bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre-trial detention and guilty pleas: Inducement or coercion?
Authors: Euvrard Elsa , Leclerc Chloe
Published: October 2016

This article examines why accused persons in pre-trial detention decide to plead guilty. Relying on the understanding of coercion proposed by Brunk, the article go beyond his analysis to show how pre-trial detention can exert pressure on an accused individual, who then feels coerced into pleading guilty. Interviews with 12 accused and 12 lawyers showed that in certain situations pre-trial detention can be a source of coercion, particularly if there are lengthy procedural delays and eventual sentences can be expected to be fairly short. However, there are other situations in which custodial remand acts as an inducement rather than as coercion or does not exert any pressure on the accused.
Adult Closed Distal Radius Fracture Reduction: Does Fluoroscopy Improve Alignment and Reduce Indications for Surgery?
Authors: Kazum Efi , Kadar Assaf , Sharfman Zachary T. , Otremsky Hila , Gigi Roy , Rosenblatt Yishai , Dolkart Oleg , Pritsch Tamir
Published: October 2016

Background: This study compared the radiological outcomes of adult closed distal radius fractures (DRFs) reduction with and without fluoroscopy. We hypothesized that fluoroscopy-assisted reduction would not improve radiographic alignment or decrease the need for surgery. Methods: Hospital medical records and radiographic images of all patients who presented with DRFs between April to June 2009 and April to June 2013 were reviewed. All patients underwent closed reduction and immobilization with or without fluoroscopic assistance. Reduction attempts were noted and pre- and postreduction posteroanterior and lateral radiographs were reviewed for fracture stability. Results: Eighty-four patients underwent reduction without fluoroscopy (group 1), and 90 patients underwent reduction with the aid of fluoroscopy (group 2). According to accepted radiographic guidelines, nonsurgical treatment was indicated for 62% of patients in group 1 and 56% of patients in group 2 ( P = .44). In addition, no significant difference between the groups was observed in any postreduction radiographic parameters ( P > .53) or postreduction alignment of unstable fractures ( P = .47). Conclusions: Reduction without the use of fluoroscopy demonstrated noninferiority when compared with fluoroscopy-assisted reduction in the emergency department for closed adult DRFs.
Instructions for masking the taste of medication for children
Authors: Vaillancourt Régis , Truong Yen , Karmali Shazya , Kraft Amanda , Manji Selina , Villarreal Gilda , Pouliot Annie
Published: October 2016

Background:

Medications that taste unpleasant can be a struggle to administer to children, most often resulting in low adherence rates. Pictograms can be useful tools to improve adherence by conveying information to patients in a way that they will understand.

Methods:

One-on-one structured interviews were conducted with parents/guardians and with children between the ages of 9 and 17 years at a pediatric hospital. The questionnaire evaluated the comprehension of 12 pictogram sets that described how to mask the taste of medications for children. Pictograms understood by >85% of participants were considered validated. Short-term recall was assessed by asking participants to recall the meaning of each pictogram set.

Results:

There were 51 participants in the study—26 (51%) were children aged 9 to 17 years and 25 (49%) were parents or guardians. Most children (54%) had health literacy levels of grade 10 or higher. Most parents and guardians (92%) had at least a high school health literacy level. Six of the 12 pictogram sets (50%) were validated. Eleven of 12 pictogram sets (92%) had a median translucency score greater than 5. All 12 pictogram sets (100%) were correctly identified at short-term recall and were therefore validated.

Conclusion:

The addition of validated illustrations to pharmaceutical labels can be useful to instruct on how to mask the taste of medication in certain populations. Further studies are needed to assess the clinical impact of providing illustrated information to populations with low health literacy.
Transcriptome analysis of trigeminal ganglia following masseter muscle inflammation in rats
Authors: Chung Man-Kyo , Park Jennifer , Asgar Jamila , Ro Jin Y.
Published: October 2016

Background

Chronic pain in masticatory muscles is a major medical problem. Although mechanisms underlying persistent pain in masticatory muscles are not fully understood, sensitization of nociceptive primary afferents following muscle inflammation or injury contributes to muscle hyperalgesia. It is well known that craniofacial muscle injury or inflammation induces regulation of multiple genes in trigeminal ganglia, which is associated with muscle hyperalgesia. However, overall transcriptional profiles within trigeminal ganglia following masseter inflammation have not yet been determined. In the present study, we performed RNA sequencing assay in rat trigeminal ganglia to identify transcriptome profiles of genes relevant to hyperalgesia following inflammation of the rat masseter muscle.

Results

Masseter inflammation differentially regulated >3500 genes in trigeminal ganglia. Predominant biological pathways were predicted to be related with activation of resident non-neuronal cells within trigeminal ganglia or recruitment of immune cells. To focus our analysis on the genes more relevant to nociceptors, we selected genes implicated in pain mechanisms, genes enriched in small- to medium-sized sensory neurons, and genes enriched in TRPV1-lineage nociceptors. Among the 2320 candidate genes, 622 genes showed differential expression following masseter inflammation. When the analysis was limited to these candidate genes, pathways related with G protein-coupled signaling and synaptic plasticity were predicted to be enriched. Inspection of individual gene expression changes confirmed the transcriptional changes of multiple nociceptor genes associated with masseter hyperalgesia (e.g., Trpv1, Trpa1, P2rx3, Tac1, and Bdnf) and also suggested a number of novel probable contributors (e.g., Piezo2, Tmem100, and Hdac9).

Conclusion

These findings should further advance our understanding of peripheral mechanisms involved in persistent craniofacial muscle pain conditions and provide a rational basis for identifying novel genes or sets of genes that can be potentially targeted for treating such conditions.
Histopathological findings in systemic sclerosis-related myopathy: fibrosis and microangiopathy with lack of cellular inflammation
Authors: Corallo Claudio , Cutolo Maurizio , Volpi Nila , Franci Daniela , Aglianò Margherita , Montella Antonio , Chirico Chiara , Gonnelli Stefano , Nuti Ranuccio , Giordano Nicola
Published: October 2016

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to identify specific histopathological features of skeletal muscle involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients.

Methods:

A total of 35 out of 112 SSc-patients (32%, including 81% female and 68% diffuse scleroderma) presenting clinical, biological and electromyographic (EMG) features of muscle weakness, were included. Patients underwent vastus lateralis biopsy, assessed for individual pathologic features including fibrosis [type I collagen (Coll-I), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)], microangiopathy [cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31), pro-angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), anti-angiogenic VEGF-A165b], immune/ inflammatory response [CD4, CD8, CD20, human leucocyte antigens ABC (HLA-ABC)], and membranolytic attack complex (MAC). SSc biopsies were compared with biopsies of ( n = 35) idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) and to ( n = 35) noninflammatory myopathies (NIMs). Ultrastructural abnormalities of SSc myopathy were also analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Results:

Fibrosis in SSc myopathy (81%) is higher compared with IIM (32%, p < 0.05) and with NIM (18%, p < 0.05). Vascular involvement is dominant in SSc muscle (92%), and in IIM (78%) compared with NIM (21%, p < 0.05). In particular, CD31 shows loss of endomysial vessels in SSc myopathy compared with IIM ( p < 0.05) and with NIM ( p < 0.01). VEGF-A is downregulated in SSc myopathy compared with IIM ( p < 0.05) and NIM ( p < 0.05). Conversely, VEGF-A165b is upregulated in SSc myopathy. The SSc immune/inflammatory response suggested humoral process with majority (85%) HLA-ABC fibral neoexpression and complement deposits on endomysial capillaries MAC, compared with IIM ( p < 0.05), characterized by CD4+/CD8+/B-cell infiltrate, and NIM ( p < 0.05). TEM analysis showed SSc vascular alterations consisting of thickening and lamination of basement membrane and endothelial cell ‘swelling’ coupled to endomysial/perimysial fibrosis.

Conclusions:

Fibrosis, microangiopathy and humoral immunity are predominant in SSc myopathy, even if it is difficult to identify specific histopathological hallmarks of muscle involvement in SSc, since they could be present also in other (IIM/NIM) myopathies.
Comparing the Comprehensive Stroke Ward Versus Mixed Rehabilitation Ward—The Importance of the Team in the Acute Stroke Care in a Case–Control Study
Authors: Lange Marcos C. , de Araujo Tiago F. S. , Ferreira Luiz F. T. , Ducci Renata D. P. , Novak Edison M. , Germiniani Francisco M. B. , Zetola Viviane F.
Published: October 2016

Background and Purpose:

Ischemic stroke is one of the most frequent causes of death in Brazil. Many measures have been taken to reduce this tragic outcome, and one of those is the implementation of stroke units in hospitals. The aim of the present study is to analyze the in-hospital complications for patients with ischemic stroke admitted in a comprehensive stroke ward (CSW) as compared to patients admitted in a mixed rehabilitation ward (MRW).

Methods:

A retrospective interventional study with historic controls of patients admitted to the Neurology Division between January 2010 and October 2013. Patients admitted between January 2010 and September 2012 were included in the MRW group, and patients admitted from October 2012 until October 2013 were included in the CSW group. Throughout the whole study period, the same team assisted all the patients. Both groups were paired in relation to age and gender. The rate of in-hospital complications, mortality, and independency on discharge were evaluated in both groups.

Results:

Each group was comprised of 91 patients. There were no statistically significant differences for any of the risk factors analyzed between the 2 groups nor for outcome measures—in-hospital complications, mortality, and independence on discharge.

Conclusion:

The present study demonstrated that in-hospital complications, independence on discharge, and mortality have similar rates in patients admitted to an MRW compared to patients admitted to a CSW, when the same staff provided them with specialized in-hospital care.

Evidence Level:

Case–control study—Evidence Level 3.
Desperately Seeking Support
Authors: Beckes Lane , Simons Kailey , Lewis Danielle , Le Anthony , Edwards Weston
Published: October 2016

Much is unknown about adult attachment style formation. We investigate whether negative reinforcement schedules promote hallmark features of secure and anxious attachment styles in a shock threat support-seeking paradigm. Participants ostensibly asked for help from another participant seated in another room. Each time a shock threat signal appeared they were to press a button to indicate their need for help. The supporter could then stop the imminent shock. The reliability of the supporters was varied such that some supporters were consistent (continuous reinforcement) whereas others were inconsistent (variable ratio reinforcement). Results indicated that inconsistently responsive others, reinforcing on a variable ratio schedule, led to heightened approach-related attentional biases toward the supporter, measured by event-related potentials, increased positive attachment associations with the supporter, implicitly measured via a lexical decision task, and more negative explicit evaluations of the supporter.
Emergency department crowding in Singapore: Insights from a systems thinking approach
Authors: Schoenenberger Lukas K , Bayer Steffen , Ansah John P , Matchar David B , Mohanavalli Rajagopal L , Lam Sean SW , Ong Marcus EH
Published: October 2016

Objectives:

Emergency Department crowding is a serious and international health care problem that seems to be resistant to most well intended but often reductionist policy approaches. In this study, we examine Emergency Department crowding in Singapore from a systems thinking perspective using causal loop diagramming to visualize the systemic structure underlying this complex phenomenon. Furthermore, we evaluate the relative impact of three different policies in reducing Emergency Department crowding in Singapore: introduction of geriatric emergency medicine, expansion of emergency medicine training, and implementation of enhanced primary care.

Methods:

The construction of the qualitative causal loop diagram is based on consultations with Emergency Department experts, direct observation, and a thorough literature review. For the purpose of policy analysis, a novel approach, the path analysis, is applied.

Results:

The path analysis revealed that both the introduction of geriatric emergency medicine and the expansion of emergency medicine training may be associated with undesirable consequences contributing to Emergency Department crowding. In contrast, enhancing primary care was found to be germane in reducing Emergency Department crowding; in addition, it has apparently no negative side effects, considering the boundary of the model created.

Conclusion:

Causal loop diagramming was a powerful tool for eliciting the systemic structure of Emergency Department crowding in Singapore. Additionally, the developed model was valuable in testing different policy options.
A rare nasal cavity mass in a child: Accessory middle turbinate
Authors: Chang Andrew , Ulualp Seckin O , Koral Korgun , Veling Maria
Published: October 2016

Objectives:

The accessory middle turbinate, a rare anatomical variation of the nasal cavity, have been systematically studied in adults. Presence of accessory middle turbinate and its clinical significance in a child has not been reported. We describe clinical appearance and radiologic features of accessory middle turbinate in a child.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review.

Results:

A 3-year-old boy presented to the otolaryngology clinic for evaluation of recurrent epistaxis. Anterior rhinoscopy revealed moist nasal mucosa without inflammation and bilateral prominent blood vessels on the anterior nasal septum. Nasal endoscopy showed turbinate like protuberances in bilateral middle meatus. CT images documented accessory middle turbinate in the bilateral nasal cavity.

Conclusion:

Otolaryngologists should be cognizant of anatomical variations of middle turbinate to achieve correct diagnosis and avoid potential complications during surgical management.
What happens when 55% of acute psychiatric beds are closed in six days: an unexpected naturalistic observational study
Authors: Laugharne Richard , Branch Matt , Mitchell Anji , Parkin Lindsay , Confue Phil , Shankar Rohit , Wilson-James Diane , Marshall Mike , Edgecombe Maria , Keaney Bernie , Gill Kiran , Harrison Juliet
Published: October 2016

Objective

The sudden closure of 30 out of 54 acute psychiatric beds in Cornwall presented a stressful challenge to staff but also a natural experiment on how a service dealt with this situation. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients needing to leave the closed ward, how bed occupancy rates were affected and the impact on admission rates.

Design

A service evaluation of the impact of the ward closure.

Setting

A comprehensive secondary NHS mental health service in Cornwall serving 550,000 population.

Main outcome measures

The destination of the patients needing to leave the acute unit, the effect of the closure on bed occupancy, admission rates and serious untoward incidents.

Results

Of 26 patients needing to be moved from the acute ward, only 10 needed an acute psychiatric bed. None of the seven patients who had been on the ward longer than nine weeks needed an acute unit. Admission rates fell over the subsequent three months. There was no increase in serious incidents due to the closure.

Conclusions

This naturalistic event suggests that many patients on acute units could be cared for elsewhere, especially recovery/rehabilitation care environments, if political and financial urgency is present. Admission rates are responsive to the pressure on beds.
Magnesium, zinc, arsenic, selenium and platinum urinary excretion from cancer patients of Antofagasta region, Chile: multi-metal approach
Authors: Román DA , Pizarro I , Rivera L , Ávila J , Cortés P
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the short-term 24 h urinary excretion of platinum, arsenic, selenium, magnesium and zinc in patients with lung cancer and with cancer other than lungs treated with cisplatin or/and carboplatin from Antofagasta, Chile.

Design

Urine measurements of Pt and Se were made by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, As by hydride-generation atomic absorption spectrometry and Mg and Zn by means of flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.

Setting

All samples were provided by the Oncological Centre of Antofagasta Regional Hospital (Region of Antofagasta, Chile).

Participants

Ninety 24-h urine samples from cancer patients after the infusion of Pt-base drugs and 10 24-h urine samples from cancer patients not treated with metal-base drugs.

Main outcome measures

Concentrations of Pt, Se, As, Zn and Mg coming from 24-h urine samples.

Results

Pt excreted was not significantly different between patients with lung and other cancers treated with cisplatin. The excretion of Mg, Zn and Se was greater than As. Then, Pt favours the excretion of essential elements. For lung and other types of cancers treated with drugs without Pt, excretion of Mg, Zn and Se was also greater than that of As, suggesting antagonism Mg-Zn-Se–anti-cancer drug relationship.

Conclusions

The amounts of Mg, Zn and Se excreted were greater than for As either with or without Pt-containing drugs, suggesting antagonist Mg-Zn-Se–anti-cancer drug relationships. The excretion of As, Mg, Zn and Se is induced by Pt. Knowledge obtained can contribute to understanding the arsenic cancer mechanism and the As-Mg-Zn-Se-Pt inter-element association for lung cancer and other types of cancer.
Prostate cancer metastasis to calcaneus: a solitary lesion at an atypical site, dormant for more than 10 years
Authors: McCarthy Michael T , Ebrahem Hawa , Aibdeen Zariena , Hodnett Philip A , Mulcahy Elizabeth , Osman Nemer
Published: October 2016

In prostate cancer patients, if bone scan demonstrates a solitary lesion in atypical area, this is possibly an indication of metastatic disease. Therefore, biopsy confirmation is required to determine the nature of the abnormality and therefore dictates further staging investigations and treatment options.
Addressing Opioid-Associated Constipation Using Quality Oncology Practice Initiative Scores and Plan-Do-Study-Act Cycles
Authors: Kaur Varinder , Haider Sajjad , Sasapu Appalanaidu , Mehta Paulette , Arnaoutakis Konstantinos , Makhoul Issam
Published: October 2016

Using the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative, an affiliate program of ASCO, we outlined opioid-associated constipation (OAC) as a subject in need of quality improvement (QI) in our fellowship program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. We initiated a fellow-led QI project to advance the quality of patient care and provide a valuable avenue for QI training of young physicians. Fellows organized meetings with all stakeholders, addressed the scope of the problem, and devised strategies for OAC management. Monthly meetings were organized using Plan-Do-Study-Act principles. Mandatory check boxes were inserted into our electronic medical record templates to remind all physicians to identify patients on opioid medications and assess and address OAC. Final chart audit and patient satisfaction surveys were performed 6 months after project initiation. Assessment of OAC improved from 52% at baseline to 92% ( P < .003). This improvement corresponded with high patient satisfaction scores, with 90% of surveyed patients reporting adequate management of their constipation. In this QI initiative, we showed that participation in ASCO’s Quality Oncology Practice Initiative helps identify areas in need of QI, and such fellow-led QI projects can serve as models for QI training of young physicians.
Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Life Support in Hemodynamically Unstable Patients With ARDS
Authors: Gutsche Jacob T. , Mikkelsen Mark E. , McCarthy Fenton H. , Miano Todd A. , Vernick William J. , Ramakrishna Harish , Patel Prakash A. , Augoustides Yianni , Szeto Wilson Y. , Desai Nimesh D. , Lane-Fall Meghan B. , Williams Matthew L.
Published: October 2016

When clinicians consider extracorporeal life support (ECLS) for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients with hemodynamic instability, both veno-arterial (VA) and veno-venous (VV) ECLS are therapeutic possibilities. We analyzed 17 patients with ARDS on inotropic or vasopressor support requiring ECLS for refractory hypoxemia. After implementing VV ECLS, pressor requirements (based on norepinephrine equivalents) were significantly lower in all patients (P = .0001 for overall comparison across time points). None of the 17 patients required conversion from VV ECLS to VA ECLS (95% confidence interval 0%–20.0%). In this sample of 17 patients with substantial baseline vasopressor support and hypoxemic respiratory failure, initiation of VV ECLS was associated with reduced pressor requirements. Such a strategy may help avoid complications of VA ECLS in patients with both respiratory and hemodynamic failure.
Testosterone activates sexual dimorphism including male-typical carotenoid but not melanin plumage pigmentation in a female bird
Authors: Lindsay Willow R. , Barron Douglas G. , Webster Michael S. , Schwabl Hubert
Published: October 2016

In males it is frequently testosterone (T) that activates the expression of sexually selected morphological and behavioral displays, but the role of T in regulating similar traits in females is less clear. Here, we combine correlational data with results from T and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) manipulations in both sexes to assess the role of T in mediating sexually dimorphic coloration and morphology in the red-backed fairy-wren (Malurus melanocephalus). We show that: (1) natural variation in female expression of ornamental traits (darkened bills and red back feathers) is positively associated with age and circulating androgen titres, (2) females have the capacity to express most male-typical traits in response to exogenous T, including carotenoid-pigmented body plumage, shorter feathers, darkened bill and enlarged cloacal protuberance, but (3) appear constrained in production of male-typical melanin-pigmented plumage, and (4) low androgen levels during the pre-nuptial molt, probably because of low ovarian capacity for steroid production (or luteinizing hormone sensitivity), prevent females from developing male-like ornamentation. Thus, females appear to retain molecular mechanisms for hormonally regulated male-typical ornamentation, although these are rarely activated because of insufficient production of the hormonal signal.
Using diverse U.S. beef cattle genomes to identify missense mutations in EPAS1, a gene associated with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Heaton Michael P. , Smith Timothy P.L. , Carnahan Jacky K. , Basnayake Veronica , Qiu Jiansheng , Simpson Barry , Kalbfleisch Theodore S.
Published: October 2016

The availability of whole genome sequence (WGS) data has made it possible to discover protein variantsin silico. However, existing bovine WGS databases do not show data in a form conducive to protein variant analysis, and tend to under represent the breadth of genetic diversity in global beef cattle. Thus, our first aim was to use 96 beef sires, sharing minimal pedigree relationships, to create a searchable and publicly viewable set of mapped genomes relevant for 19 popular breeds of U.S. cattle. Our second aim was to identify protein variants encoded by the bovine endothelial PAS domain-containing protein 1 gene (EPAS1), a gene associated with pulmonary hypertension in Angus cattle. The identity and quality of genomic sequences were verified by comparing WGS genotypes to those derived from other methods. The average read depth, genotype scoring rate, and genotype accuracy exceeded 14, 99%, and 99%, respectively. The 96 genomes were used to discover four amino acid variants encoded byEPAS1(E270Q, P362L, A671G, and L701F) and confirm two variants previously associated with disease (A606T and G610S). The sixEPAS1missense mutations were verified with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry assays, and their frequencies were estimated in a separate collection of 1154 U.S. cattle representing 46 breeds. A rooted phylogenetic tree of eight polypeptide sequences provided a framework for evaluating the likely order of mutations and potential impact ofEPAS1alleles on the adaptive response to chronic hypoxia in U.S. cattle. This public, whole genome resource facilitatesin silicoidentification of protein variants in diverse types of U.S. beef cattle, and provides a means of translating WGS data into a practical biological and evolutionary context for generating and testing hypotheses.
Knowledge You Can Act on: Optimal Policies for Assembly Systems with Expediting and Advance Demand Information
Authors: Angelus Alexandar , Özer Özalp
Published: October 2016

We consider a nonstationary, stochastic, multistage supply system with a general assembly structure, in which customers can place orders in advance of their future demand requirements. This advance demand information is now recognized in both theory and practice as an important strategy for managing the mismatch between supply and demand. In conjunction, we allow expediting of components and partially completed subassemblies in the system to provide the supply chain with the means to manage the stockout risk and significantly enhance cost savings realized through advance demand information. To solve the resulting assembly system, we develop a new method based on identifying local properties of optimal decisions. This new method allows us to solve assembly systems with multiple product flows. We derive the structure of the optimal policy, which represents a double-tiered echelon basestock policy whose basestock levels depend on the state of advance demand information. This form of the optimal policy allows us to: (i) provide actionable policies for firms to manage large-scale assembly systems with expediting and advance demand information; (ii) prove that advance demand information and expediting of stock both reduce the amount of inventory optimally held in the system; and (iii) numerically solve such assembly systems, and quantify the savings realized. In contrast to the conventional wisdom, we discover that advance demand information and expediting of stock are complementary under short demand information horizons. They are substitutes only under longer information horizons.
Managing ulcerative colitis
Authors: Kochhar Suneeta
Published: October 2016

There are a number of factors to consider in treating this common gut condition, explains Suneeta Kochhar
A study of lifelong education in UK Leicester engaging with Race and Anti-Discrimination discourse
Authors: Kim Jinhee , Lee Romee
Published: October 2016

This study aims to understand how the discourse of race and anti-discrimination has incorporated in multicultural education as lifelong education in the local community. This study then espoused four themes (public awareness of race discrimination, minority as agency, equity, institutional innovation) to analyze features and practice of multicultural education in the lifelong education settings in Leicester city in UK. Major findings show race and anti-discrimination is one of the pivotal contents to implement multicultural education and diverse programmes of Leicester have incarnated the issue of race and anti-discrimination. This study implies a new direction of multicultural education to eliminate racial discrimination against immigrants and to enhance public awareness on multicultural configuration.
The effect of institutionalized racism on the cultural competence and job stress of social workers in multicultural settings
Authors: Jeong Gichang , Youn Sook-yi
Published: October 2016

This study aims to identify how the institutionalized racism of social workers in multicultural settings affects their cultural competence and job stress. According to the result of an analysis, institutionalized racism has negative effects on cultural competences, while it has positive effects on multicultural related job stress. This suggests that discussions on institutionalized racism are needed in order to find methods of improving social workers’ cultural competences, to enhance the quality of the relevant practical services, and to secure the social workers’ mental health. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that this concept should be added to education for strengthening cultural competences in social work, various training programs, and others activities. Critical thought must be given to invisible discrimination which has been practiced against true meaing of multiculturalism and discussions on how to improve multicultural competences are necessary.
The impact of bilingual competence on resilience and cultural identity of multicultural children
Authors: Woo Young Kyung , Kim Eun Ha
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine bilingual competence(Korean & mother tongue) of multicultural children, which impact on resilience and cultural identity of them. The subjects of this study were 133 elementary school students from multicultural families consisted of a Korean father and a foreign mother living in Seoul. The main results were as follows. First, according to the mother tongue of foreign mother’s country, it was found that the ability to use international language of multicultural children was higher than that of non-international language, but there is no significant difference in Korean competence of multicultural children. Second, it was found that Korean competence had a positive effect on resilience, but mother tongue competence and foreign mother’s country had no effect on resilience. Third, it was found that mother tongue competence had a positive effect on Korean cultural identity, but Korean competence and foreign mother’s country had no effect on Korean cultural identity. Fourth, it was found that Korean competence had a positive effect on the identity with mother’s culture, but mother tongue competence had a negative effect on the identity with mother’s culture. Finally, foreign mother’s country had no effect on the identity with mother’s culture. In conclusion, it was confirmed that multicultural children should be equipped with Korean competence, which can have a positive impact on resilience and cultural identity.
A case study on the early adaptation program for the midway youth immigrants: Its administration and development plan
Authors: Park Sungook
Published: October 2016

This study examines the background, operation plan, and the drawbacks of the early adaptation program for the midway youth immigrants, run by the Ministry of Justice, to discuss development plan. 51 immigrant students participated in a satisfaction survey on participation and education contents of the program. Based on the survey, in-depth interviews were conducted with eight students with five experts. It was found that the participants of the program ranged too widely from elementary to high school students, which in turn, causes the difference in the level of understanding and concentration. Also, they pointed out the difficulty in understanding the textbooks on policy, law and order as well as the difficulty of understanding the information about Korean society and voluminous contents of the program which caused the lack of time to learn. As solutions for the problems, my suggestions are separation of the students according to their grade, development of textbooks that actively utilizes pictures and cartoons to enable the students understand the knowledge more easily, supporting more field learning, conducting mentoring programs, connection process to the early adaptation program supported by the Ministry of Education, and arrangement of institutional supporting methods which prevent the midway youth immigration from crime and help them adapt to the school, work, and social life.
Longing for economic growth without current account deficit: Chinese model
Authors: Züngün Deniz
Published: October 2016

After 1978, China implemented some reforms and branched out to foreign countries. China, applying a strategy based on export and keeping its domestic currency, Yuan, in balance during this process, has increased its economic growth. However, current value increase in dollar and global fluctuations has also affected the growth in China. Considering the fact that growth and current account balance is one of the most important variables of a nation, it is an issue of concern how the decreasing economic growth rate of China in 2015, compared to previous years, will affect the current account balance. Thereby, this study examines the effect of Chinese growth, with the application of export based industry strategy, on the current account balance between the years of 2000-2015. As a result of the study, a bidirectional relation is determined with Granger Causality Test between economic growth and current account balance. During the Regression Analysis, it is ascertained that 1% of increase in economic growth will incur 0.32% of increase in current account.
Cognitive Linguistics, gesture studies, and multimodal communication
Authors: Cienki Alan
Published: October 2016

The fields of Cognitive Linguistics and gesture studies have begun to find each other of great interest in recent years. The cross-recognition is making for a healthy relationship because it is not a simple “mutual admiration society”, but a relation in which recognition of the other involves change and development on the part of each. Taking the usage-based tenet of Cognitive Linguistics seriously in light of video-recorded data of talk raises questions about the very object of study in Cognitive Linguistics, what its nature is, and what its scope is. The still nascient modern field of gesture studies calls for empirical research tied to the real life contexts of gesture use in order to gain a more complete picture of the phenomena “at hand”. Discussion of the place of studying multimodal communication within Cognitive Linguistics leads to consideration of broader political, economic, and sociological factors in academia which can play a role in determining the future of the field.
Effect of surfactant concentration on the morphology of MoxSy nanoparticles prepared by a solvothermal route
Authors: Akram Hanane , Mateos-Pedrero Cecilia , Gallegos-Suarez Esteban , Chafik Tarik , Guerrero-Ruiz Antonio , Rodríguez-Ramos Inmaculada
Published: October 2016

The preparation of MoxSy nanoparticles with different morphologies via a surfactant-assisted one-pot solvothermal route was reported. The concentration of surfactant was studied to evaluate its effects on the morphology and the size of the as obtained nanoparticles. The final products were comprehensively characterized using XRD, TEM, HRTEM, IR, TGA and XPS. It was found that at low surfactant concentration, MoS2 spherical shapes were obtained whereas tubular morphologies are formed at higher concentration. This issue has been discussed based on various relevant experimental data.
Hydrothermal green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Pelargonium/Geranium leaf extract and evaluation of their antifungal activity
Authors: Mohammadlou Mojgan , Jafarizadeh-Malmiri Hoda , Maghsoudi Hafez
Published: October 2016

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using Pelargonium/Geranium leaf extract via a hydrothermal method. The effects of the Pelargonium/Geranium leaf extract concentration (PLEC) and the amount of 1 mm AgNO3 solution on the center of the broad emission peak (λmax) and the color of the synthesized AgNP solution were investigated by using response surface methodology. The main reducing and stabilizing compounds of Pelargonium/Geranium leaf extract were identified by Fourier transform-infrared and gas chromatography. Spherical AgNPs with an average size of 29 nm were successfully fabricated at the optimal synthesis conditions using 9.8 ml of 1 mm AgNO3 solution and 0.1 ml of 0.62 g/100 ml PLEC. AgNPs were determined to have a polydispersity index value of 0.413 and a ζ potential of +0.6 mV. The antifungal activity of fabricated AgNPs was tested against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus terreus, and found to posses a significant inhibitory effect against these microorganisms.
Maximum Energy Extraction Control for Wind Power Generation Systems Based on the Fuzzy Controller
Authors: Kamal Elkhatib , Aitouche Abdel , Mohammed Walaa , Sobaih Abdel Azim
Published: October 2016

This paper presents a robust controller for a variable speed wind turbine with a squirrel cage induction generator (SCIG). For variable speed wind energy conversion system, the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is a very important requirement in order to maximize the efficiency. The system is nonlinear with parametric uncertainty and subject to large disturbances. A Takagi-Sugeno (TS) fuzzy logic is used to model the system dynamics. Based on the TS fuzzy model, a controller is developed for MPPT in the presence of disturbances and parametric uncertainties. The proposed technique ensures that the maximum power point (MPP) is determined, the generator speed is controlled and the closed loop system is stable. Robustness of the controller is tested via the variation of model’s parameters. Simulation studies clearly indicate the robustness and efficiency of the proposed control scheme compared to other techniques.
SVM–ELM: Pruning of Extreme Learning Machine with Support Vector Machines for Regression
Authors: Mahmood Saif F. , Marhaban Mohammad H. , Rokhani Fakhrul Z. , Samsudin Khairulmizam , Arigbabu Olasimbo Ayodeji
Published: October 2016

Extreme Learning Machine provides very competitive performance to other related classical predictive models for solving problems such as regression, clustering, and classification. An ELM possesses the advantage of faster computational time in both training and testing. However, one of the main challenges of an ELM is the selection of the optimal number of hidden nodes. This paper presents a new approach to node selection of an ELM based on a 1-norm support vector machine (SVM). In this method, the targets of SVM yi ∈{+1, –1} are derived using the mean or median of ELM training errors as a threshold for separating the training data, which are projected to SVM dimensions. We present an integrated architecture that exploits the sparseness in solution of SVM to prune out the inactive hidden nodes in ELM. Several experiments are conducted on real-world benchmark datasets, and the results attained attest to the efficiency of the proposed method.
High Speed Inter-Satellite Communication System by Incorporating Hybrid Polarization-Wavelength Division Multiplexing Scheme
Authors: Chaudhary Sushank , Chaudhary Neha , Sharma Saurabh , Choudhary BC
Published: October 2016

Inter-Satellite communication is one of remarkable technologies that can be used to communicate between satellites. This work is focused to carry out the investigations of polarization scheme by incorporating dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) scheme in inter-satellite communication system. A 20×6 Gbps data are transported over inter-satellite optical link having span of 5,000 km to realize the total data transmission of 120 Gbps. Moreover, results are also reported with the effect of RZ and NRZ modulation schemes. The performance of proposed inter-satellite communication link is measured in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, received power and eye diagrams.
Impact of Visual Corticostriatal Loop Disruption on Neural Processing within the Parahippocampal Place Area
Authors: Nasr Shahin , Rosas Herminia D.
Published: October 2016

The caudate nucleus is a part of the visual corticostriatal loop (VCSL), receiving input from different visual areas and projecting back to the same cortical areas via globus pallidus, substantia nigra, and thalamus. Despite perceptual and navigation impairments in patients with VCSL disruption due to caudate atrophy (e.g., Huntington's disease, HD), the relevance of the caudate nucleus and VCSL on cortical visual processing is not fully understood. In a series of fMRI experiments, we found that the caudate showed a stronger functional connection to parahippocampal place area (PPA) compared with adjacent regions (e.g., fusiform face area, FFA) within the temporal visual cortex. Consistent with this functional link, the caudate showed a higher response to scenes compared with faces, similar to the PPA. Testing the impact of VCSL disruption on neural processes within PPA, HD patients showed reduced scene-selective activity within PPA compared with healthy matched controls. In contrast, the level of selective activity in adjacent cortical and subcortical face-selective areas (i.e., FFA and amygdala) remained intact. These results show some of the first evidence for the direct impact and potential clinical significance of VCSL on the generation of “selective” activity within PPA.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTVisual perception is often considered the product of a multistage feedforward neural processing between visual cortical areas, ignoring the likely impact of corticosubcortical loops on this process. Here, we provide evidence for the contribution of visual corticostriatal loop and the caudate nucleus on generating selective response within parahippocampal place area (PPA). Our results show that disruption of this loop in Huntington's disease patients reduces the level of selective activity within PPA, which may lead to related perceptual impairments in these patients.
Methamphetamine Regulation of Firing Activity of Dopamine Neurons
Authors: Lin Min , Sambo Danielle , Khoshbouei Habibeh
Published: October 2016

Methamphetamine (METH) is a substrate for the dopamine transporter that increases extracellular dopamine levels by competing with dopamine uptake and increasing reverse transport of dopamine via the transporter. METH has also been shown to alter the excitability of dopamine neurons. The mechanism of METH regulation of the intrinsic firing behaviors of dopamine neurons is less understood. Here we identified an unexpected and unique property of METH on the regulation of firing activity of mouse dopamine neurons. METH produced a transient augmentation of spontaneous spike activity of midbrain dopamine neurons that was followed by a progressive reduction of spontaneous spike activity. Inspection of action potential morphology revealed that METH increased the half-width and produced larger coefficients of variation of the interspike interval, suggesting that METH exposure affected the activity of voltage-dependent potassium channels in these neurons. Since METH has been shown to affect Ca2+homeostasis, the unexpected findings that METH broadened the action potential and decreased the amplitude of afterhyperpolarization led us to ask whether METH alters the activity of Ca2+-activated potassium (BK) channels. First, we identified BK channels in dopamine neurons by their voltage dependence and their response to a BK channel blocker or opener. While METH suppressed the amplitude of BK channel-mediated unitary currents, the BK channel opener NS1619 attenuated the effects of METH on action potential broadening, afterhyperpolarization repression, and spontaneous spike activity reduction. Live-cell total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, electrophysiology, and biochemical analysis suggest METH exposure decreased the activity of BK channels by decreasing BK-α subunit levels at the plasma membrane.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMethamphetamine (METH) competes with dopamine uptake, increases dopamine efflux via the dopamine transporter, and affects the excitability of dopamine neurons. Here, we identified an unexpected property of METH on dopamine neuron firing activity. METH transiently increased the spontaneous spike activity of dopamine neurons followed by a progressive reduction of the spontaneous spike activity. METH broadened the action potentials, increased coefficients of variation of the interspike interval, and decreased the amplitude of afterhyperpolarization, which are consistent with changes in the activity of Ca2+-activated potassium (BK) channels. We found that METH decreased the activity of BK channels by stimulating BK-α subunit trafficking. Thus, METH modulation of dopamine neurotransmission and resulting behavioral responses is, in part, due to METH regulation of BK channel activity.
Neuronal Dystroglycan Is Necessary for Formation and Maintenance of Functional CCK-Positive Basket Cell Terminals on Pyramidal Cells
Authors: Früh Simon , Romanos Jennifer , Panzanelli Patrizia , Bürgisser Daniela , Tyagarajan Shiva K. , Campbell Kevin P. , Santello Mirko , Fritschy Jean-Marc
Published: October 2016

Distinct types of GABAergic interneurons target different subcellular domains of pyramidal cells, thereby shaping pyramidal cell activity patterns. Whether the presynaptic heterogeneity of GABAergic innervation is mirrored by specific postsynaptic factors is largely unexplored. Here we show that dystroglycan, a protein responsible for the majority of congenital muscular dystrophies when dysfunctional, has a function at postsynaptic sites restricted to a subset of GABAergic interneurons. Conditional deletion ofDag1, encoding dystroglycan, in pyramidal cells caused loss of CCK-positive basket cell terminals in hippocampus and neocortex. PV-positive basket cell terminals were unaffected in mutant mice, demonstrating interneuron subtype-specific function of dystroglycan. Loss of dystroglycan in pyramidal cells had little influence on clustering of other GABAergic postsynaptic proteins and of glutamatergic synaptic proteins. CCK-positive terminals were not established at P21 in the absence of dystroglycan and were markedly reduced when dystroglycan was ablated in adult mice, suggesting a role for dystroglycan in both formation and maintenance of CCK-positive terminals. The necessity of neuronal dystroglycan for functional innervation by CCK-positive basket cell axon terminals was confirmed by reduced frequency of inhibitory events in pyramidal cells of dystroglycan-deficient mice and further corroborated by the inefficiency of carbachol to increase IPSC frequency in these cells. Finally, neurexin binding seems dispensable for dystroglycan function because knock-in mice expressing binding-deficient T190M dystroglycan displayed normal CCK-positive terminals. Together, we describe a novel function of dystroglycan in interneuron subtype-specific trans-synaptic signaling, revealing correlation of presynaptic and postsynaptic molecular diversity.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDystroglycan, an extracellular and transmembrane protein of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex, is at the center of molecular studies of muscular dystrophies. Although its synaptic distribution in cortical brain regions is long established, function of dystroglycan in the synapse remained obscure. Using mice that selectively lack neuronal dystroglycan, we provide evidence that a subset of GABAergic interneurons requires dystroglycan for formation and maintenance of axonal terminals on pyramidal cells. As such, dystroglycan is the first postsynaptic GABAergic protein for which an interneuron terminal-specific function could be shown. Our findings also offer a new perspective on the mechanisms that lead to intellectual disability in muscular dystrophies without associated brain malformations.