bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contesting music education policies through the concept of reasonable accommodation: Teacher autonomy and equity enactment in Finnish music education
Authors: Kivijärvi Sanna , Rautiainen Pauli
Published: September 2020

This theoretical article focuses on reasonable accommodation in education by offering conceptual tools that could prove beneficial in resolving policy concerns for equity in music education. Providing reasonable accommodation entails making necessary and appropriate modifications that may include depending on the circumstances, physical or interaction-related changes. From the perspective of teacher autonomy, this article focuses on two aspects of reasonable accommodation: (a) its definition and (b) its implications for music education practice. Responsibility for reasonable accommodation is considered in the context of Finnish music education through three illustrations that address matters such as music notation and instrument selection. We conclude that the concept of reasonable accommodation offers students and teachers tools to prevent disadvantageous musical and pedagogical conventions from being enforced at the level of the local curriculum and through teachers’ actions, potentially resulting in inequities and discrimination.
Ethnic minority women in the Serbian academic community
Authors: Lendák-Kabók Karolina
Published: September 2020

The aim of this article is to discuss the position of ethnic minority women (Hungarian, Slovak, and Romanian) in relation to their career-building in the Serbian higher education system and reaching decision-making positions (such as rector, vice-rector, dean, head of department, etc.). The author defines two hypotheses: (1) that there are invisible biases (gender-based, ethnicity-based, and segregation-related) in the sciences that put ethnic minority women in a challenging position when attempting to build a career in academia, and (2) that these women encounter a glass ceiling when trying to reach more senior positions. The analysis is based on 16 semi-structured interviews conducted with Hungarian, Slovak, and Romanian female teaching staff employed at two Serbian universities. Intersectionality as a theoretical framework and method was used in the analysis of interviews, along with narrative analysis. Analysis of the interviews showed that ethnic minority women adopt specific strategies when discussing and explaining their difficulties and opportunities in the higher education system of Serbia. The intersectional analysis indicates that ethnic minority women struggle with invisible biases at the individual level, and, due to the horizontal segregation in sciences, have to overcome a situation of double jeopardy in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) studies. The findings suggest that women from ethnic minorities face a glass ceiling in relation to obtaining decision-making positions. Namely, such positions are usually only guaranteed to them within their own ethnic enclaves at departments with majority female staff. However, positions higher than these are rarely attainable.
International studies in an unpredictable world: still avoiding the difficult problems?
Authors: Fomin Ivan , Kokarev Konstantin , Ananyev Boris , Neklyudov Nikita , Bondik Anzhelika , Glushkov Pavel , Safina Aliya , Stolyarova Svetlana , Tkach Dmitry , Vedernikova Oksana , Yakovenko Irina , Korobkova Daria , Kovaleva Daria , Kuzina Ekaterina , Voronina Darya , Chekov Alexander , Sushentsov Andrey , Wohlforth William
Published: September 2020

We revisit and empirically evaluate crucial yet under-examined arguments articulated in “God Gave Physics the Easy Problems” (2000), the authors of which emphasized that, in International Relations (IR) predictions, predominant nomothetic approaches should be supplemented with concrete scenario thinking. We test whether the IR predictive toolkit is in fact dominated by nomothetic generalizations and, more broadly, map the methodological profile of this subfield. We build on the TRIP database, supplementing it with extensive original coding to operationalize the nuances of predictive research. In particular, we differentiate between nomoscopic predictions (predictive generalizations) and idioscopic predictions (predictions for concrete situations), showing that this distinction is not reducible to other methodological cleavages. We find that even though in contemporary IR an increasing number of articles seek to provide predictions, they consistently avoid predictions about concrete situations. The proportion of idioscopic predictions is stably small, with an even smaller proportion of predictions that develop concrete narratives or specify any determinate time period. Furthermore, those idioscopic studies are mostly limited to a niche with specialized themes and aims. Thus, our research shows that the critical claims from 20 years ago are still relevant for contemporary IR, as the “difficult problem” of developing predictive scenarios is still consistently overlooked in favor of other objectives. Ultimately, the types of predictions that IR scholars develop depend on their specific aims and constraints, but the discipline-wide result is a situation in which international studies’ ambition to provide predictions grows, but they tend to reproduce the same limitations as they did in 2000.
Relations between protective traits and psychological distress among women experiencing infertility
Authors: Hoyle Rick H , Davisson Erin K , Novice Madison L
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study was to examine the association between traits associated with adaptive self-management and psychological distress in women experiencing infertility. A sample of 326 women reported on their infertility experience; their tendencies with respect to self-compassion, emotion regulation, and positivity; and their current psychological distress. Results showed negative associations of self-compassion and positive orientation with depression in the past month. The additional distress experienced by women with primary infertility was attenuated by self-compassion and the tendency to not suppress emotional expression. Traits that enable effective self-management buffer the effects of infertility on psychology health.
The role of early social motivation in explaining variability in functional language in toddlers with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Su Pumpki L , Rogers Sally J , Estes Annette , Yoder Paul
Published: September 2020

This study examined an insufficiently studied predictor of functional language, social motivation, in a group of 87 young children with autism spectrum disorder. Participants (age 14–31 months at the start of the study) were assessed at four times over 24 months. We tested total and indirect associations between early social motivation and later expressive language to understand the behavioral mechanisms by which social motivation might affect functional language development. Results from this study show that early social motivation predicts functional language 2 years later in young children with autism spectrum disorder. In addition, this positive longitudinal association is serially mediated by intentional communication and then receptive language. These findings are consistent with the elicited bootstrapping hypothesis which proposes that children with relatively stronger social motivation produce more intentional communication. This, in turn, elicits others’ linguistic input which impels receptive language development. This process eventually results in relatively increased expressive language development.

Lay abstract

About one-third of children with autism spectrum disorder never develop the language that they need in different day-to-day situations. Identifying potential factors that can predict later language development is crucial to understanding why some children with autism spectrum disorder successfully develop language while others do not. This study sought to investigate one of the understudied predictors of language development, social motivation, and to test theories for why this association may occur. Testing the theories requires that we measure children’s ability to deliberately and directly communicate with others (i.e. intentional communication) and children’s language understanding between the measures of social motivation and later expressive language. We tested 87 children with autism spectrum disorder, aged 14–31 months, at four times over 24 months. We found that children with relatively stronger social motivation had relatively better language use 2 years later. This positive link was partly due to a child’s ability to produce intentional communication and to understand language. Although we did not measure parents’ talking to their children, a theory that inspired this study suggests that children who use frequent intentional communication probably motivate others to talk with them frequently, which facilitates children’s language understanding which leads to the development of expressive language. This theory, if confirmed to be true, can provide guidance for parents who want to help their children learn to talk. Parents could look for intentional communication from their children and respond by talking to their children. Effective intervention on both parent and child targets will likely enhance treatment efficacy. Future work is needed to test these ideas.
Shaking table experiment of a recycled concrete block masonry building structure with a ‘self-contained’ structural system
Authors: Ding Xiaoyan , Chen Zhongfan , Xu Ming
Published: September 2020

This paper proposed a ‘self-contained’ structural system for structural columns and ring beams and used recycled concrete blocks (RCBs) as wall materials. Based on this design concept, a full-scale model of a new masonry building structure was established. The Castaic wave, the Taft wave, and an artificial wave were sequentially input to the shaking table, and the effects of different ground motions on the structural model were simulated. The changes in the natural frequency and damping ratio of the test model and the acceleration, displacement, and strain responses of the structure were studied under different seismic wave excitations. Finally, the overall seismic resistance of the model was determined. The results showed that the ‘self-contained’ structure system exhibited excellent cooperative performance. Moreover, the test model can fully meet the degree-7 seismic fortification requirements, in which the damage sustained from small earthquakes is not substantial, the damage sustained from moderate earthquakes can be repaired, and the damage sustained from large earthquakes does not cause structural failure. The results showed that RCBs can replace ordinary concrete blocks in practical engineering projects. However, the construction measures for the door and window openings should be strengthened in actual projects.
Access shrugged: The decline of the copyleft and the rise of utilitarian openness
Authors: Sinnreich Aram , Aufderheide Patricia , Clifford Maggie , Shahin Saif
Published: September 2020

This article maps patterns of interest in key terms associated with copyright and online culture in the US context. Using exploratory factor analysis of data from Google Trends, authors examined patterns in keyword searches between 2004 and 2019. The data show three distinct periods of interest. The first period consists of utopian, cause-driven search terms; the second marks a rise and eventual decline in creatively motivated, maker-fueled searches; and the third is characterized by rising utilitarian and institutional interest in accessible copyrighted material. These data show empirically that the public curiosity about alternatives to strict copyright have changed during the study period. Earlier, more idealistic movements contrast with later, more practical approaches.
Illusio and disillusionment: expectations met or disappointed among young journalists
Authors: Nölleke Daniel , Maares Phoebe , Hanusch Folker
Published: September 2020

Recent developments in journalism seemingly curtail a satisfying work environment and contribute to journalists experiencing discrepancies between initial job expectations and actual day-to-day practices. This can lead to disillusionment, challenging journalists’ dedication to their job. Research indicates that young journalists are particularly affected by the symptoms of the journalistic crisis and thus exhibit low job commitment. This study examines the extent to which their initial job motivations and expectations are met or disappointed in practice. We apply Bourdieu’s concept of illusio to advance our understanding of expectations and experiences in the journalistic field and as an explanation for why journalists tend to remain in the profession. Based on in-depth interviews with 40 Austrian journalists we found that autonomy constitutes a key facet of the field’s illusio, both as an ideal of journalistic work, as well as the superior reason to become a journalist despite the awareness of financial drawbacks. While respondents are disillusioned by the lack of autonomous decision-making in everyday work, they still adhere to the ideal of acting as autonomous providers of information and thus remain in the profession. Crucially, they believe that accepting periods of precarity, as well as less autonomous work empowers them to better contribute to journalism’s societal mission.
The media provocateur: A rhetorical framework for studying an emerging persona in journalism
Authors: Rønlev Rasmus , Bengtsson Mette
Published: September 2020

With the proliferation of digital and social media in particular, non-traditional actors are entering journalism based on their personal rhetorical competencies, rather than their formal journalistic credentials. Among such actors are public debaters who establish themselves as professional opinion-makers and media personalities via ‘media provocations’. In this article, we develop a conceptual framework for studying how these media provocateurs emerge as influential personas in journalism. Whereas previous research has provided important insights into how similar non-traditional actors have challenged journalism from a sociological perspective, we adopt a rhetorical perspective on the phenomenon and describe how the provocateurs’ public persona constructions evolve in a sequential, cumulative, and transformative communicative process that cuts across different rhetorical situations in a hybrid media system. The proposed framework points to several future avenues of research into how non-traditional actors, such as media provocateurs, (micro-)bloggers, and social media influencers, may reflect the current state and direction of journalism.
Indonesian parental perspectives of international school partnerships involving millennial learners
Authors: Muslim Ahmad Bukhori , Salim Herli , Setyarini Sri
Published: September 2020

Despite being long-standing practice among schools across the world, most studies on international school partnerships focus on its benefits and challenges as perceived by teachers and students. Little emphasis has been given to parental perspectives and support, particularly among low-income families. With the increase of community involvement in education, how this partnership program may benefit the foreign language learning of millennials has become a matter of increasing concern among parents. This qualitative study explores Indonesian parents’ perspectives of international school partnerships between Indonesian and Australian schools, and how these partnerships support the learning of English as a foreign language and technology utilization. Results from questionnaires and semi-structured interviews indicate parental belief that the program reviewed is an authentic approach to foreign language learning and an appropriate mode of technology-based self-expression. To facilitate their children’s learning of English and development of cross-cultural understanding, most parents, despite economic limitations, are willing to support their children’s involvement in the international partnership that is the focus of this study.
Implementing Play Streets in Low-Income Rural Communities in the United States
Authors: Pollack Porter Keshia M. , Bridges Hamilton Christina N. , Umstattd Meyer M. Renée
Published: September 2020

Play streets involve the temporary closure of streets that for a specified time create a safe place for active play. Play streets have been implemented primarily in cities; it is unknown if they could be adapted and implemented in rural areas. To learn about implementation, core components of play streets and inform adaptation, we conducted systematic peer-reviewed and grey literature searches and interviews with a purposive sample of key informants. Data were analyzed by theme and used to inform implementation of play streets by four community organizations in low-income rural areas of Maryland, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas from June to September 2017. Core elements of play streets in urban areas were present in rural settings—the content (e.g., activities offered), delivery of the intervention in partnership with community members and local organizations, and reoccurrence of play streets at a single location. There were three key adaptations relating to delivery and context to consider uniquely when implementing play streets in rural areas (1) using locations other than streets, (2) varying locations to account for geographic dispersion, and (3) maximizing participation and resources by coupling play streets with community events. Play streets can be successfully implemented in rural settings with these modifications, which support feasibility, reach, and access. Play streets in rural areas should include activities for active play that are age-appropriate and fun, without necessarily tailoring content for rural areas.
Decolonising “Data Colonialism” Propositions for Investigating the Realpolitik of Today’s Networked Ecology
Authors: Calzati Stefano
Published: September 2020

This article proposes a critique of “data colonialism” as elaborated by Nick Couldry and Ulises Mejias. The main limitation of this theory is the essentialist conception of “colonialism,” “quantifier sector” and “self,” which overlooks historical-materialist roots and hinders a comprehensive understanding of datafication as a socio-cultural process. By recontextualizing some of the authors’ major claims, especially with regard to China, it is advanced the need to think about datafication as emerging out of a complex networked ecology whose founding logic is one of abstracted digital rationality. Some propositions—in the forms of ethnographic research and teachings along the line of data activism—are also elaborated.
Serum Kynurenines Correlate With Depressive Symptoms and Disability in Poststroke Patients: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Carrillo-Mora Paul , Pérez-De la Cruz Verónica , Estrada-Cortés Berenice , Toussaint-González Paola , Martínez-Cortéz José Antonio , Rodríguez-Barragán Marlene , Quinzaños-Fresnedo Jimena , Rangel-Caballero Fernanda , Gamboa-Coria Gabriela , Sánchez-Vázquez Itzel , Barajas-Martínez Karina , Franyutti-Prado Kenia , Sánchez-Chapul Laura , Ramírez-Ortega Daniela , Ramos-Chávez Lucio A.
Published: September 2020

Background

Poststroke depression (PSD) is related to adverse functional and cognitive prognosis in stroke patients. The participation of kynurenine pathway metabolites in depression has been previously proposed; however, there are few studies on its role in PSD and disability in stroke.

Objective

To investigate if there is a correlation between serum kynurenines levels with poststroke anxiety and depression symptoms and disability scales.

Methods

A cross-sectional case-control study was conducted in patients with first stroke, of >1 month and <1 year of evolution, with no history of previous psychiatric or neurological disorders; the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), functional evaluations (Barthel index, Functional Independence Measure [FIM]) were applied and serum kynurenines (Kyns) were determined.

Results

Sixty patients were included; significant depressive symptoms were found in 63% of the cases; a significant and positive correlation was obtained between levels of 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) with HADS-T ( r = 0.30, P = .025) and HADS-D ( r = 0.28, P = .039). Depressed patients showed significantly higher levels of 3HK ( P = .048) and KYNA ( P = .0271) than nondepressed patients; the 3HK levels were inversely correlated with functional scales: Barthel index ( r = −0.31, P = .02), FIM ( r = −0.40, P = .01); in addition, serum 3HK levels were significantly higher in patients with poor sleep quality ( P = .0190).

Conclusions

Serum Kyns show correlation with the presence and severity of depressive symptoms and with the disability and sleep quality. Kyns may be a potential marker of depression risk and disability in stroke in future.
Assessing the Quality and Performance of Institutional Review Boards: Levels of Initial Reviews
Authors: Tsan Min-Fu , Ling Bruce , Feske Ulrike , Zickmund Susan , Stone Roslyn , Sonel Ali , Arnold Robert M. , Fine Michael , Hall Daniel E.
Published: September 2020

How well institutional review boards (IRBs) follow Common Rule criteria for levels of initial protocol review has not been systematically evaluated. We compared levels of review as determined using the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) human subject regulations decision charts of 313 protocols that had been approved by IRBs. There was a 97.8% agreement between 140 protocols that were reviewed by full board and the levels of review according to OHRP criteria. Likewise, there was a 93.8% agreement between 113 protocols that were reviewed using an expedited review procedure and OHRP criteria. However, there was only 75% agreement for exempt protocols. Specifically, 10 (16.7%) of the 60 exempt protocols were found to require IRB review, that is, six protocols requiring expedited review and four protocols requiring full board review. Conducting non-exempt research without prior IRB approval constitutes serious noncompliance. Our data suggest that exempt protocols need more scrutiny.
Swedish Women’s Experiences of Misogynistic Hate Crimes: The Impact of Victimization on Fear of Crime
Authors: Hagerlid Mika
Published: September 2020

The overall aim of this study is to fill a knowledge gap regarding misogynistic hate crimes, since only one previous study has focused on victims’ experiences. Drawing from a sample of 1,767 female students, the results show that women with experiences of misogynistic hate crimes are more likely to be subjected to sexual harassment, repeat victimization, and to have been targeted by strangers. They consistently report higher levels of fear of crime by comparison with both non-bias victims and non-victims. Finally, the results support the thesis that misogynistic hate crime, like other forms of hate crime, has a message effect.
Integrative Strategies in Mixed Methods Research
Authors: Åkerblad Leena , Seppänen-Järvelä Riitta , Haapakoski Kaisa
Published: September 2020

Despite the critical role of integration as a methodological concept in mixed methods studies, researchers lack a theory for integrating. In this article, we introduce the concept of integrative strategy by analyzing three mixed methods rehabilitation-related studies. These studies represented an analytical strategy based on a multiperspective stakeholder approach, a theory-bound analytical strategy, and a theory-oriented synthesizing strategy. We define integrative strategy as a process in which the system of relations within the study is explicated and justified in accordance with the research purpose and phenomenon. This article contributes to mixed methods research by providing a novel concept of integrative strategy. The concept encompasses both study-specific practices of integration and their justifications, thereby bringing methodological discussions and practices closer together.
Numerical simulation of reacting flow in the combustion chamber and study of the impact of turbulent diffusion coefficients
Authors: Strokach Evgenij , Borovik Igor , Chen Fang
Published: September 2020

A methodology for combustion modeling with complex mixing and thermodynamic conditions, especially in thrusters, is still under development. The resulting flow and propulsion parameters strongly depend on the models used, especially on the turbulence model as it determines the mixing efficiency. In this paper, the effect of the sigma-type turbulent diffusion coefficients arriving in the diffusion term of the turbulence model is studied. This study was performed using complex modeling, considering the conjugate effect of several physical phenomena such as turbulence, chemical reactions, and radiation heat transfer. To consider the varying turbulent Prandtl, an algebraic model was implemented. An adiabatic steady diffusion Flamelet approach was used to model chemical reactions. The P1 differential model with a WSGG spectral model was used for radiation heat transfer. The gaseous oxygen (GOX) and methane (GCH4) operating thruster developed at the Chair of turbomachinery and Flight propulsion of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) is taken as a test case. The studies use the 3D RANS approach using the 60° sector as the modeling domain. The normalized and absolute pressures, the integral and segment averaged heat flux are compared to numerical results. The wall heat fluxes and pressure distributions show good agreement with the experimental data, while the turbulent diffusion coefficients mostly influence the heat flux.
A review of the effects of cyclic contact loading on fretting fatigue behavior
Authors: Abbasi F , Majzoobi GH , Mendiguren J
Published: September 2020

A damage phenomenon called fretting fatigue frequently takes place when two contact bodies are clamped together under a normal contact load along with a small-scale oscillatory motion due to cyclic loading. In contrast to the constant contact loading, less attention has been paid to variable contact loading which was technically reviewed in this study. Emphasis was placed on the efforts made over the past decade and the future challenges including nonlinear effects of contact loads, friction, frequency, slip amplitude, wear, and contact mechanic are discussed extensively. It was revealed a need for new fatigue and contact mechanics models by identifying the aforementioned missing parameters.
The manufacturing of a surface anchor structure for the electroless plating of a three-dimensional antenna integrated with a mobile device case
Authors: Jang Woong Ki , Kang Yoo Su , Seo Young Ho , Kim Byeong Hee
Published: September 2020

This study proposes a method to improve the manufacturing process of a surface anchor structure for the injection molding along with bonding properties of the plating layer for antennas, which can be applied to the Laser Direct Plating (LDP) process for the production of a three-dimensional antenna integrated with a mobile device case. By adjusting parameters such as the output of the laser processing, scanning speed, and pulse recurrence frequency, a micro anchor structure was developed on the surface of the injection mold. The measurement of the surface roughness using a 3D surface profiler showed that the roughness improved by approximately 3.6 times, from 0.96 to 3.24 µm. In addition, the zigzag arrangement of the micro anchor structure was improved by 1.2 times compared to the even arrangement. Furthermore, if the micro anchor structure contained a wall after laser processing, the bonding strength of the plating solution was 69%; with no wall, it was 94% or higher. Thus, the existence of walls resulted in a difference of 1.4 times in the bonding strength. The laser processing improved the bonding strength of the plating solution on the micro anchor structure by approximately 19 times.
Analysis of NTRK mutation and clinicopathologic factors in lung cancer patients in northeast China
Authors: Li Hui , Yan Shi , Liu Ying , Ma Lixia , Liu Xianhong , Liu Yan , Cheng Ying
Published: September 2020

Objective:

NTRK mutations and clinicopathological factors in patients with lung cancer in northeast China were analyzed by next-generation sequencing (NGS), and references were provided for patients with NTRK mutations undergoing targeted therapy in northeast China.

Methods:

A total of 224 specimens in 173 patients with lung cancer were collected. This included 51 patients with matched tissue and whole blood samples,133 tissue samples, 84 whole blood samples, and 7 pleural effusion samples. NGS (520 genes) was used to detected NTRK mutations and clinicopathologic factors.

Results:

NTRK mutation was detected in eight patients (8/173, 4.6%), including four NTRK missense mutations (4/173, 2.3%), two NTRK fusion gene mutations (2/173, 1.2%), and two NTRK copy number deletions (2/173, 1.2%). Among the eight patients with NTRK mutations, four were associated with lung cancer driver gene mutations (3/4 EGFR, 1/4ALK); NTRK in two patients was inconsistent in tissue and paired whole blood testing; NTRK missense mutation was detected in one patient, and NTRK copy number deletion was detected in the other; and NTRK wild type was detected in two patients. There was no correlation between NTRK mutation and clinicopathologic factors (including gender, age, pathological type, smoking status, metastasis site).

Conclusion:

NTRK mutation was only 4.6%, effective fusion gene mutation was 1.2%, and common driver gene mutation in lung cancer was evident in 50% of patients. The results of NTRK were inconsistent with matched tissues and whole blood. Therefore, patients with NTRK mutation should use a variety of specimen types and large target area sequencing (panel) analysis method to provide individualized treatment.
miR-183-5p promotes proliferation and migration in hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting IRS1 and its association with patient survival
Authors: Yan Rong , Li Kang , Yuan Dawei , Wang Haonan , Chen Wei , Zhu Kun , Dang Chengxue
Published: September 2020

Background:

MiR-183-5p plays an important role in the pathophysiology of many tumors, while the role of MiR-183-5p in liver cancer is unclear.

Methods:

In this study, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of miR-183-5p in liver cancer cell lines, liver cancer tissues, and normal tissues adjacent to the cancer, and to explore the mechanism of miR-183-5p regulating liver cancer progression. The in vitro effects of miR-183-5p were evaluated by CCK-8, colony formation test, and wound healing test. Various databases were used to predict the target mRNA of miR-183-5p and verified by luciferase report analysis. In addition, the effects of miR-183-5p and its target gene on the survival of patients with liver cancer were also analyzed.

Results:

miR-183-5p was highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma cells and tissues, and was related to some clinicopathological features. MiR-183-5p can promote the proliferation and migration of liver cancer cells. Using the bioinformatics database, we proved that miR-183-5p is related to the survival of liver cancer patients. Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) is a target of miR-183-5p, and luciferase analysis confirmed that miR-183-5p combines with the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of IRS1.

Conclusion:

The miR-183-5p/IRS1 axis may be a new target for liver cancer research.
Does visualisation help or hinder concrete word processing?
Authors: Malhi Simritpal Kaur , Kost Cassidy , Buchanan Lori
Published: September 2020

In an iconicity judgement task, participants were asked whether word pairs were iconic (e.g., nose–tongue; joy–sorrow) or reverse-iconic (e.g., tongue–nose; sorrow–joy), and an advantage for abstract word pairs (i.e., joy–sorrow) was found. Malhi and Buchanan proposed that this reverse concreteness, or abstractness, effect was the result of participants taking a visualisation/imagining (time-costly) approach towards the concrete word pairs and an emotional/intuitive (time-efficient) approach towards the abstract word pairs. This study tested this proposal by asking participants questions about strategy use (Experiment 1). In the forced-choice questions, all participants reported using a visualisation/imagining approach towards the concrete word pairs and most participants reported using an emotional/intuitive approach towards the abstract word pairs. In the open-ended responses, visual-spatial reasoning and real-life experience emerged as themes for the concrete word pairs and social norms and values emerged as themes for the abstract word pairs, adding to our understanding of the grounding of abstract words. In Experiment 2, participants were supplied with pictures as an aid to visualisation with the expectation that this would reduce the time required for concrete word processing. Supplying pictures made participants faster and more accurate at completing the task. Experiment 3 manipulated the type of visual aid by also supplying pictures that did not match the orientation of the word pairs. Participants were only more accurate when the pictures were in the correct and iconic spatial arrangement. A flexible abstractness and concreteness effects (FACE) theory is proposed which integrates symbolic and embodied accounts and introduces constructs such as direct and constrained imageability for concrete words and indirect and free imageability for abstract words.
Description of a novel SLC34A3.c.671delT mutation causing hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria in two adolescent boys and response to recombinant human growth hormone
Authors: Dreimane Daina , Chen Alyssa , Bergwitz Clemens
Published: September 2020

Hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria (HHRH) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hypophosphatemia, rickets, hyperphosphaturia, elevated 1,25(OH)2D, and hypercalciuria. Mutations in SLC34A3, the gene encoding the sodium-dependent cotransporter NPT2c, have previously been described as a cause of HHRH. Here, we describe two male siblings with rickets and hypercalciuric nephrolithiasis born to unrelated parents, and their response to oral phosphate supplementation and growth hormone therapy. Whole exome sequencing of the oldest brother, and polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequence analysis of the identified SLC34A3 mutations, was performed for confirmation and to evaluate his siblings and parents. Serum and urine biochemical parameters of mineral homeostasis before and after therapy were evaluated. Whole exome sequencing analysis identified a previously reported heterozygous deletion SLC34A3.g.2259-2359del101bp on the maternal allele, and a novel heterozygous single nucleotide deletion SLC34A3.c.671delT on the paternal allele of the two affected brothers. The parents and the unaffected brother are heterozygous carriers. Recombinant human growth hormone (rHGH) plus oral phosphate in one affected brother improved the renal phosphate leak and resulted in accelerated linear growth superior to that seen with oral phosphate supplementation alone in the other affected brother. Our case study is the first to demonstrate that rHGH can be considered in addition to oral supplementation with phosphorus to improve linear growth in patients with this disorder, and suggests that renal phosphate reabsorption in response to rHGH is NPT2c-independent.
The Use of Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis as a Surgical Treatment for Patients with the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Osteoarthritis: Immediate and Medium-Term Results
Authors: Nurmukhametov Maxim Rinatovich , Makarov Maxim Anatolievich , Makarov Sergey Anatolievich , Bialik Evgeny Iosifovich , Biaik Valery Evgenievich , Nesterenko Vadim Andreevich
Published: September 2020

Aim

To demonstrate the immediate and medium-term results of the surgical treatment of patients with first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint osteoarthritis (OA) using the autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) technique and to evaluate the effectiveness.

Materials and Methods

Preoperatively the range of motion (ROM) in the first MTP joint was determined, and the following questionnaires were used: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of pain, American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and Functional Foot Index (FFI). All of the patients experienced a significant restriction of the ROM in the first MTP joint. The VAS of pain median was 70, AOFAS 52, and FFI 5.8.

Results

AMIC was performed in 19 patients with first MTP joint OA. All the patients experienced a significant restriction of ROM in the first MTP joint. The VAS of pain median was 70, AOFAS 52, and FFI 5.8. By the third month, VAS of pain decreased to 25, FFI to 2.2; AOFAS median increased to 77, ROM to 60°. Six months after the surgery VAS of pain decreased to 10, FFI to 1.1; AOFAS median increased to 90, ROM to 65°. After a year of observation, VAS of pain decreased to 5, FFI to 1,0; AOFAS median increased to 92.5, ROM to 71.5°.

Conclusion

The results showed that a first MTP joint AMIC procedure can be a fairly effective method of surgical treatment that can relieve pain and significantly improve the quality of life of patients with first MTP joint OA.
Clusterin Is Associated with Systemic and Synovial Inflammation in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Ungsudechachai Tachatra , Honsawek Sittisak , Jittikoon Jiraphun , Udomsinprasert Wanvisa
Published: September 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to determine possible associations between transcriptional and translational levels of clusterin (CLU) in the systemic and local joint environments with the severity of knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to investigate CLU mRNA expression in knee OA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-α.

Design

Circulating and synovial fluid CLU levels in 259 knee OA patients were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Relative CLU mRNA expression in 50 knee OA synovial tissues and 4 knee OA FLSs was determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Plasma CLU levels of knee OA patients were significantly higher than paired synovial fluid samples. Compared with early-stage knee OA patients, those with advanced-stage OA had considerably increased plasma and synovial fluid CLU levels. There were significant positive associations of plasma and synovial fluid CLU levels with radiographic severity of knee OA. Plasma CLU levels were directly correlated with its synovial fluid levels and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in the patients. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis unveiled the potential utility of plasma CLU as a novel biomarker for knee OA severity (AUC = 0.80), with a sensitivity of 71.4% and a specificity of 73.3%. Marked upregulation of CLU mRNA expression was observed in both the inflamed synovial tissues and FLSs of knee OA.

Conclusion

Increased CLU mRNA and protein levels in the systemic and local joint environments of knee OA might reflect knee OA severity, especially systemic and synovial inflammation.
A Phenomenographic Study of Chinese Undergraduates’ Conceptions of Learning in Transnational Programs
Authors: Zhao Xiantong , Hu Yanjuan
Published: September 2020

Although higher education transnational programs are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, little is known about student’s conceptions of learning, which could help to improve the education quality of such programs. This study investigated Chinese undergraduates’ conceptions of learning in programs cooperatively run by Chinese and non-Chinese universities. The research methodology adopted is phenomenography. Data are collected through semi-structured interviews with 30 undergraduates and analyzed following the phenomenographic principles to identify the referential and structural aspects of each conception. Ultimately six main conceptions of learning and four sub-conceptions are identified, namely, learning as increase of new knowledge, memorization with/without understanding, application with/without understanding, making sense of the knowledge acquired, gaining a new perspective to view reality and personal change and growth based on an extensive understanding of learning. Generally speaking, the relationship found between conceptions is hierarchical, yet the sub-conceptions or branches are also notable. The findings not only demonstrate the complexity of Chinese students’ conceptions of university learning under a cross-culture learning and teaching context, but they also point to the possibility of there being something new to discover, even for some familiar and well-established conceptions. The implications and recommendations for future studies are provided in the end.
Faculty Perspectives on Teaching Public Health at Community Colleges: An Exploratory Snapshot
Authors: Johnson Katherine J. , Corran Becky , Salis Andrea , Srivastava Anuradha , Smith Lillian U. , Schmidt Kaysie , Baron Sarah , Johnson Sallie Beth , Dick Jacqueline A. , Lowe Alexis L.
Published: September 2020

The role of community colleges in training public health professionals is of growing importance to the continuum of public health education. Some 5 years have passed since the Framing the Future initiative outlined curricular models at community colleges, and colleges deploying these models are serving as learning sites for public health education at community colleges. While past research has focused on capturing insights from community college executives and program administrators, this study captures perspectives from teaching faculty. Drawing on a national sample of teaching faculty at community colleges and universities accepting transfer students throughout the United States, an online survey of teaching faculty affiliated with public health programs was coupled with follow-up interviews. This study characterizes the nature and scope of public health programming in community colleges and transfer settings, and highlights associated challenges and opportunities as public health becomes further integrated into health professions pathways in 2-year settings and beyond.
Homesickness in developing world expatriates and coping strategies
Authors: Hack-Polay Dieu , Mahmoud Ali B
Published: September 2020

This article examines the developing world expatriates’ experience of homesickness when they are deployed to western countries. The research considers the consequences of being homesick on the expatriates and their organisations; the paper then clarifies the strategies used by the expatriates to cope with the condition. The research employed qualitative research built on unstructured interviews with expatriates from the developing world who have been deployed in western countries by their employing multinational. The findings revealed that homesickness has consequences for both expatriates and organisations. These consequences include psycho-social disorder, deterioration of physical health which damagingly affect individual wellbeing, work outcomes and organisational commitment. The practical implications centre on the opportunity for policy and strategy formulation by international HRM within organisations to improve the mental health of developing world expatriates, thus seeding the ingredients for better performance and job satisfaction. Our study makes significant additions to the expatriate literature in exposing the homesickness experiences of expatriates from the developing world in advanced economies. We identify two main coping strategies used by expatriates. The research explicates how developing world expatriates use these strategies in practices.
Disease burden and prognostic factors for clinical failure in elderly community acquired pneumonia patients
Authors: Han Xiudi , Liu Xuedong , Chen Liang , Wang Yimin , Li Hui , Zhou Fei , Xing Xiqian , Zhang Chunxiao , Suo Lijun , Wang Jinxiang , Yu Guohua , Wang Guangqiang , Yao Xuexin , Yu Hongxia , Wang Lei , Liu Meng , Xue Chunxue , Liu Bo , Zhu Xiaoli , Li Yanli , Xiao Ying , Cui Xiaojing , Li Lijuan , Cao Bin ,   for the CAP-China network
Published: September 2020

Background

The study was to evaluate initial antimicrobial regimen and clinical outcomes and to explore risk factors for clinical failure (CF) in elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Methods

3011 hospitalized elderly patients were enrolled from 13 national teaching hospitals between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014 initiated by the CAP-China network. Risk factors for CF were screened by multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

The incidence of CF in elderly CAP patients was 13.1%. CF patients were older, longer hospital stays and higher treatment costs than clinical success (CS) patients. The CF patients were more prone to present hyperglycemia, hyponatremia, hypoproteinemia, pleural effusion, respiratory failure and cardiovascular events. Inappropriate initial antimicrobial regimens in CF group were significantly higher than CS group. Undertreatment, CURB-65, PH < 7.3, PaO2/FiO2 < 200 mmHg, sodium < 130 mmol/L, healthcare-associated pneumonia, white blood cells > 10,000/mm3, pleural effusion and congestive heart failure were independent risk factors for CF in multivariable logistic regression analysis. Male and bronchiectasis were protective factors.

Conclusions

Discordant therapy was a cause of CF. Early accurate detection and management of prevention to potential causes is likely to improve clinical outcomes in elderly patients CAP.

Trial registration

A Retrospective Study on Hospitalized Patients With Community-acquired Pneumonia in China (CAP-China) (RSCAP-China), NCT02489578. Registered 16 March 2015, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S0005E5S&selectaction=Edit&uid=U0000GWC&ts=2&cx=1bnotb
The misdiagnosis of prolonged disorders of consciousness by a clinical consensus compared with repeated coma-recovery scale-revised assessment
Authors: Wang Jing , Hu Xiaohua , Hu Zhouyao , Sun Ziwei , Laureys Steven , Di Haibo
Published: September 2020

Background

Previous studies have shown that a single Coma-Recovery Scale-Revision (CRS-R) assessment can identify high rates of misdiagnosis by clinical consensus. The aim of this study was to investigate the proportion of misdiagnosis by clinical consensus compared to repeated behavior-scale assessments in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (DOC).

Methods

Patients with prolonged DOC during hospitalization were screened by clinicians, and the clinicians formed a clinical-consensus diagnosis. Trained professionals used the CRS-R to evaluate the consciousness levels of the enrolled patients repeatedly (≥5 times) within a week. Based on the repeated evaluation results, the enrolled patients with prolonged DOC were divided into unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS), minimally conscious state (MCS), and emergence from MCS (EMCS). Finally, the relationship between the results of the CRS-R and the clinical consensus were analyzed.

Results

In this study, 137 patients with a clinical-consensus diagnosis of prolonged DOC were enrolled. It was found that 24.7% of patients with clinical UWS were actually in MCS after a single CRS-R behavior evaluation, while the repeated CRS-R evaluation results showed that the proportion of misdiagnosis of MCS was 38.2%. A total of 16.7% of EMCS patients were misdiagnosed with clinical MCS, and 1.1% of EMCS patients were misdiagnosed with clinical UWS.

Conclusions

The rate of the misdiagnosis by clinical consensus is still relatively high. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of the importance of the bedside CRS-R behavior assessment and should apply the CRS-R tool in daily procedures.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04139239; Registered 24 October 2019 - Retrospectively registered.