bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infiltrating T Cells Promote Bladder Cancer Progression via Increasing IL1→Androgen Receptor→HIF1α→VEGFa Signals
Authors: Tao Le , Qiu Jianxin , Jiang Ming , Song Wenbin , Yeh Shuyuan , Yu Hong , Zang Lijuan , Xia Shujie , Chang Chawnshang
Published: May 2016

The tumor microenvironment impacts tumor progression and individual cells, including CD4+ T cells, which have been detected in bladder cancer tissues. The detailed mechanism of how these T cells were recruited to the bladder cancer tumor and their impact on bladder cancer progression, however, remains unclear. Using a human clinical bladder cancer sample survey and in vitro coculture system, we found that bladder cancer has a greater capacity to recruit T cells than surrounding normal bladder tissues. The consequences of higher levels of recruited T cells in bladder cancer included increased bladder cancer metastasis. Mechanism dissection revealed that infiltrating T cells might function through secreting the cytokine IL1, which increases the recruitment of T cells to bladder cancer and enhances the bladder cancer androgen receptor (AR) signaling that results in increased bladder cancer cell invasion via upregulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1α)/VEGFa expression. Interruption of the IL1→AR→HIF1α→VEGFa signals with inhibitors of HIF1α or VEGFa partially reversed the enhanced bladder cancer cell invasion. Finally, in vivo mouse models of xenografted bladder cancer T24 cells with CD4+ T cells confirmed in vitro coculture studies and concluded that infiltrating CD4+ T cells can promote bladder cancer metastasis via modulation of the IL1→AR→HIF1α→VEGFa signaling. Future clinical trials using small molecules to target this newly identified signaling pathway may facilitate the development of new therapeutic approaches to better suppress bladder cancer metastasis. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(8); 1943–51. ©2016 AACR.
Cetuximab Resistance in Squamous Carcinomas of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract Is Driven by Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Plasticity: Potential for mAb Mixtures
Authors: Kjær Ida , Lindsted Trine , Fröhlich Camilla , Olsen Jesper Velgaard , Horak Ivan David , Kragh Michael , Pedersen Mikkel Wandahl
Published: May 2016

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) arising in upper parts of the aerodigestive tract are among the leading causes of death worldwide. EGFR has been found to play an essential role in driving the malignancy of SCC of the upper aerodigestive tract (SCCUAT), but, despite this, clinical results using a range of different EGFR-targeted agents have been disappointing. Cetuximab is currently the only EGFR-targeted agent approved by the FDA for treatment of SCCUAT. However, intrinsic and acquired cetuximab resistance is a major problem for effective therapy. Thus, a better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for cetuximab resistance is valuable for development of the next generation of antibody therapeutics. In order to better understand the underlying mechanisms of cetuximab resistance in SCCUAT, we established from cetuximab-sensitive models cell lines with acquired resistance to cetuximab by continuous selective pressure in vitro and in vivo. Our results show that resistant clones maintain partial dependency on EGFR and that receptor tyrosine kinase plasticity mediated by HER3 and IGF1R plays an essential role. A multitarget mAb mixture against EGFR, HER3, and IGF1R was able to overcome cetuximab resistance in vitro. To our surprise, these findings could be extended to include SCCUAT cell lines with intrinsic resistance to cetuximab, suggesting that the triad consisting of EGFR, HER3, and IGF1R plays a key role in SCCUAT. Our results thus provide a rationale for simultaneous targeting of EGFR, HER3, and IGF1R in SCCUAT. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(7); 1614–26. ©2016 AACR.
Suppression of SRC Signaling Is Effective in Reducing Synergy between Glioblastoma and Stromal Cells
Authors: Calgani Alessia , Vignaroli Giulia , Zamperini Claudio , Coniglio Federica , Festuccia Claudio , Di Cesare Ernesto , Gravina Giovanni Luca , Mattei Claudia , Vitale Flora , Schenone Silvia , Botta Maurizio , Angelucci Adriano
Published: May 2016

Glioblastoma cells efficiently interact with and infiltrate the surrounding normal tissue, rendering surgical resection and adjuvant chemo/radiotherapy ineffective. New therapeutic targets, able to interfere with glioblastoma's capacity to synergize with normal brain tissue, are currently under investigation. The compound Si306, a pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivative, selected for its favorable activity against SRC, was tested in vitro and in vivo on glioblastoma cell lines. In vivo, combination treatment with Si306 and radiotherapy was strongly active in reducing U-87 xenograft growth with respect to control and single treatments. The histology revealed a significant difference in the stromal compartment of tumoral tissue derived from control or radiotherapy-treated samples with respect to Si306-treated samples, showing in the latter a reduced presence of collagen and α-SMA–positive cells. This effect was paralleled in vitro by the capacity of Si306 to interfere with myofibroblastic differentiation of normal fibroblasts induced by U-87 cells. In the presence of Si306, TGF-β released by U-87 cells, mainly in hypoxia, was ineffective in upregulating α-SMA and β-PDGFR in fibroblasts. Si306 efficiently reached the brain and significantly prolonged the survival of mice orthotopically injected with U-87 cells. Drugs that target SRC could represent an effective therapeutic strategy in glioblastoma, able to block positive paracrine loop with stromal cells based on the β-PDGFR axis and the formation of a tumor-promoting microenvironment. This approach could be important in combination with conventional treatments in the effort to reduce tumor resistance to therapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(7); 1535–44. ©2016 AACR.
Do the Anti-Müllerian Hormone Levels of Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Those Who Are at Risk for Developing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and Those Who Exhibit Isolated Oligomenorrhea Differ from Those of Adolescents with Normal Menstrual Cycles?
Authors: Savas-Erdeve Senay , Keskin Meliksah , Sagsak Elif , Cenesiz Funda , Cetinkaya Semra , Aycan Zehra
Published: May 2016

Background/Aims: We aimed to investigate whether the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), PCOS risk, and isolated oligomenorrhea (OM) were different than in adolescents with a normal/regular menstrual cycle (NMC). Methods: The diagnosis of PCOS was based on the 2012 Amsterdam [European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology/American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ESHRE/ASRM)] criteria. The PCOS group consisted of cases meeting 3 diagnostic criteria (n = 21), and the PCOS risk group was the ‘at risk' group meeting 2 diagnostic criteria (n = 20). Cases with isolated OM that did not satisfy other PCOS diagnostic criteria made up the OM group (n = 21). Thirty adolescent girls with NMCs (21-45 days) were recruited in this study. Results: The AMH levels in the PCOS group were similar to those in the PCOS risk group but significantly higher than those in the OM and NMC groups. The AMH levels in the PCOS risk group were similar to those in the OM group and significantly higher than those in the NMC group. They were also significantly higher in the OM group compared to the NMC group. The specificity for PCOS and PCOS risk with a cutoff value of 7.25 ng/ml for AMH was 72.5% and the sensitivity was 58%. Conclusion: An AMH cutoff value of 7.25 ng/ml can be used for the diagnosis of PCOS in the adolescent period.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Using an Individual 3-Dimensionally Printed Surgical Guide
Authors: Golab Adam , Smektala Tomasz , Krolikowski Marcin , Slojewski Marcin
Published: May 2016

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is an endoscopic technique used for treating large stones, multiple stones, and staghorn calculi. Although minimally invasive, complication rate of PNL reaches 25%, and it is partially associated with needle puncture during nephrostomy tract preparation. Continuous improvement of armamentarium and imaging methods and the introduction of three-dimensional (3D) visualizations optimize the procedure; however, the rapid and precise establishment of the nephrostomy tract is still difficult. In the present short communication, we present the PNL procedure assisted by a personalized 3D-printed surgical guide (SG) to ensure fast and precise needle access to the renal collecting system. We also describe the workflow for SG preparation, which consists of CT image acquisition and data segmentation, planning a safe needle insertion path, SG designing, and guide manufacturing. With the growing market of low-cost 3D printers, the presented technique can shorten the PNL procedure time and decrease the complication rate associated with needle puncture in a cost-efficient manner.
ОЦІНКА ПЕРСПЕКТИВ ВІДТВОРЕННЯ УКРАЇНСЬКОГО НАСЕЛЕННЯ
Authors: Mukshimenko T. V. , Lokay B. A.
Published: May 2016

У роботі представлено порівняльний статистичний аналіз змін моделі народження та режиму старіння населення України та окремих східноєвропейських країн. Розроблено сценарії демографічної поведінки українського населення на середньострокову перспективу. Результати статистичного моделювання характеристик відтворення дають змогу не тільки оцінити характер та масштаби можливих змін, але і скоректувати стратегію державної демографічної політики України.
ПСИХОЛОГІЧНИЙ АСПЕКТ ВНУТРІШНЬОУТРОБНОГО ПАЦІЄНТА
Authors: SHELEST T. D.
Published: May 2016

У статті проаналізовано вплив факторів внутрішньоутробного розвитку на подальше становлення особистості в соціумі.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЇ РОБОТИ ДІЛЬНИЧНОЇ МЕДИЧНОЇ СЕСТРИ З ПРОФІЛАКТИКИ ТА ЛІКУВАННЯ ГІПЕРТОНІЧНОЇ ХВОРОБИ
Authors: Botcyk N. , Tikhonova K. V.
Published: May 2016

У статті висвітлено особливості роботи дільничної медичної сестри, її обовʼязки та завдання, зроблено висновок про її роль у лікуванні та профілактиці гіпертонічної хвороби на дільниці та в поліклініці.
КОМПЛЕКСНА КОРЕКЦІЯ СИСТЕМИ ГІПОФІЗ-ЯЄЧНИКИ У РОБІТНИЦЬ ЛАКОФАРБОВОГО ВИРОБНИЦТВА
Authors: Sannikova N. M.
Published: May 2016

У статті проаналізовано вплив шкідливих чинників на репродуктивну систему жінки-робітниці хімічного підприємства, а також обґрунтовано метод корекції порушень гормонального балансу системи гіпофіз-яєчники за допомогою ентеросорбенту «Карболонг».
ОСНОВНІ СКЛАДОВІ ЗДОРОВ’Я
Authors: Pushkin V. Ya. , Matveycheva A. O. , Kasiyan S. R. , Kobenko M. Yu.
Published: May 2016

У статті розглянуто поняття та основні підходи до позиції здоров'я. Показано, що якісні і кількісні характеристики як здоров'я, так і хвороби мають досить широкий діапазон тлумачення. Підсумовано, що здоров’я є мультифакторним поняттям, яке виступає основною стратегією життя людини з метою підвищення життєстійкості організму.
QUALITATIVE COMPOSITION AND ORGANI C ACIDS CONTENT IN THE ABOVEGROUN D PART OF PLANTS FRO M FAMILIES LAMIACEAE, ASTERACEAE, APIACEAE AND CHENOPODIACEAE
Authors: Marchyshyn S. M. , Shanayda M. I. , Kernychna I. Z. , Demydiak O. L. , Dahym I. S. , Berdey T. S. , Potishnyj I. M.
Published: May 2016

Background. Organic acids are the compounds of aliphatic or aromatic orders, which are widespread in
flora and have a wide range of biological activity. We studied the qualitative composition and quantitative contents
of organic acids in the aboveground part of some unofficial medicinal plants from families Lamiaceae, Asteraceae,
Apiaceae and Chenopodiaceae is relevant.
Objective. The objects of the research are the aboveground part of unofficial medicinal plants from families
Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae and Chenopodiaceae.
Methods. Identification of organic acids was performed by means of thin-layer and paper chromatography,
their content was determined by means of gas chromatography, the quantitative amount of organic acids was
defined by titrimetric analysis.
Results. In the studied raw plants the quality of organic acids and their total contents were determined (in
terms of malic acid). It is established that the maximum content of organic acids is accumulated in the grass
Hyssopus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae), and the minimal is in the leaves of Chrysánthemum xhortorum L. variety Apro
(Asteraceae). In all studied raw plants the dominance of aliphatic acids (citric, malic, oxalic and malonic) was
determined by means of gas chromatography. Benzoic is predominant among the aromatic acids.
Conclusions. In the studied raw plants the quality of organic acids and their total content were determined.
The following results can be used in developing the methods of quality control of the studied raw plants and
during the study of new bioactive substances.
KEY WORDS: organic acids, Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Сhenopodiaceae, grass, leaves, thinlayer
chromatography, gas chromatography, paper chromatography.
DETECTION OF OXIDATIVE STRESS, APOPTOSIS AND MOLECULAR LESIONS IN HUMAN OVARIAN CANCER CELLS
Authors: Falfushynska H. I.
Published: May 2016

Background. Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate of gynaecological cancers. This is partly due to
the lack of effective screening markers. Indices of oxidative stress are well-recognized prognostic criteria for
tumorous transformation of tissue, but their value depends on the type of tumor and the stage of its development.
Objective. The aim of this study is to clarify the relationship between antioxidant/pro-oxidant ratio and the
signs of molecular lesions and apoptosis rate in blood of ovarian cancer patients and non-cancer ones.
Results. The ovarian cancer group is marked by antioxidant/prooxidant balance shifting to oxidative damage
in blood as the consequence of overexpression of oxyradicals (by 300%). Higher level of glutathione (by 366%),
lower level of metallothioneins (by 65%) as well as higher level of lipid peroxidation (by 174%) and protein carbonyls
(by 186%) in blood of ovarian cancer patients compared to the normal ovarian group have been observed. The
signs of cytotoxicity are determined in blood of ovarian cancer patients: an increased (compared to control) level
of DNA fragmentation (by 160%), choline esterase (up to twice), higher rate of both caspase dependent and
caspase independent lysosomal mediated apoptosis.
Conclusions. Cathepsin D activity both total and free, choline esterase activity, TBA-reactive substance and
protein carbonyls level in blood could be used as the predictive markers of worse prognosis and the signs of
human ovarian cancer.
KEY WORDS: ovarian cancer, oxidative stress, apoptosis, caspase-3, cathepsin D, choline esterase,
metallothionein.
1D Current Source Density (CSD) Estimation in Inverse Theory: A Unified Framework for Higher-Order Spectral Regularization of Quadrature and Expansion-Type CSD Methods
Authors: Kropf Pascal , Shmuel Amir
Published: May 2016

Estimation of current source density (CSD) from the low-frequency part of extracellular electric potential recordings is an unstable linear inverse problem. To make the estimation possible in an experimental setting where recordings are contaminated with noise, it is necessary to stabilize the inversion. Here we present a unified framework for zero- and higher-order singular-value-decomposition (SVD)—based spectral regularization of 1D (linear) CSD estimation from local field potentials. The framework is based on two general approaches commonly employed for solving inverse problems: quadrature and basis function expansion. We first show that both inverse CSD (iCSD) and kernel CSD (kCSD) fall into the category of basis function expansion methods. We then use these general categories to introduce two new estimation methods, quadrature CSD (qCSD), based on discretizing the CSD integral equation with a chosen quadrature rule, and representer CSD (rCSD), an even-determined basis function expansion method that uses the problem’s data kernels (representers) as basis functions. To determine the best candidate methods to use in the analysis of experimental data, we compared the different methods on simulations under three regularization schemes (Tikhonov, tSVD, and dSVD), three regularization parameter selection methods (NCP, L-curve, and GCV), and seven different a priori spatial smoothness constraints on the CSD distribution. This resulted in a comparison of 531 estimation schemes. We evaluated the estimation schemes according to their source reconstruction accuracy by testing them using different simulated noise levels, lateral source diameters, and CSD depth profiles. We found that ranking schemes according to the average error over all tested conditions results in a reproducible ranking, where the top schemes are found to perform well in the majority of tested conditions. However, there is no single best estimation scheme that outperforms all others under all tested conditions. The unified framework we propose expands the set of available estimation methods, provides increased flexibility for 1D CSD estimation in noisy experimental conditions, and allows for a meaningful comparison between estimation schemes.
An Infinite Restricted Boltzmann Machine
Authors: Côté Marc-Alexandre , Larochelle Hugo
Published: May 2016

We present a mathematical construction for the restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM) that does not require specifying the number of hidden units. In fact, the hidden layer size is adaptive and can grow during training. This is obtained by first extending the RBM to be sensitive to the ordering of its hidden units. Then, with a carefully chosen definition of the energy function, we show that the limit of infinitely many hidden units is well defined. As with RBM, approximate maximum likelihood training can be performed, resulting in an algorithm that naturally and adaptively adds trained hidden units during learning. We empirically study the behavior of this infinite RBM, showing that its performance is competitive to that of the RBM, while not requiring the tuning of a hidden layer size.
A new species of Platycarpum (Rubiaceae, Henriquezieae) from Peruvian Amazon
Authors: DÁVILA NÁLLARETT , KINOSHITA LUIZA SUMIKO
Published: May 2016

The new species Platycarpum loretensis (Rubiaceae) is endemic to the Loreto Department, Peru, and restricted to white sand forests (varillal), palm swamps, and peatlands. It is similar to P. orinocense from which can be separated by the oblanceolate leaves with prominulous intersecondary veins (vs. elliptic to ovate, without intersecondary veins), corollas 1.9–3 cm long (vs. 1.2–2(–2.2) cm long), and fruits 4.7–5.5 × 3.6–4.9 cm (vs. 3–3.5 × 2.8–3.5 cm).
Metopina Macquart (Diptera: Phoridae) of Israel, with description of a new species, new records and an identification key
Authors: MOSTOVSKI MIKE B.
Published: May 2016

Metopina kuslitzkyi sp. n. with a rudimentary anterior flap on tergite 5 in female is described from Israel. Four other species, the Palaearctic Metopina braueri, M. pileata, M. ulrichi and Afrotropical M. obsoleta, have been recorded from Israel for the first time, in addition to the previously known M. heselhausi. An illustrated identification key to the Israeli species of Metopina is provided.
Vatellini Sharp (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae) from Brazil: two new species, new records, and a checklist
Authors: BRAGA RAFAEL BENZI , FERREIRA-JR NELSON
Published: May 2016

The tribe Vatellini Sharp, 1882 is composed of 55 species divided in two genera. Even though a recent revision of the tribe was made, Vatellini of the new world are weakly explored with great gaps in the distributions of species. In Brazil the knowledge is based only on a few localities. In this work two new species are described and illustrated, Vatellus caissara sp. nov. and Vatellus yanomami sp. nov.; new records are given for Brazil: Vatellus maculosus Miller, 2005 in the state of Mato Grosso, Derovatellus lentus (Wehncke, 1876) in Amazonas, Pará and Rio de Janeiro, Vatellus lateralis (Sharp, 1882) in Alagoas, Ceará, Espírito Santo, Pará, Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Sul, Vatellus sahlbergi (Sharp, 1882) in Rio de Janeiro, and Vatellus tarsatus (Laporte, 1835) in Pará. A checklist with all species of Vatellini occurring in Brazil is provided and steps for identification of the new species are added in the key of Miller (2005).
The Propagation of Tsunami-Generated Acoustic–Gravity Waves in the Atmosphere
Authors: Wu Yue , Llewellyn Smith Stefan G. , Rottman James W. , Broutman Dave , Minster Jean-Bernard H.
Published: May 2016

Tsunami-generated acoustic–gravity waves have been observed to propagate in the atmosphere up to the ionosphere, where they have an impact on the total electron content. The authors simulate numerically the propagation of two-dimensional linear acoustic–gravity waves in an atmosphere with vertically varying stratification and horizontal background winds. The authors’ goal is to compare the difference in how much energy reaches the lower ionosphere up to an altitude of 180 km, where the atmosphere is assumed to be anelastic or fully compressible. The authors consider three specific atmospheric cases: a uniformly stratified atmosphere without winds, an idealized case with a wind jet, and a realistic case with an atmospheric profile corresponding to the 2004 Sumatra tsunami. Results show that for the last two cases, the number and height of turning points are different for the anelastic and compressible assumptions, and the net result is that compressibility enhances the total transmission of energy through the whole atmosphere.
Executive Function and Measures of Fall Risk Among People With Obesity
Authors: Wu Xuefang , Nussbaum Maury A. , Madigan Michael L.
Published: May 2016

This study investigated the relationship between obesity and executive function, and between executive function and fall risk (as estimated from select gait parameters). Of the 39 young adults (age = 21.3 ± 2.6 years) recruited from the local university population via email announcement, 19 were in the obese group (based upon BMI and body fat percentage) and 20 were in the nonobese comparison group. Executive function was assessed using standardized tests including the Stroop test for selective attention; Trail Making test for divided attention, visuomotor tracking, and cognitive flexibility; the Verbal Fluency test for semantic memory; and the Digit-span test for working memory. Participants performed single- and dual-task walking (walking while talking) to evaluate fall risk during gait as measured by minimum toe clearance, required coefficient of friction, stance time, and stance-time variability. The obese group had lower scores for selective attention, semantic memory, and working memory. All participants had gait changes suggestive of a higher fall risk, for example, lower minimum toe clearance, longer stance time, and increased stance variability, during dual-task walking compared with single-task walking, and executive function scores (selective attention) were associated with gait (stance-time variability) during dual-task walking. Results indicate obesity was negatively associated with executive function among young adults and could increase fall risk.
Analysis of the effects of rotating roller speed on a roller electrospinning system
Authors: Yalcinkaya Fatma , Yalcinkaya Baturalp , Jirsak Oldrich
Published: May 2016

The complexity of the free surface electrospinning process makes empirical determination of the effects of parameters very difficult. The parameters of the free surface-roller electrospinning process have not been fully defined. In this paper, new electrospinning parameters were suggested and studied. The relationship between rotating roller speed as a dependent parameter and independent parameter was investigated. The effects of rotating roller speed on electrospun nanofiber diameters and the quality of a nano web are determined experimentally. The velocity of the spinning roller and the content of salts in the solutions were selected as independent process parameters. The results show that the velocity of the rotating roller, which is related to the flow rate/feed rate of a solution on the surface of the rotating roller, affects the spinning performance as well as the quality of the fibers. Moreover, the spinnability and spinning behavior of polyurethane and polyethylene oxide solutions mainly depend on the salt content, viscosity and rotating roller speed. The high speed of the rotating roller caused a thick fiber diameter for the polyurethane solutions and polyethylene oxide, while the slow motion of the rotating roller caused low spinning performance. The diameters and diameter distribution of the electrospun nanofibers and quality of the nano web were most significantly affected by the speed of the rotating roller.
A Pauline Complement to Laudato Si’
Authors: Byrne Brendan
Published: May 2016

References in the encyclical Laudato Si’ to the writings of Paul are brief and rare. Yet the creation stories of Genesis 1–3, which do feature prominently, receive a rich development in Paul’s theology, notably in his presentation of Adam as a negative foil to the redemptive work of Christ. This article argues that an appreciation of the Adamic theology emerging from passages such as Romans 5:12–21; Philippians 2:6–11; 1 Corinthians 15:21–28, and particularly Romans 8:18–22, can fruitfully enlarge the range of Scripture to which the encyclical makes appeal.
“Sublime Communion”: The Theology of the Natural World in Laudato Si’
Authors: Edwards Denis
Published: May 2016

Laudato Si’ offers a profound and in some respects new theology of the natural world. In the analysis offered here, it is proposed that three threads can be discerned in the theology of nature contained in Laudato Si’: first, other creatures have intrinsic value; second, they express and reveal God; third, they form with human beings a sublime communion of creation in God. The article concludes with a brief theological reflection on a theological development of the concept of sublime communion.
The role of motivation and self-esteem in the academic achievement of Turkish gifted students*
Authors: Topçu Sevgi , Leana-Taşcılar Marilena Z
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between self-esteem and motivational components and to determine which were the best predictors of academic achievement among Turkish gifted students. Participants in this study were 184 students (76 girls and 108 boys). Sixty-one students were from the fourth grade, 43 from the fifth grade, 34 from the sixth, 32 from the seventh and 14 from the eighth grade. Eighty-four of the students attended İstanbul Art and Science Centre, which is an after-school program for gifted students, and 100 of them attended a public special education school for gifted students. The Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory was used to assess self-esteem and the Scale of Intrinsic Versus Extrinsic Motivational Orientation in the Classroom was used to assess motivational components. Findings showed significant correlations between self-esteem, motivation and achievement. Using a regression analysis, in fourth graders general self-esteem, in fifth graders academic self-esteem, in sixth and seventh graders intrinsic motivations and in eighth graders extrinsic motivation were found to predict academic achievement.
Bringing the field into the classroom: Methods and experiential learning in the ‘Politics of Development’
Authors: Kenyon Kristi Heather
Published: May 2016

Methods training is typically cordoned off into specific, designated courses and is often consequently isolated from the content of the topics we study. As a result of this separation, methods may appear abstract or technical, particularly to undergraduate students, who usually have no experience or expectation of applying methods during their degrees. This article discusses one experience of incorporating qualitative methods and experiential learning into a mixed undergraduate/graduate seminar on the politics of development. This substantive course was structured around an interview-based assignment which served to introduce students to qualitative methods alongside exposure to the views of development practitioners and scholars. I argue that integrating experiential methods training into substantive courses can prove a useful introduction to interviewing and fieldwork, enhance student engagement with subject-based literature and concepts, and serve as a gateway for further methods education.
What is the lived experience for people with Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy?
Authors: Ferguson James , de Abreu Guida
Published: May 2016

This study aimed to hear the voices of seven people living with Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), to examine their lived experience. The participants were recruited through a website and social networking sites designed for this community; they discussed their experiences in semi-structured interviews. The analytical process was informed by Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) principles. This process illustrated a lived experience that was initially consumed by psycho-social losses and conflicts around identity. However, through pragmatic and resilient attitudes, the participants developed practical methods and emotional coping mechanisms that permitted their adjustment to sight loss and progression in life. Consistent with other studies, the fundamental finding was that the associated feeling of loss and frustration are chronic if, episodic, throughout life.
When the discrimination strategy fails: Revisiting the figure identity strategy, the global characteristics strategy, and the touch vision strategy
Authors: Graven Torø
Published: May 2016

This study investigated what happens when the discrimination strategy fails: It revisited Graven’s ‘qual-quan’ data, to compare correct and incorrect target detections made by the figure identity strategy, the global characteristics strategy, and the touch vision strategy. Do the braille readers use the same or different discrimination strategies, or; is their discrimination strategy vague in incorrect target detections? Do the braille readers rank the same, different, or no target-discriminating feature(s) as the most important? Do s the braille readers use longer exploration time for incorrect than for correct target detections? When the discrimination strategy fails, they lack a repertoire of discrimination strategies, and/or the experience of using this repertoire; they have either encountered attentional load or not focussed their attention sufficiently. Individuals who are taught braille should be taught a repertoire of discrimination strategies, how to, efficiently, switch between them, and what level of attention is suitable for each one.
The nature of emotional support and counselling provision for people with sight loss in the United Kingdom
Authors: Pybis Joanne , Thurston Mhairi , Dennison Catherine M , Broom Matt , Miller Andrew
Published: May 2016

People with sight loss in the United Kingdom are known to have lower levels of emotional well-being and to be at higher risk of depression. Consequently, ‘having someone to talk to’ is an important priority for people with visual impairment. An online survey of the provision of emotional support and counselling for people affected by sight loss across the United Kingdom was undertaken. The survey was distributed widely and received 182 responses. There were more services offering ‘emotional support’, in the form of listening and information and advice giving, than offered ‘counselling’. Services were delivered by providers with differing qualifications in a variety of formats. Waiting times were fairly short and clients presented with a wide range of issues. Funding came from a range of sources, but many felt their funding was vulnerable. Conclusions have been drawn about the need for a national standardised framework for the provision of emotional support and counselling services for blind and partially sighted people in the United Kingdom.
Negotiating identity and self-image: perceptions of falls in ambulatory individuals with spinal cord injury – a qualitative study
Authors: Jørgensen Vivien , Roaldsen Kirsti Skavberg
Published: May 2016

Objective:

Explore and describe experiences and perceptions of falls, risk of falling, and fall-related consequences in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) who are still walking.

Design:

A qualitative interview study applying interpretive content analysis with an inductive approach.

Setting:

Specialized rehabilitation hospital.

Subjects:

A purposeful sample of 15 individuals (10 men), 23 to 78 years old, 2-34 years post injury with chronic incomplete traumatic SCI, and walking ⩾75% of time for mobility needs.

Methods:

Individual, semi-structured face-to-face interviews were recorded, condensed, and coded to find themes and subthemes.

Results:

One overarching theme was revealed: “Falling challenges identity and self-image as normal” which comprised two main themes “Walking with incomplete SCI involves minimizing fall risk and fall-related concerns without compromising identity as normal” and “Walking with incomplete SCI implies willingness to increase fall risk in order to maintain identity as normal”. Informants were aware of their increased fall risk and took precautions, but willingly exposed themselves to risky situations when important to self-identity. All informants expressed some conditional fall-related concerns, and a few experienced concerns limiting activity and participation.

Conclusion:

Ambulatory individuals with incomplete SCI considered falls to be a part of life. However, falls interfered with the informants’ identities and self-images as normal, healthy, and well-functioning. A few expressed dysfunctional concerns about falling, and interventions should target these.
Lisdexamfetamine reduces the compulsive and perseverative behaviour of binge-eating rats in a novel food reward/punished responding conflict model
Authors: Heal David J , Goddard Simon , Brammer Richard J , Hutson Peter H , Vickers Steven P
Published: May 2016

Compulsive and perseverative behaviour in binge-eating, female, Wistar rats was investigated in a novel food reward/punished responding conflict model. Rats were trained to perform the conditioned avoidance response task. When proficient, the paradigm was altered to a food-associated conflict test by placing a chocolate-filled jar (empty jar for controls) in one compartment of the shuttle box. Entry into the compartment with the jar triggered the conditioning stimulus after a variable interval, and foot-shock 10 seconds later if the rat did not leave. Residence in the ‘safe’ compartment with no jar did not initiate trials or foot-shocks. By frequently entering the chocolate-paired compartment, binge-eating rats completed their 10 trials more quickly than non-binge controls. Binge-eating rats spent a greater percentage of the session in the chocolate-paired compartment, received foot-shocks more frequently, and tolerated foot-shocks for longer periods; all consistent with compulsive and perseverative behaviour. The d-amphetamine prodrug, lisdexamfetamine, has recently received US approval for the treatment of moderate to severe binge-eating disorder in adults. Lisdexamfetamine (0.8 mg/kg po [ d-amphetamine base]) decreased chocolate consumption by binge-eating rats by 55% and markedly reduced compulsive and perseverative responding in the model. These findings complement clinical results showing lisdexamfetamine reduced compulsiveness scores in subjects with binge-eating disorder.
Post-acute delivery of memantine promotes post-ischemic neurological recovery, peri-infarct tissue remodeling, and contralesional brain plasticity
Authors: Wang Ya-chao , Sanchez-Mendoza Eduardo H , Doeppner Thorsten R , Hermann Dirk M
Published: May 2016

The NMDA antagonist memantine preferentially inhibits extrasynaptic NMDA receptors, which are overactivated upon stroke and thought to disturb neuroplasticity. We hypothesized that memantine enhances post-ischemic neurological recovery, brain remodeling, and plasticity. C57BL6/j mice were exposed to intraluminal middle cerebral artery occlusion. Starting 72 hours post-stroke, vehicle or memantine (4 or 20 mg/kg/day) were subcutaneously delivered over 28 days. Neurological recovery, perilesional tissue remodeling and contralesional pyramidal tract plasticity were evaluated over 49 days. Memantine, delivered at 20 but not 4 mg/kg/day, persistently improved motor-coordination and spatial memory. Secondary striatal atrophy was reduced by memantine. This delayed neuroprotection was associated with reduced astrogliosis and increased capillary formation around the infarct rim. Concentrations of BDNF, GDNF, and VEGF were bilaterally elevated by memantine in striatum and cortex. Anterograde tract tracing studies revealed that memantine increased contralesional corticorubral sprouting across the midline in direction to the ipsilesional red nucleus. In the contralesional motor cortex, the NMDA receptor subunit GluN2B, which is predominantly expressed in extrasynaptic NMDA receptors, was transiently reduced by memantine after 14 days, whereas GluN2A and PSD-95, which preferentially co-localize with synaptic NMDA receptors, were increased after 28 days. Our data suggest the utility of memantine for enhancing post-acute stroke recovery.
Waste flow analysis and life cycle assessment of integrated waste management systems as planning tools: Application to optimise the system of the City of Bologna
Authors: Tunesi Simonetta , Baroni Sergio , Boarini Sandro
Published: May 2016

The results of this case study are used to argue that waste management planning should follow a detailed process, adequately confronting the complexity of the waste management problems and the specificity of each urban area and of regional/national situations. To support the development or completion of integrated waste management systems, this article proposes a planning method based on: (1) the detailed analysis of waste flows and (2) the application of a life cycle assessment to compare alternative scenarios and optimise solutions. The evolution of the City of Bologna waste management system is used to show how this approach can be applied to assess which elements improve environmental performance. The assessment of the contribution of each waste management phase in the Bologna integrated waste management system has proven that the changes applied from 2013 to 2017 result in a significant improvement of the environmental performance mainly as a consequence of the optimised integration between materials and energy recovery: Global Warming Potential at 100 years (GWP100) diminishes from 21,949 to −11,169 t CO2-eq y-1 and abiotic resources depletion from −403 to −520 t antimony-eq. y-1. This study analyses at great detail the collection phase. Outcomes provide specific operational recommendations to policy makers, showing the: (a) relevance of the choice of the materials forming the bags for ‘door to door’ collection (for non-recycled low-density polyethylene bags 22 kg CO2-eq (tonne of waste)-1); (b) relatively low environmental impacts associated with underground tanks (3.9 kg CO2-eq (tonne of waste)-1); (c) relatively low impact of big street containers with respect to plastic bags (2.6 kg CO2-eq. (tonne of waste)-1).
Assembly force and taper angle difference influence the relative motion at the stem–neck interface of bi-modular hip prostheses
Authors: Haschke Henning , Jauch-Matt Sabrina Y , Sellenschloh Kay , Huber Gerd , Morlock Michael M
Published: May 2016

Bi-modular hip arthroplasty prostheses allow adaptation to the individual patient anatomy and the combination of different materials but introduce an additional interface, which was related lately to current clinical issues. Relative motion at the additional taper interface might increase the overall risk of fretting, corrosion, metallic debris and early failure. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the assembly force influences the relative motion and seating behaviour at the stem–neck interface of a bi-modular hip prosthesis (Metha®; Aesculap AG, Tuttlingen, Germany) and whether this relation is influenced by the taper angle difference between male and female taper angles. Neck adapters made of titanium (Ti6Al4V) and CoCr (CoCr29Mo) were assembled with a titanium stem using varying assembly forces and mechanically loaded. A contactless eddy current measurement system was used to record the relative motion between prosthesis stem and neck adapter. Higher relative motion was observed for Ti neck adapters compared to the CoCr ones (p < 0.001). Higher assembly forces caused increased seating distances (p < 0.001) and led to significantly reduced relative motion (p = 0.019). Independent of neck material type, prostheses with larger taper angle difference between male and female taper angles exhibited decreased relative motion (p < 0.001). Surgeons should carefully use assembly forces above 4 kN to decrease the amount of relative motion within the taper interface. Maximum assembly forces, however, should be limited to prevent periprosthetic fractures. Manufacturers should optimize taper angle differences to increase the resistance against relative motion.
‘In the mind’s eye’: A cognitive linguistic re-construction of WD Snodgrass’ ‘Matisse: The Red Studio’
Authors: Panagiotidou Maria-Eirini
Published: May 2016

Although ekphrastic poetry has always been a popular poetic genre, the twentieth century saw a profusion in the production of literary texts that describe art objects. Ekphrastic criticism is abundant with critical discussions raising questions concerning aesthetics, the value of artistic creations, and the nature of representation. However, these discussions rarely consider the experience of reading an ekphrastic poem or account for readers’ responses to ekphrastic texts. The present paper uses the tools and methodology of cognitive poetics to examine how WD Snodgrass’ ekphrastic poem ‘Matisse: The Red Studio’ may be mentally reconstructed. The analysis focuses on figure–ground relations and the psychological notion of attention to explore how textual cues are brought together to create a representation of the painting described in the poem. It examines the use of particular lexical items that denote colors, forms, and textures as they become available for processing into objects. While addressing Snodgrass’ questions concerning the ownership of art objects and the notion of ‘still movement’, it also illustrates the ability of cognitive poetics to account for reader responses to ekphrastic poems in a way that complements and expands on trends in linguistics and literary criticism.
An analysis of viewpoints by the use of frequent multi-word sequences in DH Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover
Authors: Ikeo Reiko
Published: May 2016

This paper examines how particular multi-word sequences and a set of adjectives that are closely related to the leading protagonists’ viewpoints contribute to the character development and narrative construction in the fictional text, DH Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover (LCL). LCL is an iconic novel that explores sensuality and sexuality as being an essential part of humanity. To collect linguistic material for examination, I used a frequency list of the text of LCL as the primary source. From the frequency list, the most frequent mental verbs, perception verbs, body part nouns and adjectives were chosen for retrieving the most frequent 2/3-grams. These expressions, which occur frequently in the text, are primarily used for establishing the viewpoint of the leading character, Connie. These verbs, nouns and adjectives are also used to present the other main characters’ internal states, perceptions and viewpoints, although less frequently. These characters’ inner worlds, compared with Connie’s, whose intentions, motives and desires are transparent to the reader, appear to be less discernible and more distant from the reader. However, after Connie became intimately involved with the gamekeeper, Mellors’s viewpoint is more often introduced by similar lexical items to those that were applied to presenting Connie’s internal states. The analysis has revealed how particular linguistic means are related to different characters’ viewpoints.
Challenging the epistemological fog: The roles of the scholar/activist in education
Authors: Apple Michael W
Published: May 2016

This is a very difficult time in education. Neoliberal and neoconservative policies have had major effects on schools, on communities, on administrators, on teachers, and on all school staff. A new alliance has integrated education into a wider set of ideological commitments. The objectives in education are the same as those that guide economic and social welfare goals. They include the dramatic expansion of that eloquent fiction, the free market; the drastic reduction of government responsibility for social needs; the reinforcement of intensely competitive structures of mobility both inside and outside the school; the lowering of people’s expectations for economic security; the ‘disciplining’ of culture and the body; and the popularization of what is clearly a form of Social Darwinist thinking. In response to this, I detail nine tasks in which the critical scholar/activist should engage in fulfilling the role of the public intellectual. Such tasks are crucial if we are to collectively deal with the current crisis.
Quantitative EEG in Children and Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Markovska-Simoska Silvana , Pop-Jordanova Nada
Published: May 2016

In recent decades, resting state electroencephalographic (EEG) measures have been widely used to document underlying neurophysiological dysfunction in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although most EEG studies focus on children, there is a growing interest in adults with ADHD too. The aim of this study was to objectively assess and compare the absolute and relative EEG power as well as the theta/beta ratio in children and adults with ADHD. The evaluated sample comprised 30 male children and 30 male adults with ADHD diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria. They were compared with 30 boys and 30 male adults matched by age. The mean age (±SD) of the children’s group was 9 (±2.44) years and the adult group 35.8 (±8.65) years. EEG was recorded during an eyes-open condition. Spectral analysis of absolute (μV2) and relative power (%) was carried out for 4 frequency bands: delta (2-4 Hz), theta (4-8 Hz), alpha (8-13 Hz), and beta (13-21 Hz). The findings obtained for ADHD children are increased absolute power of slow waves (theta and delta), whereas adults exhibited no differences compared with normal subjects. For the relative power spectra there were no differences between the ADHD and control groups. Across groups, the children showed greater relative power than the adults in the delta and theta bands, but for the higher frequency bands (alpha and beta) the adults showed more relative power than children. Only ADHD children showed greater theta/beta ratio compared to the normal group. Classification analysis showed that ADHD children could be differentiated from the control group by the absolute theta values and theta/beta ratio at Cz, but this was not the case with ADHD adults. The question that should be further explored is if these differences are mainly due to maturation processes or if there is a core difference in cortical arousal between ADHD children and adults.