes) in response to a 6.5-Nm external rotation moment applied to the foot was recorded with fluoroscopy and a high-resolution motion capture system. Measures were taken for the following syndesmotic conditions: intact, complete lateral injury, complete lateral and deltoid injury, repair with a tetracortical 4.0-mm screw, and repair with a suture button construct (Tightrope; Arthrex, Naples, FL) aimed from the lateral fibula to the anterior medial malleolus.

Results:

The suture-button construct allowed significantly more sagittal plane motion than the syndesmotic screw. Measurements acquired with mortise imaging did not detect differences between the intact, lateral injury, and 2 repair conditions. External rotation of the fibula was significantly increased in both injury conditions and was not restored to intact levels with the screw or the suture-button construct.

Conclusion:

A single suture-button placed from the lateral fibula to the anterior medial malleolus was unable to replicate the motion observed in the intact specimen when subjected to an external rotation stress test and allowed significantly more posterior motion of the fibula than when fixed with a screw in simulated highly unstable injuries.

Clinical Relevance:

Fixation of a syndesmotic injury with a single suture-button construct did not restore physiological fibular motion, which may have implications for postoperative care and clinical outcomes.
How Small Is Big: Sample Size and Skewness
Authors: Piovesana Adina , Senior Graeme
Published: September 2016

Sample sizes of 50 have been cited as sufficient to obtain stable means and standard deviations in normative test data. The influence of skewness on this minimum number, however, has not been evaluated. Normative test data with varying levels of skewness were compiled for 12 measures from 7 tests collected as part of ongoing normative studies in Brisbane, Australia. Means and standard deviations were computed from sample sizes of 10 to 100 drawn with replacement from larger samples of 272 to 973 cases. The minimum sample size was determined by the number at which both mean and standard deviation estimates remained within the 90% confidence intervals surrounding the population estimates. Sample sizes of greater than 85 were found to generate stable means and standard deviations regardless of the level of skewness, with smaller samples required in skewed distributions. A formula was derived to compute recommended sample size at differing levels of skewness.
Derivation, Replication, and Validity Analyses of a Screener for the Behavioral Assessment of Executive Functions in Young Adults
Authors: Duggan Emily C. , Garcia-Barrera Mauricio A. , Müller Ulrich
Published: September 2016

Ecologically valid indicators of executive functions are designed to capture dysfunction not easily measured in a lab setting. Here, we present two studies on the development and validity analyses of a behavioral screener for executive functions among young adults. In Study 1, we derived a four-factor (problem solving, attentional control, behavioral control, and emotional control) behavioral screener using a sample of 765 individuals. We used invariance analyses to evaluate the screener’s measurement reliability across sex. In Study 2, we replicated the screener derivation analyses using an independent sample of 197 undergraduates. To further examine the screener’s validity, we evaluated it against a well-known executive functions rating scale. The four-factor model was supported in both samples and analyses provided support for this screener as a valid and reliable measure for everyday executive functions among young adults.
Small-World Brain Networks Revisited
Authors: Bassett Danielle S. , Bullmore Edward T.
Published: September 2016

It is nearly 20 years since the concept of a small-world network was first quantitatively defined, by a combination of high clustering and short path length; and about 10 years since this metric of complex network topology began to be widely applied to analysis of neuroimaging and other neuroscience data as part of the rapid growth of the new field of connectomics. Here, we review briefly the foundational concepts of graph theoretical estimation and generation of small-world networks. We take stock of some of the key developments in the field in the past decade and we consider in some detail the implications of recent studies using high-resolution tract-tracing methods to map the anatomical networks of the macaque and the mouse. In doing so, we draw attention to the important methodological distinction between topological analysis of binary or unweighted graphs, which have provided a popular but simple approach to brain network analysis in the past, and the topology of weighted graphs, which retain more biologically relevant information and are more appropriate to the increasingly sophisticated data on brain connectivity emerging from contemporary tract-tracing and other imaging studies. We conclude by highlighting some possible future trends in the further development of weighted small-worldness as part of a deeper and broader understanding of the topology and the functional value of the strong and weak links between areas of mammalian cortex.
Repeated Oral or Subcutaneous LMWH Has similar Antithrombotic Activity in a Rat Venous Thrombosis Model: Antithrombotic Activity Correlates With Heparin on Endothelium When Orally Administered
Authors: Hiebert Linda M.
Published: September 2016

Low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) endure as important drugs for thromboprophylaxis. Although clinical use relies on the subcutaneous (SC) route, our previous studies show that single-dose orally administered LMWHs have antithrombotic activity. Since thromboprophylaxis requires long-term treatment, we examined antithrombotic effects of subacute oral LMWHs in a rat venous thrombosis model and compared results to SC or single-dose oral administration. We measured LMWH in endothelium and plasma, weight change and complete blood counts (CBC). Oral LMWH tinzaparin (3 × 0.1 mg/kg/12 or 24 hours) or reviparin (3 × 0.025 mg/kg/24 hours) significantly decreased thrombosis compared to saline. In the subacute study (60 × 0.1 mg/kg/12 hours), oral or SC tinzaparin significantly reduced thrombosis compared to saline but not to single or 3 × 0.1 mg/kg/12 hours oral tinzaparin. Antithrombotic effects were similar between oral and SC administration. LMWH was found on endothelium following oral but not SC administration. Endothelial concentrations were significantly correlated with incidence of stable thrombi ( P = 0.021 and 0.04 for aortic and vena cava endothelium respectively, χ2 test) and total thrombi ( P = 0.003 for vena cava endothelium). Anti-Xa activity was significantly greater for oral or SC LMWH than saline and significantly greater for SC versus oral LMWH. Values for CBCs were within normal ranges (mean ± 2 SD). There was no evidence of bleeding. Weight gain was similar between groups. In conclusion, subacute oral and SC LMWH have similar antithrombotic effects. Antithrombotic activity with oral administration is correlated with endothelial LMWH concentrations but not with plasma anticoagulant activity.
Shenandoah Valley Governor’s School
Authors: Whitesell Lee Ann
Published: September 2016

Shenandoah Valley Governor’s School is an Academic-Year Governor’s School sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education. In addition to state funding, three local school districts support the school’s STEM and Arts and Humanities programs. Juniors and seniors from seven high schools attend this shared-day, selective regional school. This article provides an overview of the school’s mission and goals; describes: the method for student recruitment and selection; and academic programs and developmental support; and a planning process to align curriculum and instructional strategies with defined student outcomes.
Organization OR Environment? Disentangling Employees’ Rationales Behind Organizational Citizenship Behavior for the Environment
Authors: Tosti-Kharas Jennifer , Lamm Eric , Thomas Tom E.
Published: September 2016

Scholars and managers have raised the question of how to encourage employees to perform discretionary pro-environmental behaviors at work, termed organizational citizenship behaviors toward the environment (OCB-Es). This study examined how rationales for organizational sustainability relate to employees’ OCB-Es. We considered two rationales—eco-centric and organization-centric—and two sources—employees’ rationales and their perceptions of their employers’ rationales. Results from 489 working adults across a variety of organizations and occupations revealed that both eco-centric and organization-centric rationales at both individual and perceived organizational levels related to employees’ OCB-Es. Furthermore, we found interactive effects, such that employees’ perceptions of their organizations’ rationales were more important than their own rationales in determining OCB-Es. These findings contribute to a theoretical understanding of the complex and interrelated factors motivating employees to perform voluntary sustainability behaviors in organizations. In addition, our results are valuable for managers looking to increase employee sustainability behaviors.
Performance and Persistence Outcomes of GEAR UP Students: Leveling the Playing Field in Higher Education
Authors: Sanchez Jafeth E. , Lowman Jennifer L. , Hill Kathleen A.
Published: September 2016

Given the major investment in the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant, rising postsecondary access, trends in poor persistence and retention rates, and the ongoing accountability measures in higher education, it is critical to examine factors related to postsecondary performance and persistence of GEAR UP students in comparison to their peers. College performance and persistence of 298 State GEAR UP students were compared with other first-time, first-year students (1,841) who entered a moderately selective, medium-sized public research university in Fall 2012. The GEAR UP students were more likely to be from disadvantaged, underrepresented backgrounds; despite less advantageous beginnings, they entered college with similar high school grade point average and Scholastic Assessment Test scores, though lower American College Test scores. Also, students’ first-term grade point average and credit loads served as predictors of persistence. Most importantly, GEAR UP students were just as likely to perform and persist as their peers.
Neutrophil azurophilic granule exocytosis is primed by TNF-α and partially regulated by NADPH oxidase
Authors: Potera Renee M , Jensen Melissa J , Hilkin Brieanna M , South Gina K , Hook Jessica S , Gross Emily A , Moreland Jessica G
Published: September 2016

Neutrophil (polymorphonuclear leukocyte) activation with release of granule contents plays an important role in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury, prompting clinical trials of inhibitors of neutrophil elastase. Despite mounting evidence for neutrophil-mediated host tissue damage in a variety of disease processes, mechanisms regulating azurophilic granule exocytosis at the plasma membrane, and thus release of elastase and other proteases, are poorly characterized. We hypothesized that azurophilic granule exocytosis would be enhanced under priming conditions similar to those seen during acute inflammatory events and during chronic inflammatory disease, and selected the cytokine TNF-α to model this in vitro. Neutrophils stimulated with TNF-α alone elicited intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mobilization of secretory vesicles, specific, and gelatinase granules. p38 and ERK1/2 MAPK were involved in these components of priming. TNF-α priming alone did not mobilize azurophilic granules to the cell surface, but did markedly increase elastase release into the extracellular space in response to secondary stimulation with N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLF). Priming of fMLF-stimulated elastase release was further augmented in the absence of NADPH oxidase-derived ROS. Our findings provide a mechanism for host tissue damage during neutrophil-mediated inflammation and suggest a novel anti-inflammatory role for the NADPH oxidase.
How Heavy Is an Illusory Length?
Authors: de Brouwer Anouk J. , Smeets Jeroen B. J. , Plaisier Myrthe A.
Published: September 2016

The perception of object properties, such as size and weight, can be subject to illusions. Could a visual size illusion influence perceived weight? Here, we tested whether the size-weight illusion occurs when lifting two physically identical but perceptually different objects, by using an illusion of size. Participants judged the weight and length of 11 to 17 cm brass bars with equal density to which cardboard arrowheads were attached to create a Müller–Lyer illusion. We found that these stimuli induced an illusion in which the bar that was visually perceived as being shorter was also perceived as feeling heavier. In fact, a 5-mm increase in illusory length corresponded to a decrease in illusory weight of 15 g.
Stem cell‐derived organoids to model gastrointestinal facets of cystic fibrosis
Authors: Hohwieler Meike , Perkhofer Lukas , Liebau Stefan , Seufferlein Thomas , Müller Martin , Illing Anett , Kleger Alexander
Published: September 2016

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most frequently occurring inherited human diseases caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) which lead to ample defects in anion transport and epithelial fluid secretion. Existing models lack both access to early stages of CF development and a coeval focus on the gastrointestinal CF phenotypes, which become increasingly important due increased life span of the affected individuals. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of gastrointestinal facets of CF and the opportunity to model these in various systems in an attempt to understand and treat CF. A particular focus is given on forward‐leading organoid cultures, which may circumvent current limitations of existing models and thereby provide a platform for drug testing and understanding of disease pathophysiology in gastrointestinal organs.
Establishing a teaching unit in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: An Australian experience
Authors: Haxhimolla H , Maré A
Published: September 2016

Objective:

The aim of this project was to examine the role of surgical mentorship on the perioperative and oncological outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) performed by two urologists inexperienced in the procedure.

Methods:

Forty-one (41) consecutive LRP cases were performed for clinically localised prostate cancer between December 2006 and June 2008 at a single centre. The surgical mentor approach was used with an experienced LRP surgeon being present for all cases that were performed by two urologists training in LRP. Data was retrospectively reviewed to assess morbidity and oncological outcomes of patients undergoing LRP by the team of trainees.

Results:

No LRP cases were converted to open and no major intraoperative complications were noted. Mean intraoperative blood loss was 493 ml (range 150–1000 ml) with the mean operative time being 220 minutes (range 100–315 minutes). The overall positive margin rate was only 12% (five out of 41 cases).

Conclusion:

LRP teaching units can be established with appropriate mentor supervision and can result in good oncological outcomes and minimal morbidity that compares favourably to robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).
Whole-body MRI for full assessment and characterization of diffuse inflammatory myopathy
Authors: Elessawy Saleh Saleh , Abdelsalam Eman Muhammad , Abdel Razek Eman , Tharwat Samar
Published: September 2016

Background

Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a highly valuable tool for full assessment of the extent of bilateral symmetrical diffuse inflammatory myopathy, owing to its high sensitivity in the detection of edema which correlates with, and sometimes precedes, clinical findings.

Purpose

To evaluate the use of whole-body (WB)-MRI in characterization and full assessment of the extent and distribution of diffuse inflammatory myopathy.

Material and Methods

A prospective study on 15 patients presenting with clinical evidence of inflammatory myopathy. It included 4 boys/men and 11 girls/women (age range, 6–44 years; mean age, 25.5 years). 1.5 T WB-MRI was performed and the distribution and extent of disease severity was assessed according to muscle edema on STIR images.

Results

Four cases of dermatomyositis showed lower limb disease predilection with edema in gluteal, thigh, and calf muscles. The same finding was seen in one case with recurrent polymyositis and three cases with overlap myositis with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Bilateral upper and lower limb myositis was demonstrated in three cases of polymyositis and one case of overlap myositis with scleroderma. Bilateral edema involving all scanned muscle groups was detected in three cases of polymyositis with paraneoplastic syndrome, SLE, and severe active dermatomyositis (including the neck muscles).

Conclusion

WB-MRI is the diagnostic modality of choice for cases of inflammatory myopathy. It accurately detects the most severely affected muscles candidate for biopsy and provides a reliable baseline study for follow-up of disease progression as well as response to treatment.
An efficient method for generating a germ cell depleted animal model for studies related to spermatogonial stem cell transplantation
Authors: Ganguli Nirmalya , Wadhwa Neerja , Usmani Abul , Kunj Neetu , Ganguli Nilanjana , Sarkar Rajesh Kumar , Ghorai Soma M. , Majumdar Subeer S.
Published: September 2016

Background

Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transplantation (SSCT) has become important for conservation of endangered species, transgenesis and for rejuvenating testes which have lost germ cells (Gc) due to gonadotoxic chemotherapy or radiotherapy during the prepubertal phase of life. Creating a germ cell-depleted animal model for transplantation of normal or gene-transfected SSC is a prerequisite for such experimental studies. Traditionally used intraperitoneal injections of busulfan to achieve this are associated with painful hematopoietic toxicity and affects the wellbeing of the animals. Use of testicular busulfan has been reported recently to avoid this but with a very low success rate of SSCT. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a more efficient method to achieve higher SSCT without any suffering or mortality of the animals.

Methods

A solution of busulfan, ranging from 25 μg/20 μl to 100 μg/20 μl in 50 % DMSO was used for this study. Each testis received two diagonally opposite injections of 10 μl each. Only DMSO was used as control. Germ cell depletion was checked every 15 days. GFP-expressing SSC from transgenic donor mice C57BL/6-Tg (UBC-GFP) 30Scha/J were transplanted into busulfan-treated testis. Two months after SSCT, mice were analyzed for presence of colonies of donor-derived SSC and their ability to generate offspring.

Results

A dose of 75 μg of busulfan resulted in reduction of testis size and depletion of the majority of Gc of testis in all mice within 15 days post injection without causing mortality or a cytotoxic effect in other organs. Two months after SSCT, colonies of donor-derived Gc-expressing GFP were observed in recipient testes. When cohabitated with females, donor-derived offspring were obtained. By our method, 71 % of transplanted males sired transgenic progeny as opposed to 5.5 % by previously described procedures. About 56 % of progeny born were transgenic by our method as opposed to 1.2 % by the previously reported methods.

Conclusions

We have established an efficient method of generating a germ cell-depleted animal model by using a lower dose of busulfan, injected through two diagonally opposite sites in the testis, which allows efficient colonization of transplanted SSC resulting in a remarkably higher proportion of donor-derived offspring generation.
Acsl, the Drosophila ortholog of intellectual-disability-related ACSL4, inhibits synaptic growth by altered lipids
Authors: Huang Yan , Huang Sheng , Lam Sin Man , Liu Zhihua , Shui Guanghou , Zhang Yong Q.
Published: September 2016

Nervous system development and function are tightly regulated by metabolic processes, including the metabolism of lipids such as fatty acids. Mutations in long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4) are associated with non-syndromic intellectual disabilities. We previously reported that Acsl, the Drosophila ortholog of mammalian ACSL3 and ACSL4, inhibits neuromuscular synapse growth by suppressing bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. Here, we report that Acsl regulates the composition of fatty acids and membrane lipids, which in turn affects neuromuscular junction (NMJ) synapse development. Acsl mutant brains had a decreased abundance of C16:1 fatty acyls; restoration of Acsl expression abrogated NMJ overgrowth and the increase in BMP signaling. A lipidomic analysis revealed that Acsl suppressed the levels of three lipid raft components in the brain, including mannosyl glucosylceramide (MacCer), phosphoethanolamine ceramide and ergosterol. The MacCer level was elevated in Acsl mutant NMJs and, along with sterol, promoted NMJ overgrowth, but was not associated with the increase in BMP signaling in the mutants. These findings suggest that Acsl inhibits NMJ growth by stimulating C16:1 fatty acyl production and concomitantly suppressing raft-associated lipid levels.
The life of research after research: How to apply in practice the results of monitoring of level and quality of life of elderly inhabitants of Moscow
Authors: Корнилова Марина , Kornilova Marina
Published: September 2016

The research of level and quality of life in Russian Federation is affected by many leading scientific organizations of the country. This is usually population of working age and younger participates in the individual and regular studies, and only several indicators of level and quality of life of these categories of the population are being studied. Studies of life of elderly people usually are one-time research in the period of reform and social upheaval.

But, at the end of 2010 the President of Russia paid attention on the need to assess the socio-economic situation of elderly people and the situation began to change gradually. Monitoring of many indicators of life of the elderly population is being conducted regularly in many regions of the country. The author analyzes the 5-years experience of the Comprehensive monitoring of the level and quality of life of elderly people in Moscow in relation to using research results in practice. This article describes in details the possibilities of using the data of monitoring in administrative, scientific, educational, research and experimental activities of agencies of the social protection system in Moscow.
First record of the genus Pareumenes de Saussure, 1855 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae) from the Philippine Islands with description of a new species
Authors: Selis Marco
Published: September 2016

A new species of the genus Pareumenes de Saussure, 1855, from the Philippine Islands (Mindanao and Samar), P. impunctatus sp. nov., is described. This is the first record of the genus from the Philippines. A key to the species of the genus occurring in insular South-East Asia is provided.
An atypical case of medial radial head dislocation
Authors: Shelton J , Nixon M
Published: September 2016

Radial head dislocations are common in children who fall onto outstretched hands. We present a case of medial radial head dislocation without a concomitant ulna fracture in a 14-year-old girl and the long-term sequelae of the injury.
Laparoscopic repair of congenital duodenal obstruction is feasible even in small-volume centres
Authors: MacCormack BJ , Lam JPH
Published: September 2016

INTRODUCTION

It has been suggested that laparoscopic repair of congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO) should be restricted to a limited number of designated centres of expertise. After gaining extensive experience with intracorporeal suturing in other procedures, we evaluated the feasibility of this approach at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (RHFSC; Edinburgh, UK).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of all cases of CDO presenting to the RHFSC from 2012 to 2014. Cases were identified from our electronic database using standardised codes. Data comprised: gestation; birth weight; associated anomalies; patient age and weight at surgery; operative time; complications; postoperative course.

RESULTS

Five consecutive non-selected cases of isolated CDO were repaired laparoscopically, and all were carried out by the senior surgeon. The male:female ratio was 4:1. Corrected gestational age at surgery was 35–38 weeks, and the weight at surgery was 1.7–3.1 kg. None of our patients had significant associated anomalies.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates the feasibility of laparoscopic repair of CDO in small-volume centres, and is the first report of laparoscopically managed congenital duodenal atresia in twins.
Portal vein thrombosis following laparoscopic gastric plication
Authors: Som R , Rikabi S , Chang A , Durkin N , Ramar S
Published: September 2016

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) following laparoscopic surgery including Roux-en-Y bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and Nissen’s fundoplication is a rare but recognised complication. Laparoscopic gastric plication in a new procedure that is popular in some parts of the world. We report a case of a patient suffering PVT as a complication of this surgery.