bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
polypatex: an r package for paternity exclusion in autopolyploids
Authors: Zwart Alexander B. , Elliott Carole , Hopley Tara , Lovell David , Young Andrew
Published: November 2015

Microsatellite markers have demonstrated their value for performing paternity exclusion and hence exploring mating patterns in plants and animals. Methodology is well established for diploid species, and several software packages exist for elucidating paternity in diploids; however, these issues are not so readily addressed in polyploids due to the increased complexity of the exclusion problem and a lack of available software. We introduce polypatex, an r package for paternity exclusion analysis using microsatellite data in autopolyploid, monoecious or dioecious/bisexual species with a ploidy of 4n, 6n or 8n. Given marker data for a set of offspring, their mothers and a set of candidate fathers, polypatex uses allele matching to exclude candidates whose marker alleles are incompatible with the alleles in each offspring–mother pair. polypatex can analyse marker data sets in which allele copy numbers are known (genotype data) or unknown (allelic phenotype data) – for data sets in which allele copy numbers are unknown, comparisons are made taking into account all possible genotypes that could arise from the compared allele sets. polypatex is a software tool that provides population geneticists with the ability to investigate the mating patterns of autopolyploids using paternity exclusion analysis on data from codominant markers having multiple alleles per locus.
Which Factors Are Priced? An Application of the Fama French Three‐Factor Model in Australia
Authors: Vo Duc Hong
Published: November 2015

Various empirical studies on the application of the Fama French three‐factor model have been attempted and the conclusions are mixed on which factors from the model are priced in the Australian context. Different approaches to portfolio formations have been adopted in different studies. This empirical study is conducted to examine the robustness of the estimates under various approaches to portfolio formation and to provide additional evidence on the debate of the “relevance” of the Fama French three‐factor model in Australian regulatory decisions. Using the Fama and MacBeth (1973)'s two‐stage cross‐sectional regression technique on the period of five years, the standard Australian regulatory cycle, from July 2009 to May 2014, the findings from this study are mixed. It is argued that while the application of the Fama French three‐factor model is interesting for research endeavour, the adoption of this model into public policy is problematic and as such, not recommended.
Involvement of Inhibitory Receptors in Modulating Dopamine Signaling and Synaptic Activity Following Acute Ethanol Exposure in Striatal Subregions
Authors: Clarke Rhona B. C. , Söderpalm Bo , Lotfi Amir , Ericson Mia , Adermark Louise
Published: November 2015

Background

Alcohol acts on both inhibitory and excitatory receptor systems resulting in a net increase in dopamine output in the ventral striatum (nucleus accumbens [nAc]), which is implicated in drug reward. However, the dorsal striatum may also be involved in reward‐related behaviors. The objectives of this study were to investigate the role of inhibitory receptors in modulating the acute effects of ethanol (EtOH) on dopamine release and synaptic activity in the shell region of the nAc (nAcS) and dorsolateral striatum (DLS).

Methods

EtOH (300 mM) was administered via reversed microdialysis in the nAcS or DLS of Wistar rats following pretreatment with glycine or GABAA receptor antagonist strychnine and bicuculline, respectively. Dopamine content in dialysate samples was quantified using high‐performance liquid chromatography. In addition, local field potential recordings were performed in the nAcS and DLS in slices from Wistar rats. Population spike (PS) amplitude was measured following treatment with EtOH (50 mM) in slices pretreated with strychnine or bicuculline.

Results

Local EtOH increased dopamine levels in both regions, an effect that strychnine pretreatment inhibited in the nAcS. EtOH‐induced increases in accumbal dopamine were not blocked by a low (5 μM) concentration of bicuculline, but were inhibited by pretreatment with higher bicuculline concentrations. None of the antagonists administered in the DLS prevented the EtOH‐induced dopamine increase. Field potential recordings in the nAcS showed that acute EtOH produced an increase in PS amplitude which was blocked by both strychnine and bicuculline. In the DLS, EtOH induced a decrease in PS amplitude which was not influenced by strychnine or bicuculline.

Conclusions

The current results show that changes in striatal dopamine output and synaptic activity induced by acute EtOH administration are modulated by inhibitory receptors in a subregion‐specific manner.
Immediate and Complex Cardiovascular Adaptation to an Acute Alcohol Dose
Authors: Buckman Jennifer F. , Eddie David , Vaschillo Evgeny G. , Vaschillo Bronya , Garcia Aaron , Bates Marsha E.
Published: November 2015

Background

The detrimental effects of chronic heavy alcohol use on the cardiovascular system are well established and broadly appreciated. Integrated cardiovascular response to an acute dose of alcohol has been less studied. This study examined the early effects of an acute dose of alcohol on the cardiovascular system, with particular emphasis on system variability and sensitivity. The goal was to begin to understand how acute alcohol disrupts dynamic cardiovascular regulatory processes prior to the development of cardiovascular disease.

Methods

Healthy participants (N = 72, age 21 to 29) were randomly assigned to an alcohol, placebo, or no‐alcohol control beverage condition. Beat‐to‐beat heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were assessed during a low‐demand cognitive task prior to and following beverage consumption. Between‐group differences in neurocardiac response to an alcohol challenge (blood alcohol concentration ~ 0.06 mg/dl) were tested.

Results

The alcohol beverage group showed higher average HR, lower average stroke volume, lower HR variability and BP variability, and increased vascular tone baroreflex sensitivity after alcohol consumption. No changes were observed in the placebo group, but the control group showed slightly elevated average HR and BP after beverage consumption, possibly due to juice content. At the level of the individual, an active alcohol dose appeared to disrupt the typically tight coupling between cardiovascular processes.

Conclusions

A dose of alcohol quickly invoked multiple cardiovascular responses, possibly as an adaptive reaction to the acute pharmacological challenge. Future studies should assess how exposure to alcohol acutely disrupts or dissociates typically integrated neurocardiac functions.
Emotion Regulation in Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Petit Géraldine , Luminet Olivier , Maurage François , Tecco Juan , Lechantre Stéphane , Ferauge Marc , Gross James J. , de Timary Philippe
Published: November 2015

Background

The main aim of this study was to investigate, in alcohol‐dependent (AD) patients, the use of the 5 emotion regulation strategies specified in Gross's (1998, Rev Gen Psychol, 2, 271) process model of emotion regulation with the use of a semi‐structured interview allowing a detailed and high‐quality assessment of emotion regulation strategies. A secondary aim was to examine the possible influence of protracted abstinence and detoxification on emotion dysregulation. Finally, the association between the level of craving and the types of regulation strategies was investigated.

Methods

Forty‐four treatment‐seeking AD patients with varying time spent in rehabilitation, and 26 healthy controls were interviewed using a version of the Emotion Regulation Interview (Werner et al., 2011, J Psychopathol Behav Assess, 33, 346) adapted to alcohol dependence.

Results

Compared to controls, AD patients reported significantly greater use of response modulation and attentional deployment, but lesser use of cognitive change. Among patients, (1) rehabilitation duration was positively correlated with the use of cognitive change and (2) the use of response modulation was positively associated with the level of craving.

Conclusions

These findings clarify the specific pattern of emotion dysregulation associated with alcohol dependence. They also suggest that (1) abstinence is associated with a shift toward more adaptive emotion regulation patterns and that (2) inefficient regulation strategies may lead to craving and the maintenance of alcohol use. If these findings are confirmed through longitudinal and mediation designs, they will have important clinical implications.
Sociodemographic correlates of continuing tobacco use – a descriptive report from the Nigerian Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing
Authors: Uwakwe R. , Gureje O.
Published: November 2015

Objective

To investigate whether sociodemographic factors were associated with continuing tobacco use in a nationwide Nigerian sample.

Method

The World Mental Health Survey Schedule was used to interview 6752 Community dwelling participants 18 years and over, selected in a complex multistage sampling from the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Ever and current smokers were identified with their sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

About 17% (1137/6752) of the participants were ever smokers, 24.8% of whom were current smokers. Participants who completed primary school, had some College education, were never married, or students were more likely to continue using smoke once they commenced its use. Being in the older age group or having had graduate college education was associated with much less likelihood of continuing to use tobacco among ever smokers.

Conclusion

In general, tobacco smoking rate in Nigeria is lower compared to most developed countries. Younger participants, having some education, those who were never married were more likely to continue tobacco smoking. Determinants of factors associated with continuing tobacco use should be adequately investigated to permit appropriate interventions.
Population trends in smoking, alcohol use and primary prevention variables among adolescents in Iceland, 1997–2014
Authors: Kristjansson Alfgeir L. , Sigfusdottir Inga Dora , Thorlindsson Thorolfur , Mann Michael J. , Sigfusson Jon , Allegrante John P.
Published: November 2015

Aims

To estimate linear time‐trends in substance use and primary prevention variables in adolescents in Iceland from 1997 to 2014.

Design

Repeated, cross‐sectional population‐based school surveys with seven waves of pooled data.

Setting: Iceland.

Participants

All accessible students enrolled in the 9th and 10th grades in the national Icelandic school system during the spring of 1997, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2014 (n = 50 412, boys = 50%). Response rates ranged between 81 and 90% of the population.

Measurements

Measures on substance use included smoking and alcohol use. Primary prevention measures included parental monitoring, parental social involvement, participation in organized sports and reduced participation in a party life‐style.

Findings

Substance use decreased consistently during the study period. For example, 30‐day drunkenness declined from 29.6 in 1997 to 3.6% in 2014 (linear trend: χ2(1) = 2846.8, P < 0.001), and daily smoking during the last 30 days declined from 17.0 to 1.6% during the same period (linear trend: χ2(1) = 1614.3, P < 0.001). Primary prevention factors strengthened over time. For example, the mean score for parents knowing where their children are in the evenings rose from 2.44 in 1997 to 3.08 in 2014 (Ftrend(1, 42635), 2538.3, P < 0.001), and mean scores for participation in party life‐style declined from 2.23 in 1997 to 1.71 in 2014 (Ftrend(1, 38773), 2033.1, P < .001).

Conclusions

Substance use among adolescents in Iceland has declined steadily from 1997 to 2014, while primary prevention factors for substance use have increased in strength during the same time‐period.
Malmö Treatment Referral and Intervention Study (MATRIS)—effective referral from syringe exchange to treatment for heroin dependence: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bråbäck Martin , Nilsson Suzan , Isendahl Pernilla , Troberg Katja , Brådvik Louise , Håkansson Anders
Published: November 2015

Aims

Syringe exchange has been suggested as a potential conduit to treatment for drug dependence, but this has never been documented in Europe. The primary aim was to compare the effectiveness of strength‐based case management intervention (CMI) against referral only to facilitate treatment attendance in a syringe exchange programme. We also assessed the effectiveness of a syringe exchange programme for referral of heroin‐dependent patients to evidence‐based treatment with methadone or buprenorphine (buprenorphine–naloxone).

Design

Single‐site, two‐group randomized controlled trial.

Setting

The syringe exchange programme in Malmö, Sweden and an out‐patient clinic (research treatment facility) for maintenance treatment, situated outside the hospital area and run by Malmö Addiction Centre.

Participants

Heroin‐dependent patients willing to participate (n = 75) were referred to maintenance treatment and randomized to either a strength‐based case management intervention aiming to facilitate referral (n = 36) or to referral‐only (n = 39).

Intervention

The intervention group received an appointment for maintenance treatment and a CMI adjusted to individual patient needs. The CMI was semi‐structured, assessing the patients’ strengths and needs and identifying what practical help they might need to get to the appointment for maintenance treatment. The control group received an appointment for maintenance treatment.

Measures

The primary outcome was treatment entry.

Findings

Among patients who turned up for recruitment interview and randomization, the percentage of patients who started treatment was 95% in the intervention group and 94% in the control group. Treatment entry was unrelated to intervention status [unadjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.92 (0.12–6.89), P = 1.00 and adjusted OR = 0.96 (0.12–7.83)].

Conclusions

A randomized controlled trial in a syringe exchange programme showed no evidence that a strength‐based case management intervention improved attendance for treatment over referral alone. Attendance rates were high in both groups.
Development of a pharmacokinetic‐guided dose individualization strategy for hydroxyurea treatment in children with sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Dong Min , McGann Patrick T. , Mizuno Tomoyuki , Ware Russell E. , Vinks Alexander A.
Published: November 2015

AIMS

Hydroxyurea has emerged as the primary disease‐modifying therapy for patients with sickle cell anaemia (SCA). The laboratory and clinical benefits of hydroxyurea are optimal at maximum tolerated dose (MTD), but the current empirical dose escalation process often takes up to 12 months. The purpose of this study was to develop a pharmacokinetic‐guided dosing strategy to reduce the time required to reach hydroxyurea MTD in children with SCA.

Methods

Pharmacokinetic (PK) data from the HUSTLE trial (NCT00305175) were used to develop a population PK model using non‐linear mixed effects modelling (nonmem 7.2). A D‐optimal sampling strategy was developed to estimate individual PK and hydroxyurea exposure (area under the concentration–time curve (AUC)). The initial AUC target was derived from HUSTLE clinical data and defined as the mean AUC at MTD.

Results

PK profiles were best described by a one compartment with Michaelis–Menten elimination and a transit absorption model. Body weight and cystatin C were identified as significant predictors of hydroxyurea clearance. The following clinically feasible sampling times are included in a new prospective protocol: pre‐dose (baseline), 15–20 min, 50–60 min and 3 h after an initial 20 mg kg–1 oral dose. The mean target AUC(0,∞) for initial dose titration was 115 mg l–1 h.

Conclusion

We developed a PK model‐based individualized dosing strategy for the prospective Therapeutic Response Evaluation and Adherence Trial (TREAT, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02286154). This approach has the potential to optimize the dose titration of hydroxyurea therapy for children with SCA, such that the clinical benefits at MTD are achieved more quickly.
Social rhythm disrupting events increase the risk of recurrence among individuals with bipolar disorder
Authors: Levenson Jessica C , Wallace Meredith L , Anderson Barbara P , Kupfer David J , Frank Ellen
Published: November 2015

Objectives

As outlined in the social zeitgeber hypothesis, social rhythm disrupting (SRD) life events begin a cascade of social and biological rhythm disruption that may lead to the onset of affective episodes in those vulnerable to bipolar disorder. Thus, the study of SRD events is particularly important in individuals with this chronic condition. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate (i) the extent to which SRD life events increased the risk of recurrence of a bipolar mood episode, and (ii) whether the social rhythm disruption associated with the event conferred an increased risk of recurrence, after accounting for the level of threat associated with the life event.

Methods

We examined the effect of SRD events on recurrence during preventative treatment in a sample of 118 patients with bipolar disorder who achieved remission from an acute episode after receiving psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Life events were measured with the Bedford College Life Events and Difficulty Schedule and were rated for degree of SRD and threat.

Results

Time‐dependent Cox proportional hazards models showed that having a higher SRD rating was significantly associated with an increased risk of recurrence, even when accounting for the threat effect of a life event and psychosocial treatment (hazard ratio = 1.33, 95% confidence interval: 1.04–1.70, p = 0.023). However, this finding fell below conventional levels of statistical significance when accounting for other covariates.

Conclusions

Our findings lend partial support to the social zeitgeber hypothesis.
Phonological Concept Learning
Authors: Moreton Elliott , Pater Joe , Pertsova Katya
Published: November 2015

Linguistic and non‐linguistic pattern learning have been studied separately, but we argue for a comparative approach. Analogous inductive problems arise in phonological and visual pattern learning. Evidence from three experiments shows that human learners can solve them in analogous ways, and that human performance in both cases can be captured by the same models. We test GMECCS (Gradual Maximum Entropy with a Conjunctive Constraint Schema), an implementation of the Configural Cue Model (Gluck & Bower,) in a Maximum Entropy phonotactic‐learning framework (Goldwater & Johnson,; Hayes & Wilson,) with a single free parameter, against the alternative hypothesis that learners seek featurally simple algebraic rules (“rule‐seeking”). We study the full typology of patterns introduced by Shepard, Hovland, and Jenkins () (“SHJ”), instantiated as both phonotactic patterns and visual analogs, using unsupervised training. Unlike SHJ, Experiments 1 and 2 found that both phonotactic and visual patterns that depended on fewer features could bemoredifficult than those that depended on more features, as predicted by GMECCS but not by rule‐seeking. GMECCS also correctly predicted performance differences between stimulus subclasses within each pattern. A third experiment tried supervised training (which can facilitate rule‐seeking in visual learning) to elicit simple rule‐seeking phonotactic learning, but cue‐based behavior persisted. We conclude that similar cue‐based cognitive processes are available for phonological and visual concept learning, and hence that studying either kind of learning can lead to significant insights about the other.
Corporate Governance and Credit Access in Brazil: The Sarbanes‐Oxley Act as a Natural Experiment
Authors: Funchal Bruno , Monte‐Mor Danilo Soares
Published: November 2015

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

This study seeks to examine the effect of changes in corporate governance levels on the choice of firms' debt financing in a relevant emerging economy, taking advantage of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act as a natural experiment.

Research Findings/Insights

Our empirical method uses an experimental design in which we control for observed and unobserved firm heterogeneity via a difference‐in‐differences estimator. We show that firms subjected to this new regulation, which raised governance requirements, observed a positive effect on their access to the credit market, increasing their total debt significantly, via long‐term and private debt, and reducing the cost of debt, indicating that SOX produced economic gains in this aspect.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

The main contribution of the present paper is to measure the corporate governance effects on firms' debt financing policies, isolated from other contemporaneous events. Furthermore, we develop a simple theoretical model to help in the understanding of the main sources of SOX's effects. Finally, the natural experimental approach deals with the endogenous relation between corporate governance and firms' choices on debt financing, and presents an alternative to instrumental variables techniques.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

This paper offers insights to policymakers of emerging economies interested in the development of the credit market. Using laws and regulations like the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act, we show that it is possible to improve firms' governance, with a positive impact on firms' ability to access credit.
Utility of fine needle aspiration cytology in detecting metastatic deposits in an uncommon case of malignant transformation in a giant cell tumour of bone
Authors: Pradhan A. , Rekhi B. , Gulia A. , Desai S. , Arya S.
Published: November 2015

A small area of malignant transformation was found retrospectively in a previously excised recurrence of giant cell tumour of bone only after fine needle aspiration cytology of a lymph node showed features of metastatic sarcomatous tumour rich in osteoclastic giant cells.
Testing enhances subsequent learning in older but not in younger elementary school children
Authors: Aslan Alp , Bäuml Karl‐Heinz T.
Published: November 2015

In adults, testing can enhance subsequent learning by reducing interference from the tested information. Here, we examined this forward effect of testing in children. Younger and older elementary school children and adult controls studied four lists of items in anticipation of a final cumulative recall test. Following presentation of each of the first three lists, participants were immediately tested on the respective list, or the list was re‐presented for additional study. Results revealed that, compared to additional study, immediate testing of Lists 1–3 enhanced memory for the subsequently studied List 4 in adults and older elementary school children, but not in younger elementary school children. The findings indicate that the forward effect of testing is a relatively late‐maturing phenomenon that develops over middle childhood and is still inefficient in the early elementary school years. Together with the results of other recent studies, these findings point to a more general problem in young children in combating interference.
Atypical developmental of dorsal and ventral attention networks in autism
Authors: Farrant Kristafor , Uddin Lucina Q.
Published: November 2015

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) exhibit early and lifelong impairments in attention across multiple domains. While the disorder is known to affect attention processes, very little is currently known about the brain networks underlying attention in ASD, and even less is known about whether these atypicalities persist across the lifespan. We used functional connectivity analysis applied to resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data to explore the dorsal (DAN) and ventral (VAN) attention networks in two separate age cohorts of children and adults with and without ASD. We find significant developmental differences in functional connectivity of brain regions that are critical for attention in children and adults with ASD. Specifically, children with ASD show hyper‐connectivity of regions‐of‐interest (ROIs) in both attention networks compared with both typically developing (TD) children and adults with ASD. In contrast, adults with ASD show hypo‐connectivity of these networks compared with neurotypical adults. These findings are consistent with the notion that consideration of developmental stage is critical in studies of functional connectivity in ASD. This study further illustrates diverging developmental patterns for top‐down and bottom‐up attention systems in autism.
Genetic associations with reflexive visual attention in infancy and childhood
Authors: Lundwall Rebecca A. , Dannemiller James L. , Goldsmith H. Hill
Published: November 2015

This study elucidates genetic influences on reflexive (as opposed to sustained) attention in children (aged 9–16 years; N = 332) who previously participated as infants in visual attention studies using orienting to a moving bar (Dannemiller, 2004). We investigated genetic associations with reflexive attention measures in infancy and childhood in the same group of children. The genetic markers (single nucleotide polymorphisms and variable number tandem repeats on the genes APOE, BDNF, CHRNA4, COMT, DRD4, HTR4, IGF2, MAOA, SLC5A7, SLC6A3, and SNAP25) are related to brain development and/or to the availability of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, dopamine, or serotonin. This study shows that typically developing children have differences in reflexive attention associated with their genes, as we found in adults (Lundwall, Guo & Dannemiller, 2012). This effort to extend our previous findings to outcomes in infancy and childhood was necessary because genetic influence may differ over the course of development. Although two of the genes that were tested in our adult study (Lundwall et al., 2012) were significant in either our infant study (SLC6A3) or child study (DRD4), the specific markers tested differed. Performance on the infant task was associated with SLC6A3. In addition, several genetic associations with an analogous child task occurred with markers on CHRNA4, COMT, and DRD4. Interestingly, the child version of the task involved an interaction such that which genotype group performed poorer on the child task depended on whether we were examining the higher or lower infant scoring group. These findings are discussed in terms of genetic influences on reflexive attention in infancy and childhood.
Auditory and proprioceptive spatial impairments in blind children and adults
Authors: Cappagli Giulia , Cocchi Elena , Gori Monica
Published: November 2015

It is not clear what role visual information plays in the development of space perception. It has previously been shown that in absence of vision, both the ability to judge orientation in the haptic modality and bisect intervals in the auditory modality are severely compromised (Gori, Sandini, Martinoli & Burr, 2010; Gori, Sandini, Martinoli & Burr, 2014). Here we report for the first time also a strong deficit in proprioceptive reproduction and audio distance evaluation in early blind children and adults. Interestingly, the deficit is not present in a small group of adults with acquired visual disability. Our results support the idea that in absence of vision the audio and proprioceptive spatial representations may be delayed or drastically weakened due to the lack of visual calibration over the auditory and haptic modalities during the critical period of development.
Efficacy of suit therapy on functioning in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Martins Elisabete , Cordovil Rita , Oliveira Raul , Letras Sara , Lourenço Soraia , Pereira Inês , Ferro Ana , Lopes Inês , Silva Claudia R , Marques Marta
Published: November 2015

Aim

This systematic review and meta‐analysis presents an overview of the efficacy of suit therapy on functioning in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

A systematic review with meta‐analysis was conducted. A comprehensive search of peer‐reviewed articles was performed on electronic databases, from their inception to May 2014. Studies included were rated for methodological quality using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Effects of suit therapy on functioning were assessed using meta‐analytic techniques.

Results

From the 46 identified studies, four met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta‐analysis. Small, pooled effect sizes were found for gross motor function at post‐treatment (g=0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10–0.82) and follow‐up (g=0.47, 95% CI 0.03–0.90).

Interpretation

The small number of studies, the variability between them, and the low sample sizes are limitations of this review. Findings suggest that to weigh and balance benefits against harms, clinicians, patients, and families need better evidence to examine and prove the effects of short intensive treatment such as suit therapy on gross motor function in children and adolescents with CP. Therefore, more research based on high‐quality studies focusing on functioning in all dimensions of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health perspective is necessary to clarify the impact of suit therapy.
Changing teachers' attitudes towards linguistic diversity: effects of an anti‐bias programme
Authors: Wiese Heike , Mayr Katharina , Krämer Philipp , Seeger Patrick , Müller Hans‐Georg , Mezger Verena
Published: November 2015

We discuss an intervention programme for kindergarten and school teachers' continuing education in Germany that targets biases against language outside a perceived monolingual ‘standard’ and its speakers. The programme combines anti‐bias methods relating to linguistic diversity with objectives of raising critical language awareness. Evaluation through teachers' workshops in Berlin and Brandenburg points to positive and enduring attitudinal changes in participants, but not in control groups that did not attend workshops, and effects were independent of personal variables gender and teaching subject and only weakly associated with age. We relate these effects to such programme features as indirect and inclusive methods that foster active engagement, and the combination of ‘safer’ topics targeting attitudes towards linguistic structures with more challenging ones dealing with the discrimination of speakers.
Effect of Macropore Anisotropy on the Mechanical Response of Hierarchically Porous Ceramics
Authors: Lichtner Aaron , Roussel Denis , Jauffrès David , Martin Christophe L. , Bordia Rajendra K.
Published: November 2015

Porous ceramics are commonly used in electrochemical, catalytic, biological, and filtration processes, but in many cases, improvements to their designed performance comes at the expense of their mechanical properties. By controlling the pore morphology and orientation, it is possible to mitigate some mechanical losses while maintaining adequately porous microstructures. Hierarchically, porous ceramics with similar porosities but differing macropore arrangements were synthesized using both freeze casting and slip casting, and then tested in compression to study the effects of macropore morphology and orientation on mechanical behavior. The mechanical properties of the anisotropic structures were a strong function of the orientation of the macropores relative to the applied stress. The properties of the isotropic hierarchical porous structures were in between the two orthotropic directions of the anisotropic porous ceramics. For the freeze‐cast samples, the compressive strength was a function of the macropore size. The experimental results are rationalized using detailed microstructural analysis.
Sex, Nativity, and Disability in Older Mexican Americans
Authors: Nam Sanggon , Al Snih Soham , Markides Kyriakos S.
Published: November 2015

Objectives

To examine the effect of nativity and sex on activities of daily living (ADLs) and mobility limitations in older Mexican Americans.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly (Hispanic EPESE) (2004–05).

Participants

Noninstitutionalized Mexican Americans aged 75 and older (N = 2,069; 56.3% U.S. born, 43.7% Mexican born).

Measurements

Sociodemographic characteristics, self‐reported medical conditions (arthritis, cancer, diabetes mellitus, stroke, heart attack, hip fracture), ADLs, and gross mobility function.

Results

The prevalence of ADL limitation was 32.9% in U.S.‐born participants and 33.9% in Mexican‐born participants of mobility limitation was 56.6% in U.S.‐born participants and 55.6% in Mexican‐born participants. Mexican‐born participants tended to report less ADL limitation (odds ratio (OR) = 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.59–1.05)) after controlling for sociodemographic variables and medical conditions. They were also less likely to report mobility limitation (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.48–0.86) after controlling for all covariates. There was a significant effect of the interaction between nativity and sex (OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.24–0.74) on ADL limitation, suggesting that Mexican‐born men were less disabled than U.S.‐born men, whereas the opposite was true for women. No significant interaction between nativity and sex was found for mobility limitation.

Conclusion

Mexican‐born men were less disabled than their U.S.‐born counterparts, and Mexican‐born women were more likely to report disability than Mexican‐born men.
Survival After Suspected Urinary Tract Infection in Individuals with Advanced Dementia
Authors: Dufour Alyssa B. , Shaffer Michele L. , D'Agata Erika M.C. , Habtemariam Daniel , Mitchell Susan L.
Published: November 2015

Objectives

To determine whether antimicrobial treatment for suspected urinary tract infections (UTIs) improves survival in nursing home residents with advanced dementia.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Thirty‐five nursing homes in Boston, Massachusetts.

Participants

Nursing home residents who experienced at least one suspected UTI over a 12‐month period (N = 110); mean participant age 86.4 ± 6.2, 84% female.

Measurements

Analyses were at the level of the UTI episode. Antimicrobial treatment for each suspected UTI was categorized as none, oral, intramuscular, or intravenous or hospitalization. Survival was calculated from the date of suspected UTI episode until death or last known follow‐up date. Covariates included resident and episode characteristics. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine the association between treatment group and risk of death after adjusting for covariates.

Results

Residents experienced 196 suspected UTIs over the follow‐up period; 33% (n = 36) died during follow‐up. There was no antimicrobial use for 25.0% of the 196 suspected UTIs, oral antimicrobial use in 59.7%; intramuscular antimicrobial use in 9.2%, and intravenous antimicrobial use or hospital transfer in 6.1%. After multivariable adjustment, antimicrobial treatment was not significantly associated with mortality (oral, adjusted hazard ratio for death (AHR) = 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.43–2.75; intramuscular, AHR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.08–5.66; intravenous or hospitalization, AHR = 1.83, 95% CI = 0.44–7.60).

Conclusion

Although the majority of suspected UTIs that nursing home residents with advanced dementia experienced were treated with antimicrobials, treatment was not associated with survival.
Selective expression of a constitutively active erythropoietin receptor in GABAergic neurons alters hippocampal network properties without affecting cognition
Authors: Wüstefeld Liane , Winkler Daniela , Janc Oliwia A. , Hassouna Imam , Ronnenberg Anja , Ostmeier Katrin , Müller Michael , Brose Nils , Ehrenreich Hannelore , Wojcik Sonja M.
Published: November 2015

We have previously shown that treatment with erythropoietin (EPO) improves cognition in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders as well as in healthy mice, and that transgenic expression of a constitutively active form of the EPO receptor (cEPOR) in glutamatergic neurons boosts higher cognitive functions in mice. In the present work, we examined whether selective activation of EPOR signaling in GABAergic neurons would also modulate cognitive performance. We generated transgenic mice that express cEPOR under the control of the vesicular inhibitory amino acid transporter (Viaat) promoter and subjected them to comprehensive behavioral, cognitive, and electrophysiological analyses. We demonstrate that transgenic expression of cEPOR in GABAergic neurons alters hippocampal gamma‐oscillations and enhances long‐term potentiation but neither impairs nor improves cognition. To conclude, constitutively active EPOR in GABAergic neurons changes hippocampal network properties without affecting cognition, which suggests that the effect of EPO on cognition is dominated by its effect on the glutamatergic system.

image

Treatment with EPO improves cognitive performance. We previously demonstrated that this effect is replicated by constitutive autoactivation of cEPOR in glutamatergic neurons. By contrast, cEPOR in GABAergic neurons changes hippocampal network properties but neither impairs nor enhances cognition. Thus, EPO modulates neuronal plasticity, and the cognitive benefits may be mainly attributable to its effect on the glutamatergic system.
Integrin‐linked kinase regulates oligodendrocyte cytoskeleton, growth cone, and adhesion dynamics
Authors: Michalski John‐Paul , Cummings Sarah E. , O'Meara Ryan W. , Kothary Rashmi
Published: November 2015

Integrin‐linked kinase (ILK), a focal adhesion protein, brokers the link between cytoskeleton, cell membrane, and extracellular environment. Here, we demonstrate a role for ILK in laminin‐2‐mediated adhesion in primary murine oligodendrocytes (OLs) – with ILK loss leading to severe defects in process branching and outgrowth. These defects were partially recovered when the ILK‐depleted OLs were instead grown on the non‐integrin‐activating substrate poly‐l‐lysine. Intriguingly, ILK loss on the neutral poly‐l‐lysine substrate led to swelling at the tips of OL processes, which we identified as enlarged growth cones. Employing the bloated ILK‐depleted growth cones as template, we demonstrate the appearance of distinct cytoskeletal domains within OL growth cones bearing classic neuronal growth cone architecture. Further, microtubule organization was severely perturbed following ILK loss, with centripetal microtubule looping and failure to bundle occurring in a laminin‐2‐independent manner. Together, our work highlights differences in specific aspects of OL biology as driven by laminin‐2‐dependent or independent ILK governed mechanisms. We also reinforce the idea of OLs as growth cone bearing cells and describe the neuronal‐like cytoskeleton therein. Finally, we demonstrate a role for ILK in OL growth cone maturation through microtubule regulation, the loss of which translates to decreased process length and myelin production capacity.

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We describe herein how different substrates fundamentally alter the oligodendrocyte's response to loss of integrin‐linked kinase (ILK). On laminin‐2 (Ln‐2), ILK‐depleted oligodendrocytes appear stunted and malformed, while on the non‐integrin‐activating substrate PLL branching and membrane formation are restored. We also reinforce the idea of oligodendrocytes as growth cone‐bearing cells, detailing the growth cone's cytoskeletal architecture. Strikingly, loss of ILK on poly‐l‐lysine leads to growth cone swelling, the structure's size and motility rendered less dynamic. Together, our work helps reconcile the phenotypic discrepancy between ILK loss in vitro and in vivo, informs on the oligodendrocyte's growth cone, and ascribes a role for ILK in growth cone dynamics.

Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.13304.
The Art of Restraint: How Experienced Program Leaders Use Their Authority to Support Youth Agency
Authors: Larson Reed W. , Izenstark Dina , Rodriguez Gabriel , Perry S. Cole
Published: November 2015

The staff of youth development programs perform a delicate balancing act between supporting youth agency and exercising necessary authority. To understand this balancing in daily practice, we interviewed 25 experienced (M = 14 years) leaders of arts, leadership, and technology programs for high‐school‐aged youth. We obtained accounts of when, how, and why they gave advice, set limits, and “supported youth when disagreeing.” Qualitative analysis found surprising similarities across leaders. They used authority to give advice and set limits, but did so with reasoned restraint. Maximizing youth's opportunities to learn from experience was central in their decision making. They described employing authority in intentional ways aimed at helping youth's work succeed, strengthening youth's agency, and building skills for agency (e.g., critical thinking, “clarifying intent”).
Peer Group Patterns of Alcohol‐Using Behaviors Among Early Adolescents in Victoria, Australia, and Washington State, United States
Authors: Leung Rachel K. , Toumbourou John W. , Hemphill Sheryl A. , Catalano Richard F.
Published: November 2015

The goal of this study was to examine and cross‐nationally compare the peer group patterns of alcohol‐drinking behaviors among cohorts of early adolescents (ages 11–14 years) in Victoria, Australia, and Washington State, United States. Latent transition analysis revealed that after 1 year, transitions congruent with peer influence (whereby non‐drinking adolescents initiated alcohol use in the presence of drinking peers) and reverse peer influence were observed in both states; however, transitions congruent with peer selection (whereby drinking adolescents self‐selected into drinking peer groups) were only observed among Victorian early adolescents. Findings were interpreted to suggest that Australian family and cultural norms that more commonly allow early adolescent alcohol use lead to a higher rate of peer selection.
Effect of monensin and essential oils on performance and energy metabolism of transition dairy cows
Authors: Drong C. , Meyer U. , von Soosten D. , Frahm J. , Rehage J. , Breves G. , Dänicke S.
Published: November 2015

This work examined preventive effects of a dietary and a medical intervention measure on postpartum (p.p.) ketogenesis in dairy cows overconditioned in late pregnancy. Sixty German Holstein cows were allocated 6 weeks antepartum (a.p.) to three high body condition score (BCS) groups (BCS 3.95 ± 0.08) and one low BCS group (LC, BCS 2.77 ± 0.14). Concentrate proportion in diet a.p. was higher (60% vs. 20%) and increase in proportion p.p. from 30% up to 50% decelerated (3 vs. 2 weeks) in high BCS groups. High BCS cows received a monensin controlled‐release capsule (CRC) (HC/MO), a blend of essential oils (HC/EO) or formed a control group (HC). Performance parameters and energy status were evaluated in three periods [day (d) −42 until calving, one until 14 days in milk (DIM), 15 until 56 DIM]. Feed efficiency was 65% and 53% higher in HC/MO than in LC (p < 0.001) and HC groups (p = 0.002) in the second period. Milk fat content was higher in HC/EO (5.60 vs. 4.82%; p = 0.012) and milk urea higher in HC/MO (135 mg/kg) than in LC cows (107 mg/kg; p < 0.001). Increased p.p. levels of non‐esterified fatty acids in serum were found in HC (p = 0.003), HC/MO (p = 0.068) and HC/EO (p = 0.002) in comparison with LC cows. Prevalence of subclinical and clinical ketosis was 54% and 46%, respectively, in HC group. Monensin decreased the prevalence to 50% and 7% respectively. Ruminal fermentation pattern showed higher proportions of propionate (23.43 mol % and 17.75 mol %, respectively; p < 0.008) and lower acetate:propionate ratio (2.66 vs. 3.76; p < 0.001) in HC/MO than HC group. Results suggest that a monensin CRC improved energy status and feed efficiency of transition dairy cows while essential oils failed to elicit any effect.
Effect of l‐glutamic acid supplementation on performance and nitrogen balance of broilers fed low protein diets
Authors: Bezerra R. M. , Costa F. G. P. , Givisiez P. E. N. , Freitas E. R. , Goulart C. C. , Santos R. A. , Souza J. G. , Brandão P. A. , Lima M. R. , Melo M. L. , Rodrigues V. P. , Nogueira E. T. , Vieira D. V. G.
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of protein reduction and supplementation of l‐glutamic acid in male broiler diets. A total of 648 chicks of the Cobb 500 strain were distributed in a completely randomized design with six treatments and six replications with eighteen birds per experimental unit. The study comprised pre‐starter (1–7 days), starter (8–21 days), growth (22–35 days) and final (36–45 days) phases. The first treatment consisted of a control diet formulated according to the requirements of essential amino acids for each rearing phase. The second and third treatments had crude protein (CP) reduced by 1.8 and 3.6 percentage points (pp) in relation to the control diet respectively. In the fourth treatment, l‐glutamic acid was added to provide the same glutamate level as the control diet, and in the last two treatments, the broilers were supplemented with 1 and 2 pp of glutamate above that of the control diet respectively. The reduction in CP decreased the performance of broilers and the supplementation of l‐glutamic acid did not influence performance when supplied in the diets with excess of glutamate. The lowest excreted nitrogen values were observed in the control diet, and treatments 2 and 3, respectively, in comparison with treatments with the use of l‐glutamic acid (5 and 6). Retention efficiency of nitrogen was better in the control diet and in the treatment with a reduction of 1.8 pp of CP. It was verified that the serum uric acid level decreased with the CP reduction. A reduction in CP levels of up to 21.3%, 18.8%, 18.32% and 17.57% is recommended in phases from 1 to 7, 8 to 21, 22 to 35 and at 36 to 42 days, respectively, with a level of glutamate at 5.32%, 4.73%, 4.57%, 4.38%, also in these phases.
High levels of whole raw soya beans in dairy cow diets: digestibility and animal performance
Authors: Barletta R. V. , Gandra J. R. , Freitas Junior J. E. , Verdurico L. C. , Mingoti R. D. , Bettero V. P. , Benevento B. C. , Vilela F. G. , Rennó F. P.
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of high levels of whole raw soya beans in the diets of lactating cows. Twelve Holstein dairy cows were used, randomized in three 4 ×  4 balanced and contemporary Latin squares and fed the following diets: (i) control (C), without including whole raw soya beans; (ii) 80 g/kg in DM of whole raw soya beans (G80); (iii) 160 g/kg in DM of whole raw soya beans (G160); and (iv) 240 g/kg in DM of whole raw soya beans (G240). There was significant reduction (p < 0.05) in dry matter intake (kg/day) in cows supplemented with G240 compared with C (23.8 vs. 25.3 respectively). G240 diets presented lower crude protein digestibility (g/kg) (p < 0.05) in comparison with C diet (683 vs. 757 respectively). There was significant effect of experimental rations in nitrogen balance (p < 0.05), G240 diet presenting significant reduction in comparison with the other diets, and faecal excretion of nitrogen was higher for G240 diet. The concentration of ruminal ammoniacal nitrogen was significantly higher (p < 0.05) for cows receiving control diet, compared to other diets. G240 diet resulted in significantly lower milk and protein yield (p < 0.05) in comparison with C diet. Significant C18:2 cis fatty acids were observed in milk concentrations (p < 0.05) for G240 diet. The use of high level of whole raw soya beans in dairy cow diets improves the unsaturated fatty acid profile in milk, and the diets (G80 and G160) led to minor alterations in the digestive processes and animal metabolism.