bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global synthesis suggests that food web connectance correlates to invasion resistance
Authors: Smith‐Ramesh Lauren M. , Moore Alexandria C. , Schmitz Oswald J.
Published: August 2016

Biological invasions are a key component of global change, and understanding the drivers of global invasion patterns will aid in assessing and mitigating the impact of invasive species. While invasive species are most often studied in the context of one or two trophic levels, in reality species invade communities comprised of complex food webs. The complexity and integrity of the native food web may be a more important determinant of invasion success than the strength of interactions between a small subset of species within a larger food web. Previous efforts to understand the relationship between food web properties and species invasions have been primarily theoretical and have yielded mixed results. Here, we present a synthesis of empirical information on food web connectance and species invasion success gathered from different sources (estimates of food web connectance from the primary literature and estimates of invasion success from the Global Invasive Species Database as well as the primary literature). Our results suggest that higher‐connectance food webs tend to host fewer invaders and exert stronger biotic resistance compared to low‐connectance webs. We argue that while these correlations cannot be used to infer a causal link between food web connectance and habitat invasibility, the promising findings beg for further empirical research that deliberately tests for relationships between food web connectance and invasion.
Control of the heat stress‐induced alternative splicing of a subset of genes by hnRNP K
Authors: Yamamoto Koichi , Furukawa Mari T. , Fukumura Kazuhiro , Kawamura Arisa , Yamada Tomoko , Suzuki Hitoshi , Hirose Tetsuro , Sakamoto Hiroshi , Inoue Kunio
Published: August 2016

Pre‐mRNA splicing is widely repressed upon heat shock in eukaryotic cells. However, it has been shown that HSP105 pre‐mRNA is alternatively spliced in response to heat stress. Using RNAi screening in HeLa cells, we found that RNA‐binding proteins hnRNP K and PSF/SFPQ are necessary for the exon 12 exclusion of HSP105 during heat stress. Moreover, exon array analyses showed that a group of genes is alternatively spliced during heat stress in an hnRNP K‐dependent manner, whereas hnRNP K is not necessary for the stress‐induced alternative splicing of the remaining genes. Among the latter group, we found that SRp38/SRSF10 and SC35/SRSF2 are necessary for the inclusion of exon 13 of TNRC6A during heat stress. Thus, our study clearly showed that several RNA‐binding proteins are involved in the splicing regulation in response to heat stress in mammalian cells.
Role of thrombospondin 1 in liver diseases
Authors: Li Yanzhang , Turpin Courtney P. , Wang Shuxia
Published: August 2016

Thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) is a matricellular glycoprotein that can be secreted by many cell types. Through binding to extracellular proteins and/or cell surface receptors, TSP1 modulates a variety of cellular functions. Since its discovery in 1971, TSP1 has been found to play important roles in multiple biological processes including angiogenesis, apoptosis, latent transforming growth factor‐β activation, and immune regulation. Thrombospondin 1 is also involved in regulating many organ functions. However, the role of TSP1 in liver diseases has not been extensively addressed. In this review, we summarize the findings about the possible role that TSP1 plays in chronic liver diseases focusing on non‐alcoholic fatty liver diseases, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Anticipated consumption and its impact on capital accumulation and growth: “Forward‐looking” versus “backward‐looking” consumption reference
Authors: Monteiro Goncalo , Turnovsky Stephen J.
Published: August 2016

This paper introduces the idea of anticipated pleasure into the Ramsey growth model, by assuming that in addition to current consumption, an agent's current utility depends upon a reference consumption level based on expected future consumption. Two alternative specifications of the anticipated future consumption levels are considered: an external index and an internal index. We analyze the macrodynamic equilibrium, comparing it to both the standard Ramsey model and the model of habit formation. We establish a number of theoretical propositions characterizing the impact of the anticipated consumption reference on the transitional dynamics and long‐run equilibrium, supplementing these with numerical simulations.
Predetermined exchange rate, monetary targeting, and inflation targeting regimes
Authors: Kitano Shigeto
Published: August 2016

Many works analyzing the Mundell–Fleming dictum compare the predetermined exchange rate regime and the monetary targeting regime under flexible exchange rates. Reflecting on the fact that many emerging market countries have shifted to the inflation targeting regime, this paper aims to extend the literature to include the latter. The results of our analysis show that the interest rule with an inflation target is superior (or at least equal) to the two above‐mentioned regimes in absorbing both real and monetary shocks.
Economic empowerment or cash‐dependency for orphans and vulnerable children in Kenya: Evidence from an alternative to cash‐only models
Authors: Goodman Michael L. , Gitari Stanley , Keiser Philip H. , Raimer‐Goodman Lauren
Published: August 2016

Orphan and vulnerable children (OVC) often have worse educational, developmental, nutritional, and behavioral outcomes than non‐OVC. Much of these disparities come from reduced household earnings due to the loss of parental income. The present study used conditional process analysis to evaluate income and savings among OVC households, using cross‐sectional data from 1,060 OVC in a 3‐year Kenyan empowerment program that combined elements of cash transfer, psychosocial support, and small business entrepreneurship. Higher monthly earnings were significantly associated with program participation in a graded fashion. Approximately one‐third of the association was mediated by material inputs, indicating that a substantial portion may be explained by other unobserved program elements. Eighty‐five percent of increased rates of saving money in the past year were mediated by improved monthly income, cash transferred and improved food consumption. Data analysis highlights the need for multisectoral approaches and the need for more research to understand how to improve household economic stability among OVC.

Key Practitioner Message: • Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) are at risk of greater poverty, leading to multiple developmental and health challenges; • Current policy in Kenya to offset costs of caring for OVC utilizes monthly cash transfers to households providing care for OVC; • The present study found that increases in monthly income in an OVC multisectoral empowerment program were largely due to factors beyond the material inputs.
Roles of working memory performance and instructional strategy in complex cognitive task performance
Authors: Cevik V. , Altun A.
Published: August 2016

This study aims to investigate how working memory (WM) performances and instructional strategy choices affect learners' complex cognitive task performance in online environments. Three different e‐learning environments were designed based on Merrill's (2006a) model of instructional strategies. The lack of experimental research on his framework is the main argument of this paper. The participants' WM processes with the n‐back task scores were used for defining their WM performances. This study is designed as repeated measures. Thirty‐five undergraduate students completed complex cognitive tasks three times. According to their WM groups, the participants were assigned to experimental conditions randomly by counterbalancing. The main results of the study indicated that although no performance differences were observed in complex cognitive tasks across instructional strategies, there was a statistically significant change observed across WM groups in favour of those who had high WM performances. The interaction effect did not have an effect on participants' overall performance. These results indicate that cognitive differences lead to different outcomes when the instructional design is set to be the same for all. Therefore, it is concluded that instructional design choices could take individual cognitive differences into account when developing adaptive e‐learning environments.

Lay Description

What is already known about this topic:

E‐learning environments are often considered to be complex environments mainly because of their navigational nature (i.e., design of hyperlinks and the tools embedded within the system for personal and collaborative use).

Yet, from the learners' perspective, it is not clear whether it is the content or merely the design choice that could make the online environment (more) complex.

Moreover, cognitive differences play a crucial role during individuals' interactions with(in) the course materials.

When measuring the performance on cognitive tasks, working memory (WM) performance is a strong predictor.

What this paper adds:

The literature on Merrill's instructional strategies which is one of the instructional models in designing how to teach complex tasks is mainly limited to conceptual discussions.

Using different instructional strategies did not significantly change individuals' performances when dealing with complex cognitive tasks.

Individuals with high level working memory performance performed significantly better.

Implications for practice and/or policy:

Cognitive differences lead to different outcomes when the instructional design is set to be the same for all.

Studies in the field of mind, brain and education (MBE) may provide additional necessary tools not only for practitioners but also for instructional designers to better design personalized e‐learning environments in the future.
Early U.S. Experience Following FDA Approval of the ABBOTT Vascular Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold: Optimal Deployment Technique Using High Resolution Coronary Artery Imaging
Authors: Rizik David G. , Padaliya Bimal B.
Published: August 2016

Drug eluting metallic stents have been the “gold standard” in the percutaneous management of coronary artery disease. Recent publications have suggested that the ABSORBTM bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) may represent a reasonable alternative, in well selected cases.
Percutaneous Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty and Clinical Outcomes in Severe Aortic Stenosis: Correlation of Procedural Technique and Efficacy
Authors: Gajanana Deepakraj , Wheeler David , Hsi David , Kovach Richard , George Jon C.
Published: August 2016

Background

Percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty (PBAV) is a palliative therapeutic option for relief of severe aortic stenosis (AS) in patients that are poor surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) candidates or as a bridge to definitive therapy. The outcomes following PBAV are highly variable and studies identifying factors that correlate with outcomes are sparse. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors at the time of the index procedures that can predict 1‐year survival or need for repeat PBAV.

Methods

Demographic and procedural information of 505 PBAVs performed on 388 patients from January 1999 to December 2012 at the Deborah Heart and Lung Center were reviewed. Procedural data were compared across many variables and outcomes to identify predictors of outcomes. These predictors were statistically compared using chi‐squared tests or Student's t‐test.

Results

Of the 388 patients analyzed, 145 (37.4%) expired within 1 year following the index procedure. The cohort was then stratified into 3 groups based on the number of balloon inflations. They were similar with regard to baseline characteristics. The mean age was 81.9 ± 9 years. Males constituted 51% of the cohort. Patients who underwent 2 and 3+ inflations had a 47.6% and 93.0% increase in the postprocedural aortic valve area compared to patients who had only 1 inflation. Patients who underwent 3+ inflations were significantly less likely to require a repeat PABV within a year and the repeat procedure free survival rate of 94.5% (P = 0.009). Despite improvement in valve area, there was no statistically significant difference in 1 year mortality between the groups (28.8% vs 42.9% vs 46.1% for 1 vs 2 vs 3+ inflations, respectively).

Conclusions

PBAV provides a modest improvement in valve function and continues to be a safe and feasible option in experienced hands for select patients that are high risk for surgery or TAVR. The use of additional inflations during PBAV resulted in better long‐term outcomes.
Experience and the Absolute other
Authors: Reed Robert C.
Published: August 2016

In Experience and the Absolute (2004) and other works, Jean‐Yves Lacoste develops a phenomenology of a way of life he calls “liturgy,” in which one refuses one's being‐in‐the‐world in favor of a more basic form of existence he calls “being‐before‐God.” In this essay I argue that if there is indeed such a thing as being‐before‐God, Lacoste has not sufficiently considered the possibility that it is characterized in part by a disturbance of one's being‐in‐the‐world similar to, or perhaps even identical with, the disruptive encounter with the human other that constitutes the self as responsible according to Levinas's unique notion of ethics. Lacoste's dismissal of Levinas, evidently based on a misunderstanding of what Levinas means by the word “ethics,” leads him to overlook the potential relevance of Levinas's ideas to his phenomenological project at a number of significant points in his work.
The Erotic Eucharist
Authors: Grimes Katie M.
Published: August 2016

Pope Benedict XVI's encyclical Deus Caritas Est continues the magisterium's twentieth‐century shift from an act‐oriented, procreative approach to sexual ethics to what I will term a heterosexually personalistic one. Situating a heterosexual anthropology within a heterosexual cosmology, Benedict argues that just as God loves humanity with heterosexual eros, so must human beings love each other heterosexually. Although Benedict depends upon the explanatory power of heterosexuality, he perhaps unwittingly ends up depicting God's love not as iconically heterosexual, but as queer. In casting God's love as queer, I do not, even analogously, impute to God a type of homosexuality as Benedict does a heterosexuality. Instead, by drawing attention to the discursive specificity and historical instability of both homosexuality and heterosexuality, I use “queer” to recognize God's love as beyond categorization and as strange; it cannot be corralled into or contained by the historically specific notions of heterosexual and homosexual. But this essay does not merely deconstruct Benedict's heterosexually personalistic cosmology. It uncovers in Benedict's Eucharistic transfiguration of marital love a new and promising way of situating discussions about the ethics of sex.
Reliability and Validity of the PAQ‐C Questionnaire to Assess Physical Activity in Children
Authors: Benítez‐Porres Javier , López‐Fernández Iván , Raya Juan Francisco , Álvarez Carnero Sabrina , Alvero‐Cruz José Ramón , Álvarez Carnero Elvis
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) assessment by questionnaire is a cornerstone in the field of sport epidemiology studies. The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ‐C) has been used widely to assess PA in healthy school populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the PAQ‐C questionnaire in Spanish children using triaxial accelerometry as criterion.

METHODS

Eighty‐three (N = 46 boys, N = 37 girls) healthy children (age
10.98 ± 1.17 years, body mass index 19.48 ± 3.51 kg/m2) were volunteers and completed the PAQ‐C twice and wore an accelerometer for 8 consecutive days. Reliability was analyzed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the internal consistency by the Cronbach's α coefficient. The PAQ‐C was compared against total PA and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) obtained by accelerometry.

RESULTS

Test‐retest reliability showed an ICC = 0.96 for the final score of PAQ‐C. Small differences between first and second questionnaire administration were detected. Few and low correlations (rho = 0.228‐0.278, all ps < .05) were observed between PAQ‐C and accelerometry. The highest correlation was observed for item 9 (rho = 0.311, p < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

PAQ‐C had a high reliability but a questionable validity for assessing total PA and MVPA in Spanish children. Therefore, PA measurement in children should not be limited only to self‐report measurements.
Adherence partners are an acceptable behaviour change strategy to support calcium and iron‐folic acid supplementation among pregnant women in Ethiopia and Kenya
Authors: Martin Stephanie L. , Omotayo Moshood O. , Chapleau Gina M. , Stoltzfus Rebecca J. , Birhanu Zewdie , Ortolano Stephanie E. , Pelto Gretel H. , Dickin Katherine L.
Published: August 2016

Antenatal calcium and iron‐folic acid (IFA) supplementation can reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. Yet, even when pregnant women have a stable supply of supplements, forgetting is often a barrier to adherence. We assessed the acceptability of adherence partners to support calcium and IFA supplementation among pregnant women in Kenya and Ethiopia. Adherence partners are a behaviour change strategy to improve adherence, where pregnant women are counselled to select a partner (e.g. spouse, relative) to remind them to take their supplements. We conducted trials of improved practices, a formative research method that follows participants over time as they try a new behaviour. We provided pregnant women in Ethiopia (n = 50) and Kenya (n = 35) with calcium and IFA supplements and counselling, and suggested selecting an adherence partner. For each participant, we conducted semi‐structured interviews about acceptability and adherence during four interviews over six weeks. We analysed interview transcripts thematically and tallied numerical data. In Kenya, 28 of 35 women agreed to try an adherence partner; almost all selected their husbands. In Ethiopia, 42 of 50 women agreed to try an adherence partner; half asked their husbands, others asked children or relatives. Most women who did not select adherence partners reported not needing help or not having anyone to ask. Participants reported adherence partners reminded and encouraged them, brought supplements, provided food and helped address side‐effects. Almost all women with adherence partners would recommend this strategy to others. Adherence partners are an acceptable, low‐cost strategy with the potential to support antenatal micronutrient supplementation adherence.
New repellent effective against African malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae: implications for vector control
Authors: HODSON C. N. , YU Y. , PLETTNER E. , ROITBERG B. D.
Published: August 2016

Anopheles gambiae Giles sensu stricto (Diptera: Culicidae) is a vector for Plasmodium, the causative agent of malaria. Current control strategies to reduce the impact of malaria focus on reducing the frequency of mosquito attacks on humans, thereby decreasing Plasmodium transmission. A need for new repellents effective against Anopheles mosquitoes has arisen because of changes in vector behaviour as a result of control strategies and concern over the health impacts of current repellents. The response of A. gambiae to potential repellents was investigated through an electroantennogram screen and the most promising of these candidates (1‐allyloxy‐4‐propoxybenzene, 3c{3,6}) chosen for behavioural testing. An assay to evaluate the blood‐host seeking behaviour of A. gambiae towards a simulated host protected with this repellent was then performed. The compound 3c{3,6} was shown to be an effective repellent, causing mosquitoes to reduce their contact with a simulated blood‐host and probe less at the host odour. Thus, 3c{3,6} may be an effective repellent for the control of A. gambiae.
Genetic determinants and postorthodontic external apical root resorption in Czech children
Authors: Borilova Linhartova P , Cernochova P , Kastovsky J , Vrankova Z , Sirotkova M , Izakovicova Holla L
Published: August 2016

Objective

Genes, involved in the modulation of inflammatory response and bone remodeling, play a role in the development of postorthodontic external apical root resorption (EARR). The aim of our study was to analyze possible associations between seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in interleukin‐17A (IL‐17), osteopontin (SPP1), purinoreceptor P2X7 (P2RX7), and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 11B (TNFRSF11B) genes and EARR in children after orthodontic treatment.

Subjects and Methods

This case–control study comprised 99 orthodontically treated patients (69 controls and 30 subjects with EARR). Genotype determinations of rs2275913, rs11730582, rs9138, rs208294, rs1718119, rs3102735, and rs2073618 were based on polymerase chain reaction using 5′ nuclease TaqMan® assays.

Results

While no significant differences were observed in allele or genotype frequencies of all seven studied SNPs, specific haplotype of P2RX7 (rs208294 and rs1718119) modified the risk of EARR development (P < 0.05). In addition, the length of treatment with a fixed orthodontic appliance positively correlated with the presence of EARR (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Although the effect of individual SNPs studied on the EARR development was not confirmed in the Czech population, complex analysis suggested that variability in the P2RX7 gene and the length of orthodontic treatment may be important factors contributing to the etiopathogenesis of postorthodontic EARR.
Transcriptome comparison of resistant and susceptible sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) varieties inoculated with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. sesami
Authors: Wei Libin , Zhang Haiyang , Duan Yinghui , Li Chun , Chang Shuxian , Miao Hongmei
Published: August 2016

Sesame Fusarium wilt (FW) is a worldwide and hardly controlled fungus disease in sesame. Till now, the molecular resistance mechanism of sesame to FW remains unknown. The two resistant and susceptible sesame varieties, that is ‘Yuzhi 11’ and Rongxian black sesame (RXBS), were inoculated with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. sesami (Fos) pathogens for 0, 6, 24 or 24 and 48h, respectively. Then, transcriptome samples were sequenced and surveyed systematically using RNA‐seq technology. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that ‘phenylpropanoid biosynthesis’ pathway may play more important role in sesame resistance after Fos inoculation. Furthermore, qRT‐PCR results demonstrated that the phenylpropanoid pathway with an emphasis on the synthesis of lignin contributes to the sesame disease resistance. Moreover, activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and peroxidase (POD) proved the differences of gene expression patterns in the two sesame phenotypes. Overall, we speculated that the difference of FW symptoms between the resistant and susceptible plants might depend on whether the plants could activate the pathway timely and efficiently or not. The findings would help to clarify the molecular mechanism of sesame resistance to FW.
Cold tolerance during juvenile development in sorghum: a comparative analysis by genomewide association and linkage mapping
Authors: Fiedler Karin , Bekele Wubishet A. , Matschegewski Claudia , Snowdon Rod , Wieckhorst Silke , Zacharias Arndt , Uptmoor Ralf
Published: August 2016

Improved cold tolerance during the juvenile phase is a major breeding goal to develop new sorghum cultivars suitable as an alternative energy crop in temperate regions. The objectives of this study were to identify marker‐trait associations for cold tolerance in a sorghum diversity panel fingerprinted with 2620 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) in two F2:3 populations. Traits of interest were dry matter growth rate (DMGR), leaf appearance rate (LAR), chlorophyll content (SPAD) and chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv′/Fm′ and ФPSII) in relation to temperature. The association panel comprised 194 genotypes, while the F2:3 populations consisted of 80 and 92 genotypes. All populations were tested under controlled conditions in a minimum of four temperature regimes ranging from 9.4°C to 20.8°C. QTL were identified for means across environments and regression parameters describing temperature effects. Several marker‐trait associations for mean (m) DMGR, base temperature (Tb) of SPAD and ФPSII and temperature effect on LAR were validated by QTL detected in population 1 or 2. Promising QTL regions were found on chromosomes SBI‐01, SBI‐02, SBI‐03, SBI‐04, SBI‐06 and SBI‐09, among them genomic regions where candidate genes involved in the C‐repeat binding pathway or encoding cold‐shock proteins are located.
The Institutional Design Frontiers of Publicness and University Performance
Authors: Anderson Derrick , Whitford Andrew
Published: August 2016

This introduction to the symposium on the institutional design frontiers of publicness and university performance summarizes the range of diverse intellectual and practical perspectives converging on the idea that issues of design and publicness are important for thinking about the future of higher education. Collectively, the articles featured in this symposium demonstrate that the challenges facing higher education exhibit assorted social, economic, and political complexities. Public administration perspectives can play a key role in understanding and reshaping our higher education system into a more responsive social enterprise.
Editors' Introduction
Authors: Isett Kimberley R. , Head Brian W. , Van Landingham Gary
Published: August 2016

Related Content: Skinner (PAR January/February 2017)

Related Content: Heikkila (PAR January/February 2017)
Oestrous sheep serum balances ROS levels to supply in vitro capacitation of ram spermatozoa
Authors: Del Olmo E , García‐Álvarez O , Maroto‐Morales A , Ramón M , Iniesta‐Cuerda M , Martinez‐Pastor F , Montoro V , Soler AJ , Garde JJ , Fernández‐Santos MR
Published: August 2016

Contents

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are fundamental for intracellular signalling. In spermatozoa, they are involved both to apoptosis and to capacitation, and changes in ROS levels can alter the balance between these two processes. Oestrous sheep serum (OSS) is considered an efficient agent for in vitro capacitation of ram spermatozoa. We have explored the effects of OSS on ram sperm physiology, especially on ROS production, during in vitro capacitation. Semen samples from 15 rams were cryopreserved. After thawing, samples were submitted to four treatments: control (CTL), 10% OSS supplementation for in vitro sperm capacitation, caspase inhibitor (INH, Z‐VAD‐FMK 100 μM) and OSS (10%) plus caspase inhibitor (I + E). Sperm samples were incubated for 30 min at 38.5°C and 5% CO2 and evaluated motility and kinetic parameters by computer‐assisted semen analysis (CASA) and viability (propidium iodide), apoptotic‐like membrane changes (YO‐PRO‐1), acrosomal status (PNA‐FITC), intracellular calcium (FLUO‐3), membrane fluidity (M540) and ROS production (CM‐H2DCFDA) by flow cytometry. OSS induced changes in kinetic parameters compatible with capacitation, with a decrease in the percentage of progressive motility and linearity, and an increase in the amplitude of the lateral displacement of the sperm head (p < .05). Moreover, OSS increased the proportion of M540+ viable spermatozoa, YO‐PRO‐1+ and acrosome‐reacted spermatozoa (p < .05). After incubation, OSS and I+E achieved lower ROS levels (p < .05). Ca2+ levels did not change with the incubation, but were slightly higher (p < .05) when both OSS and the inhibitor were present. We suggest that OSS may modulate ROS levels, allowing intracellular signalling for capacitation to occur while preventing higher levels that could trigger apoptosis.
Macrophage Phenotype in Liver Injury and Repair
Authors: Sun Y.‐Y. , Li X.‐F. , Meng X.‐M. , Huang C. , Zhang L. , Li J.
Published: August 2016

Macrophages hold a critical position in the pathogenesis of liver injury and repair, in which their infiltrations is regarded as a main feature for both acute and chronic liver diseases. It is noted that, based on the distinct phenotypes and origins, hepatic macrophages are capable of clearing pathogens, promoting/or inhibiting liver inflammation, while regulating liver fibrosis and fibrolysis through interplaying with hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSC) via releasing different types of pro‐ or anti‐inflammatory cytokines and growth factors. Macrophages are typically categorized into M1 or M2 phenotypes by adapting to local microenvironment during the progression of liver injury. In most occasions, M1 macrophages play a pro‐inflammatory role in liver injury, while M2 macrophages exert an anti‐inflammatory or pro‐fibrotic role during liver repair and fibrosis. In this review, we focused on the up‐to‐date information about the phenotypic and functional plasticity of the macrophages and discussed the detailed mechanisms through which the phenotypes and functions of macrophages are regulated in different stages of liver injury and repair. Moreover, their roles in determining the fate of liver diseases were also summarized. Finally, the macrophage‐targeted therapies against liver diseases were also be evaluated.
Measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in cats with experimental skin barrier dysfunction using a closed chamber system
Authors: Momota Yutaka , Shimada Kenichiro , Gin Azusa , Matsubara Takako , Azakami Daigo , Ishioka Katsumi , Nakamura Yuka , Sako Toshinori
Published: August 2016

Background

A closed chamber evaporimeter is suitable for measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in cats because of the compact device size, tolerance to sudden movement and short measuring time. TEWL is a representative parameter for skin barrier dysfunction, which is one of the clinical signs of atopic dermatitis in humans and dogs. Measurement of feline TEWL has been reported, but applicability of this parameter has not been validated.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The aims of this study were to determine if tape stripping is a valid experimental model in cats for studying TEWL and to determine if a closed chambered system is a suitable measurement tool for cats.

Animals

Ten clinically normal cats.

Methods

In order to evaluate variation of the measured values, TEWL was measured at the right and left side of the three clipped regions (axillae, lateral thigh and groin). Subsequently, TEWL was measured using sequential tape stripping of the stratum corneum as a model of acute barrier disruption.

Results

The variations between both sides of the three regions showed no significant difference. Sequential tape stripping was associated with increasing values for TEWL.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Feline TEWL was shown to reflect changes in the skin barrier in an experimental model using a closed chamber system and has the potential for evaluating skin barrier function in cats with skin diseases.
The Reliability of Classification Decisions Made with the Objectives-Based Motor Skill Assessment Instrument
Authors: Ulrich Dale A.
Published: August 2016

This study was designed to investigate the reliability of classification decisions in the fundamental motor skill domain using the Objectives-Based Motor Skill Assessment Instrument. Nonhandicapped (n = 80) and mentally retarded (n = 40) students in the age range of 3 through 10 were assessed on two separate days. Two likely domain mastery criterion levels were used (85 and 70% of the total test score). The proportion of agreement (P) and Kappa (K) were the reliability indices employed. The reliability estimates for the nonhandicapped group were P = .89 and K = .78 using the 85% mastery criterion and P = .92 and K = .84 for the 70% criterion. The reliability estimates obtained for the mentally retarded group using an 85% criterion were P = .87 and K = .62 and for the 70% criterion P = .93 and K = .83. Based on these results the criterion-referenced test appears to consistently classify students on two occasions as masters or non-masters of fundamental motor skills using either cut-off score.
Apraxic Tendencies in Children with Meningomyelocele
Authors: Brunt Denis
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of an apraxic condition in children with meningomyelocele. Subjects were grouped according to the presence or absence of hydrocephalus as diagnosed by a computerized tomography scan. Subjects performed tasks of simple movements and motor sequences first to verbal command and then to imitation. For simple movements there was a significant Group by Cue interaction. The hydrocephalic group, significantly inferior on the verbal cue, were noticeably better on imitation. For those subjects without hydrocephalus, such was unlikely due to a ceiling effect to the verbal cue. For motor sequences, there was a significant Cue and Group effect. Both groups improved to the visual cue with the nonhydrocephalus group being consistently superior. The results are discussed in terms of patterns of response, and a cognitive or brainstem/cerebellar-based disorder.
Comparing Reverse and Forward Chaining Instructional Methods on a Motor Task with Moderately Mentally Retarded Individuals
Authors: Hsu Pao-Yin , Dunn John M.
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to compare reverse chaining and forward chaining instructional methods in teaching a motor task to moderately mentally retarded individuals. The motor task employed was a modified bowling skill using a four-step approach. Thirty moderately mentally retarded individuals were randomly assigned to either the reverse chaining or the forward chaining group. The 15 subjects in the reverse chaining group were taught the last subtask first and then each subsequent subtask was added one by one until the entire skill sequence was taught. For the 15 subjects in the forward chaining group, the first subtask was taught first, and then each following subtask was added one by one until the entire skill sequence was taught. Results showed that the subjects in the reverse chaining group required significantly fewer trails and physical assists to learn the given motor task than the subjects in the forward chaining group. No significant differences in retention scores were found between the two groups.
Least Restrictive Environment Programming for Individuals with Hearing Impairments: A Response to Butterfield
Authors: Decker Jim
Published: August 2016

This paper is in response to the article recently publishedin Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly entitled “Physical Education and Sport for the Deaf: Rethinking the Least Restrictive Environment” (Butterfield, 1991). Dr. Butterfield maintained that regular class placement of deaf students is inappropriate whereas such placements lack (a) cultural foundations unique to deaf individuals and essentials for their optimal development and (b) appropriate supportive services vital for the education of such students. In response, the present paper (a) delineates terminology frequently applied to individuals with hearing impairments and (b) maintains that failures of least restrictive environment placement are failures of implementation rather than of conception. Specifically, it is hypothesized taht lack of estabilished supportive services for students with hearing impairments may be traced, in part, to rejection of the least restrictive environment concept by such students and their parents/guardians. This paper contends that individuals with hearing impairments have much more to gain than to lose from increasing ties to the hearing world, particularly in educational settings.
A Functional Systems Approach to Movement Pathology
Authors: Elliott Digby , Weeks Daniel J.
Published: August 2016

Discussed in this paper is the application of a neurobehavioral, functional systems approach to the understanding of verbal-motor integration difficulties experienced by persons with Down syndrome. In initial work, noninvasive neuropsychological techniques were used to examine both the similarities and differences in cerebral organization and perceptual-motor behavior between persons with Down syndrome and control subjects of the same chronological and/or mental age. This group-difference research led to the development of a specific model of brain-behavior relations in persons with Down syndrome. The main feature of the model is the neuroanatomical disconnection of the brain areas responsible for speech perception and movement organization. The basic tenets of the model are described, and efforts to test and refine it are discussed. This approach exemplifies how general neurobehavioral rules and principles can be harnessed to understand the exceptions to those rules often encountered with special populations.
Research Including Persons with Disabilities: Practical Issues and Contributions to Knowledge of Exercise Physiology
Authors: Shephard Roy J.
Published: August 2016

Attention is drawn to specific practical and ethical concerns that may arise when researchers study responses to vigorous exercise in populations with disabilities. It is argued that the study of such individuals can provide important information regarding responses to exercise by nondisabled people. This thesis is illustrated by selected examples relating to (a) central versus peripheral limitation of oxygen transport, (b) the contribution of muscle pumping to venous return during vigorous exercise, (c) the contribution of sympathetic innervation to aerobic training responses, (d) the ceiling of muscle fiber hypertrophy, (e) the functional demands of daily living, and (f) the responsiveness of young children to aerobic training. It is concluded that exercise physiologists have already learned much about normal reactions to exercise by studies involving those disabilities, but there remains scope for many further investigations exploiting the special characteristics of such populations.
Selected Fitness and Motor Behavior Parameters of Children and Adolescents with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Kertzer Robert , Croce Ron , Hinkle Richard , Janson-Sand Collette
Published: August 2016

Few studies have investigated the fitness levels of children and adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), with no data presently available on such children’s level of motor proficiency. The present investigation was prompted by this lack of information. Twenty-one girls (mean age = 11.0 years, range = 7-14) and 23 boys (mean age =11.5 years, range = 8-15) with IDDM were tested on selected fitness and motor behavior parameters. Results indicated that children and adolescents with IDDM follow similar fitness and motor behavior profiles of their nondiabetic peers: Boys tended to be in better physical condition than girls of similar ages, particularly in the 12-15 year range. In the areas of body composition and abdominal strength/endurance, subjects displayed values below those obtained in studies of nondiabetic subjects. Subjects’ scores on the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency for each age grouping were relatively high, indicating that children and adolescents with IDDM need not have diminished psychomotor skills.
Practicum Experiences and Journal Writing in Adapted Physical Education: Implications for Teacher Education
Authors: Connolly Maureen
Published: August 2016

The central concern of this paper is how an adapted physical education practicum and the journal writing of that experience affected the lives of the students involved. The paper uses as its resource material the fieldwork journals of physical education students who were involved in practicum experiences with people of varying abilities and disabilities. The stories in the journals disclose something of what it is like to come to terms with others and with oneself in the “adapted” teaching-learning adventure. These disclosures will be presented thematically, the themes describing a journey through an adapted physical education practicum. The thematic composite of this journey is based upon content, critical, and thematic analyses of the data, coupled with the experiences and insights of the student collaborators. The potential for these kinds of experiences in physical education and teacher education is discussed.
A ROADMAP for Assessing Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers: The Role of the Adapted Motor Developmentalist
Authors: Cowden Jo E. , Torrey Carol C.
Published: August 2016

The ROADMAP (Role of Assessment Directed Movements, Actions, and Patterns) Model is presented, providing a plan of action for the adapted motor developmentalist (AMD) to assess the motor actions of young children. The emerging specialty area of the AMD requires new areas of proficiency, which are described in the ROADMAP Model. The model defines and describes inputs, processes, products, outputs, and outcomes as they relate to the process of assessment. The role of the adapted motor developmentalist as a key member in the inter- or transdisciplinary assessment process is discussed. Additionally, selected motor assessment instruments are suggested for use by the AMD.
Refinement of the Arm CAFT Protocol for Assessing Aerobic Fitness in Adults with Mobility Impairments
Authors: Longmuir Patricia E. , Shephard Roy J.
Published: August 2016

An arm ergometer analog of the Canadian Aerobic Fitness Test (CAFT) has been proposed for subjects with impairments of mobility (Longmuir & Shephard, 1995). Because of muscle weakness or spasm, only 63% of the adults concerned could maintain the required cadence in the original test version. Thus, in the present study it was hypothesized that a reduced crank loading would yield a higher success rate. In a sample of 35 adults with mobility impairment, 82% were able to complete at least one stage of the modified test. Difficulty was encountered mainly by persons with cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. The revised protocol had a high (r = .97) 1-week test/retest reliability, with no test/retest bias except that subjects with brain lesions scored somewhat higher at their second assessment. A scaled prediction of peak oxygen intake using the standard CAFT equation agreed closely with direct arm ergometer determinations of it. The modified test showed a mean discrepancy ±SD of 0.1 ± 4.8 ml/[kg · min]. Further validation is needed, but the current analog of the standard CAFT appears to be useful for many with mobility impairments.
An Activity-Based Approach to Physical Education for Preschool Children with Disabilities
Authors: Block Martin E. , Davis Timothy D.
Published: August 2016

Traditional motor development programs for preschool children with disabilities usually utilize a behavior-analytic approach in which children are given specific training and instruction on identified IEP objectives. While this approach has its merits in terms of time-on-task and focus on critical IEP objectives, it is not consistent with current developmentally appropriate philosophies in early childhood education. One of the newer techniques suggested by early childhood educators as a “best practice” in educating young children is an activity-based or play-based approach. Children still have individually determined goals and objectives, but these goals and objectives are “embedded” in a variety of child-directed play activities. The teacher acts as a facilitator, encouraging the child to practice individual goals while exploring the environment. The purpose of this article is to introduce the concept of activity-based intervention and provide examples of how it can be implemented within a motor development/physical education context for preschool children with disabilities.
On Constructing a Parody and Then Knocking It Down: A Reaction to Kerr and Blais
Authors: Bouffard Marcel
Published: August 2016

Kerr and Blais’ (2000) paper is frequently ambiguous, incoherent, and severely misrepresents the work of Bouffard, Strean and Davis (1998). Kerr and Blais have committed the logical fallacy of attacking a straw man, which is to misrepresent an opponent’s argument presumably for the purpose of making its attack easier. Although they indicate their desire to proceed without reference to ontological and epistemological assumptions, they implicitly submit the contentious statement that eclecticism is a philosophy that has been accepted by movement skill acquisition researchers. They also endorse eclecticism as a philosophy. In this reaction, I question the validity of numerous statements made by Kerr and Blais and elaborate on some points we made in 1998. I conclude that Kerr and Blais’ paper is a parody of Bouffard, Strean and Davis’ work, which is unlikely to advance our understanding, and submit that the study of research assumptions is an essential part of genuine inquiry.
Anaerobic Performance of Older Female and Male Wheelchair Basketball Players on a Mobile Wheelchair Ergometer
Authors: Hutzler Yeshayahu , Vanlandewijck Yves , Van Vlierberghe Monica
Published: August 2016

The purpose was to compare the anaerobic performance of male and female wheelchair basketball players in the 30-s Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT), performed on a mobile wheelchair ergometer. Participants were 10 female and 10 male wheelchair basketball players, aged 39 to 56, from a provincial wheelchair basketball team. Variables measured included peak and mean velocity and power, as well as the fatigue indices. Test-retest reliability, based on 13 participants (7 males and 6 females), ranged from .88 to .95 for peak and mean power and velocity variables and from .40 to .62 for the fatigue indices. Findings for the sample of 20 indicated that (a) males had significantly higher peak and mean velocity and power than females, and (b) females had significantly higher velocity fatigue indices than males.
Performance Variability of Mildly Mentally Retarded Boys on a Novel Kicking Task
Authors: Porretta David L.
Published: August 2016

For this study, Baumeister’s variability hypothesis (1968) was investigated in eight 10-year-old mildly mentally retarded (MMR) and 16 nonhandicapped boys matched on either mental age (MA) or chronological age (CA). The boys attempted 60 trials on a novel kicking task. Results indicated that CA-matched boys exhibited less absolute error than either MMR- or MA-matched boys, while the latter two groups performed similarly. Variable error was observed to be significantly greater for MA-matched boys than for either MMR- or CA-matched boys, while MMR boys performed with greater although not significant variable error than CA-matched boys. Significant correlations were obtained across trial blocks for both MMR and nonhandicapped boys, indicating that variable error does not contribute more to the performance levels of MMR than of nonhandicapped individuals.
Loss of Physical Condition in Sightless Adolescents during a Summer Vacation
Authors: di Natale Josie , Lee Mary , Ward Graham , Shephard Roy J.
Published: August 2016

The aerobic power and body composition of 18 sightless adolescents (10 males and 8 females) has been tested by standard laboratory techniques. While attending a residential school and participating in specific sessions of vigorous endurance activity at least three times per week, their fitness was comparable to that of normally sighted adolescents (estimated body fat 14.9, 25.3%, directly measured cycle ergometer maximum oxygen intake 51.7, 39.7 ml $$ kg-1 min-1). However, after a 10-week summer vacation spent with their parents, the physical condition of these children had deteriorated to levels previously reported for blind children (estimated body fat 14.7, 27.1%, directly measured maximum oxygen intake 44.9, 33.7 ml $$ kg-1 min-1). It is concluded that sightless students can attain normal levels of fitness for their age if given an adequate and suitably adapted physical activity program. However, if condition is to be maintained, programs should stress patterns of activity suited to the home environment, which typically has no special equipment or trained guides.