bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polypropylene nanocomposites with oxo‐degradable pro‐oxidant: Mechanical, thermal, rheological, and photo‐degradation performance
Authors: Mittal Vikas , Patwary Fakhruddin
Published: May 2016

The objective of the study was to generate degradable polypropylene nanocomposites by incorporation of pro‐oxidant and different fillers like silica, silicate, and thermally reduced graphene. Graphene‐based composites exhibited higher crystallinity attributed to better dispersion and high aspect ratio platelets. Graphene composites with 2.5% additive content significantly enhanced the peak degradation temperature to 464°C as compared to 448°C for pure polymer. The processing conditions used for the nanocomposite generation were optimum as a uniform distribution of filler particles (or platelets) was observed in the PP matrix. The tensile modulus of the graphene composite with 2.5% additive content was 80% higher than pure PP, as compared to 60 and 30% for silicate and silica composites, respectively. Similarly, the storage modulus of the graphene nanocomposite with 1% additive content had 30% increment at 40°C as compared to pure PP. PP‐additive blends as well as PP nanocomposites with silica and silicate were observed to attain 100% degree of embrittlement within 6 months of UV exposure at 30°C. Graphene composites, though, had delayed photo‐degradation due to UV absorption by the platelets and high aspect ratio platelets acting as oxygen barrier for PP matrix, but the pro‐oxidant was successful in attaining controlled degradation. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:1229–1239, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Investigation of the thin film crystallization of a DNA copolymer hybrid composed of chitosan
Authors: Safir Ilyès , Chami Mohamed , Buergi Thomas , Nardin Corinne
Published: May 2016

We describe for the first time the crystallization in thin films of a DNA copolymer composed of a low molecular weight chitosan backbone to which a sequence of nucleic acids is grafted (chitosan‐g‐ssDNA). As assessed by atomic force microscopy, optical microscopy and spectroscopy, crystallization occurs due to intermolecular hydrogen bonding in which the nucleic acid strands engage. The morphology of the crystals depends on the affinity for the surface of the polymer segments that compose the DNA copolymer hybrid. The nucleic acids adsorb on mica and silica on which side‐branched structures are observed whereas chitosan interacts preferentially with gold, and dendritic crystals are assembled. Attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy supports the high ordering of the structure and the establishment of strong intermolecular interactions by hydrogen bonding. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
MANUALIZATION, FEASIBILITY, AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SCHOOL‐BASED SOCIAL COMPETENCE INTERVENTION FOR ADOLESCENTS (SCI‐A)
Authors: Stichter Janine P. , Herzog Melissa J. , Owens Sarah A. , Malugen Emily
Published: May 2016

Despite the movement toward identification of evidence‐based practices (EBPs), there is a discrepancy in the availability of school‐based EBPs targeting the unique needs of students with high functioning forms of autism and related social needs. Based on calls for systematic intervention development and evaluation processes, the current study describes the manualization, feasibility, and effectiveness testing of the school‐based Social Competence Intervention for Adolescents (SCI‐A) curriculum. School personnel were trained to implement SCI‐A to a targeted student population. Fidelity and social validity data indicated curriculum feasibility and acceptability within secondary school settings. Student social functioning, executive functioning, and theory of mind demonstrated postintervention gains with moderate effect sizes. Results are promising for SCI‐A's continued positive trajectory within the phases of EBP evaluation research. Challenges for intervention effectiveness testing within schools and future considerations for evaluating EBPs are discussed.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESSURE TO PRACTICE UNETHICALLY AND BURNOUT WITHIN THE PROFESSION OF SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY
Authors: Boccio Dana E. , Weisz Gaston , Lefkowitz Rebecca
Published: May 2016

This investigation involved the surveying of school psychology practitioners (N = 291) to determine the possible existence of a relationship between administrative pressure to practice unethically and impaired occupational health, as manifested in elevated levels of burnout, job dissatisfaction, and intent to exit the workforce. Almost one‐third of participants claimed to have been pressured to behave unethically, with directives most commonly consisting of instructions to withhold recommendations for support services and to agree with inappropriate special education placement decisions. Practitioners who experienced administrative pressure reported higher levels of burnout, less satisfaction with their current position and the profession, and a greater desire to leave their job and the field of school psychology. The findings are presented within the context of current and projected shortages of practicing school psychologists. Implications for preventing burnout and promoting school psychologists’ occupational well‐being are discussed.
COGNITIVE COMPONENTS OF DEVELOPMENTAL WRITING SKILL
Authors: Decker Scott L. , Roberts Alycia M. , Roberts Kristin L. , Stafford Allison L. , Eckert Mark A.
Published: May 2016

A significant number of studies have examined the cognitive components of basic academic skills, which has led to major changes in both teaching and early identification assessment practices. However, the majority of previous research has focused solely on reading. This study examines the cognitive components of academic writing skills across early grade levels (1–4) while controlling for basic word identification skills. Results from this study suggest writing skill requires several cognitive skills of differing emphasis depending on the level of writing skill. Perceptual and rapid perceptual processing skills are important during the early acquisition of writing skills followed by a transition to language and language retrieval skills and later still to working memory skills. Applications for education and cognitive assessment are discussed.
Analysis of the interactions of sulfur‐containing amino acids in membrane proteins
Authors: Gómez‐Tamayo José C. , Cordomí Arnau , Olivella Mireia , Mayol Eduardo , Fourmy Daniel , Pardo Leonardo
Published: May 2016

The interactions of Met and Cys with other amino acid side chains have received little attention, in contrast to aromatic–aromatic, aromatic–aliphatic or/and aliphatic–aliphatic interactions. Precisely, these are the only amino acids that contain a sulfur atom, which is highly polarizable and, thus, likely to participate in strong Van der Waals interactions. Analysis of the interactions present in membrane protein crystal structures, together with the characterization of their strength in small‐molecule model systems at the ab‐initio level, predicts that Met–Met interactions are stronger than Met–Cys ≈ Met–Phe ≈ Cys–Phe interactions, stronger than Phe–Phe ≈ Phe–Leu interactions, stronger than the Met–Leu interaction, and stronger than Leu–Leu ≈ Cys–Leu interactions. These results show that sulfur‐containing amino acids form stronger interactions than aromatic or aliphatic amino acids. Thus, these amino acids may provide additional driving forces for maintaining the 3D structure of membrane proteins and may provide functional specificity.
Improving hybrid statistical and physical forcefields through local structure enumeration
Authors: Conway Patrick , DiMaio Frank
Published: May 2016

Forcefields used in biomolecular simulations are comprised of energetic terms that are physical in nature, based on parameter fitting to quantum mechanical simulation or experimental data, or statistical, drawing off high‐resolution structural data to describe distributions of molecular features. Combining the two in a single forcefield is challenging, since physical terms describe some, but not all, of the observed statistics, leading to double counting. In this manuscript, we develop a general scheme for correcting statistical potentials used in combination with physical terms. We apply these corrections to the sidechain torsional potential used in the Rosetta all‐atom forcefield. We show the approach identifies instances of double‐counted interactions, including electrostatic interactions between sidechain and nearby backbone, and steric interactions between neighboring Cβ atoms within secondary structural elements. Moreover, this scheme allows for the inclusion of intraresidue physical terms, previously turned off to avoid overlap with the statistical potential. Combined, these corrections lead to a forcefield with improved performance on several structure prediction tasks, including rotamer prediction and native structure discrimination.
Susceptibility of Alphitobius diaperinus in Texas to permethrin‐ and β‐cyfluthrin‐treated surfaces
Authors: Lyons Brandon N , Crippen Tawni L , Zheng Le , Teel Pete D , Swiger Sonja L , Tomberlin Jeffery K
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

Effective control of the lesser mealworm beetle, Alphitobius diaperinus, relies heavily on insecticides. The susceptibility level of beetles to these insecticides can be dependent on active ingredient, population treated, formulation, surface treated and timing of observation. The susceptibility of adult beetles from six populations to β‐cyfluthrin was determined up to 48 h after exposure. The susceptibility of adult beetles to the label rate of β‐cyfluthrin and permethrin formulations on concrete, wood‐chip‐type particle board and pressure‐treated wood was determined up to 48 h post‐exposure.

RESULTS

Variation in LC50 values at 2 and 24 h was found within and between beetle populations from two regions of Texas. The permethrin formulation had lower mean mortality than the β‐cyfluthrin formulation on all surfaces tested. The permethrin formulation had high levels of recovery on all surfaces tested after 2 h. Surface affected the efficacy of the insecticides tested on killing adult beetles.

CONCLUSION

Permethrin‐based insecticide had lower knockdown and persistence on various surfaces over time than β‐cyfluthrin‐based insecticide. Beetle recovery in less susceptible populations may necessitate longer observation periods for efficacy evaluations. Our study also shows that surfaces chosen can affect the efficacy of the compound on killing adult beetles. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of direct normal irradiance including circumsolar radiation in climate/NWP models
Authors: Sun Zhian , Li Jiangnan , He Yongjian , Li Jiandong , Liu Aixia , Zhang Feng
Published: May 2016

An issue in the determination of the direct component of solar radiation involving the circumsolar contribution in numerical weather prediction (NWP) and climate models is discussed. The direct solar radiation has multiple definitions in different applications, but this ambiguity has not always been clearly identified and has therefore sometimes caused confusion. The confusion arises from a fact that the photons that are scattered into the direct solar beam path by atmospheric particles are no different from the non‐scattered photons travelling in the same direction. Therefore there is a question whether these scattered photons should be included in the direct flux calculation or whether they should be excluded. Different definitions of the direct solar radiation in a wide range of applications have been discussed by Blanc et al. (2014). We further discuss it in terms of its relation to NWP and climate models. The short‐wave radiation schemes used in NWP and climate models can be classified into two groups: those that calculate the direct solar radiation without including scattering contributions and those which include the scattering contribution in terms of the delta‐Eddington approximation. We assess the two treatments by comparing modelled direct solar radiation with observations. It is found that the use of delta‐Eddington scaling results in positive errors in the direct solar flux at the surface, while neglecting the delta‐scaling leads to negative errors. The important result is that the positive error from using the delta‐Eddington scaling is at least 1 order of magnitude larger than the absolute negative error due to neglecting it. In order to include properly the scattering contribution in the direct flux calculation, a simple parametrization for dust aerosol is developed which can be used to consider the scattering contribution due to the particular case of dust aerosol to the direct solar radiation within the circumsolar region.
Analysis of Fractions Skill Score properties for random precipitation fields and ECMWF forecasts
Authors: Skok Gregor , Roberts Nigel
Published: May 2016

The Fractions Skill Score (FSS) is a spatial verification measure that is used for assessing the performance of precipitation forecasts from numerical weather prediction models. Previous studies have shown that the FSS is able to give a direct measure of the error in the placement of the rain. This article takes the approach further and derives analytical expressions and uses Monte‐Carlo simulations for randomly positioned observed and forecast rainfall to reveal further characteristics of the FSS in both infinite and bounded domains. It reveals that the definition of an FSS value that determines the minimum scale at which a forecast should be deemed ‘useful’ (useful forecast criteria) is a meaningful concept and shows how this value increases with increasing fractional rainfall coverage. A study of real forecast data is also presented using 8 years of European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model forecasts, out to a lead time of 9 days, over domains of differing sizes covering parts of Europe and North Africa. The FSS is examined using different strategies for dealing with the domain boundary and is compared with the analytical study. The findings give practical guidance on how to use the FSS. For most situations a FSS value of >0.5 serves as a good indicator of a useful forecast. The choice of domain size for rainfall forecast verification should consider the typical spatial errors of the forecast. For a domain that is large compared to the typical spatial error, the boundaries have little adverse affect, but this is not the case if the spatial errors start to become comparable to the size of the domain. The evaluation of ECMWF forecasts reveals the extent of the spatial errors that emerge for medium‐range forecasts and show the value of verifying those forecasts using the FSS over an appropriately sized region.
Normal Distributions Transform Traversability Maps: LIDAR‐Only Approach for Traversability Mapping in Outdoor Environments
Authors: Ahtiainen Juhana , Stoyanov Todor , Saarinen Jari
Published: May 2016

Safe and reliable autonomous navigation in unstructured environments remains a challenge for field robots. In particular, operating on vegetated terrain is problematic, because simple purely geometric traversability analysis methods typically classify dense foliage as nontraversable. As traversing through vegetated terrain is often possible and even preferable in some cases (e.g., to avoid executing longer paths), more complex multimodal traversability analysis methods are necessary. In this article, we propose a three‐dimensional (3D) traversability mapping algorithm for outdoor environments, able to classify sparsely vegetated areas as traversable, without compromising accuracy on other terrain types. The proposed normal distributions transform traversability mapping (NDT‐TM) representation exploits 3D LIDAR sensor data to incrementally expand normal distributions transform occupancy (NDT‐OM) maps. In addition to geometrical information, we propose to augment the NDT‐OM representation with statistical data of the permeability and reflectivity of each cell. Using these additional features, we train a support‐vector machine classifier to discriminate between traversable and nondrivable areas of the NDT‐TM maps. We evaluate classifier performance on a set of challenging outdoor environments and note improvements over previous purely geometrical traversability analysis approaches.
The Foundational Contribution to Entrepreneurship Research of William J. Baumol
Authors: Minniti Maria
Published: May 2016

William J. Baumol has made an impressive number of important contributions to our understanding of entrepreneurship. This article presents an interview in which Baumol discusses the role and importance of innovation in the economy, as well as his views on methodological and pedagogical issues. In addition to summarizing briefly Baumol's classic argument on productive, unproductive, and destructive entrepreneurship, the article highlights some areas of his work that are less known among entrepreneurship scholars. In particular, the article discusses Baumol's work on economic growth and his theory of contestable markets. Both topics offer fruitful research venues for those interested in the relationship between strategic entrepreneurship, market entry, and innovation. Copyright © 2016 Strategic Management Society.
Nanophotonic Image Sensors
Authors: Chen Qin , Hu Xin , Wen Long , Yu Yan , Cumming David R. S.
Published: May 2016

The increasing miniaturization and resolution of image sensors bring challenges to conventional optical elements such as spectral filters and polarizers, the properties of which are determined mainly by the materials used, including dye polymers. Recent developments in spectral filtering and optical manipulating techniques based on nanophotonics have opened up the possibility of an alternative method to control light spectrally and spatially. By integrating these technologies into image sensors, it will become possible to achieve high compactness, improved process compatibility, robust stability and tunable functionality. In this Review, recent representative achievements on nanophotonic image sensors are presented and analyzed including image sensors with nanophotonic color filters and polarizers, metamaterial‐based THz image sensors, filter‐free nanowire image sensors and nanostructured‐based multispectral image sensors. This novel combination of cutting edge photonics research and well‐developed commercial products may not only lead to an important application of nanophotonics but also offer great potential for next generation image sensors beyond Moore's Law expectations.
Humanizing Digital Literacies: A Road Trip in Search of Wisdom and Insight
Authors: Rowsell Jennifer , Burke Anne , Flewitt Rosie , Liao Han‐Teng , Lin Angel , Marsh Jackie , Mills Kathy , Prinsloo Mastin , Rowe Deborah , Wohlwend Karen
Published: May 2016

Digital literacies abound in playing a foundational role in the rhythm and pattern of our lives, yet debates continue about how to harness them to teach and learn literacy. In an effort to humanize digital literacies, this department column offers a vast array of topics, from participatory work that pushes educators and researchers to communicate in local and global spaces to ways of redefining core reading and literacy skills through a screen‐based, multimodal logic. This column also provides a venue for research and practical applications that depict technology use as a part of the fabric of being human. The column helps educators reconceptualize the ways that children learn with technology, media, and new communication systems; honors educator success stories and burning questions and issues; and reimagines literacy futures.
Social anxiety disorder: a critical overview of neurocognitive research
Authors: Cremers Henk R. , Roelofs Karin
Published: May 2016

Social anxiety is a common disorder characterized by a persistent and excessive fear of one or more social or performance situations. Behavioral inhibition is one of the early indicators of social anxiety, which later in life may advance into a certain personality structure (low extraversion and high neuroticism) and the development of maladaptive cognitive biases. While there are several effective psycho‐ and pharmacotherapy options, a large number of patients benefit insufficiently from these therapies. Brain and neuroendocrine research can help uncover both the biological basis of social anxiety and potentially provide indicators, ‘biomarkers,’ that may be informative for early disease detection or treatment response, above and beyond self‐report data. Several large‐scale brain networks related to emotion, motivation, cognitive control, and self‐referential processing have been identified, and are affected in social anxiety. Social anxiety is further characterized by increased cortisol response and lower testosterone levels. These neuroendocrine systems are also related to altered connectivity patterns, such as reduced amygdala–prefrontal coupling. Much work is needed however to further elucidate such interactions between neuroendocrine functioning and large‐scale brain networks. Despite the great promise of brain research in uncovering the neurobiological basis of social anxiety, several methodological and conceptual issues also need to be considered. WIREs Cogn Sci 2016, 7:218–232. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1390

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Emotion and Motivation
Energy and development: the role of academia in education, research, and technological cooperation for sustainability
Authors: Colombo Emanuela , Mattarolo Lorenzo
Published: May 2016

Over the last decades, the interest of the international community for the multiple interconnections among energy, environment, and society has widely increased. Today, the close link between energy and development is officially recognized. The 2030 development agenda identifies energy access as a necessary precondition for human and social promotion, as well as an instrumental right to fight poverty. Nevertheless access to sufficient, affordable, efficient, reliable, safe and clean energy is not yet an opportunity for all. In developing countries, the problem is critical, but evidence has also risen in emerging countries and, more recently, even in developed countries. A new culture of energy is needed at global level. Innovative solutions and strategies to match the economic growth with the multidimensional targets of sustainability, including environmental preservation and social inclusion, need to be developed. In this scenario, the academia and the scientific community may play a key role by reshaping and updating their traditional mission, based on education, research, and community outreach, with a vision of the society where the human being is settled back at the center of the stage. WIREs Energy Environ 2017, 6:e215. doi: 10.1002/wene.215

This article is categorized under:

Energy Policy and Planning > Economics and Policy

Energy and Development > Economics and Policy
Utilizing citizen science to document a mange epidemic in western gray squirrels in California
Authors: Rudd Jaime , Stephenson Nicole , Clifford Deana L. , Konde Lora , Villepique Jeffrey T. , Foley Janet
Published: May 2016

Citizen science allows for economical collection of data across large geographic areas. However the degree of expertise required, inter‐observer consistency, and strategies for compiling and disseminating results may affect the quality of the project data. We used citizen science to recreate spatio‐temporal characteristics of an outbreak of notoedric mange (Notoedres centrifera) in western gray squirrels (Sciurus griseus anthonyi) in the San Bernardino Mountains of California, USA, and evaluated strengths and limitations of citizen science to collect these data. In June 2012, we deployed an online survey asking local residents to record location, date, and details of past squirrel sightings (prior to the epidemic), and recent sightings of sick and healthy squirrels. Respondents provided 160 historical observations, 83.8% of which had sufficient information for inclusion. Although there was an eventual decay in reporting, these data allowed us to detect spatial clusters of mange, a west to east spread, and the presence of some unaffected squirrels after the epidemic. Respondents reported mange cases earlier than rehabilitators and at least a year ahead of a noticeable decline, while 76.3% observed the decline after 2010. Residents who lived in the study area for more than half the year were 2.3 times more likely to observe a gray squirrel with mange. After the start of the survey, there were 6 reports of gray squirrels with signs suggestive of mange but 188 reports of healthy gray squirrels, indicating the peak of infection in this mange epidemic was over by 2012. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Systems medicine in colorectal cancer: from a mathematical model toward a new type of clinical trial
Authors: Castagnino Nicoletta , Maffei Massimo , Tortolina Lorenzo , Zoppoli Gabriele , Piras Daniela , Nencioni Alessio , Moran Eva , Ballestrero Alberto , Patrone Franco , Parodi Silvio
Published: May 2016

Current colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment guidelines are primarily based on clinical features, such as cancer stage and grade. However, outcomes may be improved using molecular treatment guidelines. Potentially useful biomarkers include driver mutations and somatically inherited alterations, signaling proteins (their expression levels and (post) translational modifications), mRNAs, micro‐RNAs and long noncoding RNAs. Moving to an integrated system is potentially very relevant. To implement such an integrated system: we focus on an important region of the signaling network, immediately above the G1‐S restriction point, and discuss the reconstruction of a Molecular Interaction Map and interrogating it with a dynamic mathematical model. Extensive model pretraining achieved satisfactory, validated, performance. The model helps to propose future target combination priorities, and restricts drastically the number of drugs to be finally tested at a cellular, in vivo, and clinical‐trial level. Our model allows for the inclusion of the unique molecular profiles of each individual patient's tumor. While existing clinical guidelines are well established, dynamic modeling may be used for future targeted combination therapies, which may progressively become part of clinical practice within the near future. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2016, 8:314–336. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1342

This article is categorized under:

Biological Mechanisms > Cell Signaling

Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods

Translational, Genomic, and Systems Medicine > Translational Medicine
Drivers of temperature sensitivity of decomposition of soil organic matter along a mountain altitudinal gradient in the Western Carpathians
Authors: Klimek Beata , Jelonkiewicz Łukasz , Niklińska Maria
Published: May 2016

Mountain forest soils contain an important stock of carbon. Their altitudinal gradient can serve as a model for research on the potential risk of increased emission of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, in a positive feedback of global warming. Using soil samples collected at three elevations (600, 900, and 1200 m a.s.l.) from five separate slopes of the Carpathian Mountains (Poland), we studied the effects of soil physical, chemical and microbial properties controlling the temperature sensitivity (Q10 values) of organic matter decomposition in forest soils. Data of soil basal respiration rate measured in laboratory conditions at six different temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 °C) were fitted to a Gaussian function. The modelled soil respiration rates differed between altitudes at temperature exceeding 15 °C, and the respiration rate of soil from 1200 m a.s.l. was higher than in soils from the two lower elevations. Based on the modelled respiration values, we calculated Q10 values in the low (Q10L, 0–10 °C), medium (Q10M, 10–20 °C) and high (Q10H, 20–30 °C) temperature ranges. The Q10 values did not differ between elevations. Q10L and Q10M were negatively related only with the C:N ratio. Temperature sensitivity of decomposition of soil organic matter was not affected by bacterial activity and functional diversity (assessed using Biolog® ECO plates), microbial biomass or community structure (inferred from phospholipid fatty acid assays). Our findings support a kinetics‐based theory of the higher temperature sensitivity of more chemically recalcitrant soil organic matter, put forward by other authors.
Caste and Religion-Based Wage Discrimination in the Indian Private Sector: Evidence from the Indian Human Development Survey
Authors: Axmann Nikolaus , Swanson Kendal , Contreras Victor Cuspinera
Published: May 2016

Using data from the Indian Human Development Survey, we examine evidence of caste and religion-based discrimination in the Indian private and public sector. Both Dalits and Adivasis show significant results of discrimination in the private sector, and benefit disproportionately from working in the public sector. This is strong evidence that at least some of the affirmative action policies in the public sector are proving effective. The policy implications are relevant: should similar affirmative action policies be implemented in the private sector? Further, this research suggests a path for further research to understand why protected castes do not benefit from affirmative action programs to the same extent as Dalits and Adivasis.
Rejection sensitivity and depressive symptoms: Longitudinal actor‐partner effects in adolescent romantic relationships
Authors: Norona Jerika C. , Roberson Patricia N.E. , Welsh Deborah P.
Published: May 2016

The present study utilizes the actor‐partner interdependence model to examine the longitudinal relationship between rejection sensitivity and one's own and one's partner's depressive symptoms. The sample included adolescent romantic couples from the U.S. (N = 198 adolescents; 50% girls; 90.2% Caucasian) whose rejection sensitivity at Time 1 and depressive symptoms approximately one year later (Time 2) were assessed. Additionally, aggressive behaviors and maintenance behaviors that commonly associated with rejection sensitivity (e.g., self‐silencing) are explored as mediators. Results indicate that boyfriends' rejection sensitivity at Time 1 predicted girlfriends' depressive symptoms at Time 2. Additionally, girls' rejection sensitivity predicted their own and their boyfriends' self‐silencing. Developmental and clinical implications are discussed.
Conocimiento de anatomía en estudiantes de medicina veterinaria en Chile
Authors: Gutierrez Juan Claudio , Gomez Jaramillo Marcelo , Sudel Gabriela , Prater Mary Renee
Published: May 2016

Introduction: Anatomy is considered a cornerstone in human and veterinary medical education, as this basic science discipline provides a vital foundation on which to build the knowledge of the clinical practice of medicine. Objective: The aims of this study were: 1) to collect information on first year veterinary student preference, and use of supportive educational tools, and 2) to assess long-term knowledge retention in senior veterinary students who successfully completed the bovine anatomy course. Method: A survey was administered to first-year veterinary students in order to identify their learning tools of choice, and a diagnostic examination was designed to reflect highly relevant basic anatomy knowledge was administered to senior veterinary students. Results: Besides the regular cadaver-dissection laboratories, textbooks were the tool used most frequently by first-year students to learn bovine anatomy. Computer technology was used by only 12.2% of the students. When evaluating knowledge retention of bovine anatomy by fourth year (senior) students, only 33.2% of the questions were answered correctly in the fourth year examination. Conclusions: These results were interpreted as a low long-term retention of knowledge in Chilean veterinary medical students.
Efficacy of a liquid low-energy formula diet in achieving preoperative target weight loss before bariatric surgery
Authors: Nielsen Lone V. , Nielsen Mette S. , Schmidt Julie B. , Pedersen Sue D. , Sjödin Anders
Published: May 2016

A preoperative weight loss of 8 % is a prerequisite to undergo bariatric surgery (BS) in Denmark. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a 7- or an 11-week low-energy diet (LCD) for achieving preoperative target weight before BS. A total of thirty obese patients (BMI 46·0 (sd 4·4) kg/m2) followed an LCD (Cambridge Weight Plan®, 4184 kJ/d (1000 kcal/d)) for 7 or 11 weeks as preparation for BS. Anthropometric measurements including body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), blood parameters and blood pressure were assessed at weeks 0, 7 and 11. At week 7, the majority of patients (77 %) had reached their target weight, and this was achieved after 5·4 (sem 0·3) weeks. Mean weight loss was 9·3 (sem 0·5) % (P < 0·01) and consisted of 41·6 % fat-free mass (FFM) and 58·4 % fat mass. The weight loss was accompanied by a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (7·1 (sem 2·3) and 7·3 (sem 1·8) mmHg, respectively, all P < 0·01) as well as an improved metabolic profile (8·2 (sem 1·8) % decrease in fasting glucose (P < 0·01), 28·6 (sem 6·4) % decrease in fasting insulin (P < 0·01), 23·1 (sem 2·2) % decrease in LDL (P < 0·01), and 9·7 (sem 4·7) % decrease in TAG (P < 0·05)). Weight, FFM and fat mass continued to decrease from week 7 to 11 (all P < 0·01), whereas no additional improvements was observed in the metabolic parameters. Severely obese patients can safely achieve preoperative target weight on an LCD within 7 weeks as part of preparation for BS. However, the considerable reduction in FFM in severely obese subjects needs further investigation.
Using GRACE and climate model simulations to predict mass loss of Alaskan glaciers through 2100
Authors: WAHR JOHN , BURGESS EVAN , SWENSON SEAN
Published: May 2016

Glaciers in Alaska are currently losing mass at a rate of ~−50 Gt a−1, one of the largest ice loss rates of any regional collection of mountain glaciers on Earth. Existing projections of Alaska's future sea-level contributions tend to be divergent and are not tied directly to regional observations. Here we develop a simple, regional observation-based projection of Alaska's future sea-level contribution. We compute a time series of recent Alaska glacier mass variability using monthly GRACE gravity fields from August 2002 through December 2014. We also construct a three-parameter model of Alaska glacier mass variability based on monthly ERA-Interim snowfall and temperature fields. When these three model parameters are fitted to the GRACE time series, the model explains 94% of the variance of the GRACE data. Using these parameter values, we then apply the model to simulated fields of monthly temperature and snowfall from the Community Earth System Model, to obtain predictions of mass variations through 2100. We conclude that mass loss rates may increase between −80 and −110 Gt a−1 by 2100, with a total sea-level rise contribution of 19 ± 4 mm during the 21st century.
EMPIRE AND INTERNATIONALISM IN FRENCH REVOLUTIONARY SOCIALIST THOUGHT, 1871–1885
Authors: NICHOLLS JULIA
Published: May 2016

This article explores the role of empire and internationalism in French revolutionary socialist thought at the beginning of the Third Republic. Whilst French revolutionary socialists frequently employed colonial examples and operated within wider traditions of either imperialism or anti-colonialism, the concept of ‘empire’ itself remained vague and undefined in their thought. Previous literature on the subject has focused overwhelmingly on the writings of Communards deported to New Caledonia in the 1870s; however, this article argues that the deportees in fact remained theoretically unconcerned with imperial and international questions. Rather, it was those who remained in Europe that produced more clearly elaborated theories on empire and international engagement. Such ideas subsequently served to demarcate the limits and possibilities of universal equality and solidarity, which were central to revolutionary socialist thought during this period. Consequently, it will be suggested that despite their recent rise in popularity, empire, and colonialism are not the best categories of analysis for approaching such themes, for they cannot be isolated from broader concerns with international and transnational thought.
Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of alpha-lipoic acid in experimentally induced acute otitis media
Authors: Tatar A , Korkmaz M , Yayla M , Gozeler M S , Mutlu V , Halici Z , Uslu H , Korkmaz H , Selli J
Published: May 2016

Objectives:

To investigate the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and tissue protective effects, as well as the potential therapeutic role, of alpha-lipoic acid in experimentally induced acute otitis media.

Methods:

Twenty-five guinea pigs were assigned to one of five groups: a control (non-otitis) group, and otitis-induced groups treated with saline, penicillin G, alpha-lipoic acid, or alpha-lipoic acid plus penicillin G. Tissue samples were histologically analysed, and oxidative parameters in tissue samples were measured and compared between groups.

Results:

The epithelial integrity was better preserved, and histological signs of inflammation and secretory metaplasia were decreased, in all groups compared to the saline treated otitis group. In the alpha-lipoic acid plus penicillin G treated otitis group, epithelial integrity was well preserved and histological findings of inflammation were significantly decreased compared to the saline, penicillin G and alpha-lipoic acid treated otitis groups. The most favourable oxidative parameters were observed in the control group, followed by the alpha-lipoic acid plus penicillin G treated otitis group.

Conclusion:

Alpha-lipoic acid, with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and tissue protective properties, may decrease the clinical sequelae and morbidity associated with acute otitis media.
Feeding ecology of Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris): a review with new information on the diet of this species
Authors: Santos M.B. , Pierce G.J. , Herman J. , López A. , Guerra A. , Mente E. , Clarke M.R.
Published: May 2016

Published information on the diet of Cuvier's beaked whales Ziphius cavirostris (Odontoceti: Ziphiidae) is reviewed and new information on the stomach contents of three animals: two stranded in Galicia (north-west Spain) in February 1990 at A Lanzada, and in February 1995 at Portonovo; and the third stranded in February 1999 in North Uist (Scotland), is presented. The whale stranded in 1990 was a male; the other two were adult females. All animals were >5 m long.  The limited published information on the diet of this species indicates that it feeds primarily on oceanic cephalopods although some authors also found remains of oceanic fish and crustaceans.  Food remains from the three new samples consisted entirely of cephalopod beaks. The Scottish sample set is the largest recorded to date for this species. The prey identified consisted of oceanic cephalopods, mainly squid (Cephalopoda: Teuthoidea). The most frequently occurring species were the squid Teuthowenia megalops, Mastigoteuthis schmidti and Taoniuspavo (for the Galician whale stranded in 1990), Teuthowenia megalops and Histioteuthis reversa (for the second Galician whale) and T. megalops, Gonatus sp. and Taoniuspavo (for the Scottish whale). Other prey included the squid Histioteuthis bonnellii, Histioteuthis arcturi and Todarodes sagittatus as well as Vampiroteuthis infernalis (Cephalopoda: Vampyromorpha), Stauroteuthis syrtensis and Japetella diaphana (Cephalopoda: Octopoda). The squid eaten (estimated from the measurement of the lower beaks) included juvenile and mature individuals of the most important species (Teuthowenia megalops, Gonatus sp.).  The range of species found in the diet of Z. cavirostris is greater than that reported for sperm whales and bottlenosed whales in the north-east Atlantic.
The communication of suicidal intentions: a meta-analysis
Authors: Pompili M. , Belvederi Murri M. , Patti S. , Innamorati M. , Lester D. , Girardi P. , Amore M.
Published: May 2016

Background

Among the myths that are often cited about suicide is that ‘people who talk about killing themselves rarely die by suicide’, but the evidence seems to contradict this statement. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of studies reporting a prevalence of suicide communication (SC), and to examine the diagnostic accuracy of SC towards suicide in case-control reports.

Method

Eligible studies had to examine data relative to completed suicides and report the prevalence of SC. Data relative to sample characteristics, study definition, modality and recipient of the SC were coded.

Results

We included 36 studies, conducted on a total of 14 601 completed suicides. The overall proportion of SC was 44.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) 35.4–53.8], with large heterogeneity (I2= 98.8%) and significant publication bias. The prevalence of SC was negatively associated with the detection of verbal communication as the sole means of SC and, positively, with study methodological quality. Based on seven case-control studies, SC was associated with an odds ratio of 4.66 for suicide (95% CI 3.00–7.25) and was characterized by sufficient diagnostic accuracy only if studies on adolescents were removed.

Conclusion

Available data suggest that SC occurs in nearly half of subjects who go on to die by suicide, but this figure is likely to be an underestimate given the operational definitions of SC. At present, SC seems associated with overall insufficient accuracy towards subsequent suicide, although further rigorous studies are warranted to draw definite conclusions on this issue.
The Tridentine Evolution of Modern Irish Catholicism, 1563–1962: A Re-examination of the ‘Devotional Revolution’ Thesis
Authors: McGrath Thomas G.
Published: May 2016

Professor Emmet Larkin of the University of Chicago is undoubtedly the most prolific historian of nineteenth century Irish Catholicism. The author of numerous volumes on the period 1850–91 and of several challenging essays he is perhaps best known for his original, stimulating and provocative article entitled ‘The Devotional Revolution in Ireland, 1850–75’ published in 1972. In that article Professor Larkin put forward the thesis that Archbishop Paul Cullen championed the consolidation of a ‘devotional revolution’ in post-Famine Ireland. Up to the 1840s, he claimed, there was only a small but perceptible change and increase in devotional practices in Ireland. The effects of the Famine were seen by him as the key to this ‘devotional revolution, bringing about a dramatic improvement in the ratio of priests to people through the death or emigration of the disadvantaged who were in any case disinterested in religion and least amenable to clerical control. Indeed ‘what achievement there was before the famine… was largely confined to that “respectable” class of Catholics typified by the Cullens and Mahers in Carlow who were economically better off’. The advent of the reforming Paul Cullen as papal legate to the Synod of Thurles, 1850, and subsequently as archbishop of the most important see, Dublin, from where he organised the church in an ultramontane fashion and introduced many Italian devotional practices to Ireland, coupled with the consequences of the Famine, had a decisive effect in shaping Irish Catholicism and accomplishing a post-Famine ‘devotional revolution’.
Universalising Childcare, Changing Mothers’ Attitudes: Policy Feedback in Norway
Authors: ELLINGSÆTER ANNE LISE , KITTERØD RAGNI HEGE , LYNGSTAD JAN
Published: May 2016

The way that welfare policies influence the interpretative processes of social actors is attracting increasing attention. In this article, we investigate policy change impacts on ideas mothers have about the best form of care for their children. The data are taken from representative surveys among mothers of preschool-age children in 2002 and 2010 in Norway. The surveys cover a decade of marked reforms in childcare services with regard to the supply of places, parents’ fees and the right to be given a place in care. Policy change gave rise to major shifts in attitude. From conditional attitudes to the suitability of institutional care, the majority view shifted towards ‘childcare services only’ being considered the best form of care for preschool-age children. This occurred among mothers in all socio-economic groups and in all parts of the country. Based on policy feedback theories, mechanisms likely to have caused this shift – policy visibility, proximity and timing – are considered.
The Semantic Usage of tyrannos and Related Words
Authors: O’Neil J.L.
Published: May 2016

It has long been recognised that the word tyrannos and related forms are often used in Greek where the English derivative ‘tyrant’ is an inappropriate translation. This has led some modern writers to consider the word to be a synonym for basileus, and simply to mean ‘king’. Wilamowitz concluded that the pejorative use of the word, which has been carried over into the English ‘tyrant’, was a late development, stemming from Plato. Andrewes holds a similar view, that before the fourth century the word was neutral and that a ‘monarch’ could be addressed as ‘tyrant’ in compliment.
Age and input effects in the acquisition of mood in Heritage Portuguese
Authors: FLORES CRISTINA , SANTOS ANA LÚCIA , JESUS ALICE , MARQUES RUI
Published: May 2016

The present study analyzes the effect of age and amount of input in the acquisition of European Portuguese as a heritage language. An elicited production task centred on mood choice in complement clauses was applied to a group of fifty bilingual children (six- to sixteen-year-olds) who are acquiring Portuguese as a minority language in a German dominant environment. The results show a significant effect of the age at testing and the amount of input in the acquisition of the subjunctive. In general, acquisition is delayed with respect to monolinguals, even though higher convergence with the monolingual grammar is observed after twelve years of age. Results also reveal that children with more exposure to the heritage language at home show faster acquisition than children from mixed households: the eight- to nine-year-old age boundary seems relevant for those speakers with more exposure, and the twelve- to thirteen-year-old age boundary for those with less exposure.
Bilingual children's lexical strategies in a narrative task
Authors: BARBOSA POLIANA , NICOLADIS ELENA , KEITH MARGAUX
Published: May 2016

We investigated how bilinguals choose words in a narrative task, contrasting the possibilities of a developmental delay vs. compensatory strategies. To characterize a developmental delay, we compared younger (three to five years) and older (seven to ten years) children's lexicalization of target words (Study 1). The younger children told shorter stories, omitting many of the target concepts. To characterize compensatory strategies, we compared late second language learning adults to (seven- to ten-year-old) monolingual children (Study 2). The adults often lexicalized the target concepts even when not producing the target words. Finally, we compared French–English bilingual children with French and English monolinguals, all seven to ten years old (Study 3). The bilinguals produced fewer target words than the monolinguals. However, when not producing the target words, the bilinguals often lexicalized the concepts, sharing more in common with the adults (Study 2) in their use of compensatory strategies than with the younger children (Study 1). This interpretation was further corroborated by comparisons across studies (Study 4).