bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medication use by adolescents and adults with fragile X syndrome
Authors: Laxman D. J. , Greenberg J. S. , DaWalt L. S. , Hong J. , Aman M. G. , Mailick M.
Published: October 2017

Background

The behavioural challenges and medical conditions associated with fragile X syndrome (FXS) can lead to increased need for medications.

Method

This longitudinal study examined the use of prescription medications for psychotropic and non‐psychotropic purposes by adolescents and adults with FXS drawn from a North American community sample (N = 105). Odds and probabilities of continuing or discontinuing medication were calculated. Predictors of medication use were calculated.

Results

More than two‐thirds took psychotropic medication, and about one‐quarter took non‐psychotropic medication. Over a 3‐year period, those who initially took prescription medications were considerably more likely to remain on medications than to stop. Individuals with more autism symptoms, more behavioural problems, a mental health diagnosis, and greater family income were significantly more likely to use psychotropic medication 3 years later. Individuals who had more health problems, a mental health diagnosis, and were female were more likely to use non‐psychotropic medication over this time period.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the elevated and ongoing use of medication by individuals with FXS. Implications for social and behavioural research on FXS are discussed.
2D:4D digit ratio is not a biomarker of developmental programming in baboons (Papio hamadryas species)
Authors: Huber Hillary F. , Li Cun , Nathanielsz Peter W.
Published: October 2017

We hypothesized second‐to‐fourth hand digit ratio (2D:4D) is a biomarker of developmental programming in 3 baboon groups: intrauterine growth restriction (7 females, 8 males), exposure during fetal life to synthetic glucocorticoids (4 females, 5 males), and controls (66 females, 20 males). 2D:4D was similar between sexes and groups.
Scaling of the ankle extensor muscle‐tendon units and the biomechanical implications for bipedal hopping locomotion in the post‐pouch kangarooMacropus fuliginosus
Authors: Snelling Edward P. , Biewener Andrew A. , Hu Qiaohui , Taggart David A. , Fuller Andrea , Mitchell Duncan , Maloney Shane K. , Seymour Roger S.
Published: October 2017

Bipedal hopping is used by macropods, including rat‐kangaroos, wallabies and kangaroos (superfamily Macropodoidea). Interspecific scaling of the ankle extensor muscle‐tendon units in the lower hindlimbs of these hopping bipeds shows that peak tendon stress increases disproportionately with body size. Consequently, large kangaroos store and recover more strain energy in their tendons, making hopping more efficient, but their tendons are at greater risk of rupture. This is the first intraspecific scaling analysis on the functional morphology of the ankle extensor muscle‐tendon units (gastrocnemius, plantaris and flexor digitorum longus) in one of the largest extant species of hopping mammal, the western grey kangarooMacropus fuliginosus(5.8–70.5 kg post‐pouch body mass). The effective mechanical advantage of the ankle extensors does not vary with post‐pouch body mass, scaling with an exponent not significantly different from 0.0. Therefore, larger kangaroos balance rotational moments around the ankle by generating muscle forces proportional to weight‐related gravitational forces. Maximum force is dependent upon the physiological cross‐sectional area of the muscle, which we found scales geometrically with a mean exponent of only 0.67, rather than 1.0. Therefore, larger kangaroos are limited in their capacity to oppose large external forces around the ankle, potentially compromising fast or accelerative hopping. The strain energy return capacity of the ankle extensor tendons increases with a mean exponent of ~1.0, which is much shallower than the exponent derived from interspecific analyses of hopping mammals (~1.4–1.9). Tendon safety factor (ratio of rupture stress to estimated peak hopping stress) is lowest in the gastrocnemius (< 2), and it decreases with body mass with an exponent of −0.15, extrapolating to a predicted rupture at 160 kg. Extinct giant kangaroos weighing 250 kg could therefore not have engaged in fast hopping using ‘scaled‐up’ lower hindlimb morphology of extant western grey kangaroos.
Sleep spindle detection using multivariate Gaussian mixture models
Authors: Patti Chanakya Reddy , Penzel Thomas , Cvetkovic Dean
Published: October 2017

In this research study we have developed a clustering‐based automatic sleep spindle detection method that was evaluated on two different databases. The databases consisted of 20 all‐night polysomnograph recordings. Past detection methods have been based on subject‐independent and some subject‐dependent parameters, such as fixed or variable thresholds to identify spindles. Using a multivariate Gaussian mixture model clustering technique, our algorithm was developed to use only subject‐specific parameters to detect spindles. We have obtained an overall sensitivity range (65.1–74.1%) at a (59.55–119.7%) false positive proportion.
Dietary Lipid Levels Affect the Growth Performance, Lipid Deposition, and Antioxidative Capacity of Juvenile Scaleless Carp, Gymnocypris przewalskii, on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Meng Yuqiong , Li Changzhong , Qin Qiwei , Tong Yanlin , Zhu Ruman , Xu Guoqian , Shi Yuan , Shi Jianquan , Ma Rui
Published: October 2017

A 56‐d growth trial was conducted to evaluate the growth performance, lipid deposition, and antioxidative capacity of juvenile scaleless carp, Gymnocypris przewalskii, on Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau. One‐year‐old juveniles (initial weight: 15.99 ± 0.02 g) were fed practical diets with different lipid levels of 4, 5.5, 7, 8.5, and 10%, respectively. Results showed that the best specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion rate, and total antioxidative capacity (T‐AOC) in hepatopancreas were observed in fish fed the diet with 7% lipid level. Fish fed with high lipid diets (8.5 and 10%) had significantly higher condition factor and viscerosomatic index as well as lipid in muscle, intestine, mesenteric fat tissue, and whole body. Highest level of hepatopancreas lipase and lipoprotein lipases activities as well as malondialdehyde content and the lowest level of feed intake and T‐AOC content in hepatopancreas and intestine were also observed in fish fed with high lipid diets (8.5 and 10%) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, based on SGR and hepatopancreas T‐AOC content, dietary lipid requirement of juvenile G. przewalskii was estimated to be 7.35 and 7.39%, respectively.
Liver elastography malignancy prediction score for noninvasive characterization of focal liver lesions
Authors: Grgurevic Ivica , Bokun Tomislav , Salkic Nermin N. , Brkljacic Boris , Vukelić‐Markovic Mirjana , Stoos‐Veic Tajana , Aralica Gorana , Rakic Mislav , Filipec‐Kanizaj Tajana , Berzigotti Annalisa
Published: October 2017

Background & Aims

To analyse elastographic characteristics of focal liver lesions (FLL)s and diagnostic performance of real‐time two‐dimensional shear‐wave elastography (RT‐2D‐SWE) in order to differentiate benign and malignant FLLs.

Methods

Consecutive patients diagnosed with FLL by abdominal ultrasound (US) underwent RT‐2D‐SWE of FLL and non‐infiltrated liver by intercostal approach over the right liver lobe. The nature of FLL was determined by diagnostic work‐up, including at least one contrast‐enhanced imaging modality (MDCT/MRI), check‐up of target organs when metastatic disease was suspected and FLL biopsy in inconclusive cases.

Results

We analysed 196 patients (median age 60 [range 50‐68], 50.5% males) with 259 FLLs (57 hepatocellular carcinomas, 17 cholangiocarcinomas, 94 metastases, 71 haemangiomas, 20 focal nodular hyperplasia) of which 70 (27%) were in cirrhotic liver. Malignant lesions were stiffer (P < .001) with higher variability in intralesional stiffness (P = .001). The best performing cut‐off of lesion stiffness was 22.3 kPa (sensitivity 83%; specificity 86%; positive predictive value [PPV] 91.5%; negative predictive value [NPV] 73%) for malignancy. Lesion stiffness <14 kPa had NPV of 96%, while values >32.5 kPa had PPV of 96% for malignancy. Lesion stiffness, lesion/liver stiffness ratio and lesion stiffness variability significantly predicted malignancy in stepwise logistic regression (P < .05), and were used to construct a new Liver Elastography Malignancy Prediction (LEMP) score with accuracy of 96.1% in validation cohort (online calculator available at http://bit.do/lemps).

Conclusion

The comprehensive approach demonstrated in this study enables correct differentiation of benign and malignant FLL in 96% of patients by using RT‐2D‐SWE.
Cognitive Motor Coordination Training Improves Mental Rotation Performance in Primary School‐Aged Children
Authors: Pietsch Stefanie , Böttcher Caroline , Jansen Petra
Published: October 2017

The long‐term physical activity in specific sport activities can change the quality of mental rotation performance. This study investigates the influence of Life Kinetik—a motion program with tasks of cognition and motor coordination—on mental rotation performance of 44 primary school–aged children. While the experimental group received Life Kinetik lessons twice a week for 5 weeks, the control group took part in regular physical education classes for the same period of time. Both groups performed a mental rotation task before and after the intervention. The experimental group showed a significant increase in mental rotation ability than the control group.
Inferring the geographic origin of a range expansion: Latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates inferred from genomic data in an ABC framework with the program x‐origin
Authors: He Qixin , Prado Joyce R. , Knowles Laura Lacey
Published: October 2017

Climatic or environmental change is not only driving distributional shifts in species today, but it has also caused distributions to expand and contract in the past. Inferences about the geographic locations of past populations especially regions that served as refugia (i.e., source populations) and migratory routes are a challenging endeavour. Refugial areas may be evidenced from fossil records or regions of temporal stability inferred from ecological niche models. Genomic data offer an alternative and broadly applicable source of information about the locality of refugial areas, especially relative to fossil data, which are either unavailable or incomplete for most species. Here, we present a pipeline we developed (called x‐origin) for statistically inferring the geographic origin of range expansion using a spatially explicit coalescent model and an approximate Bayesian computation testing framework. In addition to assessing the probability of specific latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates of refugial or source populations, such inferences can also be made accounting for the effects of temporal and spatial environmental heterogeneity, which may impact migration routes. We demonstrate x‐origin with an analysis of genomic data collected in the Collared pika that underwent postglacial expansion across Alaska, as well as present an assessment of its accuracy under a known model of expansion to validate the approach.
The relationship between forearm skin speed‐resolved perfusion and oxygen saturation, and finger arterial pulsation amplitudes, as indirect measures of endothelial function
Authors: Bergstrand Sara , Morales Maria‐Aurora , Coppini Giuseppe , Larsson Marcus , Strömberg Tomas
Published: October 2017

Objective

Endothelial function is important for regulating peripheral blood flow to meet varying metabolic demands and can be measured indirectly during vascular provocations. In this study, we compared the PAT finger response (EndoPAT) after a 5‐minutes arterial occlusion to that from forearm skin comprehensive microcirculation analysis (EPOS).

Methods

Measurements in 16 subjects with varying cardiovascular risk factors were carried out concurrently with both methods during arterial occlusion, while forearm skin was also evaluated during local heating.

Results

Peak values for EPOS skin Perfconv and speed‐resolved total perfusion after the release of the occlusion were significantly correlated to the EndoPAT RHI (ρ = .68, P = .007 and ρ = .60, P = .025, respectively), mainly due to high‐speed blood flow. During local heating, EPOS skin oxygen saturation, , was significantly correlated to RHI (ρ = .62, P = .043). This indicates that may have diagnostic value regarding endothelial function.

Conclusions

We have demonstrated for the first time a significant relationship between forearm skin microcirculatory perfusion and oxygen saturation and finger PAT. Both local heating and reactive hyperemia are useful skin provocations. Further studies are needed to understand the precise regulation mechanisms of blood flow and oxygenation during these tests.
Regulation of voltage‐gated potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle during hypertension and metabolic disorders
Authors: Nieves‐Cintrón Madeline , Syed Arsalan U. , Nystoriak Matthew A. , Navedo Manuel F.
Published: October 2017

Voltage‐gated potassium (KV) channels are key regulators of vascular smooth muscle contractility and vascular tone, and thus have major influence on the microcirculation. KV channels are important determinants of vascular smooth muscle membrane potential (Em). A number of KV subunits are expressed in the plasma membrane of smooth muscle cells. Each subunit confers distinct kinetics and regulatory properties that allow for fine control of Em to orchestrate vascular tone. Modifications in KV subunit expression and/or channel activity can contribute to changes in vascular smooth muscle contractility in response to different stimuli and in diverse pathological conditions. Consistent with this, a number of studies suggest alterations in KV subunit expression and/or function as underlying contributing mechanisms for small resistance artery dysfunction in pathologies such as hypertension and metabolic disorders, including diabetes. Here, we review our current knowledge on the effects of these pathologies on KV channel expression and function in vascular smooth muscle cells, and the repercussions on (micro)vascular function.
On‐Line Vehicle Routing Problems for Carbon Emissions Reduction
Authors: Liao Tsai‐Yun
Published: October 2017

This paper proposes formulations and a hybrid meta‐heuristic algorithm to solve the on‐line vehicle routing problem (VRP) for minimizing costs related to economics and emissions. The on‐line VRP considers real‐time demands. Vehicle emissions are affected by travel speed and vehicle load. A hybrid meta‐heuristic algorithm GA‐Tabu is designed to solve the on‐line VRP and a solution framework using DynaTAIWAN simulation is implemented. The numerical results show CO2 can be reduced by combining the emission factors into the objective function. Also, the route updates for on‐line demands are analyzed and the performance measures of the on‐line VRP are investigated by using various on‐line demands.
Effective tolerance based on resource reallocation is a virus‐specific defence in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Shukla Aayushi , Pagán Israel , García‐Arenal Fernando
Published: October 2017

Plant viruses often harm their hosts, which have developed mechanisms to prevent or minimize the effects of virus infection. Resistance and tolerance are the two main plant defences to pathogens. Although resistance to plant viruses has been studied extensively, tolerance has received much less attention. Theory predicts that tolerance to low‐virulent parasites would be achieved through resource reallocation from growth to reproduction, whereas tolerance to high‐virulent parasites would be attained through shortening of the pre‐reproductive period. We have shown previously that the tolerance of Arabidopsis thaliana to Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), a relatively low‐virulent virus in this host, accords to these predictions. However, whether other viruses trigger the same response, and how A. thaliana copes with highly virulent virus infections remains unexplored. To address these questions, we challenged six A. thaliana wild genotypes with five viruses with different genomic structures, life histories and transmission modes. In these plants, we quantified virus multiplication, virulence, and the effects of infection on plant growth and reproduction, and on the developmental schedule. Our results indicate that virus multiplication varies according to the virus × host genotype interaction. Conversely, effective tolerance is observed only on CMV infection, and is associated with resource reallocation from growth to reproduction. Tolerance to the other viruses is observed only in specific host–virus combinations and, at odds with theoretical predictions, is linked to longer pre‐reproductive periods. These findings only partially agree with theoretical predictions, and contribute to a better understanding of pathogenic processes in plant–virus interactions.
A root‐knot nematode small glycine and cysteine‐rich secreted effector, MiSGCR1, is involved in plant parasitism
Authors: Nguyen Chinh‐Nghia , Perfus‐Barbeoch Laetitia , Quentin Michaël , Zhao Jianlong , Magliano Marc , Marteu Nathalie , Da Rocha Martine , Nottet Nicolas , Abad Pierre , Favery Bruno
Published: October 2017

Root‐knot nematodes,Meloidogynespp., are obligate endoparasites that maintain a biotrophic relationship with their hosts. They infect roots as microscopic vermiform second‐stage juveniles, and establish specialized feeding structures called ‘giant‐cells’, from which they withdraw water and nutrients. The nematode effector proteins secretedin plantaare key elements in the molecular dialogue of parasitism.

Here, we compared IlluminaRNA‐seq transcriptomes forM. incognitaobtained at various points in the lifecycle, and identified 31 genes more strongly expressed in parasitic stages than in preparasitic juveniles. We then selected candidate effectors for functional characterization.

Quantitative real‐timePCRandin situhybridizations showed that the validated differentially expressed genes are predominantly specifically expressed in oesophageal glands of the nematode. We also soaked the nematodes in siRNAto silence these genes and to determine their role in pathogenicity.

The silencing of the dorsal gland specific‐Minc18876and its paralogues resulted in a significant, reproducible decrease in the number of mature females with egg masses, demonstrating a potentially important role for the small glycine‐ and cysteine‐rich effector MiSGCR1 in early stages of plant‐nematode interaction. Finally, we report that MiSGCR1 suppresses plant cell death induced by bacterial or oomycete triggers of plant defense.
Influence of sulfate supply on selenium uptake dynamics and expression of sulfate/selenate transporters in selenium hyperaccumulator and nonhyperaccumulator Brassicaceae
Authors: El Mehdawi Ali F. , Jiang Ying , Guignardi Zack S. , Esmat Ahmad , Pilon Marinus , Pilon‐Smits Elizabeth A. H. , Schiavon Michela
Published: October 2017

Stanleya pinnata not only hyperaccumulates selenium (Se) to 0.5% of its dry weight, but also exhibits higher tissue Se‐to‐sulfur (S) ratios than other species and its surroundings.

To investigate the mechanisms underlying this Se enrichment, we compared S. pinnata with the nonhyperaccumulators S. elata and Brassica juncea for selenate uptake in long‐ (9 d) and short‐term (1 h) assays, using different concentrations of selenate and competitor sulfate. Different sulfate pre‐treatments (0, 0.5, 5 mM, 3 d) were also tested for effects on selenate uptake and sulfate transporters’ expression.

Relative to nonhyperaccumulators, S. pinnata showed higher rates of root and shoot Se accumulation and less competitive inhibition by sulfate or by high‐S pretreatment. The selenate uptake rate for S. pinnata (1 h) was three‐ to four‐fold higher than for nonhyperaccumulators, and not significantly affected by 100‐fold excess sulfate, which reduced selenate uptake by 100% in S. elata and 40% in B. juncea. Real‐time reverse transcription PCR indicated constitutive upregulation in S. pinnata of sulfate transporters SULTR1;2 (root influx) and SULTR2;1 (translocation), but reduced SULTR1;1 expression (root influx).

In S. pinnata, selenate uptake and translocation rates are constitutively elevated and relatively sulfate‐independent. Underlying mechanisms likely include overexpression of SULTR1;2 and SULTR2;1, which may additionally have evolved enhanced specificity for selenate over sulfate.
Tea polyphenols for the prevention of UVB‐induced skin cancer
Authors: Sharma Pooja , Montes de Oca Mary K. , Alkeswani Amena R. , McClees Sarah F. , Das Tanushree , Elmets Craig A. , Afaq Farrukh
Published: October 2017

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer with increasing incidence rate and public health burden. Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes an array of damaging cellular and molecular events that eventually lead to the development of skin cancer. Despite increased awareness about sun protection, the exposure rate remains high with less than 15% of men and 30% of women using sunscreen on a regular basis. Therefore, there is an imperative need for the development of novel preventive approaches. Skin cancer chemoprevention using phytochemicals either as dietary supplements or by topical applications has gained considerable attention due to their low toxicity, availability, and anticarcinogenic properties. Tea, the second most commonly consumed beverage in the world, is a rich source of promising phytochemicals known as polyphenols. In this review, we discuss the findings of various in vitro, in vivo and human studies signifying the chemopreventive effects of tea polyphenols against UVB‐induced skin cancer. This is accomplished by exploring the role of tea polyphenols in DNA repair, inflammation, oxidative stress, signaling pathways, and epigenetics. Finally, this review discusses a variety of innovative delivery methods that enhance the photochemopreventive effects of tea polyphenols against skin cancer.
The Boarding Patient: Effects of ICU and Hospital Occupancy Surges on Patient Flow
Authors: Long Elisa F. , Mathews Kusum S.
Published: October 2017

Patients admitted to a hospital's intensive care unit (ICU) often endure prolonged boarding within the ICU following receipt of care, unnecessarily occupying a critical care bed, and thereby delaying admission for other incoming patients due to bed shortage. Using patient‐level data over two years at two major academic medical centers, we estimate the impact of ICU and ward occupancy levels on ICU length of stay (LOS), and test whether simultaneous “surge occupancy” in both areas impacts overall ICU length of stay. In contrast to prior studies that only measure total LOS, we split LOS into two individual periods based on physician requests for bed transfers. We find that “service time” (when critically ill patients are stabilized and treated) is unaffected by occupancy levels. However, the less essential “boarding time” (when patients wait to exit the ICU) is accelerated during periods of high ICU occupancy and, conversely, prolonged when hospital ward occupancy levels are high. When the ICU and wards simultaneously encounter bed occupancies in the top quartile of historical levels—which occurs 5% of the time—ICU boarding increases by 22% compared to when both areas experience their lowest utilization, suggesting that ward bed availability dominates efforts to accelerate ICU discharges to free up ICU beds. We find no adverse effects of high occupancy levels on ICU bouncebacks, in‐hospital deaths, or 30‐day hospital readmissions, which supports our finding that the largely discretionary boarding period fluctuates with changing bed occupancy levels.
Standardized Drought Indices: A Novel Univariate and Multivariate Approach
Authors: Erhardt Tobias M. , Czado Claudia
Published: October 2017

As drought is among the natural hazards which affect people and economies world wide and often results in huge monetary losses, sophisticated methods for drought monitoring and decision making are needed. Many approaches to quantify drought severity have been developed during recent decades. However, most of these drought indices suffer from different shortcomings, account only for one or two driving factors which promote drought conditions and neglect their interdependences. We provide novel methodology for the calculation of (multivariate) drought indices, which combines the advantages of existing approaches and omits their disadvantages. It can be used flexibly in different applications to model different types of drought on the basis of user-selected, drought relevant variables. The methodology benefits from the flexibility of vine copulas in modelling multivariate non-Gaussian intervariable dependence structures. Based on a three-variate data set, an exemplary agrometeorological drought index is developed. The data analysis illustrates and reasons the methodology described. A validation of the exemplary multivariate agrometeorological drought index against observed soybean yield affirms the validity and abilities of the methodology. A comparison with established drought indices shows the benefits of our multivariate approach.
Revisiting the sociology of identities and selves with discursive resources
Authors: Cousineau Matthew J.
Published: October 2017

In recent years, a growing body of multidisciplinary research has used the concept of the discursive resource. Discursive psychologists, communications scholars, and sociologists have all used this concept. Discursive resources are clusters of categories supplied by culture that present explanations for past and future activities, provide individual and collective identities for self‐construction, and enable and constrain texts. In this essay, I describe how this research contributes to sociological theorizing of identity, and make some recommendations for researchers who wish to use these concepts or improve these concepts. Studies using the concept of the discursive resource contribute to sociological theorizing of identity by showing how discursive resources are related to important features of social life such as future talk; collective identities; space and time; and complex and political divisions of labor, culture, and postmodernity. I then conclude by suggesting that future research analyze the social distribution of discursive resources across different kinds of social environments.
The Changing Effect of Education on Asian Immigrants' Self‐Employment
Authors: Min Pyong Gap , Kim Chigon
Published: October 2017

This article examines whether the post‐1990 Asian immigrants have a lower likelihood of being self‐employed than their counterparts in the 1970s–1980s immigrant cohort. More important, it investigates whether the relationship between education and self‐employment changes across the two immigrant cohorts. The authors framed these questions in the context of the changing U.S. immigration policy and used the ethnic and class recourses thesis and the thesis emphasizing immigrants' disadvantages for employment in the general labor market as two major theoretical orientations. Data come from the 1990 Census 5 percent sample and the 2007–2011 American Community Survey 5‐year sample. Findings from logistic regression analyses show that the second‐cohort Chinese, Asian Indian, and Korean immigrants have a lower likelihood of being self‐employed than their first‐cohort counterparts. Findings further show that education has a positive effect on the likelihood of self‐employment for the first‐cohort Asian Indian, Filipino, and Korean immigrants. For the second cohort, education has a negative effect on the likelihood of self‐employment for all Asian immigrant groups. The authors discussed the implications of these findings and concluded that well‐educated second‐cohort Asian immigrants face fewer disadvantages in finding their occupations commensurate with their educational level in the general labor market than their first‐cohort counterparts.
Tectonic indentation in the central Alboran Sea (westernmost Mediterranean)
Authors: Estrada Ferran , Galindo‐Zaldívar Jesús , Vázquez Juan Tomás , Ercilla Gemma , D'Acremont Elia , Alonso Belén , Gorini Christian
Published: October 2017

The Alboran Sea constitutes a Neogene–Quaternary basin of the Betic–Rif Cordillera, which has been deformed since the Late Miocene during the collision between the Eurasian and African plates in the westernmost Mediterranean. NNE–SSW sinistral and WNW–ESE dextral conjugate fault sets forming a 75° angle surround a rigid basement spur of the African plate, and are the origin of most of the shallow seismicity of the central Alboran Sea. Northward, the faults decrease their transcurrent slip, becoming normal close to the tip point, while NNW–SSE normal and sparse ENE–WSW reverse to transcurrent faults are developed. The uplifting of the Alboran Ridge ENE–WSW antiform above a detachment level was favoured by the crustal layering. Despite the recent anticlockwise rotation of the Eurasian–African convergence trend in the westernmost Mediterranean, these recent deformations—consistent with indenter tectonics characterised by a N164°E trend of maximum compression—entail the highest seismic hazard of the Alboran Sea.
Perceptions on Healthy Eating, Nutrition and Obesity among Select Groups of the Population in Trinidad
Authors: Singh-Ackbarali Dimple , Maharaj Rohanie
Published: October 2017

This paper examined local self-reported perceptions on healthy eating, nutrition and obesity among select groups of the population and how these varied with gender, age, socioeconomic status/professional/educational training, and ethnicity.  97% of participant volunteers believed that what you eat is one of the most important factors for maintaining health, there were a number of attitudinal and perceived environmental barriers to healthy eating and increasing physical activity. Results showed that while 85.8% of participant volunteers declared that they would like to get in better shape 65.8% reported that they are currently trying to improve their weight and 48.3% confessed to having poor or only ok eating habits. Busy schedule, cost of healthy foods and lack of convenience to eat or shop healthy were found to be the main barriers to healthy eating. There are significant differences in these barriers for the different age categories. The lack of motivation to do physical activity, insufficient support from friends, and lack of time to do physical activity were the main barriers to physical activity. The difference between the different age categories were significant for several of the barriers while the difference between males and females was only significant for one barrier. Finally it was found that the perceived barriers to healthy eating and physical activity did not vary by socio-economic status or overweight status. A limitation of this study was that the barriers were not assessed objectively, but rather through self-reports. It can be concluded that more efficient measure to reduce obesity might require a shift away from the traditional focus on individual behavior change towards strategies which deal with the environment in which such behaviors occur. The successful challenge to obesity therefore lies not in interventions at the individual level but in the public policy domain.
A Qualitative Research on Administration Ethics at School
Authors: Güngör Semra Kiranli , Özkara Funda
Published: October 2017

The aim of the research is to reveal the opinions of the school administrators about the administration ethics. In this study, 30 administrators working in the middle schools of Eskişehir province center in the 2016–2017 academic year were reached. In the study, data were gathered by interview technique which is one of the qualitative research methods. All of the interviews were conducted by the researcher individually. During the interviews, voice recordings were made with the interviewers who consented to this and note-taking system was used with the interviewers who did not consent to voice recording. Data were analyzed by content analysis method. Analyzing the content of the interview, themes and sub-themes were created according to thematic coding. According to the results of the research, the administrators stated that there was no written professional ethical principles in the school and they did not need them. However, there are officially written professional ethical principles. According to school administrators, the source of unethical behavior is inadequacy and being under pressure by many factors. However, some administrators can ignore unethical behavior. School administrators prefer to give punishment to the staff directly who will act unethically. Ethical practices in school administrators' schools are not at the level as it is supposed to be and are not functional. School administrators indicate that there is a professional difference between men and women. It is obvious that school administrators who participated in this study have deficiencies in ethics in school administration.
Effectiveness of dietary inorganic nitrate in lowering blood pressure in hypertensive adults: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Remington Jennifer , Winters Karen
Published: October 2017

Review question:

The question of this review is: what is the effect of dietary inorganic nitrate on blood pressure in adults with blood pressure >120/80mmHg?
Nurse initiated protocols for spontaneous breathing trials in adult intensive care unit patients: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Starnes Elizabeth , Palokas Michelle
Published: October 2017

Review objectives/questions:

The objectives of this scoping review are to explore the existing literature regarding protocols initated by nurses for a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients, to examine and conceptually map the evidence, and to identify any gaps in the literature.

The questions of this review are:

What outcomes have been reported with the use of protocols initiated by nurses for Spontaneous Breathing Trials in the adult ICU patient?

What elements are found in protocols initiated by nurses for Spontaneous Breathing Trials in the adult ICU patient?
ACCESO A LOS EQUIPAMIENTOS DEPORTIVOS: LAS CATEGORÍAS DE USUARIO Y ESCENARIO COMO BARRERA
Authors: Tabares Fernández José Fernando , Gaviria García Nelson Alveiro , Patiño Torres Carlos Esneider
Published: October 2017

Las categorías de usuario y escenario como barreras forman parte de los resultados finales de la investigación “Los escenarios deportivos y las UVA en la dinámica activa de la ciudad (Medellín)”, cuyo objetivo fue establecer su incidencia en temas de ciudad. Se trabajó desde una perspectiva multimétodo, con la aplicación del índice de acceso y desarrollo deportivo (IDAD) para el acceso y distribución y con talleres, conversaciones, cuestionarios abiertos y socializaciones para la participación, el emprendimiento y la resiliencia. Los escenarios como asunto central de la política pública requieren un abordaje que trascienda su sola existencia como indicador de procesos para la garantía del derecho. En este sentido, se identificaron las categorías de escenario y usuario como condicionantes del acceso. Se presenta una propuesta que busca contribuir a profundizar en la temática y ampliar la mirada sobre un objeto como los escenarios, central en la política pública del deporte.
CALIDAD DE VIDA Y SU CORRELACIÓN CON LOS PRECIOS DEL SUELO: APROXIMACIÓN A LA SEGREGACIÓN RESIDENCIAL EN BOGOTÁ
Authors: Mayorga José Mario , García Diva Marcela , Hernández Laura
Published: October 2017

Con el artículo se pretende caracterizar, mediante datos empíricos, la concentración de condiciones de alta y baja calidad de vida en la ciudad de Bogotá en 2005, así como la georreferenciación de los precios del suelo, en una escala de alta proximidad geográfica. Lo anterior, a la luz del concepto de segregación residencial, en busca de identificar sus formas de expresión con variables que son consideradas como causas y consecuencias de los patrones de ubicación de la población en la ciudad. Se realizan pruebas estadísticas que determinan su alta concentración y la correlación entre estas dos variables.
La competencia informacional en el contexto de aprendizaje universitario
Authors: Ordóñez Paz Adriana J.
Published: October 2017

Reseña del Libro: Competencias informacionales: rutas de exploración en la enseñanza universitaria. Cabra-Torres, F.; Marciales Vivas, G. P.; Castañeda- Peña, H.; Barbosa Chacón, J. W., y Melo González, L. Competencias informacionales: rutas de exploración en la enseñanza universitaria. (2016). Bogotá: Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, 152 pp.
Formar docentes, formar personas: análisis de los aprendizajes logrados por estudiantes universitarios desde una experiencia de gamificación
Authors: Pérez - López Isaac , Rivera García Enrique
Published: October 2017

El concepto de gamificación ha enraizado como componente de la dinamización de grupos empresariales; sin embargo, se encuentra poco arraigado en el campo de la educación como metodología de enseñanza. Esta investigación evalúa la formación de docentes que se da en una experiencia de gamificación, a partir de las percepciones que tienen los estudiantes de un juego de rol. Han participado sesenta y nueve estudiantes del cuarto semestre de licenciatura en Ciencias de la Actividad Física y el Deporte. El análisis de la información se ha realizado mediante metodologías cualitativas que se han apoyado en el software NVivo10.
Reimaginar el laicado desde la teología pastoral de Manuel Larraín
Authors: Arenas Sandra , De la Cerda Paula
Published: October 2017

“Lo secular es lo propio del laicado”. Esta afirmación conciliar resonaba en el pensamiento teológico-pastoral del obispo chileno Manuel Larraín, un buen impulsor del desarrollo de una teología del laicado ajena a cualquier eclesiocentrismo. La teología de las realidades temporales y de la historia previa al Concilio marcará transversalmente su contribución conciliar en estas materias. Este artículo muestra cómo una teología positiva del laicado necesita de un renovado paradigma eclesiológico y de una teología positiva de la historia. Desde algunas fuentes archivísticas, la interconexión entre las tres teologías en juego son revisitadas desde el pensamiento de Larraín en el periodo conciliar, para explorar sus potencialidades en la actual agenda eclesial.
Understanding Von Balthasar’s Trilogy
Authors: Polanco Rodrigo
Published: October 2017

The article presents the structure of Hans Urs Von Balthasar’s thought from the synthesis he achieved in his “Theological Trilogy”: “Theological Aesthetics,” “Theo-Drama,” and “Theo-Logic”. Because the Trilogy is based on the three transcendentals of Being (beauty, goodness, and truth), this study—after reviewing Balthasar’s influences throughout his life—describes his understanding of the relationship between philosophy and theology and explains how the trinitarian revelation can be aptly expressed through God’s manifestation (beauty), bestowal (goodness), and comprehension (truth).
Desplazamientos, transformaciones y retos de una educación filosófica en una sociedad democrática: reflexiones en torno a un viejo cuaderno de filosofía
Authors: Pineda Rivera Diego Antonio
Published: October 2017

En el presente artículo, el autor reflexiona en torno al pasado, presente y futuro de una educación filosófica en el marco de un modo de vida democrático integrando tres niveles distintos: uno autobiográfico (allí la reflexión se suscita por la visión del cuaderno escolar de filosofía del padre del autor), otro conceptual (en donde se retoma la concepción pragmatista de la filosofía de John Dewey) y un tercero descriptivo y propositivo (en el cual se analiza lo que ha ocurrido en los últimos años con la enseñanza filosófica y se hace la propuesta de una educación filosófica consecuente con tales desarrollos). Se trata de poner de presente, sobre todo, los diversos desplazamientos y transformaciones que ha sufrido la enseñanza filosófica en el último siglo a través del contraste entre las viejas prácticas de una filosofía centrada en dar una “visión correcta del mundo” y las exigencias de una filosofía que cumpla una función crítica de la sociedad y el conocimiento, retomando con ello el ideal deweyano de que la filosofía cumpla con una función a la vez crítica y reconstructiva de la experiencia presente. Concluye el artículo proponiendo diez retos para la educación filosófica del futuro.
Educar para el cuidado de sí: una reflexión desde el pensamiento socrático
Authors: Ruiz Gutiérrez Adriana María
Published: October 2017

El Fedón de Platón registra las últimas palabras de Sócrates, tan inquietantes como conmovedoras: “Critón, le debemos un gallo a Asclepio. Así que págaselo y no lo descuides”. En oposición a la canónica interpretación nietzscheana según la cual el filósofo ateniente había sufrido la vida como una enfermedad y por ello requería atestiguar su gratitud al dios amo de la curación, Michel Foucault entiende el último decir socrático como una exhortación a no olvidarse, ni descuidarse, sino a ocuparse de la propia vida, descubriendo quiénes somos y cómo podemos ser mejores. La advertencia sobre los riesgos del olvido del yo, el autoolvido, constituye el péndulo de la muerte de Sócrates, desde el principio de la Apología y el Critón hasta el final del Fedón, sintetizando así su actitud ante la vida y la filosofía. Su enseñanza, pues, es esta: “ocupaos de vosotros mismos”; no hay que perderse de vista, retornando siempre ante el peligro del descuido y agradeciendo al dios de la curación, quien alienta al cuidado de sí, consigo y con los otros.
Characterization of n-type Cu2O deposited by reactive ion beam sputter deposition
Authors: Ejigu Assamen Ayalew , Chao Liang-chiun
Published: October 2017

Cuprous oxide (Cu2O) has been successfully deposited by reactive ion beam sputter deposition at 450 °C with various oxygen flow rates. At high oxygen flow rates, single phase polycrystalline Cu2O thin film was attained while low oxygen flow rates results in the formation of Cu2O nanorods. X-ray diffraction, Raman, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses indicate that both samples are composed of Cu2O phase only without the presence of CuO while samples deposited with low oxygen flow rates exhibit improved crystalline quality. Photocurrent measurement result indicates that Cu2O samples prepared under low oxygen flow rate are of n-type. Photoluminescence study suggests that this n-type conductivity is due to the presence of intrinsic oxygen vacancy defects.
An Experimental Introduction to Acoustics
Authors: Black Andy Nicholas , Magruder Robert H.
Published: October 2017

Learning and understanding physics requires more than studying physics texts. It requires doing physics. Doing research is a key opportunity for students to connect physical principles with their everyday experience. A powerful way to introduce students to research and technique is through subjects in which they might find interest. Presented is an experiment that serves to introduce an advanced undergraduate or high school student to conducting research in acoustics via an experiment involving a standard dreadnought acoustic guitar, recording industry-related equipment, and relevant industrial analysis software. This experimental process is applicable to a wide range of acoustical topics including both acoustic and electric instruments. Also, the student has a hands-on experience with relevant audio engineering technology to study physical principles.
A free electronic astronomy textbook and OER hub
Authors: Fraknoi Andrew
Published: October 2017

How many of us who teach introductory astronomy in college or high school have thrown up our hands in despair over the cost of textbooks and worried about the fact that up-to-date editions were beyond the means of many of our students? I know I have had this worry, even though I have been a textbook author myself since the 1990s. I’ve had students unable to get the book, or groups of students sharing a book because they could not individually afford the price.
Speech quality and stable gain trade-offs in adaptive feedback cancellation for hearing aids
Authors: Lee Ching-Hua , Kates James M. , Rao Bhaskar D. , Garudadri Harinath
Published: October 2017

This paper addresses trade-offs in adaptive feedback cancellation (AFC) for hearing aids. Aggressive AFC for improved added stable gain (ASG) reduces speech quality. In this paper, the hearing-aid speech quality index (HASQI) is used to investigate AFC performance before the system becomes unstable. It is demonstrated that for a desired speech quality, multiple AFC algorithms can be evaluated for their ASG and computational efficiency. An example is presented with HASQI = 0.8, baseline AFC, and two advanced approaches. For the advanced AFCs, ASG gains of 4 and 7 dB were obtained at additional computational complexity of 8% and 11%, respectively.
Competition Level Not Associated With Diet Quality in Marching Artists
Authors: McConnell Colleen , McPherson Alyssa , Woolf Kathleen
Published: October 2017

Marching artists are a unique group of athletes whose performance can be influenced by nutrition. Because physical demands are thought to be moderate to high, adequate energy and a variety of nutrient-dense foods are needed. The purpose of this study was to examine diet quality, physical activity, and eating behavior of marching artists across elite and nonelite competition levels. This cross-sectional analysis used the validated National Cancer Institute Diet History Questionnaire II, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and Eating Behavior Patterns Questionnaire. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2010. Marching artists who participated in marching band in 2015 were eligible. Those in Drum Corps International (DCI) were considered part of the elite level; all others were considered nonelite. Chi-square analyses assessed associations between categorical variables and competition level, and independent sample t-tests assessed differences between continuous variables among competition level. Participants (n = 323) included 228 (71%) DCI members and 95 (29%) non-DCI members who reported a mean age of 19.8 ± 1.9 years. DCI members reported higher physical activity levels (p < 0.001) and fewer meal-skipping behaviors compared to non-DCI members (p < 0.001). The overall mean HEI score was 58.8 ± 10.3, with no difference between competition levels. Only one participant overall (<1%) met the recommended intake level of whole grains. Additionally, 2% of participants met the sodium restriction recommendation and 7% met the empty calorie upper limit. Suboptimal diet quality combined with high levels of physical activity is a problem for marching artists that should be addressed through carefully planned interventions.