bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Medicare’s Diabetes Self-Management Training Benefit
Authors: Strawbridge Larisa M. , Lloyd Jennifer T. , Meadow Ann , Riley Gerald F. , Howell Benjamin L.
Published: January 2015

Medicare began reimbursing for outpatient diabetes self-management training (DSMT) in 2000; however, little is known about program utilization. Individuals diagnosed with diabetes in 2010 were identified from a 20% random selection of the Medicare fee-for-service population ( N = 110,064). Medicare administrative and claims files were used to determine DSMT utilization. Multivariate logistic regression analyses evaluated the association of demographic, health status, and provider availability factors with DSMT utilization. Approximately 5% of Medicare beneficiaries with newly diagnosed diabetes used DSMT services. The adjusted odds of any utilization were lower among men compared with women, older individuals compared with younger, non-Whites compared with Whites, people dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid compared with nondual eligibles, and patients with comorbidities compared with individuals without those conditions. Additionally, the adjusted odds of utilizing DSMT increased as the availability of providers who offered DSMT services increased and varied by Census region. Utilization of DSMT among Medicare beneficiaries with newly diagnosed diabetes is low. There appear to be marked disparities in access to DSMT by demographic and health status factors and availability of DSMT providers. In light of the increasing prevalence of diabetes, future research should identify barriers to DSMT access, describe DSMT providers, and explore the impact of DSMT services. With preventive services being increasingly covered by insurers, the low utilization of DSMT, a preventive service benefit that has existed for almost 15 years, highlights the challenges that may be encountered to achieve widespread dissemination and uptake of the new services.
African Americans’ Perceptions of Prostate-Specific Antigen Prostate Cancer Screening
Authors: Hunter Jaimie C. , Vines Anissa I. , Carlisle Veronica
Published: January 2015

Background. In 2012, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released a hotly debated recommendation against prostate-specific antigen testing for all men. The present research examines African Americans’ beliefs about their susceptibility to prostate cancer (PCa) and the effectiveness of prostate-specific antigen testing in the context of the controversy surrounding this recommendation. Method. This study used a qualitative design to examine perceptions regarding susceptibility and screening. Data were collected at a community health center and three predominantly African American churches in North Carolina. Study participants were 46 African American men and women who attended one of four “listening sessions” for pretesting PCa educational materials (average age = 55 years). Listening sessions of 1.5-hour duration were conducted to pretest materials; while presenting the materials, researchers probed beliefs and knowledge about PCa screening. The sessions were recorded and transcribed, and the transcripts were qualitatively analyzed using grounded theory. Results. The four emergent themes indicated that participants (1) cited behavioral, psychosocial, and biological reasons why African American men have higher PCa risk compared with others; (2) knew about the controversy and had varying responses and intentions; (3) believed screening could save lives, so it should be used regardless of the 2012 recommendation; and (4) felt that women can help men go to the doctor and make screening decisions. Conclusion. Health education efforts to help community members understand health controversies, screening options, and how to make informed screening decisions are critical.
Heart Rate Variability in Breast Cancer Survivors After the First Year of Treatments
Authors: Caro-Morán Elena , Fernández-Lao Carolina , Galiano-Castillo Noelia , Cantarero-Villanueva Irene , Arroyo-Morales Manuel , Díaz-Rodríguez Lourdes
Published: January 2015

The same aggressive treatments that have led to a reduction in the breast cancer may also have adverse effects on cardiac autonomic balance. The objective of this study was to compare heart rate variability (HRV) between breast cancer survivors in the first year posttreatment and healthy women, controlling for known confounders. This descriptive case-controlled study included 22 breast cancer survivors and 22 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Short-term HRV was measured using an accepted methodology to assess the cardiac autonomic balance. One-way analysis of covariance results revealed that heart rate was significantly higher ( F = 15.86, p < .001) and the standard deviation of normal-to-normal (NN) interval ( F = 19.93, p = .001), square root of mean squared differences of successive NN intervals ( F = 18.72, p = .001), HRV index ( F = 5.44, p = .025), and high-frequency ( F = 5.77, p = .03) values were significantly lower in the breast cancer survivors than in the matched controls. The principal finding of the presence of a cardiovascular imbalance in breast cancer survivors in comparison to healthy age-matched controls suggests that HRV study could be a clinically useful tool to detect cardiovascular disease in early-stage breast cancer survivors.
Perspectives on the postdigital
Authors: Taffel Sy
Published: January 2015

The term postdigital has in recent years been applied across a broad range of disciplines, often with contradictory meanings. This article seeks to map the various definitions, deployments and appropriations of the term alongside undertaking a consideration of the underlying issues that the postdigital is argued to gesture towards. These issues, which pertain to contemporary (post)digital technologies and their relationships to discourses and practices surrounding novelty, materiality, embodiment, progress and the construction, comprehension, and control of contemporary urban spaces, are considered through the rhetorics associated with the multifarious manifestations of the postdigital and subsequently contrasted with numerous existing apertures that explore digital technoculture, including digital humanities, software studies, digital studies (following Bernard Stiegler) and media archaeology.
Economic difficulties and subsequent disability retirement
Authors: Lallukka Tea , Mauramo Elina , Lahelma Eero , Rahkonen Ossi
Published: January 2015

Background: This study examined whether economic difficulties are associated with subsequent disability retirement while controlling for covariates. Methods: Survey data among middle-aged employees of the City of Helsinki in 2000–2002 were linked with the Finnish Centre for Pensions register data on all-cause disability retirement among women ( n=4816) and men ( n=1354) until the end of 2010. Additionally, disability retirement due to musculoskeletal diseases and mental disorders (ICD-10) was examined among women. Frequency in difficulties paying pills and buying food and clothes, and covariates (occupational class, income, housing tenure, and work- and health-related covariates) were self-reported at baseline. Hazard ratios (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated from Cox regression analysis. Results: Frequent economic difficulties were associated with all-cause disability retirement after adjusting for age among both women (HR=2.11; 95% CI 1.63–2.73) and men (HR=2.69; 95% CI 1.65–4.41). Adjustment for covariates somewhat attenuated the associations, but they remained. Economic difficulties were also associated with disability retirement due to both mental disorders (HR=3.29; 95% CI 1.98–5.46) and musculoskeletal diseases (HR=1.85; 95% CI 1.24–2.75) among women. Adjustments made a minor contribution to the risk of disability retirement due to mental disorders, whereas the risk of disability retirement due to musculoskeletal diseases reduced after considering socioeconomic circumstances. Conclusions: Economic difficulties are independently associated with disability retirement. Thus, they should be considered in attempts to tackle early exit from the labour market due to disability.
A genetic variant regulating miR-126 is associated with sight threatening diabetic retinopathy
Authors: McAuley Annie K , Dirani Mohamed , Wang Jie Jin , Connell Paul P , Lamoureux Ecosse L , Hewitt Alex W
Published: January 2015

Background:

The regulation of miR-126 by rs4636297 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neovascularisation by promoting vascular endothelial growth factor, suggesting it could be associated with sight threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR), but has not been previously investigated or reported.

Materials and methods:

A case control study of 531 individuals with diabetes was genotyped for the rs4636297 SNP, using the Sequenom iPLEX Gold chemistry. STDR included people with severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Association was tested using logistic regression analysis, adjusting for confounding variables.

Results:

In an additive model, the A allele of rs4636297 SNP is significantly associated with STDR compared to people with none or mild diabetic retinopathy (DR) (odds ratio (OR) = 2.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.22–3.35, p = 0.006).

Conclusion:

The A allele of rs4636297, known to be the non-functional allele for post-translational regulation of miR-126, is associated with STDR. This finding suggests that this locus would be a potential therapeutic target for inhibiting the development of DR.
The advanced glycation end product methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone-1 and early signs of atherosclerosis in childhood diabetes
Authors: Heier Martin , Margeirsdottir Hanna Dis , Torjesen Peter Abusdal , Seljeflot Ingebjørg , Stensæth Knut Haakon , Gaarder Mario , Brunborg Cathrine , Hanssen Kristian Folkvord , Dahl-Jørgensen Knut
Published: January 2015

Background:

Advanced protein glycation is an important mechanism for the development of late diabetic complications including atherosclerosis. Methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone-1 is the most abundant advanced glycation end product in human plasma.

Aim:

To investigate the relationship between methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone-1 and early signs of atherosclerosis in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes and healthy controls.

Methods:

A total of 314 diabetes patients aged 8–18 years were compared with 120 healthy controls. Serum methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone-1 was measured by immunoassay. Atherosclerosis was evaluated by assessing carotid intima-media thickness by ultrasound, arterial stiffness by Young’s modulus and inflammation by C-reactive protein.

Results:

Methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone-1 was significantly increased in the diabetes group compared with controls, 155.3 (standard deviation (SD) = 41.0) versus 143.0 (SD = 35.1) U/mL, p = 0.003, as was C-reactive protein, median 0.51 (0.27, 1.83) versus 0.31 (0.19, 0.67) mg/L, p < 0.001. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding carotid intima-media thickness or Young’s modulus. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant positive association between methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone-1 and C-reactive protein in the diabetes group.

Conclusion:

Serum levels of methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone-1 in diabetes patients are increased and associated with low-grade inflammation, but not yet arterial stiffness or wall thickness. This indicates that methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone-1 may be important in the early phase of the accelerated atherosclerotic process in diabetes.
Childhood Onset of Behavioral Problems and Violent Victimization Among Serious Juvenile Offenders
Authors: Chen Xiaojin
Published: January 2015

There is a growing literature suggesting that childhood-onset behavioral problems have negative long-term effects on multiple life domains, including poor physical and mental health, substance use, interpersonal conflict, and domestic violence. The current study extends this line of research by assessing the association between childhood-onset behavioral problems and later violent victimization. Using a sample of serious juvenile offenders, the study shows that individuals with childhood-onset behavioral problems are at an elevated risk of encountering violent victimization during adolescence and early adulthood. Results suggest that childhood-onset does not directly lead to later victimization; instead, a mediating process that involves children’s continuing involvement in delinquency/criminal activities and association with deviant peers ultimately put these youth into high-risk situations.
Digital–Physical Reality Game
Authors: Kwon Chongsan , Kim Yoseob , Woo Tack
Published: January 2015

This article analyzes learning games that enhance the learning context through authentic experiences in real spaces related to the context of learning. However, the concept of learning in context has not yet been fully activated, which is attributed to the limitation in the use of learning games in spaces related to the learning context. To present solutions for this problem, the author proposed a digital-physical reality game (DPRG), a new conceptual framework to enhance the context by mapping fantasy in any ordinary space, such as the inside of a school through speculative research. The learning game was implemented based on the framework of DPRG, and the experiment verified that students became immersed in the story of the actual game through fantasy. They recognized a random space in which the game was played as the space set in the game and cognitively connected the current learning context with the random space.
How Religious Beliefs and Practices Influence the Psychological Health of Catholic Priests
Authors: Isacco Anthony , Sahker Ethan , Krinock Elizabeth , Sim Wonjin , Hamilton Deanna
Published: January 2015

Roman Catholic diocesan priests are a subgroup of men with unique religious and spiritual roles, beliefs, and practices. This qualitative study of 15 priests from the mid-Atlantic area of the United States focused on how priests’ relationship with God and promises of celibacy and obedience influenced their psychological health. Using a consensual qualitative research (CQR) design, the analysis revealed that participants described their relationship with God as central to their health and contributing to positive outcomes (e.g., sense of connection and support). The influence of their promises of celibacy and obedience were linked to both positive outcomes (e.g., decreased stress, improved relationships) and negative outcomes (e.g., internal conflict, depression/loneliness). This study highlighted the central role that priests’ relationship with God has on positive psychological health. Future research is necessary to understand how to maximize the positive effects and minimize the negative effects of priests’ promises of celibacy and obedience, which would benefit programs aimed at supporting priests’ psychological health.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Romantic Relationship Formation
Authors: Stavrova Olga , Ehlebracht Daniel
Published: January 2015

In line with the sexual selection for altruism hypothesis, research has shown that men and women typically prefer hypothetical partners who are described as prosocial to otherwise similar individuals. In this study, we consider this hypothesis in the real world by examining whether prosocial behavior conveys actual benefits in terms of real-life mating success. Using a nationally representative annual panel data set, we examine the impact of single individuals’ prosocial behavior on their probabilities of finding a steady partner in the course of the following year. Our results show that single individuals who frequently engaged in prosocial behavior had substantially higher chances of being in a stable relationship the following year. The effect persisted even after accounting for individual differences in the Big Five personality traits and the degree of social involvement.
When feeling safe isn’t enough
Authors: Sanner Bret , Bunderson J. Stuart
Published: January 2015

In working to understand the predictors of experiential learning in teams, researchers have focused on one variable more than any other—psychological safety. In virtually all of this work, psychological safety is viewed as a direct predictor of team learning and, through team learning, of team performance. We suggest that this work has overlooked the critical effect the nature of the task environment has on the capacity of psychological safety to have beneficial effects. To investigate this, we conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis of studies examining the relationships between psychological safety, team learning, and team performance. We find that psychological safety is more strongly associated with learning and performance in studies conducted in knowledge-intensive task settings, that is, settings that involve complexity, creativity, and sensemaking. The results of this study suggest that psychological safety may be insufficient to stimulate learning in groups where the task environment does not require learning.
Adoptive T-cell therapy with hexon-specific Th1 cells as a treatment of refractory adenovirus infection after HSCT
Authors: Feucht Judith , Opherk Kathrin , Lang Peter , Kayser Simone , Hartl Lena , Bethge Wolfgang , Matthes-Martin Susanne , Bader Peter , Albert Michael H. , Maecker-Kolhoff Britta , Greil Johann , Einsele Hermann , Schlegel Paul-Gerhardt , Schuster Friedhelm R. , Kremens Bernhard , Rossig Claudia , Gruhn Bernd , Handgretinger Rupert , Feuchtinger Tobias
Published: January 2015

Key Points

Adoptive transfer of TH-1 cells is a safe and effective treatment of refractory AdV infection after stem cell transplantation. AdV-related mortality was 9.5% in patients with a response to ACT (overall survival 71%) compared with 100% mortality in nonresponders.
Long-range gene regulation and novel therapeutic applications
Authors: van den Heuvel Anita , Stadhouders Ralph , Andrieu-Soler Charlotte , Grosveld Frank , Soler Eric
Published: January 2015

An intimate relationship exists between nuclear architecture and gene activity. Unraveling the fine-scale three-dimensional structure of the genome and its impact on gene regulation is a major goal of current epigenetic research, one with direct implications for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying human phenotypic variation and disease susceptibility. In this context, the novel revolutionary genome editing technologies and emerging new ways to manipulate genome folding offer new promises for the treatment of human disorders.
Fatal aluminum phosphide poisonings in Tirana (Albania), 2009 – 2013
Authors: Sulaj Zihni , Drishti Alert , Çeko Irena , Gashi Amarda , Vyshka Gentian
Published: January 2015

Background

Acute poisonings particularly through pesticides have become a major public health concern in Albania during the last decade.

Findings

The number of fatalities due to aluminum phosphide intoxications was more than doubled during a five year-period from 2009 to 2013, and a cluster of suicides perpetrated with Phostoxin was registered. Several factors are accountable for such a phenomenon, including the fact that aluminum phosphide agents are freely available in the Albanian market, their price is extremely low and they are sold without any legal restriction. The mass media unfortunately warranted an emulating effect to dramatic intoxications, which gained by such means the notoriety of a secure lethal weapon.

Conclusions

Our experience with more than three hundred intoxications with aluminum phosphide agents in the last five years, showed that a considerable delay from the moment of exposure (mainly through ingestion) to specialized medical help seeking, created a considerable obstacle for a successful treatment of cases, and eventually for the survival of patients. The lack of a specific antidote adds further challenges to all these exposures. The need for public health policies aiming at prevention, awareness, and possibly the substitution of Phostoxin or other aluminum phosphide pesticides with less dangerous agents is formulated.
Influence of urban activity in modifying water parameters, concentration and uptake of heavy metals in Typha latifolia L. into a river that crosses an industrial city
Authors: Strungaru Stefan-Adrian , Nicoara Mircea , Jitar Oana , Plavan Gabriel
Published: January 2015

Background

Heavy metals like Cu, Cd, Pb, Ni, Co and Cr can naturally be found almost all over this planet in various amounts. Urban activities such as heavy metal industry, traffic and waste can rapidly increase the metal concentrations in a fresh water ecosystem.

Methods

This study was done in natural conditions to capture as many aspects in heavy metals pollution and bioremediation of Nicolina River, Romania considered a stream model which is under anthropogenic pressure. Water, sediment and leaves samples of Typha latifolia L. were collected during October 2013 and analyzed in order to assess certain heavy metals (Cu, Cd, Pb, Ni, Co and Cr) from each sampling site using GF-HR-CS-AAS with platform. Heavy metals in significant concentrations in cattail samples were correlated with the water parameters to show the possibility to use the cattail leaves as indicators in heavy metals pollution with potential in bioremediation because they can be easily harvested in autumn and this species is spread worldwide.

Results

The levels of metals concentrations in leaves were: Cu > Ni > Cr > Pb > Co knowing that copper is an essential element for plants. The sampling time was important to draw the river diagnosis for heavy metal pollution. The samples were collected, from river, after more than 60 days without rain same as a “human patient” prepared for blood test. Cobalt was considered the metal marker because it was an element with the lowest level of usage in the city. Compared with it only lead, cadmium and copper were used intensively in the industrial activities.

Conclusions

T. latifolia L. can be use as an indicator for the health of the studied stream and it was noticed that the heavy metals were not accumulated, although the metal uptake was influenced by sediments and water parameters. The alkalinity of the studied river acts as an inhibitor in the bioremediation process of cattail for cadmium and copper. Lead was uptake by leaves and the water parameters influenced it but it wasn’t concentrated enough in leaves to propose this species in lead bioremediation process for Nicolina River.
Feeding in billfishes: inferring the role of the rostrum from a biomechanical standpoint
Authors: Habegger Maria L. , Dean Mason N. , Dunlop John W. C. , Mullins Gray , Stokes Michael , Huber Daniel R. , Winters Daniel , Motta Philip J.
Published: January 2015

Perhaps the most striking feature of billfishes is the extreme elongation of the premaxillary bones forming their rostra. Surprisingly, the exact role of this structure in feeding is still controversial. The goal of this study is to investigate the use of the rostrum from a functional, biomechanical and morphological standpoint to ultimately infer its possible role during feeding. Using beam theory, experimental and theoretical loading tests were performed on the rostra from two morphologically different billfish, the blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) and the swordfish (Xiphias gladius). Two loading regimes were applied (dorsoventral and lateral) to simulate possible striking behaviors. Histological samples and material properties of the rostra were obtained along their lengths to further characterize structure and mechanical performance. Intraspecific results show similar stress distributions for most regions of the rostra, suggesting that this structure may be designed to withstand continuous loadings with no particular region of stress concentration. Although material stiffness increased distally, flexural stiffness increased proximally owing to higher second moment of area. The blue marlin rostrum was stiffer and resisted considerably higher loads for both loading planes compared with that of the swordfish. However, when a continuous load along the rostrum was considered, simulating the rostrum swinging through the water, swordfish exhibited lower stress and drag during lateral loading. Our combined results suggest that the swordfish rostrum is suited for lateral swiping to incapacitate their prey, whereas the blue marlin rostrum is better suited to strike prey from a wider variety of directions.
Reproduction potentiated in nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans) and guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata) by adding a synthetic peptide to their aqueous environment
Authors: Davies Keith G. , Zimmerman Brian , Dudley Ed , Newton Russell P. , Hart John E.
Published: January 2015

Ambient exposure to a short synthetic peptide has enhanced fecundity (number of offspring) in invertebrates and vertebrates, ostensibly by disinhibiting reproduction. In separate experiments, nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans) and guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata) were exposed via their aqueous environment to a dissolved synthetic hexamer (6mer) peptide, IEPVFT (EPL036), at a concentration of 1 μmol l−1. In the case of the worms, peptide was added to their aqueous buffer daily throughout the experiment (14 days); for the guppies, peptide administration was on the first 15 alternate days in a 50 week experiment. Fecundity rose by 79% among the worms. The number of descendants of the treated guppies was more than four times that of controls by week 26 (103 versus 25, including 72 juveniles versus 6), with 15.4% more estimated biomass in the test tank in total (i.e. including founders). It was deduced that treated females bred earlier, at a smaller size, and had larger brood sizes. The total number of fish in the control tank had caught up by termination, but biomass continued to lag the test tank. There were no overt signs of toxicity among either the worms or the fish. Bioinformatics has been unilluminating in explaining these results in terms, for example, of mimicry of an endogenous regulator. A mass spectrometric campaign to identify a receptor, using murine brain for expediency, proved inconclusive. Molecular modelling in silico indicated unexpectedly that the hexamer EPL036 might be acting as an antagonist, to pro-fecundity effect; that is, as a blocker of an inhibitor. This suggests that there awaits discovery an evolutionarily conserved reproductive inhibitor and its (anti-fecundity) receptor.
Sequential exposure to a combination of stressors blocks memory reconsolidation in Lymnaea
Authors: Dodd Shawn Xavier , Lukowiak Ken
Published: January 2015

Stress alters the formation of long-term memory (LTM) in Lymnaea. When snails are exposed to more than one stressor, however, how the memory is altered becomes complicated. Here, we investigated how multiple stressors applied in a specific pattern affect an aspect of memory not often studied in regards to stress – reconsolidation. We hypothesized that the application of a sequence of stressors would block the reconsolidation process. Reconsolidation occurs following activation of a previously formed memory. Sequential crowding and handling were used as the stressors to block reconsolidation. When the two stressors were sequentially presented immediately following memory activation, reconsolidation was blocked. However, if the sequential presentation of the stressors was delayed for 1 h after memory activation, reconsolidation was not blocked. That is, LTM was observed. Finally, presentation of either stressor alone did not block reconsolidation. Thus, stressors can block reconsolidation, which may be preferable to pharmacological manipulations.
Making Olympic lizards: the effects of specialised exercise training on performance
Authors: Husak Jerry F. , Keith Allison R. , Wittry Beth N.
Published: January 2015

Exercise training is well known to affect a suite of physiological and performance traits in mammals, but effects of training in other vertebrate tetrapod groups have been inconsistent. We examined performance and physiological differences among green anole lizards (Anolis carolinensis) that were trained for sprinting or endurance, using an increasingly rigorous training regimen over 8 weeks. Lizards trained for endurance had significantly higher post-training endurance capacity compared with the other treatment groups, but groups did not show post-training differences in sprint speed. Although acclimation to the laboratory environment and training explain some of our results, mechanistic explanations for these results correspond with the observed performance differences. After training, endurance-trained lizards had higher haematocrit and larger fast glycolytic muscle fibres. Despite no detectable change in maximal performance of sprint-trained lizards, we detected that they had significantly larger slow oxidative muscle fibre areas compared with the other treatments. Treatment groups did not differ in the proportion of number of fibre types, nor in the mass of most limb muscles or the heart. Our results offer some caveats for investigators conducting training research on non-model organisms and they reveal that muscle plasticity in response to training may be widespread phylogenetically.
Response to a change in the target nest during ant relocation
Authors: Anoop Karunakaran , Sumana Annagiri
Published: January 2015

Decisions regarding spatial and temporal choices pertaining to a wide range of activities such as mating, feeding and resting are necessary for all organisms. Social species encounter another level of complexity, wherein inputs from multiple individuals have to be consolidated to yield a consensus. One platform on which decision making can be examined is the relocation of animal societies. Relocation is the process by which organisms move from their old dwelling to a new nest along with all the inhabitants. This exposes them to the elements and thus impacts their survival and reproduction. Diacamma indicum, the model system for our experiments is a ponerine ant that uses tandem running for colony relocation. In the present study an artificial manipulation was performed to cause a shift in the target nest. The flexibility of the relocation process and, more specifically, the response of tandem leaders to a changed target were studied. A majority of these leaders (N=262) not only re-evaluated and adapted to the change, but did so with negligible error (1.65%). This enabled colonies (N=10) to reunite at the target nest in every case. The only cost to this flexible decision making was paid in terms of additional time. Although considered to be a primitive method of recruitment, we reveal that tandem running allows D. indicum leaders to incorporate assessment of the available options at every step. This inherent flexibility in decision making would be a good strategy for organisms that need to function with incomplete information or inhabit environments that change frequently.
Symbiont type influences trophic plasticity of a model cnidarian–dinoflagellate symbiosis
Authors: Leal Miguel C. , Hoadley Kenneth , Pettay D. Tye , Grajales Alejandro , Calado Ricardo , Warner Mark E.
Published: January 2015

The association between cnidarians and photosynthetic dinoflagellates within the genus Symbiodinium is a prevalent relationship in tropical and subtropical marine environments. Although the diversity of Symbiodinium provides a possible axis for niche diversification, increased functional range and resilience to physical stressors such as elevated temperature, how such diversity relates to the physiological balance between autotrophy and heterotrophy of the host animal remains unknown. Here, we experimentally show interspecific and intraspecific variability of photosynthetic carbon fixation and subsequent translocation by Symbiodinium to the model cnidarian host Aiptasia pallida. By using a clonal anemone line harboring different species of Symbiodinium, we determined that symbiont identity influences trophic plasticity through its density, capacity to fix carbon, quantity of translocated carbon and ultimately the host's capacity to ingest and digest prey. Symbiont carbon translocation and host prey ingestion were positively correlated across symbiont combinations that consisted of different isoclonal lines of Symbiodinium minutum, while a combination with type D4-5 Symbiodinium displayed lower carbon translocation, and prey capture and digestion more similar to Aiptasia lacking symbionts. The absence of a shift toward greater heterotrophy when carbon translocation is low suggests that the metabolic demand of feeding and digestion may overwhelm nutritional stores when photosynthesis is reduced, and amends the possible role of animal feeding in resistance to or recovery from the effects of climate change in more obligate symbioses such as reef-building corals.
Using head and heart
Authors: Teare Sally
Published: January 2015

There needs to be more open debate around the sensitive issue of touch to help practitioners deliver an appropriate, ‘professional love’ that is essential for children's well-being, says Sally Teare.
Have fun in February
Authors: Clarke Jenni
Published: January 2015

While spring may still seem a little way off, the month of February has plenty of celebrations to warm things up and provide children with opportunities to extended their knowledge of numbers and counting.
Love is on the cards
Authors: Williams Brenda
Published: January 2015

Place each line of Brenda Williams’ poem on separate cards and follow her guide to provide some lively number games which will help children to identify sequence and have fun working together as a group.
Alzheimer‐associated Aβ oligomers impact the central nervous system to induce peripheral metabolic deregulation
Authors: Clarke Julia R , Lyra e Silva Natalia M , Figueiredo Claudia P , Frozza Rudimar L , Ledo Jose H , Beckman Danielle , Katashima Carlos K , Razolli Daniela , Carvalho Bruno M , Frazão Renata , Silveira Marina A , Ribeiro Felipe C , Bomfim Theresa R , Neves Fernanda S , Klein William L , Medeiros Rodrigo , LaFerla Frank M , Carvalheira Jose B , Saad Mario J , Munoz Douglas P , Velloso Licio A , Ferreira Sergio T , De Felice Fernanda G
Published: January 2015

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with peripheral metabolic disorders. Clinical/epidemiological data indicate increased risk of diabetes in AD patients. Here, we show that intracerebroventricular infusion of AD‐associated Aβ oligomers (AβOs) in mice triggered peripheral glucose intolerance, a phenomenon further verified in two transgenic mouse models of AD. Systemically injected AβOs failed to induce glucose intolerance, suggesting AβOs target brain regions involved in peripheral metabolic control. Accordingly, we show that AβOs affected hypothalamic neurons in culture, inducing eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α phosphorylation (eIF2α‐P). AβOs further induced eIF2α‐P and activated pro‐inflammatory IKKβ/NF‐κB signaling in the hypothalamus of mice and macaques. AβOs failed to trigger peripheral glucose intolerance in tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) receptor 1 knockout mice. Pharmacological inhibition of brain inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress prevented glucose intolerance in mice, indicating that AβOs act via a central route to affect peripheral glucose homeostasis. While the hypothalamus has been largely ignored in the AD field, our findings indicate that AβOs affect this brain region and reveal novel shared molecular mechanisms between hypothalamic dysfunction in metabolic disorders and AD.
Preemptive Analgesic Efficacy of Tramadol, Butorphanol, and Flurbiprofen in Lumpectomy: A Randomized, Controlled and Double-blind Trial
Authors: The BSAE Study Group
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND Preemptive medication prior surgical procedures has been proposed of the promising manner in controlling pain effectively, whereas different drugs given in this way produced varying effects in different contexts. We herein hypothesized that preoperative bolus injection of analgesics functioning through various mechanisms produced contrasting analgesic efficiency in patients undergoing lumpectomy.

METHODS After approval by the Institutional Ethical Committee, a total of 1,500 patients undergoing lumpectomy were screened and 1,336 were randomized into one of the four groups: saline, tramadol 100 mg, butorphanol 2 mg, and flurbiprofen 100 mg. All drugs were administered 15 min prior operation in 10 ml. Visual analog scale of pain at rest and during movement were rated, and analgesic indexes were calculated as the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes include complementary morphine consumption, side effects, and overall satisfaction.

RESULTS Patients in the group of flurbiprofen experienced less intensity of pain at rest than the other three groups (P < 0.01), and also displayed a higher stationary analgesic index (P < 0.05). Besides, the pain scorings in both groups of tramadol and butorphanol showed effective analgesia began from the sixth hour after the surgery compared to the saline-delivered patients (P < 0.05). Correspondingly, patients treated with flurbiprofen reported less side effects than both tramadol and butorphanol, in which a lower satisfactory ratings were presented than the flurbiprofen-treated ones.

CONCLUSION Flurbiprofen has superior analgesic effect over tramadol and butorphanol in lumpectomy suggesting that conquering peripheral inflammatory responses evoked by surgical lesion is much more effective in controlling the pain than those drugs functioning through the CNS-associated mechanisms.
New distribution records for Sciomyzidae species (Insecta, Diptera) from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Kirst Frederico Dutra , Marinoni Luciane , Krüger Rodrigo Ferreira
Published: January 2015

An inventory of the species of Sciomyzidae that occur in the Coastal Plains of southern Brazil was conducted. Sampling resulted in 304 specimens, 278 of which were collected with nets and 26 with Malaise traps. A total of 11 species distributed in eight genera were collected. New distribution records for Protodictya iguassu Steyskal, 1950 and Thecomyia lateralis (Walker, 1858) are recorded from Rio Grande do Sul.
Like the Rhinoceros, or Like Its Horn? The Problem of Khaggavis??a Revisited
Authors: Jones Dhivan Thomas
Published: January 2015

The P?li expression khaggavis??akappo may either mean ‘like the rhinoceros’ or ‘like the horn of the rhinoceros’. It occurs in the refrain eko care khaggavis??akappo at the end of each stanza of the Khaggavis??a-sutta and its parallels, and the refrain has been translated by some as ‘one should wander alone like the rhinoceros’ but by some, including K. R. Norman, as ‘one should wander alone like the horn of the rhinoceros’. K. R. Norman has however set out his reasons for regarding ‘like the rhinoceros horn’ as the correct translation, and ‘like the rhinoceros’ as wrong. The present article critically discusses Norman’s reasons, concluding that the expression khaggavis??a may be regarded as a deliberately ambiguous compound meaning both the rhinoceros and its horn, or perhaps as a single expression meaning ‘rhinoceros’. The zoological facts are considered, as well as the difficult etymology of khaggavis??a, its contextual meaning, its meaning in Jain parallels, and its discussion in P?li commentaries. The article concludes that ‘like the rhinoceros’ is in fact a correct translation.
The Gurudharmas in Buddhist Nunneries of Mainland China
Authors: Chiu Tzu-Lung , Heirman Ann
Published: January 2015

According to tradition, when the Buddha’s aunt and stepmother Mah?praj?pat? was allowed to join the Buddhist monastic community, she accepted eight ‘fundamental rules’ (gurudharmas) that made the nuns’ order dependent upon the monks’ order. This story has given rise to much debate, in the past as well as in the present, and this is no less the case in Mainland China, where nunneries have started to re-emerge in recent decades. This article first presents new insight into Mainland Chinese monastic practitioners’ common perspectives and voices regarding the gurudharmas, which are rarely touched upon in scholarly work. Next, each of the rules is discussed in detail, allowing us to analyse various issues, until now understudied, regarding the applicability of the gurudharmas in Mainland Chinese contexts. This research thus provides a detailed overview of nuns’ perceptions of how traditional vinaya rules and procedures can be applied in contemporary Mainland Chinese monastic communities based on a cross-regional empirical study.
Kathryn Kalinak, ed., Music in the Western: Notes from the Frontier
Authors: Durrand Mark
Published: January 2015

New York and London: Routledge, 2012. [ix, 237p. ISBN: 9780415882279. $39.99 (trade paper)] Routledge Music and Screen Media Series. Music examples, illustrations, figures, tables, and index.
Rio Branco, grand strategy and naval power
Authors: Alsina Jr. João Paulo
Published: January 2015

This article addresses Baron of Rio Branco's grand strategy and the role played by the naval reorganization program (1904-1910) in this context. The ensuing case study determined the domestic and international constraints that affected the program, as well as the worldview of the patron of Brazilian diplomacy regarding military power's instrumentality to foreign policy.
An outline of military technological dynamics as restraints for acquisition, international cooperation and domestic technological development
Authors: Silva Édison Renato , Proença Júnior Domício
Published: January 2015

The expectation that technological returns from defense expenditure through acquisition, international cooperation and domestic research would further national development underappreciates the different technological dynamic of the armed services. This paper outlines the technological dynamic the stems from fighting in the air, at sea and on land, exemplifying consequences for the case of acquisition.
A discreta transição da Coreia do Norte: diplomacia de risco e modernização sem reforma
Authors: Vizentini Paulo Fagundes , Pereira Analúcia Danilevicz
Published: January 2015

A Coreia do Norte acaba de passar por nova sucessão, com um líder jovem, o que para analistas representa ausência de mudanças e esgotamento do regime. Enquanto as disputas de poder interno e as crises militares externas parecem sinalizar continuidade, e que foram iniciadas algumas transformações importantes. O regime impulsiona a modernização da defesa, enquanto recoloca o Partido como ator relevante, definindo o desenvolvimento econômico como vetor. Mas a modernização em curso prossegue com a tradicional diplomacia de risco que parece descartar a ideia de reforma, conservando a essência do regime.
Aryon Rodrigues e as Línguas Gerais na historiografia linguística
Authors: LAGORIO Consuelo Alfaro , FREIRE José R. Bessa
Published: January 2015

Aryon Rodrigues transita por diferentes áreas do conhecimento. Como linguista descreveu diversas línguas, principalmente da família Tupi, coletou dados em trabalho de campo, investiu na formação de quadros, abriu espaço acadêmico para a pesquisa em línguas indígenas, orientando teses e dissertações. Como historiador dessas línguas, evidencia erudição e conhecimento profundo da documentação específica existente em arquivos nacionais e estrangeiros. Dialogou com a produção acadêmica europeia e hispano-americana, desempenhando um papel de proeminência, como uma referência nesse campo. Este artigo destaca a sua contribuição num tópico pouco estudado no Brasil: as línguas gerais que constituem um capítulo importante da historia social das línguas, por evidenciar a dinâmica de intercâmbios interétnicos com implicações na memória regional e nacional. Foi ele quem situou a questão, trazendo esclarecimentos sobre as duas línguas gerais de base indígena que floresceram em território hoje brasileiro: a Língua Geral Paulista e a Língua Geral Amazônica.
A linguística histórica das línguas indígenas do Brasil, por Aryon Dall’igna Rodrigues: perspectivas, modelos teóricos e achados
Authors: CABRAL Ana Suelly Arruda Câmara , MARTINS Andérbio Márcio Silva , SILVA Beatriz Carretta Corrêa da , OLIVEIRA Sanderson Castro Soares de
Published: January 2015

O presente estudo destaca da produção do linguista Aryon Dall’Igna Rodrigues um dos temas que mais marcaram a sua contribuição ao estudo científico das línguas indígenas brasileiras, a pré-história das línguas Tupí. Discorreremos sobre alguns dos problemas de análise histórico-comparativa, para os quais Rodrigues desenvolveu soluções, fundamentando diagnósticos de graus de relações genéticas entre línguas, a reconstrução de partes dos sistemas linguísticos de línguas individuais e de conjuntos de línguas e, ainda, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento de modelos analíticos que descrevem a natureza e direções das mudanças ocorridas ao longo da história das línguas; consolidando, no âmbito das línguas nativas do Brasil, a funcionalidade de teorias e métodos de estudo comparativo.
¡Leer, comentar, compartir! El fomento de la lectura y las tecnologías sociales
Authors: Manso-Rodríguez Ramón-Alberto
Published: January 2015

Se reflexiona sobre los desafíos que suponen los avances tecnológicos para el sector bibliotecario, fundamentalmente los asociados a la llamada Websocial y las potencialidades de éstas, para implementar acciones que contribuyan a fomentar y promover el gusto por la lectura en las nuevas generaciones de lectores. De esta forma, en un primer momento, el estudio analiza las tendencias actuales, en términos de comportamiento de los lectores y las herramientas tecnológicas más empleadas para establecer conexiones entre bibliotecarios, autores y lectores, con la finalidad de convertir la lectura en una actividad social. Seguidamente en la presentación se analizan una serie de iniciativas que actualmente se desarrollan en bibliotecas públicas y otras instituciones, para develar elementos a considerar como buenas prácticas en este sentido y con los cuales implementar desde la biblioteca acciones de fomento de la lectura, empleando las herramientas tecnológicas disponibles. Como resultado del estudio se identifican las principales funcionalidades que ofrecen los clubes de lectura en el entorno de Internet, como acción fundamental para la promoción de la lectura. De igual forma se observó cómo dichas actividades empleen como tecnologías para su implementación, los blog y las redes sociales y en menor medida los canales para el intercambio de archivos y los Wiki. Finalmente se ofrecen recomendaciones para el desarrollo de esta modalidad de servicio en cualquier biblioteca.
Cientometria: a produção científica de Haity Moussatché
Authors: Costa Elaine Kabarite , Guimarães Maria Cristina Soares , Silva Cícera Henrique da
Published: January 2015

A pesquisa aqui relatada é um estudo exploratório sobre a produção científica do Laboratório de Fisiologia do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, no período 1934-1998, com foco na análise da produção científica de Haity Moussatché, líder desse laboratório, até o ano de 1965. O trabalho visa aferir um possível impacto na produção científica do laboratório depois que seu líder foi cassado pelo Ato Institucional n.5, ocorrido em 1970. Para tanto, foi realizado o mapeamento da produção científica e sua análise bibliométrica, a partir de busca bibliográfica em bases de dados internacionais e pesquisa documental nos acervos da Casa de Oswaldo Cruz e na Biblioteca de Ciências Biomédicas, com o objetivo de colher indícios dos reflexos e das consequências do chamado Massacre de Manguinhos na dinâmica da produção científica do laboratório. Uma característica importante da produção científica do pesquisador aponta para um padrão consistente de publicação em coautoria, desde o início de sua carreira acadêmica. Possivelmente, esse foi o ponto principal que permitiu que ele continuasse ativo na pesquisa, mesmo após cassado e fora do Brasil. Este trabalho contribui para escrever parte da história da ciência no campo da saúde, proporcionando novas leituras desse episódio, em diversos campos disciplinares acadêmicos.