bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological Impacts of Major Forest-Use Pesticides
Authors: Dean G. Thompson
Published: February 2014

Assessing the potential for ecological impacts of pesticides requires a hierarchical approach with research ranging from simple laboratory to complex field experiments and operational monitoring. While all levels of study provide useful information, higher tier research has inherently greater environmental relevance and inference potential. In this chapter, selected higher tier studies relating to the use of herbicides glyphosate and triclopyr, as well as the insecticides Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) and diflubenzuron in the forest sector are reviewed. These case examples illustrate scenarios in which higher tier studies either negate or support the presumptions of risk derived from results of lower tier experiments. Specifically, assessment of the cases for glyphosate and Btk support their continued judicious use as environmentally acceptable components of integrated vegetation and insect pest management strategies. In contrast, higher level studies confirm risk postulates associated with typical forest-sector use patterns for triclopyr ester and diflubenzuron. Mitigation measures are required to ensure that use of these latter compounds do not pose undue risk to sensitive non-target organisms. In a broader context, the ecological implications of pesticide use in the forest sector must be considered in light of the fact that any management action, including the “no intervention” option, carries both economic and ecological risk. Strict adherence to the weight of scientific evidence principle, incorporation of knowledge gained from all levels of investigation, and a balanced assessment of relative risks of all potential options are considered primary requisites of comprehensive risk analysis and effective decision making.
Impacts of Pesticides on Freshwater Ecosystems
Authors: Ralf B. Schafer  , Paul J. van den Brink  , Matthias Liess
Published: February 2014

Pesticides can enter surface waters via different routes, among which runoff driven by precipitation or irrigation is the most important in terms of peak concentrations. The exposure can cause direct effects on all levels of biological organisation, while the toxicant mode of action largely determines which group of organisms (primary producers, microorganisms, invertebrates or fish) is affected. Due to the interconnectedness of freshwater communities, direct effects can entail several indirect effects that are categorised and discussed. The duration of effects depends on the recovery potential of the affected organisms, which is determined by several key factors. Long-term effects of pesticides have been shown to occur in the field. However, the extent of the effects is currently uncertain, mainly because of a lack of large-scale data on pesticide peak concentrations. In the final section, we elucidate the different approaches to predict effects of pesticides on freshwater ecosystems. Various techniques and approaches from the individual level to the ecosystem level are available. When used complementary they allow for a relatively accurate prediction of effects on a broad scale, though the predictive strength is rather limited when it comes to the local scale. Further advances in the risk assessment of pesticides require the incorporation and extension of ecological knowledge.
Impact of Pollutants on Coastal and Benthic Marine Communities
Authors: Angel Borja  , Maria Jesus Belzunce  , Joxe Mikel Garmendia  , Jose German Rodriguez  , Oihana Solaun  , Izaskun Zorita
Published: February 2014

In recent years, sources, types and levels of contaminants in the marine environment have increased as a consequence of anthropogenic activities worldwide. Chemical substances are usually present in the marine environment at different concentrations. They are accumulated in the tissues of marine organisms exerting damaging effects at different levels of organization, from organisms to communities and ecosystems. The understanding of their effects and distribution has increased substantially since the early reports on the biological effects of marine pollution and associated monitoring problems. This Chapter has been divided into five main sections: (i) molecular, cellular and tissue level biomarkers in assessing effects, reviewing the use of biomarkers in monitoring effects; (ii) biological effects at organism and population level; (iii) bioassay studies at organism level, focusing on ecotoxicology and discussing toxicity estimation and bioassay limitations; (iv) ecological effects at community level, including structural parameters, such as richness, diversity, etc., but also the proportion of opportunistic and sensitive species, discussing the multiple pressure interactions; and (v) measuring pollutant effects in integrative assessments, both in evaluating risk and assessing the ecological status of the ecosystems. The main objective of the Chapter is to bring together the knowledge on the biological effects of pollution, developed in recent years, at different biological levels of organization.
Chemical Pollution on Coral Reefs: Exposure and Ecological Effects
Authors: Joost W. van Dam, , ,  , Andrew P. Negri  , Jochen F. Mueller
Published: February 2014

In this chapter we review the effects of anthropogenically derived chemical pollutants on tropical coral reef ecosystems. A wide range of compounds, including pesticides, trace metals and petroleum hydrocarbons enter reef systems through various pathways and affect different reef species and/or life history stages. Tools for evaluation of chemical stress on coral reefs consist of molecular, biochemical, physiological and ecological bioindicators, providing information at organismal or community levels. This chapter collates and assesses available information on different chemical stressors in the marine environment and the effects on reef-building corals. Ecological effects from chemical stressors are strongly dependent on exposure characteristics. Three probable pollution scenarios are discussed and their individual properties evaluated. Short-term, pulse-like pollution events including oil spills or antifoulant deposition through ship groundings often have a direct and severe impact upon multiple trophic levels of the system. However, these events are typically localised and possibly irrelevant on an ecosystem-wide scale. In contrast, recurring pollution events such as input from river floods or chronic pollution from land runoff (e.g. sewage treatment effluent or herbicides), may exert subtle effects on lower trophic levels of the system, affecting species fitness and driving adaptation. Effects from recurring or chronic pollution are more likely to combine and interact with other environmental factors, but remain poorly understood. Over time, chronic sub-lethal stress may decrease resilience of reef organisms to other forms of environmental stress like elevated sea surface temperatures and ocean acidification.
Impact of Contaminants on Pelagic Ecosystems
Authors: Ketil Hylland  , A. Dick Vethaak
Published: February 2014

Most of the primary production of the world's oceans takes place in the water column, thereby fuelling not only marine pelagic food-webs, but also most benthic communities. In addition, nearly all marine organisms depend on the pelagic zone for some part of their life-cycle. Although most contaminants have physico-chemical properties that cause them to associate with organic material particles and eventually be transported to sediments, direct contaminant inputs are predominantly to pelagic ecosystems. Taking both the ecological importance and the contaminant load into account, there is a surprising lack of scientific knowledge concerning the effects of contaminants in pelagic systems. The main reasons are presumably the difficulty in linking exposure with processes at a scale relevant for environmental management, and challenges involved in using pelagic fish and zooplankton species for experimental studies (excluding the 2-3 copepod species used for regulatory toxicity testing). Contaminants have been shown to affect primary producers as well as secondary producers-consumers, but there is very limited knowledge about ecological impacts. Top predators in marine ecosystems (piscivorous fish species, marine mammals, seabirds) will be particularly at risk from persistent organic contaminants since they will biomagnify. Although there is evidence of effects caused by such substances in the past, there is a need for continuous updates including “new” contaminants. Most relevant for lower trophic levels, micro- and mesocosm studies under controlled conditions are critical for increased understanding of processes and putative effects of contaminants in the pelagic zone. Some field-based strategies have been suggested and implemented to varying degrees for environmental management of contaminants in the water column, including riskbased modelling, bioassay-analyses of environmental samples or extracts (e.g., through the use of passive samplers), caging of organisms and, finally, collection and analyses of native organisms.
Concluding Remarks
Authors: Francisco Sanchez-Bayo  , Paul J. van den Brink  , Reinier M. Mann
Published: February 2014

Full Text Available.
Index
Authors: Sánchez-Bayo Francisco , J. van den Brink Paul , M. Mann Reinier
Published: February 2014

Full Text Available.
Strengthening International Networks to Advance Global Palliative Care
Authors: O'Connor Margaret , Gwyther Liz
Published: February 2014

As palliative care has matured as a discipline, the impact of working with individuals at the end of life has become more visible. In turn, palliative care professionals have developed ways to share their respective experiences and a number of representative worldwide groups have emerged. These groups have become increasingly involved in advocacy and awareness-raising activities on behalf of the sector, using rights-based arguments and a public health framework to advocate for equitable access to palliative care. This article provides an overview of some of the work that has been undertaken by international groups. Although worldwide activities may differ in emphasis, there has been demonstrated benefit in coalescing the advocacy activities, in order to present a united global voice on issues.
Caregiving in Mothers' Narratives of Perinatal Hospice
Authors: Limbo Rana , Lathrop Anthony
Published: February 2014

A mother whose baby is diagnosed prenatally with a life-threatening condition frequently has weeks or months to prepare for birth and death. Research and anecdotal evidence affirm a mother's mindful journey with her unborn child. Bowlby's theory of caregiving, reciprocal to attachment, provides a theoretical framework for this study. Caregiving includes the goals of protecting, nurturing, and socializing a child. The authors used directed content analysis for a secondary analysis of data from the category of caregiving, created in a prior study of 15 mothers recruited from perinatal hospice support organizations. Results identify multiple ways that mothers protect, nurture, and socialize, and add a new category: final acts of caregiving. Understanding caregiving as a goal-corrected system strengthens the evidence for giving mothers every opportunity to care for their babies in ways that are normal and natural to them.
Wicked Problems in Technical Communication
Authors: Wickman Chad
Published: February 2014

This article develops a framework for rhetorical inquiry that builds on the concept of wicked problems as conceptualized through social policy and design studies research. Responding to technical communication scholarship that calls for increased engagement with public issues and controversies, the author specifically discusses a writing course that used the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill as a basis for teaching problem-based rhetorical invention, document production, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional development. The framework described in this article ultimately offers a heuristic for students to research and write about ill-defined problems that must be addressed in time but that demand sustained engagement over time—activities that begin in the classroom but ideally continue to develop throughout their personal and professional lives.
An Important Link in the Chain Connecting Ancient Chinese Philosophy to Present-Day Style of Chinese Technical Communication: Introducing Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine—China's First Comprehensive Medical Book
Authors: Ding Daniel D.
Published: February 2014

Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, China's first comprehensive medical book, served as the key link between Yi Jing, which initiated China's high-context culture, and the high-context style of modern Chinese technical communication. In the form of dialogues between Yellow Emperor and his minister, its 24 fascicles cover four major topics of the organs, diagnosis, diseases, and treatments. While examining the body and discussing various diseases and treatments, the book expands on Yi Jing's philosophy through integrating three interrelated concepts: Tao, Yin and Yang, and Five Elements (word, fire, soil, metal, and water). In this way, the book, for the first time in Chinese history, explicitly treated humans and their behaviors as individual events conditioned by the natural context, emphasizing context as the conditioning force. This emphasis on context is manifest in modern Chinese technical communication as two textual devices of establishing personal relationships and creating ideal physical environments.
Defining “Research”: Undergraduate Perceptions of Research in a Technical Communication Classroom
Authors: Ross Derek G.
Published: February 2014

This article presents data from a two-part study of student perceptions of research. Fifty-one research proposals are analyzed in order to understand perceptions of research, and results from a survey are analyzed to better understand how students both perceive and articulate their understanding of research. The data show that students assign multiple definitions to the concept of research, and suggest that increased attention to clarifying terminology and identifying student perceptions would facilitate better work.
From Chick to Child: The Role of Analogy in the Making of Thorndike's Educational Science
Authors: Little Joseph
Published: February 2014

In this article, the first to analyze the role of analogy in Edward Thorndike's educational vision, I argue that the feat of Thorndike's analogy-making was his ability to launch an experimental science of child learning without having had access to children. That the origin of American pedagogical science rests on Thorndike's animals stands as a palpable example of the power of analogy to serve a constitutive function in scientific invention. In Thorndike's case, the social consequences were considerable: His juxtaposition of the child and the animal, his fusing of the two in the concept of the animal-child mind, led him to reason that infants, like animals, were incapable of having ideas, and children, though fully capable, still learned best in many cases through the process of rote memorization and drill.
Hydrogen Sulfide Improves Wound Healing via Restoration of Endothelial Progenitor Cell Functions and Activation of Angiopoietin-1 in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Liu Fang , Chen Dan-Dan , Sun Xin , Xie He-Hui , Yuan Hong , Jia Weiping , Chen Alex F.
Published: February 2014

Impaired angiogenesis and its induced refractory wound lesions are common complications of diabetes. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been reported to have proangiogenic effects. We hypothesize that H2S improves diabetic wound healing by restoring endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) function in type 2 diabetes. db/db Mice were treated with sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), 4-hydro-xythiobenzamide group (HTB), or saline for 18 days. db/+ Mice were treated with dl-propargylglycine (PAG) or saline for 18 days. Plasma H2S levels were significantly decreased in db/db mice and restored in the NaHS and HTB mice compared with the diabetic control group. Wound-closure rates were significantly faster in the NaHS and HTB groups than in the db/db group, in which the PAG group had slower wound-closure rates. Wound skin capillary densities were enhanced in the NaHS and HTB groups. EPC functions were significantly preserved in the NaHS and HTB groups but were decreased in the PAG group. Meanwhile, EPC functions of the db/+ mice were significantly reduced after in vitro PAG treatment or cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) silencing; EPC functions of db/db mice were significantly improved after in vitro NaHS treatment. The expressions of Ang-1 in wound skin tissue and in EPCs were upregulated in the NaHS and HTB groups compared with db/db controls, but were downregulated by in vivo PAG and in vitro siCSE treatment compared with normal controls. Diabetic EPC tube formation capacity was significantly inhibited by Ang-1 small interfering RNA before NaHS treatment compared with db/db EPCs treated with NaHS only. Taken together, these results show that H2S improves wound healing by restoration of EPC functions and activation of Ang-1 in type 2 diabetic mice.
Vagal Hyperactivity Due to Ventromedial Hypothalamic Lesions Increases Adiponectin Production and Release
Authors: Suzuki Yoko , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Ishizuka Noriko , Kubota Naoto , Kubota Tetsuya , Senoo Akira , Kageyama Haruaki , Osaka Toshimasa , Hirako Satoshi , Kim Hyoun-Ju , Matsumoto Akiyo , Shioda Seiji , Mori Masatomo , Kadowaki Takashi , Inoue Shuji
Published: February 2014

In obese humans and animals, adiponectin production and release in adipose tissue are downregulated by feedback inhibition, resulting in decreased serum adiponectin. We investigated adiponectin production and release in ventromedial hypothalamic (VMH)-lesioned animals. VMH-lesioned mice showed significant increases in food intake and body weight gain, with hyperinsulinemia and hyperleptinemia at 1 and 4 weeks after VMH-lesioning. Serum adiponectin was elevated in VMH-lesioned mice at 1 and 4 weeks, despite adipocyte hypertrophy in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues and increased body fat. Adiponectin production and mRNA were also increased in both adipose tissues in VMH-lesioned mice at 1 week. These results were replicated in VMH-lesioned rats at 1 week. Daily atropine administration for 5 days or subdiaphragmatic vagotomy completely reversed the body weight gain and eliminated the increased adiponectin production and release in these rats, with reversal to a normal serum adiponectin level. Parasympathetic nerve activation by carbachol infusion for 5 days in rats increased serum adiponectin, with increased adiponectin production in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues without changes of body weight. These results demonstrate that activation of the parasympathetic nerve by VMH lesions stimulates production of adiponectin in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues and adiponectin release, resulting in elevated serum adiponectin.
Preserved Energy Balance in Mice Lacking FoxO1 in Neurons of Nkx2.1 Lineage Reveals Functional Heterogeneity of FoxO1 Signaling Within the Hypothalamus
Authors: Heinrich Garrett , Meece Kana , Wardlaw Sharon L. , Accili Domenico
Published: February 2014

Transcription factor forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) regulates energy expenditure (EE), food intake, and hepatic glucose production. These activities have been mapped to specific hypothalamic neuronal populations using cell type–specific knockout experiments in mice. To parse out the integrated output of FoxO1-dependent transcription from different neuronal populations and multiple hypothalamic regions, we used transgenic mice expressing Cre recombinase from the Nkx2.1 promoter to ablate loxP-flanked Foxo1 alleles from a majority of hypothalamic neurons (Foxo1KONkx2.1 mice). This strategy resulted in the expected inhibition of FoxO1 expression, but only produced a transient reduction of body weight as well as a decreased body length. The transient decrease of body weight in male mice was accompanied by decreased fat mass. Male Foxo1KONkx2.1 mice show food intake similar to that in wild-type controls, and, although female knockout mice eat less, they do so in proportion to a reduced body size. EE is unaffected in Foxo1KONkx2.1 mice, although small increases in body temperature are present. Unlike other neuron-specific Foxo1 knockout mice, Foxo1KONkx2.1 mice are not protected from diet-induced obesity. These studies indicate that, unlike the metabolic effects of highly restricted neuronal subsets (proopiomelanocortin, neuropeptide Y/agouti-related peptide, and steroidogenic factor 1), those of neurons derived from the Nkx2.1 lineage either occur in a FoxO1-independent fashion or are compensated for through developmental plasticity.
Grg3/TLE3 and Grg1/TLE1 Induce Monohormonal Pancreatic β-Cells While Repressing α-Cell Functions
Authors: Metzger David E. , Liu Chengyang , Ziaie Amin Sam , Naji Ali , Zaret Kenneth S.
Published: February 2014

In the pancreas, α- and β-cells possess a degree of plasticity. In vitro differentiation of pluripotent cells yields mostly α- and polyhormonal β-like cells, indicating a gap in understanding of how functional monohormonal β-cells are formed and of the endogenous repressive mechanisms used to maintain β-cell identity. We show that the corepressor Grg3 is expressed in almost all β-cells throughout embryogenesis to adulthood. However, Grg3 is expressed in fewer nascent α-cells and is progressively lost from α-cells as endocrine cells mature into adulthood. We show that mouse Grg3+/− β-cells have increased α-specific gene expression, and Grg3+/− pancreata have more α-cells and more polyhormonal cells, indicating that Grg3 is required for the physiologic maintenance of monohormonal β-cell identity. Ectopic expression of Grg3 in α-cells represses glucagon and Arx, and the addition of Pdx1 induces Glut2 expression and glucose-responsive insulin secretion. Furthermore, we found that Grg1 is the predominant Groucho expressed in human β-cells but acts functionally similarly to Grg3. Overall, we find that Grg3 and Grg1 establish a monohormonal β-cell identity, and Groucho family members may be useful tools or markers for making functional β-cells.
Gastric Bypass Improves β-Cell Function and Increases β-Cell Mass in a Porcine Model
Authors: Lindqvist Andreas , Spégel Peter , Ekelund Mikael , Garcia Vaz Eliana , Pierzynowski Stefan , Gomez Maria F. , Mulder Hindrik , Hedenbro Jan , Groop Leif , Wierup Nils
Published: February 2014

The most frequently used and effective treatment for morbid obesity is Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB), which results in rapid remission of type 2 diabetes in most cases. To what extent this is accounted for by weight loss or other factors remains elusive. To gain insight into these mechanisms, we investigated the effects of RYGB on β-cell function and β-cell mass in the pig, a species highly reminiscent of the human. RYGB was performed using linear staplers during open surgery. Sham-operated pigs were used as controls. Both groups were fed a low-calorie diet for 3 weeks after surgery. Intravenous glucose tolerance tests were performed 2 weeks after surgery. Body weight in RYGB pigs and sham-operated, pair-fed control pigs developed similarly. RYGB pigs displayed improved glycemic control, which was attributed to increases in β-cell mass, islet number, and number of extraislet β-cells. Pancreatic expression of insulin and glucagon was elevated, and cells expressing the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor were more abundant in RYGB pigs. Our data from a pig model of RYGB emphasize the key role of improved β-cell function and β-cell mass to explain the improved glucose tolerance after RYGB as food intake and body weight remained identical.
Reduced Incorporation of Fatty Acids Into Triacylglycerol in Myotubes From Obese Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Sparks Lauren M. , Bosma Madeleen , Brouwers Bram , van de Weijer Tineke , Bilet Lena , Schaart Gert , Moonen-Kornips Esther , Eichmann Thomas O. , Lass Achim , Hesselink Matthijs K.C. , Schrauwen Patrick
Published: February 2014

Altered skeletal muscle lipid metabolism is a hallmark feature of type 2 diabetes (T2D). We investigated muscle lipid turnover in T2D versus BMI-matched control subjects (controls) and examined whether putative in vivo differences would be preserved in the myotubes. Male obese T2D individuals (n = 6) and BMI-matched controls (n = 6) underwent a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, VO2max test, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan, underwater weighing, and muscle biopsy of the vastus lateralis. 14C-palmitate and 14C-oleate oxidation rates and incorporation into lipids were measured in muscle tissue as well as in primary myotubes. Palmitate oxidation (controls: 0.99 ± 0.17 nmol/mg protein; T2D: 0.53 ± 0.07 nmol/mg protein; P = 0.03) and incorporation of fatty acids (FAs) into triacylglycerol (TAG) (controls: 0.45 ± 0.13 nmol/mg protein; T2D: 0.11 ± 0.02 nmol/mg protein; P = 0.047) were significantly reduced in muscle homogenates of T2D. These reductions were not retained for palmitate oxidation in primary myotubes (P = 0.38); however, incorporation of FAs into TAG was lower in T2D (P = 0.03 for oleate and P = 0.11 for palmitate), with a strong correlation of TAG incorporation between muscle tissue and primary myotubes (r = 0.848, P = 0.008). The data indicate that the ability to incorporate FAs into TAG is an intrinsic feature of human muscle cells that is reduced in individuals with T2D.
Tissue-Specific Inactivation of Type 2 Deiodinase Reveals Multilevel Control of Fatty Acid Oxidation by Thyroid Hormone in the Mouse
Authors: Fonseca Tatiana L. , Werneck-De-Castro Joao Pedro , Castillo Melany , Bocco Barbara M.L.C. , Fernandes Gustavo W. , McAninch Elizabeth A. , Ignacio Daniele L. , Moises Caio C.S. , Ferreira Alexander R. , Gereben Balázs , Bianco Antonio C.
Published: February 2014

Type 2 deiodinase (D2) converts the prohormone thyroxine (T4) to the metabolically active molecule 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3), but its global inactivation unexpectedly lowers the respiratory exchange rate (respiratory quotient [RQ]) and decreases food intake. Here we used FloxD2 mice to generate systemically euthyroid fat-specific (FAT), astrocyte-specific (ASTRO), or skeletal-muscle-specific (SKM) D2 knockout (D2KO) mice that were monitored continuously. The ASTRO-D2KO mice also exhibited lower diurnal RQ and greater contribution of fatty acid oxidation to energy expenditure, but no differences in food intake were observed. In contrast, the FAT-D2KO mouse exhibited sustained (24 h) increase in RQ values, increased food intake, tolerance to glucose, and sensitivity to insulin, all supporting greater contribution of carbohydrate oxidation to energy expenditure. Furthermore, FAT-D2KO animals that were kept on a high-fat diet for 8 weeks gained more body weight and fat, indicating impaired brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis and/or inability to oxidize the fat excess. Acclimatization of FAT-D2KO mice at thermoneutrality dissipated both features of this phenotype. Muscle D2 does not seem to play a significant metabolic role given that SKM-D2KO animals exhibited no phenotype. The present findings are unique in that they were obtained in systemically euthyroid animals, revealing that brain D2 plays a dominant albeit indirect role in fatty acid oxidation via its sympathetic control of BAT activity. D2-generated T3 in BAT accelerates fatty acid oxidation and protects against diet-induced obesity.
Reliability of Autism-Tics, AD/HD, and other Comorbidities (A–TAC) Inventory in a Test-Retest Design
Authors: Larson Tomas , Selinus Eva Norén , Gumpert Clara Hellner , Nilsson Thomas , Kerekes Nóra , Lichtenstein Paul , Anckarsäter Henrik , Lundström Sebastian
Published: February 2014

The Autism-Tics, AD/HD, and other Comorbidities (A–TAC) inventory is used in epidemiological research to assess neurodevelopmental problems and coexisting conditions. Although the A–TAC has been applied in various populations, data on retest reliability are limited. The objective of the present study was to present additional reliability data. The A–TAC was administered by lay assessors and was completed on two occasions by parents of 400 individual twins, with an average interval of 70 days between test sessions. Intra- and inter-rater reliability were analysed with intraclass correlations and Cohen's κ. A–TAC showed excellent test-retest intraclass correlations for both autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (each at .84). Most modules in the A–TAC had intra- and inter-rater reliability intraclass correlation coefficients of ≥ .60. Cohen's κ indicated acceptable reliability. The current study provides statistical evidence that the A–TAC yields good test-retest reliability in a population-based cohort of children.
Effects of the Common Scale Setting in the Assessment of Differential Item Functioning
Authors: Huang Hung-Yu
Published: February 2014

This study compares three methods of detecting differential item functioning (DIF), the equal mean difficulty (EMD), all-other-item (AOI), and constant item (CI) methods, in terms of estimation bias and rank order change of ability estimates using a series of simulations and two empirical examples. The CI method generated accurate DIF parameter estimates, whereas the EMD and AOI methods produced biased estimates. Moreover, as the percentage of DIF items in a test increased, the superiority of the CI method over the EMD and AOI methods became more apparent. The superiority of the CI method is independent of the sample size, test length, and item type (dichotomous or polytomous). Two empirical examples, a mathematics test and a hostility questionnaire, demonstrated that these three methods yielded inconsistent DIF detections and produced different ability estimate rankings.
Effectiveness of an Enhancement Program on Taiwanese University Students' Self-Concept
Authors: Der Pan Peter Jen , Deng Liang-Yu F. , Tsai Shiou Ling , Sue Iue-Ruey , Jiang Jye-Ru Karen
Published: February 2014

This study examined the effectiveness of a Self-Concept Enhancement Program (SCEP) on Taiwanese university students. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group ( n = 30) and a waiting-list control group ( n = 30). The experimental group received SCEP psycho-educational treatment for 8 weeks, whereas the control group did not. Results indicated significant improvements on physical, personal, self-identity, and total self-concept in the experimental group, but not in the control group. Participants evaluated the SCEP as useful, beneficial, and powerful in promoting their self-concept. Cultural issues were highlighted and discussed. Implications for research and counseling practice are suggested.
College Student Stressors, Depression, and Suicidal Ideation
Authors: Lester David
Published: February 2014

This study was designed to explore whether stressors from college-related activities and stressors from general life experiences differed in their power to predict depression and suicidal ideation in college students. In a sample of 165 college undergraduates, depression was predicted by both sources of stress whereas past and current suicidal ideation were predicted only by general life stress.
Finding Workers, Offenders, or Students Most at-Risk for Violence: Actuarial Tests save Lives and Resources
Authors: Zagar Robert John , Kovach Joseph W. , Basile Brother Benjamin , Hughes John Russell , Grove William M. , Busch Kenneth G. , Zablocki Michael , Osnowitz William , Neuhengen Jonas , Liu Yutong , Zagar Agata Karolina
Published: February 2014

147 adults (107 men, 40 women) and 89 adolescents (61 boys, 28 girls), selected randomly from referrals and volunteers, were given the Ammons Quick Test (QT), the Beck Suicide Scale (BSS), the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Second (MMPI–2) or Adolescent Versions (MMPI–A), the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices, and the Standard Predictor (SP) of Violence Potential Adult or Adolescent Versions. The goals were to: (a) demonstrate computer and paper-and-pencil tests correlated; (b) validate tests to identify at-risk for violence; (c) show that identifying at-risk saves lives and resources; and (d) find which industries benefited from testing at-risk. Paper-and-pencil vs. computer test correlations (.83–.99), sensitivity (.97–.98), and specificity (.50–.97) were computed. Testing at-risk saves lives and resources. Critical industries for testing at-risk individuals may include airlines, energy generating industries, insurance, military, nonprofit-religious, prisoners, trucking or port workers, and veterans.
Validity of the Italian Version of the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) for Nicotine Dependence in Smokers Intending to Quit
Authors: Grassi Maria Caterina , Enea Domenico , Ferketich Amy K. , Culasso Franco , Nencini Paolo
Published: February 2014

The objective was to test the psychometric properties of an Italian version of the Severity of Dependence Scale, a five-item measure designed to assess the compulsive dimension of drug dependence. 635 smokers enrolled in a tobacco dependence treatment program served as the participants. The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence was used as a comparative measure. Dimensionality of the Severity of Dependence Scale and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence was assessed by factor analysis. Prediction of smoking at one year was evaluated by logistic regression. Factor analysis yielded a two-factor solution; however, the second factor explained very little variance. Factor 1 had a Cronbach's α of .66 (overall Scale coefficient = .44). The total Severity of Dependence Score predicted smoking at one year (OR = 1.10).
Media Exposure and Romantic Relationship Quality: A Slippery Slope?
Authors: Reizer Abira , Hetsroni Amir
Published: February 2014

This study examines whether media consumption predicted relationship quality among 188 college students who were involved in romantic relationships. The respondents assessed their commitment to the relationship, their satisfaction from the relationship, and their tendency to engage in conflicts within the relationship. Media consumption was measured by assessing the time dedicated to television viewing in general, watching specific genres, Internet use, and news-paper reading. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that total TV viewing time statistically predicted lower commitment to the relationship, while viewing of programming focusing on romantic relationships predicted lower satisfaction and stronger tendency to engage in conflicts. Consumption of media other than television and the control factors did not predict any indicator of relationship quality. The pattern of negative associations between TV viewing and relationship quality is discussed with reference to cultivation theory and mood management theory.
Relationship between Parenting Styles and Gender Role Identity in College Students
Authors: Lin Yi-Ching , Billingham Robert E.
Published: February 2014

The relationship between perceived parenting styles and gender role identity was examined in college students. 230 undergraduate students (48 men, 182 women; 18–23 years old) responded to the Parental Authority Questionnaire (PAQ) and the Bern Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI). The hypothesis was that parenting styles (authoritarian, authoritative, and permissive for both fathers and mothers) would be significantly associated with gender role identity (undifferentiated, feminine, masculine, and androgynous) of college students, specifically whether authoritative parenting styles associated with androgyny. To account for differences in sex on gender role identity or parenting styles, sex was included as a factor. The pattern of the difference in identity groups was similar for males and females. There were significant differences in parenting styles between gender role groups. Maternal and paternal authoritativeness correlated with participants' femininity, and for both parents, the relationship was observed to be stronger in males than females; paternal authoritativeness was significantly associated with androgyny. Future research based on these results should investigate how the findings relate to children's psychological well-being and behavioral outcomes.
Influence of Acute High-Intensity Aerobic Interval Exercise Bout on Selective Attention and Short-Term Memory Tasks
Authors: Alves Christiano R. R. , Tessaro Victor H. , Teixeira Luis A. C. , Murakava Karina , Roschel Hamilton , Gualano Bruno , Takito Monica Y.
Published: February 2014

Acute moderate intensity continuous aerobic exercise can improve specific cognitive functions, such as short-term memory and selective attention. Moreover, high-intensity interval training (HIT) has been recently proposed as a time-efficient alternative to traditional cardiorespiratory exercise. However, considering previous speculations that the exercise intensity affects cognition in a U-shaped fashion, it was hypothesized that a HIT session may impair cognitive performance. Therefore, this study assessed the effects of an acute HIT session on selective attention and short-term memory tasks. 22 healthy middle-aged individuals ( M age = 53.7 yr.) engaged in both (1) a HIT session, 10 1 min. cycling bouts at the intensity corresponding to 80% of the reserve heart rate interspersed by 1 min. active pauses cycling at 60% of the reserve heart rate and (2) a control session, consisting of an active condition with low-intensity active stretching exercise. Before and after each experimental session, cognitive performance was assessed by the Victoria Version of the Stroop test (a selective attention test) and the Digit Span test (a short-term memory test). Following the HIT session, the time to complete the Stroop “Color word” test was significantly lower when compared with that of the control session. The performances in the other subtasks of the Stroop test as well as in the Digit Span test were not significantly different. A HIT session can improve cognitive function.
Influence of Prior Use of the Same or Different Effectors in a Reaching Action
Authors: Gálvez-García Germán , Gabaude Catherine , de la Rosa Francisco David , Gomez Emilio
Published: February 2014

Use of different effectors in two consecutive actions could generate an attentional shift between the effectors with shorter latencies in the second action of reaching. 18 participants (10 men; M age = 21.3 yr.) participated in an experiment with two main variables: (1) effector switching with two levels (Switching and No Switching), where the participants use or do not use a different motor effector for each action; (2) lifting muscles, i.e., the muscles involved in the first phase of the reaching, with two levels (finger-lifting muscle and palm-lifting muscle). Premotor time, Motor time, Reaction time, Movement time, and Total time were measured. For Premotor, Movement, and Total times, faster responses were observed when there was no switching of the effector. This delay could be due to an attentional shift between motor effectors and its relations with motor processes. Possible applications include the ergonomic design of device controls, considering that the use of the same effector is beneficial when fast reaction times are sought.
Stability characteristic of hypersonic flow over a blunt wedge under freestream pulse wave
Authors: Tang Xiaojun , Lv Hongqing , Meng Xiangnan , Wang Zhenqing , Lv Qin
Published: February 2014

To investigate the stability characteristic of hypersonic flow under the action of a freestream pulse wave, a high-order finite difference method was employed to do direction numerical simulation (DNS) of hypersonic unsteady flow over an 8° half-wedge-angle blunt wedge with freestream slow acoustic wave. The evolution of disturbance wave modes in the boundary layer under a pulse wave and a continuous wave are compared, and the wall temperature effect on the hypersonic boundary layer stability for a pulse wave disturbance is discussed. Results show that, both for a pulse wave and a continuous wave in freestream, the disturbance waves inside the nose boundary layer are mainly a fundamental mode; the Fourier amplitude of pressure disturbance mode in the boundary layer for a pulse wave is far less than that for a continuous wave, and the band frequency of the former is wider than that of the latter. All disturbance modes decay rapidly along the streamwise in the nose boundary layer. In the non-nose boundary layer, the dominant mode is transferred from fundamental mode into second harmonic. The transformation of dominant mode for a pulse wave appears much earlier than that for a continuous wave. Different frequency disturbance modes present different changes along streamline in the boundary layer, and the frequency band narrows around the second harmonic mode along the streamwise. Keen competition and the transformation of energy exist among different modes in the boundary layer. Wall temperature modifies the stability characteristic of the hypersonic boundary layer, which presents little effect on the development of fundamental modes and cooling wall could accelerates the growth of the high frequency mode as well as the dominant mode transformation.
Cosmological sigma model with non-minimal coupling to the target space
Authors: Shchigolev Victor
Published: February 2014

A homogeneous and isotropic Universe in the framework of a nonlinear sigma model with non-minimal coupling to the target space is considered. Preliminary investigation of a two-component model of this sort is conducted. Some solutions for this model are given. Perspectives and directions of development of such a sort of models are discussed.
Does One Size Fit All When It Comes to Exercise Treatment for Achilles Tendinopathy?
Authors: Silbernagel Karin Grävare
Published: February 2014

An important aspect of physical therapy is the prescription and implementation of exercise. The goals of exercise include improvement of impairments and disabilities identified during clinical evaluation. However, exercise as treatment can also be used to promote tissue adaptation and healing after injury. Tendinopathy provides a pertinent example of how changes in prescribed exercise treatment have resulted in improved clinical and functional outcomes. This month's issue of JOSPT includes a paper by Marc Stevens and Dr Chee-Wee Tan that questions this notion of having a one-size-fits-all eccentric exercise treatment protocol for patients with Achilles tendinopathy. We still have more questions than answers concerning the appropriate dose of exercise for tendinopathy. It is crucial for us as physical therapists to pursue these research questions so that we can better individualize the exercise treatment protocols. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(2):42–44. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.0103
Fractures Through the Base of the Second and Third Metacarpals
Authors: Shepard Nathan P. , Westrick Richard B. , Johnson Michael R.
Published: February 2014

The patient was a 21-year-old male cadet at a military academy who was evaluated by a physical therapist in a direct-access capacity for a chief complaint of right wrist and hand pain. The symptoms began 5 days earlier following a punching injury, after which the patient reported immediate pain and swelling in the right wrist and hand. The physical therapist ordered radiographs of the right hand, which demonstrated nondisplaced, nonangulated transverse fractures through the bases of the second and third metacarpals. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(2):129. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.0403
Label-free microscopic assessment of glioblastoma biopsy specimens prior to biobanking
Authors: Georges Joseph , Zehri Aqib , Carlson Elizabeth , Nichols Joshua , Mooney Michael A. , Martirosyan Nikolay L. , Ghaffari Layla , Kalani M. Yashar S. , Eschbacher Jennifer , Feuerstein Burt , Anderson Trent , Preul Mark C. , Van Keuren-Jensen Kendall , Nakaji Peter
Published: February 2014

Glioblastoma is the most common primary brain tumor with a median 12- to 15-month patient survival. Improving patient survival involves better understanding the biological mechanisms of glioblastoma tumorigenesis and seeking targeted molecular therapies. Central to furthering these advances is the collection and storage of surgical biopsies (biobanking) for research. This paper addresses an imaging modality, confocal reflectance microscopy (CRM), for safely screening glioblastoma biopsy samples prior to biobanking to increase the quality of tissue provided for research and clinical trials. These data indicate that CRM can immediately identify cellularity of tissue biopsies from animal models of glioblastoma. When screening fresh human biopsy samples, CRM can differentiate a cellular glioblastoma biopsy from a necrotic biopsy without altering DNA, RNA, or protein expression of sampled tissue. These data illustrate CRM's potential for rapidly and safely screening clinical biopsy samples prior to biobanking, which demonstrates its potential as an effective screening technique that can improve the quality of tissue biobanked for patients with glioblastoma.
A prospective study of microscope-integrated intraoperative fluorescein videoangiography during arteriovenous malformation surgery: preliminary results
Authors: Lane Brandon C. , Cohen-Gadol Aaron A.
Published: February 2014

Object

The authors report on the use of a recently developed microscope-integrated fluorescent module using low-dose intravenous fluorescein for videoangiography during arteriovenous malformation (AVM) surgery.

Methods

The authors analyzed the application of a low-dose intraoperative fluorescein in 4 consecutive patients undergoing AVM surgery. The ability to distinguish the associated vessels of the AVM from normal vessels and to assess the degree of AVM obliteration based on videoangiography of venous drainage was specifically analyzed.

Results

All 4 patients underwent fluorescein angiography without complication. In each case, videoangiography confirmed recognition of feeding arteries and draining veins through the operating oculars under the fluorescent mode. In one case involving a large frontal AVM, videoangiography demonstrated mainly cortical veins on the surface of the AVM and alerted the senior author to first tackle the feeding arteries in the interhemispheric space. While evaluating the flow within the different draining veins after most of the AVM was disconnected, videoangiography also prioritized the order for disconnection of large draining veins to allow mobilization the AVM and exposure of the remaining deep arterial feeders. In the other 3 cases, videoangiography allowed easy recognition of the angioarchitecture of the AVMs, estimated its cortical boundaries, and most importantly, assessed the flow within the draining veins before their disconnection.

Conclusions

The authors found fluorescein videoangiography to be a useful adjunct in resection of AVMs. This technology offers the unique ability to visualize fluorescent vessels and nonfluorescent tissues in near-natural colors simultaneously and permits microsurgical manipulation of relevant structures under the fluorescent mode. Largerscale studies are needed to establish its efficacy and wider applicability.
Laser scanning confocal endomicroscopy in the neurosurgical operating room: a review and discussion of future applications
Authors: Mooney Michael A. , Zehri Aqib H. , Georges Joseph F. , Nakaji Peter
Published: February 2014

Laser scanning confocal endomicroscopy (LSCE) is an emerging technology for examining brain neoplasms in vivo. While great advances have been made in macroscopic fluorescence in recent years, the ability to perform confocal microscopy in vivo expands the potential of fluorescent tumor labeling, can improve intraoperative tissue diagnosis, and provides real-time guidance for tumor resection intraoperatively. In this review, the authors highlight the technical aspects of confocal endomicroscopy and fluorophores relevant to the neurosurgeon, provide a comprehensive summary of LSCE in animal and human neurosurgical studies to date, and discuss the future directions and potential for LSCE in neurosurgery.