bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural Dynamics of Serial Dependence in Numerosity Perception
Authors: Fornaciai Michele , Park Joonkoo
Published: September 2019

Serial dependence—an attractive perceptual bias whereby a current stimulus is perceived to be similar to previously seen ones—is thought to represent the process that facilitates the stability and continuity of visual perception. Recent results demonstrate a neural signature of serial dependence in numerosity perception, emerging very early in the time course during perceptual processing. However, whether such a perceptual signature is retained after the initial processing remains unknown. Here, we address this question by investigating the neural dynamics of serial dependence using a recently developed technique that allowed a reactivation of hidden memory states. Participants performed a numerosity discrimination task during EEG recording, with task-relevant dot array stimuli preceded by a task-irrelevant stimulus inducing serial dependence. Importantly, the neural network storing the representation of the numerosity stimulus was perturbed (or pinged) so that the hidden states of that representation can be explicitly quantified. The results first show that a neural signature of serial dependence emerges early in the brain signals, starting soon after stimulus onset. Critical to the central question, the pings at a later latency could successfully reactivate the biased representation of the initial stimulus carrying the signature of serial dependence. These results provide one of the first pieces of empirical evidence that the biased neural representation of a stimulus initially induced by serial dependence is preserved throughout a relatively long period.
Attentional Access to Multiple Target Objects in Visual Search
Authors: Berggren Nick , Eimer Martin
Published: September 2019

Most investigations of visual search have focused on the discrimination between a search target and other task-irrelevant distractor objects (selection). The attentional limitations that arise when multiple target objects in the same display have to be processed simultaneously (access) remain poorly understood. Here, we employed behavioral and electrophysiological measures to investigate the factors that determine whether multiple target objects can be accessed in parallel. Performance and N2pc components were measured for search displays that contained either a single target or two target objects. When two target objects were present, they either had the same or different target-defining features. Participants reported whether search displays contained a single target, two targets with shared features, or two targets with different features. There were performance costs as well as reduced N2pc amplitudes for two-target/different relative to two-target/same displays, suggesting that access to multiple target objects defined by different features was impaired. These behavioral and electrophysiological costs were also observed in a task where all search display objects were physically different, but not during color or shape singleton search, confirming that they do not reflect a low-level perceptual grouping of physically identical targets. These results demonstrate strong feature-specific limitations of visual access, as proposed by the Boolean map theory of visual attention. They suggest that multiple target objects can be accessed in parallel only when they share task-relevant features and demonstrate that mechanisms of visual access can be studied with electrophysiological markers.
Quaker Epistemology
Authors: Rediehs Laura
Published: September 2019

Quakerism emerged in the seventeenth century, during a time when philosophical debates about the nature of knowledge led to the emergence of modern science. The Quakers, in some conversation with early modern philosophers, developed a distinctive epistemology rooted in their concept of the Light Within, which functioned as a special internal sense giving access to divine insight. The Light Within provided illumination both to properly understand the Bible and to ‘read’ the Book of Nature. This epistemology can be thought of as an expanded experiential empiricism that integrates our ethical and religious knowledge with our scientific knowledge. This epistemology has carried through in Quaker thought to the present day and can be helpful in the context of today’s epistemological crisis.
First checklist of the ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of French Guiana
Authors: FRANCO WESLLY , LADINO NATALIA , DELABIE JACQUES H. C. , DEJEAN ALAIN , ORIVEL JERÔME , FICHAUX MÉLANIE , GROC SARAH , LEPONCE MAURICE , FEITOSA RODRIGO M.
Published: September 2019

We provide here a checklist of the ants of French Guiana, an overseas department of France situated in northern South America, with a very low human population density and predominantly covered by old-growth tropical rainforests. Based on 165 scientific papers, specimens deposited in collections, and unpublished surveys, a total of 659 valid species and subspecies from 84 genera and 12 subfamilies is presented. Although far from complete, these numbers represent approximately 10% of the ant diversity known to occur in the Neotropical realm. Additionally, three ant genera and 119 species are reported for the first time for French Guiana. Finally, five species are recognized as erroneous records for the the department in the literature. This checklist significantly expands the basic knowledge of the ants in the Guiana Shield, one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots.
Comparing Urban Maxillofacial Trauma Patterns to the National Trauma Data Bank©
Authors: Cohn Jason E. , Smith Kiara C. , Licata Jordan J. , Michael Alex , Zwillenberg Seth , Burroughs Tariem , Arosarena Oneida A.
Published: September 2019

Objectives:

We aimed to determine whether certain maxillofacial fracture patterns and injury mechanisms were more prevalent in an urban environment. In addition, we aimed to determine if maxillofacial trauma incidence correlated with income.

Methods:

Data was collected from Einstein Healthcare Network and Temple University Health System. These data were compared to the 2016 National Trauma Data Bank© (NTDB©) using chi-square analysis. Multivariate analysis was used to identify correlations between demographic variables and fracture patterns. Sociodemographic data was further characterized utilizing neighborhood mapping.

Results:

A total of 252 patients from our urban campuses and 14 447 patients from the NTDB© were identified with facial fractures. Maxillofacial trauma patients in the urban population were more likely to be minorities and less likely to be Caucasian compared to the NTDB© ( P < .001). Patients in the urban setting were more likely to sustain mandibular and orbital fractures, and less likely to sustain maxillary fractures and multiple fractures ( P < .001). Urban maxillofacial trauma patients were more likely to sustain assault and sporting injuries, and less likely to sustain injuries from motor vehicle accidents and self-harm ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

Maxillofacial trauma patterns and injury mechanisms were shown to be significantly different in an urban environment as compared to national data.
Religions et sorties scolaires au collège : la laïcité scolaire au prisme des aménagements ordinaires
Authors: Pontanier Emilie , Husser Anne-Claire
Published: September 2019

En France, la question du religieux dans l’école laïque peut être appréhendée comme une question socialement vive. Quelles stratégies et quels traitements les professionnels de l’éducation adoptent-ils lorsqu’ils sont en présence d’expressions du religieux « ostentatoires », fondamentalistes ou plus généralement en décalage par rapport aux normes scolaires ? Comment et dans quelle mesure prennent-ils en compte les croyances des élèves et de leur famille (aménagement pour des interdits alimentaires ou accommodement lors de déplacements scolaires, etc.) ? Quelles ressources mobilisent-ils, selon quels principes de justice ? En nous appuyant sur l’exemple des sorties scolaires et des modalités de régulation du religieux, par le biais des outils de la sociologie pragmatique, nous analysons la variété des accommodements réalisés par les enseignants et les personnels de vie scolaire pour atteindre leur objectif principal : rendre possible le départ de « tous les élèves » en sortie et voyage scolaires dont la dimension formative fait l’accord. Des situations (exceptionnelles) de gestion de radicalisation seront analysées.
Student Teaching and Urban Educator Aptness: The Significance of Similar Sociocultural Scenarios
Authors: French Kate Rollert
Published: September 2019

Drawing from the experiences and reflections of new urban educators, this study examines how teachers undergo their first year of teaching on account of their student teaching. Using Situated Learning Theory—with an emphasis on legitimate peripheral participation—this study explores how sociocultural and contextual elements of schools contribute to teacher development. Findings suggest that teachers who complete student teaching in environments that mirror their first-year school placements feel more confident and competent in their ability to teach and serve students than teachers who complete student teaching in environments that do not match their first-year school placements. Implications for urban teacher preparation and student teaching placement are discussed.
Social Media Use for Water Conservation Education in South Africa: Perceptions of Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality’s Residents
Authors: Hove Charity , Osunkunle Oluyinka O
Published: September 2019

Water scarcity is increasing in South Africa and communities need to be educated about water conservation practices. This article investigated the perceptions of Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality’s residents concerning the use of social media for water conservation education in their community. Through a quantitative methodology, a sample of 383 respondents answered a questionnaire and the main findings were that 75 per cent of respondents did not know about the municipality’s social media platforms. This article recommends that the municipality creates awareness about its social media platforms, increases social media usage and employs persuasive strategies for participation.
The Salience of Antisocial Personality Disorder for Predicting Substance Use and Violent Behavior: The Moderating Role of Deviant Peers
Authors: Wojciechowski Thomas W.
Published: September 2019

Deviant peer association and antisocial personality disorder are risk factors for drug use and violent offending. However, there has yet to be research that focuses on how deviant peer association may moderate the impact of antisocial personality disorder on these outcomes. Data from Wave 10 of the Pathways to Desistance dataset were used in analyses. Negative binomial regression was used to estimate the effects of covariates on violent offending. Ordered logistic regression was used to estimate the effects of covariates on substance use outcomes. Results indicated that deviant peer association moderated the impact of antisocial personality disorder on violent offending frequency and marijuana use frequency. The direction of this interaction effect was positive for marijuana use. The direction of this moderation was negative for violent offending, indicating that antisocial personality disorder–diagnosed individuals commit fewer violent offenses at similar levels of deviant peer association as nonafflicted participants.
Let’s Talk: An Examination of Parental Involvement as a Predictor of STEM Achievement in Math for High School Girls
Authors: Howard Nicol R. , Howard Keith E. , Busse R. T. , Hunt Christine
Published: September 2019

This research was conducted to examine the influence of parental involvement, in the form of parent conversations, on mathematics achievement for high school girls. Data from the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09) public-use file provided a sample of 13,694 students, including 6,592 girls for our analyses. A scale for measuring parent conversations was developed and regression analyses were conducted to examine whether this scale variable predicted mathematics achievement. Results indicated that conversational parental involvement was a significant predictor of mathematics achievement for Black and White girls, but not Hispanic and Asian. Implications for research and policy initiatives are discussed.
Book review: Shiju Sam Varughese, Contested Knowledge: Science, Media and Democracy in Kerala
Authors: Gopakumar Meera
Published: September 2019

Shiju Sam Varughese, Contested Knowledge: Science, Media and Democracy in Kerala. New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2017, 290 pp., ₹995 (Hard Cover), ISBN-13: 978-0-19-946912-3.
Book review: Haley Duchinski, Mona Bhan, Ather Zia and Cynthia Mahmood, Resisting Occupation in Kashmir
Authors: Kumar Kartikeya
Published: September 2019

Haley Duchinski, Mona Bhan, Ather Zia and Cynthia Mahmood, Resisting Occupation in Kashmir. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2018, 302 pp., £55.48, ISBN: 978-0-8122-9496-5 (E-book).
Book review: Gene B. Sperling and Rebecca Winthrop, What Works in Girls’ Education: Evidence for the World’s Best Investment
Authors: Mitra Susmita
Published: September 2019

Gene B. Sperling and Rebecca Winthrop, What Works in Girls’ Education: Evidence for the World’s Best Investment. Washington, DC: Brookings Institution Press, 2016, 316 pp., US$22.00, ISBN: 978-081572860-3.
Growing Industrialisation and its Cumulative Impacts: Insights from the Mahanadi River Basin
Authors: Ratha Keshab Chandra
Published: September 2019

The Mahanadi river faces large-scale ecological disaster due to a variety of anthropogenic stresses. A prime factor is rapid industrialisation and coal-fired power generation plans that are being encouraged by the states of Odisha and Chhattisgarh. These are not only impacting the flow of the river’s waters and damaging the health of its basin but have also made the area susceptible to climate change. The industrial growth-based development has already polluted the Mahanadi to an irrecoverable extent. The over-allocation of water to industries has adversely effected the region’s irrigation and agriculture leading to a bitter contestation between industry and the farming community. As this comment emphasises, both state governments are taking advantage of the Mahanadi river for industrial use to maximise revenue generation but are at the same time are being insensitive to the adverse environmental and ecological consequences that such exploitation will surely lead to.
Speaker matters: Natural inter-speaker variation affects 4-month-olds’ perception of audio-visual speech
Authors: Pejovic Jovana , Yee Eiling , Molnar Monika
Published: September 2019

In the language development literature, studies often make inferences about infants’ speech perception abilities based on their responses to a single speaker. However, there can be significant natural variability across speakers in how speech is produced (i.e., inter-speaker differences). The current study examined whether inter-speaker differences can affect infants’ ability to detect a mismatch between the auditory and visual components of vowels. Using an eye-tracker, 4.5-month-old infants were tested on auditory-visual (AV) matching for two vowels (/i/ and /u/). Critically, infants were tested with two speakers who naturally differed in how distinctively they articulated the two vowels within and across the categories. Only infants who watched and listened to the speaker whose visual articulations of the two vowels were most distinct from one another were sensitive to AV mismatch. This speaker also produced a visually more distinct /i/ as compared to the other speaker. This finding suggests that infants are sensitive to the distinctiveness of AV information across speakers, and that when making inferences about infants’ perceptual abilities, characteristics of the speaker should be taken into account.
Carhart Notch—A Prognostic Factor in Surgery for Otosclerosis
Authors: Wiatr Agnieszka , Składzień Jacek , Strek Pawel , Wiatr Maciej
Published: September 2019

Objective:

Otosclerosis is an underlying disease of the bony labyrinth. This disorder, occurring only within the area of a person’s temporal bone, is characterized by a progressive hearing loss and tinnitus.

Material and Methods:

The study looked for the answer to the question of whether the presence or absence of Carhart notch in the presurgical tonal audiogram affects the final outcome of the otosclerosis surgery.

Results:

The analysis included 140 patients operated on for the first time due to otosclerosis between 2010 and 2016. The study group consisted of 107 women aged from 19 to 62 (average age: 40.33) and 33 men aged 27 to 59 (average age: 38.23). Analysis showed a statistically better result of stapedotomy in patients without the notch than in the same procedure in patients with the notch present. The opposite situation occurred in the case of stapedectomy.

Conclusion:

(1) The presence of a refraction of the bone conduction curve with a depth of 10 to 20 dB at a frequency of 2000 Hz (the so-called Carhart notch) in the presurgical tonal audiogram is an unfavorable prognostic factor in relation to closing the cochlear reserve and improving bone conduction after the stapedotomy. (2) Regardless of the presence or absence of Carhart notch in the presurgical tonal audiogram, stapedotomy is the procedure with the highest efficiency in the treatment of otosclerosis.
You seem tired, but so am I: Willpower theories and intention to provide support in romantic relationships
Authors: Francis Zoë , Sieber Vanda , Job Veronika
Published: September 2019

Although providing support in romantic relationships is important for the well-being of both partners, providing support can be effortful. People have varying implicit theories about the exertion of effort; limited willpower theorists believe that mental resources become exhausted with use, while nonlimited willpower theorists believe that exerting effort can even prepare you for future exertion. While limited willpower theorists are more likely to experience depletion and limitations themselves, they may also be more likely to perceive and empathize with the depletion and limitations of their romantic partners. We conducted a daily diary study ( N = 363; 1,429 observations) to examine how willpower theories relate to participants’ intentions to support their romantic partners in the evenings. We find that limited theorists report their partners as more tired (predicting more intention to support)—however, limited theorists also report more fatigue and lower mood themselves (predicting less intention to support). Overall, limited willpower beliefs were associated with less, not more, intent to support one’s partner for the rest of the evening. Even if limited willpower theories improve people’s abilities to perceive their partner’s fatigue, at the end of the day, they may not feel they have the mental resources to support their romantic partners.
Acute stress in adolescence vs early adulthood following selective deletion of dysbindin-1A: Effects on anxiety, cognition and other schizophrenia-related phenotypes
Authors: Desbonnet Lieve , O’Tuathaigh Colm MP , O’Leary Clare , Cox Rachel , Tighe Orna , Petit Emilie I , Wilson Steve , Waddington John L
Published: September 2019

Background:

As exposure to stress has been linked to the onset and maintenance of psychotic illness, its pathogenesis may involve environmental stressors interacting with genetic vulnerability.

Aim:

To establish whether acute stress interacts with a targeted mutation of the gene encoding the neurodevelopmental factor dystrobrevin-binding protein 1 (DTNBP1), resulting in a specific loss of the isoform dysbindin-1A, to influence schizophrenia-relevant phenotypes in mice during adolescence and adulthood.

Methods:

Male and female mice with a heterozygous or homozygous deletion of DTNBP1 were assessed in the open field test following acute restraint stress in adolescence (Day 35) and young adulthood (Day 60–70). Effects of acute restraint stress on memory retention in the novel object recognition test was also assessed in adulthood. Baseline corticosterone was measured in serum samples and, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptor gene expression levels were measured in the hippocampus of adult mice.

Results:

In the open field, deletion of dysbindin-1A induced hyperactivity and attenuated the action of stress to reduce hyperactivity in adolescence but not in adulthood; in females deletion of dysbindin-1A attenuated the effect of acute stress to increase anxiety-related behaviour in adolescence but not in adulthood. In the novel object recognition test, deletion of dysbindin-1A impaired memory and also revealed an increase in anxiety-related behaviour and a decrease in hippocampal BDNF gene expression in males.

Conclusions:

These data suggest that deletion of dysbindin-1A influences behaviours related to schizophrenia and anxiety more robustly in adolescence than in adulthood and that dysbindin-1A influences stress-related responses in a sex-dependent manner.
Early Economic Evaluation of Diagnostic Technologies: Experiences of the NIHR Diagnostic Evidence Co-operatives
Authors: Abel Lucy , Shinkins Bethany , Smith Alison , Sutton Andrew J. , Sagoo Gurdeep S. , Uchegbu Ijeoma , Allen A. Joy , Graziadio Sara , Moloney Eoin , Yang Yaling , Hall Peter
Published: September 2019

Diagnostic tests are expensive and time-consuming to develop. Early economic evaluation using decision modeling can reduce commercial risk by providing early evidence on cost-effectiveness. The National Institute for Health Research Diagnostic Evidence Co-operatives (DECs) was established to catalyze evidence generation for diagnostic tests by collaborating with commercial developers; DEC researchers have consequently made extensive use of early modeling. The aim of this article is to summarize the experiences of the DECs using early modeling for diagnostics. We draw on 8 case studies to illustrate the methods, highlight methodological strengths and weaknesses particular to diagnostics, and provide advice. The case studies covered diagnosis, screening, and treatment stratification. Treatment effectiveness was a crucial determinant of cost-effectiveness in all cases, but robust evidence to inform this parameter was sparse. This risked limiting the usability of the results, although characterization of this uncertainty in turn highlighted the value of further evidence generation. Researchers evaluating early models must be aware of the importance of treatment effect evidence when reviewing the cost-effectiveness of diagnostics. Researchers planning to develop an early model of a test should also 1) consult widely with clinicians to ensure the model reflects real-world patient care; 2) develop comprehensive models that can be updated as the technology develops, rather than taking a “quick and dirty” approach that may risk producing misleading results; and 3) use flexible methods of reviewing evidence and evaluating model results, to fit the needs of multiple decision makers. Decision models can provide vital information for developers at an early stage, although limited evidence mean researchers should proceed with caution.
Women’s Preferences for Maternal and Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality in Childbirth
Authors: Tucker Edmonds Brownsyne , McKenzie Fatima , Downs Stephen M. , Carroll Aaron E.
Published: September 2019

Purpose. To measure utility values that describe women’s willingness to tradeoff maternal morbidity for fetal benefit among pregnant and nonpregnant women of reproductive age. Methods. We recruited English-speaking women aged 18 to 45 years in clinical and community-based settings. Eight health states were studied: 4 maternal (healthy, stroke, hysterectomy, death) and 4 neonatal (healthy, severe cerebral palsy [CP], severe mental retardation [MR], death). Utilities were assessed on a subset of 9 pairs of mom/baby delivery outcomes. Participants ranked the 9 pairs of outcomes in order of preference, then standard gamble methods were used to calculate utilities. Numeracy skills were assessed. Results. Utilities were obtained from 477 participants (recruitment rate = 94%). Twenty-one percent were pregnant, 63% were parents, and 54% were African American. Utilities did not differ significantly between pregnant and nonpregnant women or based on numeracy score. The highest (nonhealthy) values were assigned to baby healthy/mom hysterectomy (0.999), baby healthy/mom stroke (0.946), and baby CP/mom healthy (0.940). The lowest values were assigned to baby death/mom hysterectomy (0.203), baby MR/mom death (0.150), and baby death/mom stroke (0.087). Nonwhite participants assigned a significantly higher value to baby MR/mom death ( P = 0.01), baby MR/mom stroke ( P = 0.02), baby MR/mom healthy ( P < 0.01), and baby MR/mom hysterectomy ( P = 0.02) than white participants. Conclusion. When asked to value pairs of maternal/fetal outcomes that required a tradeoff of morbidity and mortality, women tended to assign the highest utility to combinations that resulted in a “healthy baby.” They assigned the lowest values to combinations that resulted in a baby’s death or MR. Our findings highlight the importance of 1) assessing individual preferences and goals of care for pregnancy outcomes and 2) measuring utilities among reproductive-aged women when modeling obstetric decision making.
Gastric teratoma invasion and bulb fistula formation in an adult: report of one case and literature review
Authors: Lu Bei , Yang Lili
Published: September 2019

Gastric teratoma primarily occurs within 3 months following birth, and is a rare pattern of gastric lesion in adult patients. The present study reports the case of a 60-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with a tumour in the lesser curvature within the gastric cardia area, which grew outside the cavity, invaded into the duodenal bulb and formed a gastroduodenal fistula. Briefly, initial gastroscopy upon hospital admission revealed mucosa bulging into the gastric cavity, gastric ulcer and duodenal bulb mucosal congestion with oedema. Subsequent computed tomography scans showed lesser curvature-occupying hamartoma in the gastric cardia area, and upper gastrointestinal angiography confirmed gastric stromal tumour complicated with cardia duodenal fistula. Total gastrectomy followed by Roux-en-y oesophagojejunostomy was performed, and pathology analysis of the tissue specimen confirmed mature gastric teratoma. The formation of a gastroduodenal bulb fistula with the tumour as a bridge is a rare phenomenon. A notable finding of the present case study was that the final diagnosis of gastric teratoma mainly depended on pathological examination.
Reconstruction of pediatric hand injuries caused by automatic cup-sealing machines in Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Yueh-Ju , Carvajal Carolina Forero , Flores Nicolas Moltedo , Lin Tsan-Shiun , Yang Johnson Chia-Shen , Chiang Yuan-Cheng , Lin Pao-Yuan
Published: September 2019

Objective

This study was performed to share our clinical experience and provide treatment strategies for pediatric hand injuries caused by automatic cup-sealing machines in Taiwan.

Methods

Thirteen pediatric patients with an average age of 3.6 years were included in this retrospective study. Treatment was based on the location and depth of the injury and included full-thickness skin grafts, free or local flaps, and digital replantation. Some patients underwent contracture release during follow-up.

Results

Thermal crush injuries affected the left hand in five patients and right hand in eight. Four patients with nine amputated fingers were treated by emergent digital replantation, four were treated by skin grafting, one was treated by nail bed repair, one underwent reconstruction with a local reversed dorsal digital and metacarpal island flap, one underwent reconstruction with a fascia graft for extensor tendon repair and pedicled groin flap coverage, and two underwent reconstruction with free anterolateral thigh fasciocutaneous flaps with a vascularized fascia lata graft for dorsal hand defects. All replanted fingers survived.

Conclusion

Pediatric hand injuries, especially those caused by cup-sealing machines, can be devastating. Aggressive treatments including early reconstruction and rehabilitation should be performed for all pediatric hand injuries to achieve satisfactory functional restoration.
Difference in the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage and residual tumors between functional and nonfunctional pituitary adenomas treated by endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary adenomectomy
Authors: Lee Ching-Yi , Chen Yuan-Chuan , Wang Ying-Piao , Chen Shiu-Jau
Published: September 2019

Objective

This study compared the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and residual tumors between functional and nonfunctional pituitary adenomas treated with the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETA).

Methods

All patients underwent endocrine examinations and brain magnetic resonance imaging before and after surgery. The length of admission, incidence of central diabetes insipidus, incidence of CSF leakage, symptom relief, and presence of residual tumors were compared between patients with functional and nonfunctional pituitary adenomas.

Results

Thirty-eight patients were enrolled, among whom 12 and 26 had functional and nonfunctional pituitary adenomas, respectively. The incidence of CSF leakage was significantly higher in patients with nonfunctional adenomas; a hard or elastic tumor character accounted for the difference. A large tumor size and cavernous sinus invasion were risk factors for residual tumors. No significant differences were found in sex, length of admission, operative times, incidence of diabetes insipidus, or number of residual tumors between the two groups. The hormone levels were lower postoperatively than preoperatively in patients with nonfunctional adenomas.

Conclusion

Nonfunctional pituitary macroadenomas resulted in more CSF leakage. Use of the rescue nasoseptal flap reduced unnecessary nasal destruction. Cooperation between a neurosurgeon and otolaryngologist was safer and more effective when using the EETA.
Two heterozygous mutations in the ERCC6 gene associated with Cockayne syndrome in a Chinese patient
Authors: Zhang Qin , Liu Minjuan , Liu Yinghua , Tang Hui , Wang Ting , Li Hong , Xiang Jingjing
Published: September 2019

Objective

To confirm diagnosis and explore the genetic aetiology in a Chinese patient suspected to have Cockayne syndrome (CS).

Methods

The patient was clinically examined, and the patient and her biological parents underwent genetic analysis using whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing. The foetus of the patient’s mother underwent prenatal diagnostic Sanger sequencing using amniotic fluid obtained at 19 weeks’ gestation.

Results

Clinical examination of the patient showed developmental delay, progressive neurologic dysfunction and premature aging. Two compound, heterozygous ERCC excision repair 6, chromatin remodelling factor ( ERCC6) gene mutations were detected in the proband by WES and confirmed by Sanger sequencing, comprising a known paternal nonsense mutation (c.643G > T, p.E215X) and a novel maternal short insertion and deletion mutation (c.1614_c.1616delGACinsAAACGTCTT, p.K538_T539delinsKNVF). The patient was consequently diagnosed with CS type I. The foetus of the patient’s mother was found to carry only the maternally-derived c.1614_c.1616delGACinsAAACGTCTT variant.

Conclusion

This study emphasized the value of WES in clinical diagnosis, and enriched the known spectrum of ERCC6 gene mutations.
The making of professors: Assessment and recognition in academic recruitment
Authors: Hamann Julian
Published: September 2019

How do academics become professors? This paper considers the making of ‘professor’ as a subject position through which academics are acknowledged in both organizational contexts and disciplinary fields. The paper examines social processes of recognition in 145 appointment procedures for professorships in the discipline of history at sixteen German universities between 1950 and 1985. Based on an analysis of over 1500 documents from archived appointment records, I investigate how academics are acknowledged as professorial in appointment procedures. The procedures invoked both (1) processes of judgement, in which worth and qualities are attributed to candidates, and (2) processes of legitimation, in which said judgements are stabilized and made acceptable. Using insights from the sociology of valuation and evaluation, this paper sheds light on the fundamental processes of recognition and valorization in academia. The findings contribute to the sociology of scientific knowledge and science and technology studies, which have concentrated on academic recognition in the realm of research, but paid less attention to such recognition in organizational contexts. Complementing this literature, the paper allows for a more general understanding of ‘professor’ as a focal academic subject position.
The Lived Experience of Sisters With an Incarcerated Brother: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Tadros Eman , Fye Janelle , Ray Amber
Published: September 2019

The major increase of incarcerated individuals in the United States has led to a variety of issues. The experience of incarceration has an impact on not only the individual but the entire family system. However, the impact on the sibling relationship has yet to be explored in the literature. The current study examined the lived experience of sisters with an incarcerated brother. In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews with five sisters with an incarcerated brother were conducted. The results displayed five themes that emerged from the interviews: emotional impact, adjustment, prison experience, family impact, and stigma. The results informed clinical implications for marriage and family therapists working within the incarcerated population. In addition, specific suggestions are provided in how to best advocate for this population through research and clinical work. Moreover, the current study punctuates the specific and dire need for therapeutic intervention and broader policy change among many other efforts.
Stress and physiology in clinical research with risk-exposed children: from mechanism to application
Authors: O’Connor Thomas G , Vallejo Sefair Ana
Published: September 2019

Research findings from diverse studies converge in suggesting that the experience of early severe and protracted stress is associated with a wide range of behavioural and physical health problems. The public health and clinical implications of these findings are substantial, but their successful applications to improve child health have been limited. What is clear is that this successful application depends, at least in part, on a clear understanding of the mechanisms involved. The current review considers the likely role of stress physiology and the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, one dominant model for explaining how early stress exposures may have lasting effects on mental and physical health. In addition to highlighting illustrative findings, we consider the practical barriers and challenges for increasing the presence of biological markers in clinical research.
Attitudes to and experiences of genetic information and testing among professionals working in the context of adoption
Authors: Jackson Nicola , Burke Katherine
Published: September 2019

In the process of creating a care plan or finding a placement for children, assessment of their health and developmental needs will be undertaken. This can involve the interpretation of complex family history information and may also include undertaking and interpreting the results of genetic testing, when within professional guidelines. This study explores opinions, knowledge about and experiences of adoption professionals in relation to genetic information and testing in Wales. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with six social workers and seven medical advisers. The data were transcribed and thematically analysed. Themes included the challenges to collation of family history, how the willingness of professionals to undertake genetic testing in children awaiting adoption was altered by the availability (and non-availability) of family history information, and the uncertainty that genetic information can generate for professionals and prospective parents. Uncertainty for both professional groups emerged from apparent inconsistency in current practice and from concern over their own lack of genetic knowledge. As new genetic technologies increase the scope of uncertainty, there is a need for social workers and medical practitioners working in adoption to have a greater understanding of genetics alongside opportunities to discuss cases in a multidisciplinary setting when appropriate.
Insulated-gate bipolar transistor junction temperature estimation based on ℋ∞ robust controller in wind energy applications
Authors: Alhmoud Lina , Al-Jiboory Ali Khudhair
Published: September 2019

This article presents lifetime estimation using robust control based on thermal path degradation condition of insulated-gate bipolar transistor wind power modules. Online measurements of the on-state voltage [Formula: see text] are considered to be a promising method for obtaining a thermal-sensitive electrical parameter for wire-bond lift-off. This parameter demonstrates a good correlation with junction temperature. Due to the harsh environment, disturbances and uncertain parameters are founded within the compact set of wind energy generation systems. The uncertainty sacrifices some degree of accuracy of junction temperature measurements. Hence, robust control theory has been utilized to synthesize [Formula: see text] controller for the thermal impedance of high-power insulated-gate bipolar transistors. To study this reliability problem, an integrated model of wind energy generation system is built in MATLAB/Simulink for the closed-loop system. Simulation results show the benefit of the designed controller compared to the open-loop system in terms of thermal cycles of junction temperature and lifetime estimation.
An early experience of Check List to Improve Patient Self-care and Product Defect Report in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CLIP-SP) study
Authors: Takkavatakarn Kullaya , Puapatanakul Pongpratch , Kanjanabuch Talerngsak , Buanet Thanchanok , Thongbor Nisa , Pitakmongkol Salakjit , Pikul Niparat , Pongpirul Krit
Published: September 2019

An increase in number of peritoneal dialysis patients and demand for peritoneal dialysis products following implementation of “PD First” policy in Thailand has led to logistics supply chain challenges and inherent product quality problems. Available evidences suggested that defective peritoneal dialysis products may predispose the patients to peritonitis. Thailand Clinical Practice Guideline for Peritoneal Dialysis 2017 recommends the patients to check peritoneal dialysis products themselves before use. In this report, we present our early experience from the Check List to Improve Patient Self-care and Product Defect Report in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis study, a cluster randomized trial conducted in 22 peritoneal dialysis centers in Thailand. Patients from 11 randomly selected sites were asked to use the check list to report any product quality defects. The peritoneal dialysis product check list required patients to check the expiration date, glucose concentration, clarity, color, and integrity of bags of peritoneal dialysis fluid as well as the peritoneal dialysis connectors prior to each use. Among 338 patients who had received the check list from 5 centers, 28 returned the reports, detecting 8 defects out of 3960 products in total (0.2%). Although the obtained check list reports were not perfectly completed, they were comprehensible and provided important information on product defects which meant that the check list was simple enough for the patients and/or caregivers to follow. In conclusion, despite low response rate and incomplete report in this early phase analysis, the check list provides important information on product defects while an impact of these defects on peritoneal dialysis outcomes requires a further investigation.
Psychotherapies for Adolescents with Subclinical and Borderline Personality Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wong Jennifer , Bahji Anees , Khalid-Khan Sarosh
Published: September 2019

Background:

Evidence regarding the efficacy of psychotherapy in adolescents with borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptomatology has not been previously synthesized.

Objective:

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in order to assess the efficacy of psychotherapies in adolescents with BPD symptomatology.

Methods:

Seven electronic databases were systematically searched using the search terms BPD, adolescent, and psychotherapy from database inception to July 2019. Titles/abstracts and full-texts were screened by one reviewer; discrepancies were resolved via consensus. We extracted data on BPD symptomatology, including BPD symptoms, suicide attempts, nonsuicidal self-injury, general psychopathology, functional recovery, and treatment retention. Data were pooled using random-effects models.

Results:

Of 536 papers, seven trials (643 participants) were eligible. Psychotherapy led to significant short-term improvements in BPD symptomatology posttreatment ( g = −0.89 [−1.75, −0.02]) but not in follow-up ( g = 0.06 [−0.26, 0.39]). There was no significant difference in treatment retention between the experimental and control groups overall (odds ratio [ OR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92 to 1.12, I 2 = 52%). Psychotherapy reduced the frequency of nonsuicidal self-injury ( OR = 0.34, 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.74) but not suicide attempts ( OR = 1.03, 95% CI, 0.46 to 2.30).

Conclusions:

There is a growing variety of psychotherapeutic interventions for adolescents with BPD symptomatology that appears feasible and effective in the short term, but efficacy is not retained in follow-up—particularly for frequency of suicide attempts.
Issues and Improvements in the Visual Analysis of A-B Single-Case Graphs by Pre-Service Professionals
Authors: Lane Justin D. , Shepley Collin , Spriggs Amy D.
Published: September 2019

Professionals working with individuals at risk for, or with, disabilities are required by federal legislation to select, implement, and formatively and summatively evaluate the effectiveness of evidence-based practices in typical settings. Although multiple resources related to graph construction and visual analysis are available in the literature, studies on training pre-service and in-service professionals to visually analyze data are lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a multi-component visual analysis training for pre-service professionals enrolled in a behavior management course. The training explained the importance of graphing and visually analyzing data, taught participants how to visually analyze data, and included guided practice visually analyzing sample A-B graphs. Results indicated that participants were likely to display difficulties visually analyzing complex data paths and, following the training, were able to increase their accuracy of visual analysis. Limitations and implications for future research and pre-service and in-service training are discussed.
The hepatic effects in dams that ingested 2-aminoanthracene during gestation and lactation
Authors: Ulieme Raven E , Awer Surjania , Stagg John C , Yau Wilson , Gato Worlanyo E
Published: September 2019

Diabetes mellitus has been on a continual rise as one of the top chronic diseases to affect individuals worldwide. The goal of this study was to determine how exposure from a well-known toxicant, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon called 2-aminoanthracene (2AA), could potentially lead to diabetes, damage the liver, and have negative effects to the offspring. Humans are exposed to 2AA from foods cooked in high heat and tobacco smoke, among others. To analyze the effects of 2AA, three groups of Sprague Dawley dams consumed an adulterated 2AA diet from gestation to their postnatal period. Timed-pregnant dams ingested 0 mg/kg (control group (C)), 50 mg/kg (low dose group (LD)), and 100 mg/kg (high dose group (HD)) 2AA. Hepatic gene expressions of Adam8, Bax, Ccng1, CD68, CD93, Cdkn1c, and Ddit4 indicated a significant overexpression of Bax, Ccng1, CD68, CD93, and Cdkn1c in treated groups. Although there was no significant difference in the damage to the liver architecture by 2AA, the positively stained CD68+ cells were slightly increased in treated rats. Significant decreases in the albumin and aspartate aminotransferase levels might indicate an inflammatory response from 2AA exposure in dams. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentration was also decreased, in contrast to studies of liver cirrhosis that reported increased serum IgA concentration. Overexpression of genes Ddit4, Cdkn1c, Ccng1, Bax, CD93, and CD68 point to hepatic inflammation and apoptosis. Overall results suggest a link between environmental 2AA exposure and adverse liver effects, which has potential to increase susceptibility to type 2 diabetes and other diseases.
Positive regulation of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide-stimulated osteoblast functions by strontium modification of an SLA titanium implant surface
Authors: Park Jin-Woo
Published: September 2019

This study aimed to investigate whether strontium (Sr) ion delivery to the surface of microstructured titanium (Ti) oral implants drives favorable osteoblast functions of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) under a Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammatory condition. The goal is to gain insight for future surface engineering of Ti implants with increased resistance to peri-implantitis and better bone recovery capacity from peri-implant bone destruction. The Sr ions were introduced into a clinically available sandblasted/acid-etched (SLA) Ti implant surface by wet chemical treatment. The results showed that Sr ion incorporation enhances the osteogenesis-related cell functions of bipotent ST2 stem cells in the microstructured SLA type implant surface. Early spreading and osteogenic differentiation (osteogenesis-related mRNA expression, ALP activity and osteocalcin protein secretion) were notably increased in Sr-incorporated SLA implant surface under 1 µg of P. gingivalis LPS stimulation. In addition, Sr ion modification increased early osteogenic differentiation (ALP mRNA expression and ALP activity) of ST2 cells, again under the more severe inflammatory condition induced by a high dose of LPS (10 µg/mL). These results indicate that surface chemistry modification using Sr ions provides microstructured Ti oral implants with greater resistance to the development and progression of inflammatory bone tissue destruction, and increased bone recovery capacity in the bacterial LPS-contaminated Ti oral implant surface by enhancing the early osteogenic differentiation of MSCs.