bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Perdigão: Peering into Microscale Details of Mountain Winds
Authors: Fernando H. J. S. , Mann J. , Palma J. M. L. M. , Lundquist J. K. , Barthelmie R. J. , Belo-Pereira M. , Brown W. O. J. , Chow F. K. , Gerz T. , Hocut C. M. , Klein P. M. , Leo L. S. , Matos J. C. , Oncley S. P. , Pryor S. C. , Bariteau L. , Bell T. M. , Bodini N. , Carney M. B. , Courtney M. S. , Creegan E. D. , Dimitrova R. , Gomes S. , Hagen M. , Hyde J. O. , Kigle S. , Krishnamurthy R. , Lopes J. C. , Mazzaro L. , Neher J. M. T. , Menke R. , Murphy P. , Oswald L. , Otarola-Bustos S. , Pattantyus A. K. , Rodrigues C. Veiga , Schady A. , Sirin N. , Spuler S. , Svensson E. , Tomaszewski J. , Turner D. D. , van Veen L. , Vasiljević N. , Vassallo D. , Voss S. , Wildmann N. , Wang Y.
Published: December 2018

A grand challenge from the wind energy industry is to provide reliable forecasts on mountain winds several hours in advance at microscale (∼100 m) resolution. This requires better microscale wind-energy physics included in forecasting tools, for which field observations are imperative. While mesoscale (∼1 km) measurements abound, microscale processes are not monitored in practice nor do plentiful measurements exist at this scale. After a decade of preparation, a group of European and U.S. collaborators conducted a field campaign during 1 May–15 June 2017 in Vale Cobrão in central Portugal to delve into microscale processes in complex terrain. This valley is nestled within a parallel double ridge near the town of Perdigão with dominant wind climatology normal to the ridges, offering a nominally simple yet natural setting for fundamental studies. The dense instrument ensemble deployed covered a ∼4 km × 4 km swath horizontally and ∼10 km vertically, with measurement resolutions of tens of meters and seconds. Meteorological data were collected continuously, capturing multiscale flow interactions from synoptic to microscales, diurnal variability, thermal circulation, turbine wake and acoustics, waves, and turbulence. Particularly noteworthy are the extensiveness of the instrument array, space–time scales covered, use of leading-edge multiple-lidar technology alongside conventional tower and remote sensors, fruitful cross-Atlantic partnership, and adaptive management of the campaign. Preliminary data analysis uncovered interesting new phenomena. All data are being archived for public use.
Observed Evolution of a California Undercurrent Eddy
Authors: Steinberg Jacob M. , Pelland Noel A. , Eriksen Charles C.
Published: December 2018

A California Undercurrent eddy (Cuddy) was repeatedly surveyed using multiple Seagliders for over three months. Found and tracked off of the Washington–Vancouver Island coasts, this Cuddy traveled over 400 km, remaining between the 1000- and 2000-m isobaths, as it was swept along in poleward flow of the California Current System. Three Seagliders made repeat bisecting transects of the Cuddy core capturing its detailed three-dimensional structure in time. Its evolution was analyzed through comparison of 11 independent Cuddy “snapshots.” A two dimensional Gaussian model fit to the geopotential anomaly field for each snapshot allowed computation of dynamic fields inaccessible in Seaglider profiles alone. Results indicate that the Cuddy decayed as its core waters became less isolated over time: Cuddy total mechanical energy (kinetic + potential), salt content, and the magnitude of the core potential vorticity anomaly decreased. Core spice and dissolved oxygen variance increased tenfold, and thermohaline fine structure, suggestive of lateral intrusions, was observed progressively closer to the eddy core. The estimated gradient-wind balanced velocity field similarly weakened as the Rossby number decreased to 0.32 from an initial value of 0.48. The observed changes in eddy properties occurred as the Cuddy was exposed to changes in the background stratification and Coriolis parameter as it translated alongshore. Idealized modeling of eddy adjustment indicates that both erosion and changing background conditions are required to explain the observed eddy changes. Adjustment in response to both effects simultaneously leads to changes in eddy properties qualitatively consistent with those observed.
On the Feedback of Ice–Ocean Stress Coupling from Geostrophic Currents in an Anticyclonic Wind Regime over the Beaufort Gyre
Authors: Wang Qiang , Marshall John , Scott Jeffery , Meneghello Gianluca , Danilov Sergey , Jung Thomas
Published: December 2018

Based on analysis of observational data it has been suggested that a negative feedback of ice–ocean stress coupling may limit freshwater accumulation in the Beaufort Gyre (BG). In this paper we explore how this feedback can significantly contribute to BG stabilization in an anticyclonic wind regime. We use an ice–ocean model and turn on and off the feedback in simulations to elucidate the role of the feedback. When a persistent anticyclonic wind anomaly is applied over the BG, liquid freshwater content (FWC) increases because of enhanced Ekman downwelling. As a consequence, ocean surface geostrophic currents speed up. However, the spinup of sea ice is weaker than the acceleration of surface geostrophic currents during wintertime, because of strong sea ice internal stress when ice concentration is high and ice is thick. This leads to cyclonic anomalies in the ice–ocean relative velocity and stress over the BG. The resultant seasonal Ekman upwelling anomaly reduces freshwater accumulation by about 1/4 as compared to a simulation with the negative feedback turned off in a control experiment, with a reduction range of 1/10–1/3 in all experiments conducted. We show that the feedback is more effective when the model’s mesoscale eddy diffusivity is smaller or when sea ice internal stress is stronger. Finally, we argue that the ice–ocean stress feedback may become less significant as the Arctic warms and sea ice declines.
Early developmental risk for subsequent childhood mental disorders in an Australian population cohort
Authors: Green Melissa J , Tzoumakis Stacy , Laurens Kristin R , Dean Kimberlie , Kariuki Maina , Harris Felicity , Brinkman Sally A , Carr Vaughan J
Published: December 2018

Objective:

We examined associations between developmental vulnerability profiles determined at the age of 5 years and subsequent childhood mental illness between ages 6 and 13 years in an Australian population cohort.

Methods:

Intergenerational records from New South Wales (NSW) Government Departments of Health and Child Protection spanning pre-birth to 13 years of age were linked with the 2009 Australian Early Development Census records for 86,668 children. Mental illness indices for children were extracted from health records between 2009 and 2016 (child’s age of 6–13 years). Associations between mental disorder diagnoses and membership of early childhood risk groups, including those with established ‘special needs’ (3777, 4.3%) at school entry, or putative risk classes delineated via latent class analysis of Australian Early Development Census subdomains – referred to as ‘pervasive risk’ ( N = 3479; 4.0%), ‘misconduct risk’ ( N = 5773; 6.7%) or ‘mild generalised risk’ ( N = 9542; 11%) – were estimated using multinomial logistic regression, relative to children showing ‘no risk’ ( N = 64,097; 74%). Poisson regression models estimated the relative risk of a greater number of days recorded with mental health service contacts among children in each Australian Early Development Census risk group. Adjusted models included child’s sex, socioeconomic disadvantage, child protection contacts and parental mental illness as covariates.

Results:

The crude odds of any mental disorder among children aged 6–13 years was increased approximately threefold in children showing pervasive risk or misconduct risk profiles at the age of 5 years, and approximately sevenfold in children with special needs, relative to children showing no risk; patterns of association largely remained after adjusting for covariates. Children with special needs and the misconduct risk class used mental health services over a greater number of days than the no risk class.

Conclusion:

Patterns of early childhood developmental vulnerability are associated with subsequent onset of mental disorders and have the potential to inform interventions to mitigate the risk for mental disorders in later childhood and adolescence.
Cofactors of Pediatric Tinnitus: A Look at the Whole Picture
Authors: Levi Jessica , Basa Krystyne , Wong Kevin , Morlet Thierry , O’Reilly Robert
Published: December 2018

Retrospective chart review of 248 children (1-19 years old) with tinnitus who presented to a tertiary pediatric hospital between 2006 and 2011, looking at which cofactors are predictors of pediatric tinnitus. In our review, we extracted demographics, symptoms, historical data, imaging, and laboratory results; we compared with the general population. Eighty-seven percent had normal hearing. Age distribution, noise exposure, and frequency of psychiatric diagnoses in our cohort were consistent with previous reports. We found a lower incidence of otitis media and the same prevalence of dizziness, asthma, and hearing loss as the general population, a lower prevalence of Eustachian tube dysfunction, otitis media, headaches, and higher incidence of rhinosinusitis. Lack of patient reporting and objective testing complicate the ability to detect pediatric tinnitus. We revealed a gap in the literature regarding rhinosinusitis as a cofactor, imaging during diagnosis, and if psychiatric diagnoses are associated with tinnitus in younger children.
Western Individualism and Psychotherapy: Exploring the Edges of Ecological Being
Authors: Ingle Micah
Published: December 2018

This article will begin by outlining a taken-for-granted individualistic subject at the heart of Western psychotherapeutic theory and practice. It will offer a brief survey of critiques aimed at this foundational understanding of the psychological subject, from philosophical and theoretical domains. Next, the article will explore three different modes of psychotherapeutic praxis that work toward recognizing and engendering a more contextual, relational, and ecological figure of subjectivity in therapeutic settings. Narrative therapy, feminist therapies, and ecotherapies will be explored for their value in working against an individualistic conception of human being, toward an embedded and contextualized notion of the subject which considers social, political, economic, and natural world vectors of influence. It will be argued that each of these forms of practice has something to offer to an alternative, anti-individualistic psychotherapeutic praxis, which may intersect with greater personal, collective, and ecological well-being.
Political Homophily in a Large-Scale Online Communication Network
Authors: Bond Robert M. , Sweitzer Matthew D.
Published: December 2018

As communication increasingly occurs in online environments, it is important to know the structure of such conversations in social networks. Here, we investigate patterns of conversation in online forums concerning politics, as well as patterns of cross-ideological interactions in forums that are not expressly political. First, we demonstrate a method for measuring the latent ideological preferences of more than 690,000 individuals using patterns of political commenting. Using this measure, we find that communication between ideologically dissimilar individuals becomes more common in periods of increased engagement with politics, that political homophily decreases as more individuals contribute to a conversation, and that forums dedicated to nonpolitical topics exhibit substantially less homophily than political forums. Theoretical implications for political communication on online platforms are discussed.
An image reconstruction algorithm for electrical impedance tomography using Symkaczmarz based on structured sparse representation
Authors: Wang Qi , He Jing , Wang Jianming , Li Xiuyan , Duan Xiaojie , Zhang Pengcheng , Chen Xiaojing , Sun Yukuan
Published: December 2018

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a new medical imaging technology that is used to estimate changes in the internal conductivity based on measurements of the border voltage disturbance. However, the generalized inverse operator of image reconstruction for EIT is ill-posed and ill-conditioned. In order to improve reconstruction quality, the structured sparse representation is integrated into the iterative process of the Symkaczmarz algorithm for EIT image reconstruction in this paper. The sparsity prior and the underlying structure characteristics of conductivity reconstruction are considered in the proposed algorithm. Both simulation and experiment results indicate that the proposed method has feasibility for pulmonary ventilation imaging and great potential for improving the image quality.
Outside the Sports Closet: News Discourses of Professional Gay Male Athletes in the Mainstream
Authors: Moscowitz Leigh M. , Billings Andrew C. , Ejaz Khadija , O’Boyle Jane
Published: December 2018

Contributing to a growing yet underresearched area of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer issues in sport, this study interrogates news discourses of the most prominent American athletes coming-out stories to date: the National Basketball Association’s Jason Collins and the National Football League’s Michael Sam. Mainstream media narratives invoked an overall congratulatory tone, hailing these announcements as watershed moments while at the same time emphasizing athletes’ physicality and athleticism in ways that reinforced the hypermasculine. Journalists and opinion leaders celebrated these announcements while simultaneously relying on coded and overt homophobic labels and language. Media storytellers subsequently relied upon dualistic, self-contradictory binaries, highlighting the paradoxes implicit in celebrating increased gay visibility within the confines of a commercialized sports/media complex with heterosexuality and hypermasculinity at its core.
Elucidating the determinants of business intelligence adoption and organizational performance
Authors: Bhatiasevi Veera , Naglis Michael
Published: December 2018

This research is one of the first few to investigate the adoption and usage of business intelligence among SMEs in the context of developing countries, in this case Thailand. Based on the three-pronged approach it proposes a comprehensive model that integrates the technology-organization-environment framework and the balance scorecard approach in order to better understand the degree of influence that each factor has on the adoption of business intelligence as well as the organizational performance among SMEs in Thailand. The results of the structural equation modeling show that compatibility, technology readiness, top management support and competitive pressure posited a positive relationship towards business intelligence adoption. The adoption of business intelligence had a positive effect on internal process and learning and growth in terms of organizational performance. A multi-group analysis was also performed focusing on firm maturity and sectors to understand the behavior towards business intelligence as well as organizational performance. Discussions and conclusions including theoretical and practical implications are also presented.
Skin Conductance Reactivity as a Moderator of Associations Between Youth Perceptions of Neighborhood Stress and Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Fletcher Anne C. , Buehler Cheryl , McCurdy Amy L. , Weymouth Bridget B.
Published: December 2018

Young adolescents ( N = 68) completed questionnaires concerning perceptions of neighborhood stress (i.e., high negative influences, low cohesion, and connectedness). Youth self-reported their own depressive symptoms and participated in a public speaking task designed to be moderately stressful. Increases in skin conductance in response to this laboratory-based challenge task were measured (i.e., skin conductance level reactivity; SCLR). Higher levels of depressive symptoms were associated with greater perceptions of neighborhood stress, with the effects of neighborhood stress particularly strong among boys. For boys only, the association between perceived neighborhood stress and depressive symptoms was moderated by SCLR. For boys with average or above average levels of SCLR, greater perceptions of neighborhood stress were associated with more depressive symptoms.
Determinants of Importation and Deprivation Models on Committed Juvenile Offenders’ Violent Misconduct: A Taiwanese Perspective
Authors: Lai Yung-Lien
Published: December 2018

This study draws on theories of importation and deprivation and relies upon self-reported survey data collected in 2015 from 1,045 committed juvenile offenders in Taiwan. Results drawn from Multinomial logistic regressions indicated that among the importation factors, gang membership, volatile temper, and precommitment victimization are significantly associated with violent misconduct. In regard to deprivation factors, longer term of commitment, higher levels of commitment stress, and victimization while committed dramatically increased the levels of violent misconduct, as expected. On the positive side, ongoing support from family and good staff relations significantly reduced the probability of engaging in violent behaviors while confined.
Exclusionary Zoning and the Limits of Judicial Impact
Authors: Marantz Nicholas J. , Zheng Huixin
Published: December 2018

Courts in the neighboring states of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania have taken divergent approaches to local exclusionary zoning, which entails land use regulations restricting the development of housing affordable to low- and moderate-income households. Using difference-in-differences regression models, we assess whether this variation has affected the availability of townhome and apartment units. We also validate the use of unit type as a proxy for occupant income. We find that New Jersey’s approach was associated with increases in the stock of townhome and apartment units relative to suburban jurisdictions in New York State, but not Pennsylvania.
Syntheses of polyrotaxane conjugated with 5-fluorouracil and vitamins with improved antitumor activities
Authors: Kim Taeyoon , Park Soo Yong , Lee Myeong-Hee , Kim Dong-Hyun , Chung Ildoo
Published: December 2018

New antitumor active polyrotaxanes, presynthesized from β-cyclodextrin and polypropylene glycol, were first end capped with antitumor active drug, 5-fluorouracil, and further conjugated with 5-fluorouracil and various bioactive vitamin derivatives such as succinyl vitamin B2 (PRTVB2) and ascorbic acid 6-palmitate (PRTASP). FT-IR, 1H, and 13C-NMR spectroscopies and elemental analysis were used to characterize the synthesized polyrotaxane and degree of 5-fluorouracil/vitamins substitution to β-cyclodextrin. The in vitro cytotoxicities of polyrotaxane conjugates were evaluated with mouse mammary carcinoma (FM3A), mouse leukemia (P388), human histiocytic lymphoma (U937) as cancer cell lines, and mouse liver cells (AC2F) as a normal cell line. The cytotoxicities of the polyrotaxane–ascorbic acid conjugates against AC2F normal cell line decreased more than 18,000% as compared with those of 5-fluorouracil. The in vivo antitumor activities of synthesized 5-fluorouracil-1-acetic acid-polyrotaxane (5-FUA-PRT) against mice bearing sarcoma 180 tumor cell line were greater than of 5-fluorouracil at concentration of 800 mg/kg.
An exploratory study into an adapted use of the Alert Program for tic disorder in children
Authors: Soler Nicolette , Hardwick Chris , Perkes Iain E , Dossetor David , Bray Paula , Dale Russell C
Published: December 2018

Objectives:

This preliminary study explored whether an adapted approach to the Alert Program, that uses sensorimotor strategies, might assist with management of tic disorders in children. The Alert Program, a program that uses sensorimotor strategies for self-regulation in children with neurodevelopmental disorders, had not been trialled with children with tic disorders.

Methods:

Ten children with tic disorder were assessed using the Dunn Sensory Profile 2 (SP2), the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) and the Parent Tic Questionnaire (PTQ). Participants attended three 60–90-minute appointments with an occupational therapist and clinical psychologist for implementation of the adapted Alert Program.

Results:

The YGTSS showed tic reduction in all participants. The total YGTSS pre-intervention mean score of 46.5 improved to 17.7 post-therapy. Five participants reported no impairment post-therapy. PTQ scores reduced in nine participants. On the SP2, 30% of participants scored as having sensory sensitivities that impaired daily function.

Conclusions:

This exploratory study found trialling an adapted approach to the Alert Program that uses sensorimotor-based approach decreased tic severity in children with tic disorders. A randomised controlled trial is needed to establish the effectiveness and feasibility of this approach.
Cultural Differences in the Perception of Personal Growth Among Adolescents
Authors: Dominick Whitney , Taku Kanako
Published: December 2018

Research shows that some adolescents experience positive psychological changes resulting from highly stressful life events. Because “positive change” is a value-laden concept, there may be cross-cultural differences in this conception of growth. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively and quantitatively assess different perceptions of personal growth across cultures. Adolescents from Japan ( n = 288, Mage = 16.16) and the United States ( n = 155, Mage = 16.21) completed demographic information and wrote three words describing their perception of personal growth. Results showed 443 different words generated, which were condensed into 12 categories. The types of words generated differed between nationalities, with Japanese adolescents generating more words related to social connection, and adolescents in the United States generating words related to change. Gender differences were found in physical change and age differences in the knowledge categories. Results demonstrate cross-cultural differences as well as similarities in the conceptualization of personal growth. Future research may examine how adolescents change the meaning of personal growth after experiencing personal growth resulting from a stressful life event.
The Role and Everyday Life Experiences of Latin American Female Researchers in Academia
Authors: Zapata-Sepúlveda Pamela
Published: December 2018

I wrote this essay a year before the current context of feminist student strike in Chile. A year ago, it was a time in which there was silence and fear. I understood the natural tendency of living with the different ways of gender violence that is normalized and taken for granted. In a society which is dominated by male power, and where we could find shelter in what the North defines as Resistance voices, this text arises from inquiries and contradictions that I, as a academic woman from northern Chile have lived, in socio-critical qualitative inquiry, paradigmatically moving from the analysis of qualitative data assisted by computers, to interpretive [auto]ethnography.
Understanding Therapeutic Concepts in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Monif Gilles RG
Published: December 2018

For more than a decade, the therapeutic focus for Crohn’s disease has remained fixed at temporary arrestment of symptomology. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists Crohn’s disease as a disease entity without current cure. Biologics in combination with antibiotics can frequently achieve remissions. Without ongoing drug administration, these remissions tend to be of limited duration. Conceptual advancements in understanding the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease have identified treatment approaches, the focus of which goes beyond temporary remission. Concepts derived from Infectious Diseases Inc.’s 17 years of research with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis delineate how new knowledge can be integrated to achieve more sustained remissions.
Aplicación de la teoría de aprendizaje en el entrenamiento acerca de seguridad y salud para trabajadores inmigrantes en las lecherías
Authors: Juárez-Carrillo Patricia M. , Liebman Amy K. , Reyes Iris Anne C. , Ninco Sanchez Yurany V. , Keifer Matthew C.
Published: December 2018

Resumen

Con el propósito de prevenir lesiones y enfermedades ocupacionales, diseñamos un currículo de seguridad y salud para trabajadores inmigrantes en la industria lechera para aumentar el conocimiento, fomentar prácticas de seguridad, y reducir inequidades en la comunicación. El currículo se basa principalmente en la Taxonomía para el Aprendizaje Significativo-TAS ( Taxonomy of Significant Learning) e incorpora teorías de la conducta y de aprendizaje para adultos, así como también los principios de control de riesgos ocupacionales. Los entrenamientos se implementaron con 836 trabajadores de habla hispana de 67 lecherías en el estado de Wisconsin, en los Estados Unidos. El 67% de los trabajadores reportaron nunca haber recibido entrenamiento acerca de la seguridad en las lecherías, el 65% reportó haber trabajado en lecherías durante 5 años o menos, y el 26% de los trabajadores reportaron haber sufrido alguna lesión mientras trabajaban en la lechería. La evaluación cuantitativa y cualitativa de los entrenamientos sugiere que nuestro currículo efectivamente aumentó el conocimiento y fomentó la contemplación de prácticas de seguridad de los trabajadores. El aumento del conocimiento en general del 25% es estadísticamente significativo (p < .01). Los trabajadores recordaron al menos un concepto clave del contenido, expresaron sentirse confiados en adoptar al menos una conducta de seguridad, y mencionaron su intención de comunicar sus preocupaciones de seguridad a sus jefes en la lechería. De acuerdo a nuestro conocimiento, esta es la primera vez que se aplica la TAS en la educación acerca de seguridad y salud ocupacional. Este currículo puede ayudar a los productores en la industria lechera a cumplir con el entrenamiento anual de los trabajadores requerido por la Administración de Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional de los E. U. ( Occupational Safety and Health Administration-OSHA), ofreciendo este entrenamiento básico en seguridad y salud a sus trabajadores durante su etapa inicial de empleo.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Retrospective Analysis of 60 Consecutive Cases of Ambulatory Surgical Treatment With Local Anesthesia
Authors: Chang Chia Y. , Beduschi Murilo G. , Pacheco Thierry A. , de M. Chang Clarissa C.
Published: December 2018

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ambulatory open surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome with local anesthesia and without tourniquet ischemia, sedation by an anesthesiologist, or hospitalization. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 60 consecutive cases performed during 1 year was conducted, excluding other compressive or noncompressive neuropathies. The criteria for treatment efficacy were improvements in symptoms and recurrence rates, and the safety criterion was the presence of complications. Results: The mean patient age was 53.39 years, with 91.7% of women and 8.3% of men. The right side was more frequently affected (65% of the cases). The anesthetic and surgical procedures were well tolerated by patients. No complications during the procedures or postsurgical recurrences were observed. Conclusions: Consistent with previous data, the results of this study corroborate that the proposed treatment is effective, safe, and of low cost, resulting in great savings and increased productivity for the public health system.
Lifestyle Strategies for Risk Factor Reduction, Prevention, and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Rippe James M.
Published: December 2018

Daily habits and actions powerfully affect the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), in general, and coronary heart disease, in particular. Regular physical activity, sound nutrition, weight management, and not smoking cigarettes have all been demonstrated to significantly reduce the risk of CVD. In 2 large cohort studies a reduction of risk of CVD of >80% and diabetes >90% were demonstrated in individuals who followed a cluster of these lifestyle practices. The study of the impact of lifestyle factors on CVD risk has coalesced under the framework of “lifestyle medicine.” Despite the overwhelming evidence that lifestyle factors affect CVD, a distinct minority of individuals are following these practices. The American Heart Association estimates that only 5% of individuals follow all of these lifestyle factors as components of a strategy to achieve “ideal” cardiovascular health. The challenge to the medical and health care communities is to more aggressively incorporate this information into the daily practices of medicine.
Intermittent Fasting During Ramadan Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Anthropometric Parameters in Healthy Young Muslim Men
Authors: Prasetya Guntari , Sapwarobol Suwimol
Published: December 2018

The current study aimed to determine the effect of fasting during Ramadan on the metabolic profile, anthropometry, and serum leptin and adiponectin concentrations. Anthropometry and blood samples were examined at 2 phases: baseline (within 3 days of the start of the Ramadan fast) and end-line (in the last 3 days before the end of the Ramadan fast) in 27 healthy Muslim male participants who completed Ramadan fasting. Results demonstrate reductions in body weight (P < .001), body mass index (P < .001), fat mass (P = .003), muscle mass (P = .004), and waist circumference (P < .001) following reductions in energy intake (P = .003). Insulin sensitivity was improved. Serum insulin concentration and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance decreased significantly (P = .005 and P = .009). No significant change in fasting plasma glucose was observed. Correlation coefficients showed a significant correlation between the percentage changes in body weight and percentage changes in serum leptin concentration (r = 0.412; P = .037). These results demonstrate that intermittent fasting during Ramadan leads to beneficial effects by improving insulin sensitivity. It also resulted in a beneficial effect on weight and fat loss.
Effortful memory processes under stereotype threat and self-concept in aging
Authors: Kalenzaga Sandrine , Clarys David , Piolino Pascale
Published: December 2018

The present study aimed at exploring the effect of stereotype threat on the controlled part of memory in older adults using a deep level of processing, namely, self-reference encoding. To meet this objective, 25 younger adults and 25 older adults performed a Remember/Know recognition task following self-reference versus other-reference encoding of adjective traits, under stereotype threat or not. The results indicated that under stereotype threat, older adults’ production of Remember responses was specifically impaired following self-reference encoding. Moreover, whereas executive functioning and group identification did not moderate stereotype threat effect, measure of self-worth did. These findings suggest that stereotype threat in older adults may be a self-concept threat and that moderators of stereotype threat found in other groups (i.e., group identification and executive functioning) may not be generalised to this group. Rather, as stereotype threat in aging may represent a threat to the self, self-worth might have a central role, whereby individuals with high self-worth remain self-confident even under stereotype threat and are thus able to down-regulate their negative affects to face such a threat.
A Regional Survey on Residents’ Preferences on Patient-Centered Medical Home Design in Rural Areas
Authors: Cai Hui , Spreckelmeyer Kent , Mendenhall Amy , Li Dan , Holmes Cheryl , Levy Michelle
Published: December 2018

Objectives:

This study aims to explore the rural residents’ preferences on various aspects of the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model and the associated physical environment features.

Background:

The PCMH model has gained popularity as an innovative care model that intends to improve patient experience and outcomes while reducing costs. Yet few studies focused on patients’ perspective, even less considered the needs of the rural communities.

Method:

Using a convenience sample, an exploratory survey was completed by 362 rural residents in the Midwestern region. Survey items were designed to gather information on both rural residents’ preferences for five key PCMH attributes (comprehensive, patient-centered, coordinated, accessible, and quality) and of the physical environment that supports these attributes. Analyses were arranged along these key attributes.

Results:

Results indicated that residents’ demographics affect their preferences for spatial features for PCMH. The three most important environmental factors for PCMH for the rural residents are the privacy, extra chairs in the exam room for family, and space that supports information sharing and communication among patient, family, and healthcare staff. Through structural equation modeling analysis, residents’ preferences on comprehensive care, patient-centered care, coordinated care, quality, and safety have shown to affect their preference for the space features. The open-ended survey shows that rural residents are mostly satisfied with their current healthcare environment in terms of supporting patient-centered care, while other aspects still have room for future improvement.

Conclusions:

Overall, this exploratory study identified important attributes of the physical environment that can support PCMH from rural residents’ perspective.
Quantitative Evaluation of Equine Articular Cartilage Using Cationic Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography
Authors: Nelson Brad B. , Stewart Rachel C. , Kawcak Chris E. , Freedman Jonathan D. , Patwa Amit N. , Snyder Brian D. , Goodrich Laurie R. , Grinstaff Mark W.
Published: December 2018

Objective

To investigate the diffusion trajectory of a cationic contrast medium (CA4+) into equine articular cartilage, and to assess normal and degenerative equine articular cartilage using cationic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT).

Design

In the first experiment (Exp1), equine osteochondral specimens were serially imaged with cationic CECT to establish the diffusion time constant and time to reach equilibrium in healthy articular cartilage. In a separate experiment (Exp2), articular cartilage defects were created on the femoral trochlea (defect joint) in a juvenile horse, while the opposite joint was a sham-operated control. After 7 weeks, osteochondral biopsies were collected throughout the articular surfaces of both joints. Biopsies were analyzed for cationic CECT attenuation, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content, mechanical stiffness (Eeq), and histology. Imaging, biochemical and mechanical data were compared between defect and control joints.

Results

Exp1: The mean diffusion time constant was longer for medial condyle cartilage (3.05 ± 0.1 hours) than lateral condyle cartilage (1.54 ± 0.3 hours, P = 0.04). Exp2: Cationic CECT attenuation was lower in the defect joint than the control joint ( P = 0.005) and also varied by anatomic location ( P = 0.045). Mean cationic CECT attenuation from the lateral trochlear ridge was lower in the defect joint than in the control joint (2223 ± 329 HU and 2667 ± 540 HU, respectively; P = 0.02). Cationic CECT attenuation was strongly correlated with both GAG (ρ = 0.79, P < 0.0001) and Eeq (ρ = 0.61, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The equilibration time of CA4+ into equine articular cartilage is affected by tissue volume. Quantitative cationic CECT imaging reflects the biochemical, biomechanical and histological state of normal and degenerative equine articular cartilage.
Utility of Geriatric Assessment in the Projection of Early Mortality Following Hip Fracture in the Elderly Patients
Authors: Palmer Aunaly , Taitsman Lisa A. , Reed May J. , Nair Bala G. , Bentov Itay
Published: December 2018

Hip fractures result in significant morbidity and mortality in elders. Indicators of frailty are associated with poor outcomes. Commonly used frailty tools rely on motor skills that cannot be performed by this population. We determined the association between the Charlson Comorbidity Score (CCS), intraoperative hypotension (IOH), and a geriatric medicine consult index (GCI) with short-term mortality in hip fracture patients. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single institution over a 2-year period. Patients aged 65 years and older who sustained a hip fracture following a low-energy mechanism were identified using billing records and our orthopedic fracture registry. Medical records were reviewed to collect demographic data, fracture classification and operative records, calculation of CCS, intraoperative details including hypotension, and assessments recorded in the geriatric consult notes. The GCI was calculated using 30 dichotomous variables contained within the geriatric consult note. The index, ranging from 0 to 1, included markers for physical and cognitive function, as well as medications. A higher GCI score indicated more markers for frailty. One hundred eight patients met inclusion criteria. Sixty-four (59%) were females and the average age was 77.3 years. Thirty-five (32%) patients sustained femoral neck fractures, and 73 (68%) patients sustained inter-/pertrochanteric hip fractures. The 30-day mortality was 6%; the 90-day mortality was 13%. The mean GCI was 0.30 in the 30-day survivor group as compared to 0.52 in those who died. The mean GCI was 0.28 in patients who were alive at 90 days as compared to 0.46 in those who died. In contrast, the CCS and IOH were not associated with 30- or 90-day mortality. In our older hip fracture patients, an index calculated from information routinely obtained in the geriatric consult evaluation was associated with 30- and 90-day mortality, whereas the CCS and measures of IOH were not.
Ravulizumab (ALXN1210) vs eculizumab in C5-inhibitor–experienced adult patients with PNH: the 302 study
Authors: Kulasekararaj Austin G. , Hill Anita , Rottinghaus Scott T. , Langemeijer Saskia , Wells Richard , Gonzalez-Fernandez F. Ataulfo , Gaya Anna , Lee Jong Wook , Gutierrez Emilio Ojeda , Piatek Caroline I. , Szer Jeff , Risitano Antonio , Nakao Shinji , Bachman Eric , Shafner Lori , Damokosh Andrew I. , Ortiz Stephan , Röth Alexander , Peffault de Latour Regis
Published: December 2018

Ravulizumab, a new complement component C5 inhibitor administered every 8 weeks, was noninferior to eculizumab administered every 2 weeks in complement-inhibitor–naive patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). This study assessed noninferiority of ravulizumab to eculizumab in clinically stable PNH patients during previous eculizumab therapy. In this phase 3, open-label, multicenter study, 195 PNH patients on labeled-dose (900 mg every 2 weeks) eculizumab for >6 months were randomly assigned 1:1 to switch to ravulizumab (n = 97) or continue eculizumab (n = 98). Primary efficacy end point was percentage change in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from baseline to day 183. Key secondary end points included proportion of patients with breakthrough hemolysis, change in Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)–Fatigue score, transfusion avoidance, and stabilized hemoglobin. In 191 patients completing 183 days of treatment, ravulizumab was noninferior to eculizumab (Pinf < .0006 for all end points), including percentage change in LDH (difference, 9.21% [95% confidence interval (CI), −0.42 to 18.84], P = .058 for superiority), breakthrough hemolysis (difference, 5.1 [95% CI, −8.89 to 18.99]), change in FACIT-Fatigue score (difference, 1.47 [95% CI, −0.21 to 3.15]), transfusion avoidance (difference, 5.5 [95% CI, −4.27 to 15.68]), and stabilized hemoglobin (difference, 1.4 [95% CI, −10.41 to 13.31]). The most frequently reported adverse event was headache (26.8%, ravulizumab; 17.3%, eculizumab). No meningococcal infections or discontinuations due to adverse events occurred. Patients with PNH may be safely and effectively switched from labeled-dose eculizumab administered every 2 weeks to ravulizumab administered every 8 weeks. This trial was funded by Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03056040.
The Robo4-TRAF7 complex suppresses endothelial hyperpermeability in inflammation
Authors: Shirakura Keisuke , Ishiba Ryosuke , Kashio Taito , Funatsu Risa , Tanaka Toru , Fukada So-ichiro , Ishimoto Kenji , Hino Nobumasa , Kondoh Masuo , Ago Yukio , Fujio Yasushi , Yano Kiichiro , Doi Takefumi , Aird William C. , Okada Yoshiaki
Published: December 2018

Roundabout4 (Robo4) is an endothelial cell-specific receptor that stabilizes the vasculature in pathological angiogenesis. Although Robo4 has been shown to suppress vascular hyperpermeability induced by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in angiogenesis, the roles of Robo4 in inflammation are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the roles of Robo4 on vascular hyperpermeability in inflammation. Endotoxemia models using Robo4−/− mice showed increased mortality and vascular leakage. In endothelial cell, Robo4 suppressed tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-induced hyperpermeability by stabilizing VE-cadherin at cell junctions. Robo4 deletion assays revealed that Robo4 suppressed hyperpermeability through its C-terminus. Immunoprecipitation of Robo4-binding proteins in endothelial cells followed by mass spectrometry identified TNF receptor associated factor 7 (TRAF7). Coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that TRAF7 colocalized with Robo4 by interacting with its C-terminus. Gain- and loss-of-function studies of TRAF7 with or without Robo4 expression showed that Robo4-mediated suppression of hyperpermeability required TRAF7. Together, we demonstrated that the Robo4-TRAF7 complex is a novel negative regulator of inflammatory hyperpermeability. We propose this complex as a novel target for protection against inflammatory diseases.
Mitochondrial phosphatidylserine decarboxylase 1 (Psd1) is involved in nitrogen starvation-induced mitophagy in yeast
Authors: Vigié Pierre , Cougouilles Elodie , Bhatia-Kiššová Ingrid , Salin Bénédicte , Blancard Corinne , Camougrand Nadine
Published: December 2018

Mitophagy, the selective degradation of mitochondria by autophagy, is a central process essential to maintain cell homeostasis. It is implicated in the clearance of superfluous or damaged mitochondria and requires specific proteins and regulators to perform. In yeast, Atg32, an outer mitochondrial membrane protein, interacts with the ubiquitin-like Atg8 protein, promoting the recruitment of mitochondria to the phagophore and their sequestration within autophagosomes. Atg8 is anchored to the phagophore and autophagosome membranes thanks to a phosphatidylethanolamine tail. In yeast, several phosphatidylethanolamine synthesis pathways have been characterized, but their contribution to autophagy and mitophagy are unknown. Through different approaches, we show that Psd1, the mitochondrial phosphatidylserine decarboxylase, is involved only in mitophagy induction in nitrogen starvation, whereas Psd2, located in vacuole/Golgi apparatus/endosome membranes, is required preferentially for mitophagy induction in the stationary phase of growth but also to a lesser extent for nitrogen starvation-induced mitophagy. Our results suggest that Δpsd1 mitophagy defect in nitrogen starvation may be due to a failure of Atg8 recruitment to mitochondria.
Ψηφιακά διδακτικά σενάρια με αντικείμενο τις Φυσικές Επιστήμες στην Προσχολική Εκπαίδευση: ένα παράδειγμα από την ψηφιακή πλατφόρμα «Αίσωπος»
Authors: Τσαλαγιώργου Ελένη , Βαλσαμίδου Λίνα
Published: December 2018

Στην παρούσα εργασία επιχειρείται η ανάδειξη του ρόλου των ψηφιακών διδακτικών σεναρίων και των ψηφιακών εργαλείων που αυτά διαθέτουν στην επίτευξη των στόχων των Προγραμμάτων Σπουδών με αντικείμενο τις Φυσικές Επιστήμες στην Προσχολική Εκπαίδευση. Επιλέγεται η περίπτωση ενός «υποδειγματικού» ψηφιακού διδακτικού σεναρίου το οποίο σχεδιάστηκε στο πλαίσιο της Πράξης με τίτλο «Ανάπτυξη μεθοδολογίας και ψηφιακών διδακτικών σεναρίων για τα γνωστικά αντικείμενα της Πρωτοβάθμιας και Δευτεροβάθμιας Γενικής και Επαγγελματικής Εκπαίδευσης» που υλοποίησε το Ινστιτούτο Εκπαιδευτικής Πολιτικής (ΙΕΠ). Το ψηφιακό διδακτικό σενάριο αντλεί από τις Φυσικές Επιστήμες και έχει ως αντικείμενο τον φυσικό κύκλο του νερού.
«Πετρώματα - Κατηγορίες πετρωμάτων - Πετρολογικός κύκλος». Ένα ψηφιακό σενάριο για τη διδασκαλία του μαθήματος «Γεωλογία και Διαχείριση Φυσικών Πόρων»
Authors: Τζιωρτζιώτη Χρυσάνθη
Published: December 2018

Στην εργασία αυτή παρουσιάζεται μια διδακτική πρόταση με τίτλο «Πετρώματα - Κατηγορίες πετρωμάτων - Πετρολογικός κύκλος», για τη διδασκαλία του μαθήματος «Γεωλογία και Διαχείριση Φυσικών Πόρων» στην Α’ τάξη του Γενικού Λυκείου. Αξιοποιήθηκε ένα διευρυμένο μαθησιακό περιβάλλον το οποίο ενσωματώνει χρήση των ψηφιακών μέσων, εργαστηριακές δραστηριότητες όπως την μακροσκοπική και μικροσκοπική παρατήρηση πετρωμάτων και τη διδασκαλία στην τάξη. Η παρέμβαση αυτή σχεδιάστηκε και υλοποιήθηκε στην ψηφιακή εκπαιδευτική πλατφόρμα «Αίσωπος», αξιοποιώντας ποικίλο αριθμό διαδραστικών εκπαιδευτικών εργαλείων προκειμένου να επιτευχθεί μεγαλύτερος βαθμός διαδραστικότητας μεταξύ μαθητή και εκπαιδευτικού υλικού, καθώς και αποτελεσματικότητας ως προς τα μαθησιακά αποτελέσματα.
Does theatrical play promote social skills development in students with autism? A systematic review of the methods and measures employed in the literature
Authors: Mpella Maria , Evaggelinou Christina
Published: December 2018

This systematic review cites a number of programs and critically analyzes methods and measures used to develop social skills in young students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Social skills are interpreted through a ToM theory lens, emphasizing interactions such as understanding, explaining, predicting, and manipulating the behavior of themselves and the others. The aim of this review is to study the role of the theatrical play programs and its effect on social interactions and social skills on students with ASD. An online search through Proquest and First Search resulted in twelve studies of diverse methodologies. All these studies support the value of theatrical play as a means of social skill development. More specifically, the qualitative, as well as the quantitative data, indicate the benefits of these programs on ASD students’ social skills such as cooperation, communication, and social awareness. More longitudinal studies are needed to develop and test pedagogical strategies for social skills development of ASD students in light of theatrical play activities. In addition, studies should be geared towards the teacher’s ability to teach theatrical play and thus promote social interaction between students with and without ASD in integrated school environments. Synchronizing theory with art and cooperative play seems to be the key to answer such assumptions positively.