bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD74-Downregulation of Placental Macrophage-Trophoblastic Interactions in Preeclampsia
Authors: Przybyl Lukasz , Haase Nadine , Golic Michaela , Rugor Julianna , Solano Maria Emilia , Arck Petra Clara , Gauster Martin , Huppertz Berthold , Emontzpohl Christoph , Stoppe Christian , Bernhagen Jürgen , Leng Lin , Bucala Richard , Schulz Herbert , Heuser Arnd , Weedon-Fekjær M. Susanne , Johnsen Guro M. , Peetz Dirk , Luft Friedrich C. , Staff Anne Cathrine , Müller Dominik N. , Dechend Ralf , Herse Florian
Published: May 2016

Rationale:

We hypothesized that cluster of differentiation 74 (CD74) downregulation on placental macrophages, leading to altered macrophage-trophoblast interaction, is involved in preeclampsia.

Objective:

Preeclamptic pregnancies feature hypertension, proteinuria, and placental anomalies. Feto-placental macrophages regulate villous trophoblast differentiation during placental development. Disturbance of this well-balanced regulation can lead to pathological pregnancies.

Methods and Results:

We performed whole-genome expression analysis of placental tissue. CD74 was one of the most downregulated genes in placentas from preeclamptic women. By reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, we confirmed this finding in early-onset (<34 gestational week, n=26) and late-onset (≥34 gestational week, n=24) samples from preeclamptic women, compared with healthy pregnant controls (n=28). CD74 protein levels were analyzed by Western blot and flow cytometry. We identified placental macrophages to express CD74 by immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and RT-PCR. CD74-positive macrophages were significantly reduced in preeclamptic placentas compared with controls. CD74-silenced macrophages showed that the adhesion molecules
ALCAM
,
ICAM4
, and Syndecan-2, as well as macrophage adhesion to trophoblasts were diminished. Naive and activated macrophages lacking
CD74
showed a shift toward a proinflammatory signature with an increased secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α, chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 5, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1, when cocultured with trophoblasts compared with control macrophages. Trophoblasts stimulated by these factors express more
CYP2J2
,
sFlt1
,
TNFα
, and
IL-8
. CD74-knockout mice showed disturbed placental morphology, reduced junctional zone, smaller placentas, and impaired spiral artery remodeling with fetal growth restriction.

Conclusions:

CD74 downregulation in placental macrophages is present in preeclampsia. CD74 downregulation leads to altered macrophage activation toward a proinflammatory signature and a disturbed crosstalk with trophoblasts.
Thrombus Histology Suggests Cardioembolic Cause in Cryptogenic Stroke
Authors: Boeckh-Behrens Tobias , Kleine Justus F. , Zimmer Claus , Neff Frauke , Scheipl Fabian , Pelisek Jaroslav , Schirmer Lucas , Nguyen Kim , Karatas Deniz , Poppert Holger
Published: May 2016

Background and Purpose—

Ischemic stroke of undetermined cause is a major health issue because of its high frequency and clinical relevance. Histopathologic analysis of human thrombi, retrieved from stroke patients with large-vessel occlusion during mechanical thrombectomy, may provide information about underlying pathologies. This study examines the relationship between stroke causes and histological clot composition to identify specific patterns that might help to distinguish causes of cryptogenic stroke.

Methods—

Thrombi of 145 consecutive stroke patients with large-vessel occlusion were collected during intracranial mechanical recanalization. The hematoxylin and eosin–stained specimens were quantitatively analyzed in terms of the relative fractions of the main constituents (red and white blood cells and fibrin/platelets). These data, along with additional clinical and interventional parameters, were compared for different stroke subtypes, as defined by the international Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment criteria.

Results—

The composition of thrombi from cardioembolic and noncardioembolic stroke patients differed significantly for all main thrombus components. Cardioembolic thrombi had higher proportions of fibrin/platelets (
P
=0.009), less erythrocytes (
P
=0.003), and more leucocytes (
P
=0.035) than noncardioembolic thrombi. Cryptogenic strokes showed strong overlap with cardioembolic strokes but not with noncardioembolic strokes, in terms of both thrombus histology and interventional and clinical outcome parameters.

Conclusions—

Quantitative evaluation of thrombus composition may help to distinguish between different stroke causes. Our findings support the notion that the majority of cryptogenic strokes are cardioembolic.
Orolingual Angioedema During or After Thrombolysis for Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Myslimi Fjorda , Caparros François , Dequatre-Ponchelle Nelly , Moulin Solène , Gautier Sophie , Girardie Patrick , Cordonnier Charlotte , Bordet Régis , Leys Didier
Published: May 2016

Background and Purpose—

Orolingual angioedema (OLAE) is a life-threatening complication of intravenous thrombolysis. Our objective was to compare outcomes of patients with and without OLAE.

Methods—

We prospectively included consecutive patients who received intravenous thrombolysis for cerebral ischemia at Lille University Hospital. We examined tongue and lips every 15 minutes during thrombolysis and ≤30 minutes after. We evaluated the 3-month outcome with the modified Rankin scale (mRS) and compared outcomes of patients with and without OLAE.

Results—

Of 923 consecutive patients, 20 (2.2%) developed OLAE. None of them needed oro-tracheal intubation. They were more likely to be under angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (adjusted odds ratio [adjOR], 3.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6–9.7;
P
=0.005) to have total insular infarcts (OR, 5.0; 95% CI, 1.5–16.5;
P
=0.004) and tended to develop more symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhages. Results concerning angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors were not modified after adjustment for propensity scores (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.6–11.9;
P
=0.004) or matched analysis based on propensity scores (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.3–8.1;
P
=0.010). Patients with OLAE did not significantly differ at 3 months for the proportion of patients with mRS score of 0 to 1 (adjOR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.3–2.1), mRS score of 0 to 2 (adjOR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.1–1.8), and death (adjOR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.3–3.8).

Conclusions—

OLAE occurs in 1 of 50 patients who receive intravenous thrombolysis, 1 of 10 in case of total insular infarct, and 1 of 6 if they are under angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Their long-term outcome does not differ from that of other patients.
Notes on Bricelochlorops Paganelli 2002 (Diptera: Chloropidae), with the description of a new species
Authors: RICCARDI PAULA RAILE
Published: May 2016

Bricelochlorops is a peculiar genus of Chloropinae because its species possess a swollen pedicel and an enlarged clypeus separated into two parts. According to previous phylogenetic studies, Bricelochlorops is known as the sister group of Psilochlorops and their relationships with the remaining chloropine genera are unclear (Paganelli, 2002; Riccardi & Amorim, 2012). There are two described species of Bricelochlorops, B. peregrinus Paganelli 2002 and B. celutae Carvalho-Filho & Esposito 2010. Both species are from Brazil and they are known only from the holotypes. Here, a further species from Peru is described, expanding the distribution of Bricelochlorops.
A new subspecies of Xestia ashworthii (Doublebay, 1855) from Russian Altai (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae)
Authors: VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , DVOŘÁK MAREK
Published: May 2016

Xestia Hübner, [1818] is a large noctuine genus with an almost worldwide distribution. In the Palaearctic region the genus represented by about 190 described species (Kononenko 2003; Gyulai & Ronkay 2006; Fibiger et al. 2010; Gyulai et al. 2011; Kononenko et al. 2012; Gyulai et al. 2013a; 2013b). The genus subdivided into four described subgenera (Lafontaine et al. 1998, in Lafontaine 1998; Kononenko et al. 2012): Xestia, Megasema Hübner, [1821], Pachnobia Guenée, 1852 (= Schoyenia Aurivillius, 1883; Anomogyna Staudinger, 1871) and Raddea Alphéraky, 1892 (= Estimata I. Kozhanchikov, 1928; Erebophasma Boursin, 1963). Schoyenia and Anomogyna have been synonymised with Pachnobia by Lafontaine et al. (1998, in Lafontaine 1998). On the status of Raddea and synonymy of Estimata and Erebophasma see Lafontaine (1998). The genus is most diverse in the mountains of South Siberia, West China and the Himalayas. The Holarctic taxa of Pachnobia were revised by Mikkola et al. (1983, as Schoyenia), Lafontaine et al. (1987, as Pachnobia), and Lafontaine et al. (1998, in Lafontaine 1998); European taxa of the genus have been reviewed by Fibiger (1992; 1997), and the Nearctic fauna has been revised by Lafontaine (1998). The Asiatic fauna of the genus needs revision.
Effects of Epinephrine Auto-Injector Shape and Size on Human Factors Influencing Drug Delivery
Authors: Barbir Ana , Janelli Mark V. , Lin Michael Y. , Dennerlein Jack T.
Published: May 2016

Objective:

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of (a) auto-injector form factor on maximum applied force capability and (b) auto-injector design and instructions on force production and orientation.

Background:

Effective delivery of epinephrine through an auto-injector is the result of a multitude of design factors. At minimum, the design needs to allow the user to apply sufficient force for the needle to penetrate clothing and tissue.

Method:

Trainer devices for three commercially available epinephrine auto-injectors with different form factors (cylindrical, elliptical, prismatic) were tested in a laboratory-based repeated-measures experiment with 20 adults. Participants applied their maximum force onto a force plate positioned over their thigh and practiced an injection using the trainer device after viewing training videos. Participants also rated force confidence and preference.

Results:

The maximum force varied significantly across devices. The greatest force observed was 64 newtons with the elliptical device, and the lowest force was 61 newtons with the cylindrical device. Participants reported the highest force confidence when using the elliptical and cylindrical devices, ranking the elliptical as their preferred device.

Conclusion:

Force capability results for the elliptical device suggest that it may be more successful in achieving the necessary force for drug delivery in a larger set of adult users.

Application:

Results suggest that the auto-injector with the elliptical form may enable more successful drug delivery among a larger set of users.
Academic pay loadings and gender in Australian universities
Authors: Bailey Janis , Peetz David , Strachan Glenda , Whitehouse Gillian , Broadbent Kaye
Published: May 2016

Academic pay loadings are one potential mechanism of gender pay disparity in universities. Drawing on a large-scale survey of Australian academics with over 8000 respondents, we analyse how ‘discretionary’ and higher duties loadings (or bonuses) are distributed between men and women, and investigate the reasons for such distributions. Investigating both incidence and quantum, we find that discretionary loadings are particularly susceptible to gender influences. We explain this finding in terms of the concepts of regulation distance and the meritocracy paradox. The findings have implications for the design of loadings schemes in universities, and, by implication, in other kinds of organisations that provide loadings.
Modeling Psychologists’ Ethical Intention
Authors: Ferencz-Kaddari Michall , Shifman Annie , Koslowsky Meni
Published: May 2016

At the core of all therapeutic and medical practice lies ethics. By applying an expanded Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior formulation, the present investigation tested a model for explaining psychologists’ intention to behave ethically. In the pretest, dual relationships and money conflicts were seen as the most prevalent dilemmas. A total of 395 clinical psychologists filled out questionnaires containing either a dual relationship dilemma describing a scenario where a psychologist was asked to treat a son of a colleague or a money-focused dilemma where he or she was asked to treat a patient unable to pay for the service. Results obtained from applying the expanded Ajzen’s model to each dilemma, generally, supported the study hypotheses. In particular, attitudes were seen as the most important predictor in both dilemmas followed by a morality component, defined here as the commitment of the psychologist to the patient included here as an additional predictor in the model. The expanded model provided a better understanding of ethical intention. Practical implications were also discussed.
Why Arunachal Pradesh’s Social Sector Development is Asymmetrical: A Cross-district Investigation
Authors: Sharma Manish , Chakraborty Deb Kumar
Published: May 2016

Regional inequality, in terms of cross-district variations, has attracted the attention of researchers and policy-makers alke, helping them to understand horizontal differences and provide alternatives in removing disparities. Several studies have indicated that such variations are an important reason behind the ethnic and political strife found in such regions—a problem that gets accentuated when these areas are dominated by the tribal and are simultaneously underdeveloped. Apart from historical and social factors and the endowment of natural resources, government policies and programmes have also contributed in creating unequal levels and trends in the socio-economic development of a region. Arunachal Pradesh, one of the least studied states in India and located in the north eastern part of the country, is in a transitional phase of its socio-economic development and has shown variations in the levels of development across districts. Given the quality of social capital available in the state, it seems that development is required not only to increase an adequate resource flow, but also to create an enabling environment to attract people towards realising the importance of social capital. For such an understanding, a mapping of cross-district variations in the development of the social sector in Arunachal Pradesh is vital. This study tries to assess the disparity in the social sector across Arunachal Pradesh’s districts by using the principal component analysis (PCA) method to rank districts. On the basis of ranks, the study attempts to analyse reasons behind the levels of disparity. In conclusion, on finding conceptual problems in traditional indicators of social sector development, some alternatives have been outlined.
Psychological Characteristics and Predictors of Suicide Probability in High-Risk Prisoners
Authors: Gooding Patricia A. , Tarrier Nicholas , Dunn Graham , Awenat Yvonne , Shaw Jennifer , Ulph Fiona , Pratt Daniel
Published: May 2016

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors are highly prevalent in prisoners. Nevertheless, there have been scant attempts to understand suicidality in prisoners from a psychological perspective. The goals of this study were to characterize a prison sample at high risk of suicide in terms of hopelessness, defeat, and entrapment, and to determine which of these variables predicted suicidality. A cross-sectional questionnaire design was used. Measures of hopelessness, defeat, entrapment, and suicide probability were administered to male prison inmates in the United Kingdom. Defeat and hopelessness, especially the affective component of hopelessness, predicted the probability of suicide in this sample, but entrapment was not a significant predictor. Suicide risk assessment procedures in prisons tend to be sparse. Such procedures would benefit from using measures of hopelessness and defeat. Future work should aim to understand how the impact of these psychological constructs on suicidality in prisoners can be attenuated.
Experimental investigation of reservoir characteristics of the upper Ordovician Wufeng Formation shale in middle–upper Yangtze region, China
Authors: Liu Jun , Yao Yanbin , Zhu Zhengjie , Cheng Lijun , Wang Guan
Published: May 2016

The main lithofacies of the upper Ordovician Wufeng Formation is black shale, which is one of the most important source rocks of shale gas reservoir in middle–upper Yangtze region, SW China. To make a convincing study on the reservoir characteristics of Wufeng Formation, four rock core samples were collected from an exploration shale gas well and their mineral composition, pore characteristics, specific surface area, organic geochemical characteristics, organic matter maturity, and methane adsorption capacity were analyzed. The results show that clay minerals and quartz are the major mineral composition of Wufeng Formation shale, and the Brittleness Index indicates a possible better efficiency during the prospective hydraulic fracture process. The pore types of Wufeng Formation shale are various, and the total pore porosity ranges between 2.19% and 2.97%, while the permeability ranges from 0.12 × 10−3 µm2 to 0.18 × 10−3 µm2, and the specific surface area varies between 11.52 cm2/g and 19.73 cm2/g. The total organic carbon content of Wufeng Formation shale varies between 3.22% and 4.87%, representing the great hydrocarbon generation ability, while the Ro stably ranges between 2.48% and 2.60% and presents an over-mature stage so that mass generation of hydrocarbons from shales occurred during the geological history. Compared with the existing information of some shales from different geological ages in middle–upper Yangtze region, Wufeng Formation shales possibly have a relatively preferable methane adsorption capacity. In general, despite it possesses a thinner thickness, as for as its reservoir characteristics, Wufeng Formation plays an unneglectable role in the reservoir combination system of Wufeng Formation and its overlying the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation.
Is government contestability an integral part of the definition of democracy?
Authors: Trantidis Aris
Published: May 2016

Is government contestability an integral part of the definition of democracy? The answer to this question affects the way we classify political systems in which, despite a formally open political structure, a dominant political group faces weak opposition from other political parties and civil society organizations – an indication of a low degree of government contestability. In Robert Dahl’s polyarchy, contestability is an essential dimension of democracy and, consequently, one-party dominance is classified as an ‘inclusive hegemony’ outside his conception of democracy. For procedural definitions of democracy, however, dominant party systems are legitimate outcomes of electoral competition provided that there have been no formal restrictions to the exercise of civil and political rights. The article examines the boundaries between democracy and authoritarianism, broadens the notion of authoritarian controls to include soft manipulative practices and explains why government contestability should be regarded as a constitutive property of democracy.
A Review of the Use of Group Contingencies in Preschool Settings
Authors: Pokorski Elizabeth A. , Barton Erin E. , Ledford Jennifer R.
Published: May 2016

Individual contingency management systems have been used successfully to improve behaviors in school settings—including preschools—but often come with associated challenges in time and personnel management. Group contingencies, in the form of independent, interdependent, and dependent contingencies, have been used in preschools to address these challenges. Although current reviews exist on the positive effects of these interventions with older students, none exist to date on the effects on preschool children. The purpose of this review was to synthesize the research on the use of group contingencies in preschool classrooms. Clear trends emerged across studies regarding characteristics of participants, type of contingency used, intervention components, and rewards.
Sexual Assault and Heavy Episodic Drinking Among Women of Asian/Pacific Islander Ancestry and Women of European Ancestry
Authors: Gilmore Amanda K. , Granato Hollie F. , Wilson Sarah M. , George William H.
Published: May 2016

Sexual assault prevalence rates differ by ethnicity, and there is little research on sexual assault among women of Asian/Pacific Islander ancestry, compared to women of European ancestry. In the current online study, we examined heavy episodic drinking, rates of assault, and assault severity among native and nonnative English-speaking college students of Asian/Pacific Islander ancestry. Native English-speaking students of Asian/Pacific Islander ancestry reported similar sexual assault severity before and since college, compared to their nonnative English-speaking counterparts. Students of European ancestry reported more severe before-college sexual assault histories than native English-speaking students of Asian/Pacific Islander ancestry. No group differences were found in college sexual assault severity. Students of European ancestry reported more frequent heavy episodic drinking than native English-speaking students of Asian/Pacific Islander ancestry, which in turn was associated with more severe assaults since college. For all students, more frequent heavy episodic drinking was associated with more severe assaults in college. Because all students are at risk of being assaulted, culturally sensitive programming should be developed for students of Asian/Pacific Islander ancestry.
A case for IL-6, IL-17A, and nitric oxide in the pathophysiology of Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Benchabane Sarah , Boudjelida Abdelhalim , Toumi Ryma , Belguendouz Houda , Youinou Pierre , Touil-Boukoffa Chafia
Published: May 2016

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune epithelitis characterized by mononuclear cell (MNC) infiltration of the lacrimal and salivary glands (SG), as well as the presence of serum autoantibodies. This condition is a growing public health concern in Algeria. Herein, we sought to determine if the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17A, and nitric oxide (NO), were correlated with the extent of MNC infiltration. The expression of inducible NO synthase (NOS2) and CD68 was measured in the SG of all patients, but not in those of the normal controls (NCs). We included 44 primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) patients and 15 NCs in this study; we found that the expression of NOS2 and CD68 was elevated in all of the SG of SS patients. Additionally, the serum and saliva levels of IL-6, IL-17A, and NO were higher in the pSS patients, compared with the NCs. Furthermore, the NOS2-induced excess NO was associated with the extent of the MNC infiltration, and thereby with tissue injury. It is also important to note that there were correlations between the levels of IL-6, IL-17A, and NO. Such findings indicate that through the effects of NO, IL-17A participates in the pathophysiology of the disease. With the purpose of improving both the diagnosis and prognosis, IL-6, IL-17A, and NO should be assayed in the serum and saliva of patients suspected of SS.
Posttraumatic Growth in Relation to the Frequency and Severity of Traumatic Experiences Among Police Officers in Small to Midsize Departments
Authors: Chopko Brian A. , Palmieri Patrick A. , Adams Richard E.
Published: May 2016

The Critical Incident History Questionnaire (CIHQ) measures, through multiple measurement methods, the severity and frequency of traumatic events experienced by law enforcement officers. We, however, found no studies utilizing the CIHQ to examine posttraumatic growth (PTG) as measured by the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. The purpose of this brief report was to assess the strength and direction of the relationships between PTG with trauma frequency, trauma severity, and health variables, including subjective traumatic stress, relationship stress, nontraumatic work stress, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, depression, and alcohol use among law enforcement officers ( N = 193) from small and midsize agencies. In addition, we sought to explore differences between cognitive and behavioral PTG. Based on results from bivariate and multivariate analyses, we found that an idiosyncratic view of trauma severity shaped by personal experience demonstrated the strongest relationship with PTG among the frequency and severity variables and that increased PTG was not associated with reduced psychological distress. Alcohol use, a variable that is assessed primarily through behaviors compared with cognitions, was not significantly associated with PTG. Overall, the findings of this study demonstrate the importance for future research to consider both the frequency and severity of trauma exposure in the development of PTG and its impact on health outcomes.
Optimal formation control with limited communication for multi-unmanned aerial vehicle in an obstacle-laden environment
Authors: Ai Xiao Lin , Yu Jian Qiao , Chen Yong Bo , Chen Fang Zheng , Shen Yuan Chuan
Published: May 2016

This paper investigates the formation control problem of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with limited communication in a known and realistic obstacle-laden environment. In order to deal with the limited communication constraints, the leader–follower strategy and the virtual leader strategy are integrated into an optimal control framework to formulate this formation control problem. This combination formation framework can be achieved by integrating a redefined directed graph and a proposed information vector. In more practical applications, an obstacle/collision avoidance strategy is achieved by constructing a non-quadratic cost function innovatively using a virtual flow field approach. The proposed optimal control laws, which derive from the local information rather than the global information, are proved to guarantee the stability of the close-loop system by an inverse optimal control approach. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the formation flight of multiple UAVs with limited communication in an obstacle-laden environment.
Micronucleus as biomarkers of cancer risk in anabolic androgenic steroids users
Authors: Souza L da Cunha Menezes , da Cruz LA , Cerqueira E de Moraes Marcílio , Meireles JRC
Published: May 2016

The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) has grown among practitioners of recreational bodybuilding, with significant contributions of designer steroids, aiming muscle hypertrophy in healthy subjects. The abusive use of AAS in general is associated with adverse effects; one of the most worrisome is cancer development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the cytokinesis block micronucleus (CBMN) test in human lymphocytes in identifying risk groups for cancer development in users of AAS. Blood was collected from 15 AAS users bodybuilders (G1), 20 non-users bodybuilders (G2) and 20 non-users sedentary (G3). MN analysis was performed on a minimum of 1000 binucleated lymphocytes. The occurrence of MN was significantly higher ( p < 0.05) in individuals of G1 compared to G2 and G3. The results indicate the sensitivity of CBMN in human lymphocytes in the identification of chromosomal damage in consequence of AAS.
Glutathione S-transferase A1 – a sensitive marker of alcoholic injury on primary hepatocytes
Authors: Chang Y-C , Liu F-P , Ma X , Li M-M , Li R , Li C-W , Shi C-X , He J-S , Li Z , Lin Y-X , Zhao C-W , Han Q , Zhao Y-L , Wang D-N , Liu J-L
Published: May 2016

The primary hepatocytes were extracted and purified from mice through improved Seglen two-step perfusion method. Ethanol-induced injury hepatocytes model in mice was used to investigate the importance of glutathione S-transferase A1 (GSTA1) in hepatocytes injury by comparison with other indicators, such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, malondialdehyde, glutathione and superoxide dismutase. The release of GSTA1 was demonstrated to be an earlier and more sensitive indicator of hepatocytes injury than other indicators. Significant increases in GSTA1 were detected at 2 h after ethanol exposure, while other indicators were undetected at this time. A markedly difference in other indicators were observed at 6 and 8 h. The release of GSTA1 was significantly increased at a concentration of 50 mmol/L ethanol, the lowest exposure concentration than that in other indicators. In contrast, other indicators release was not statistically significant until concentrations of 75 mmol/L and 100 mmol/L ethanol. These results suggest that GSTA1 can be detected at the early stage of low concentration ethanol exposure and that GSTA1 is more sensitive and reliable marker in ethanol-induced hepatic injury.
Seasonal Variations in the Severity of ADHD Symptoms in the Dutch General Population
Authors: Vogel Suzan W. N. , ten Have Margreet L. , Bijlenga Denise , de Graaf Ron , Beekman Aartjan T. F. , Kooij J. J. Sandra
Published: May 2016

Objective: This is the first study to examine self-reported seasonal differences in the severity of ADHD symptoms in adults from the general population. Method: Data were analyzed from N = 5,303 respondents participating in the second wave of the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study–2, a population-based study on mental health. ADHD symptoms were assessed using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener. As indicators of the severity of ADHD symptoms, the total ADHD symptom score and inattention and hyperactivity subscale scores were examined. Results: Compared with participants who were assessed in autumn, total ADHD and inattention subscale scores were significantly higher among participants who were assessed in spring or summer; the hyperactivity subscale score was significantly higher in spring. Conclusion: We found seasonal variations in the severity of ADHD symptoms, which was highest in those assessed in spring and summer. Researchers should be aware of this in the diagnostic process.
Obesity Prevention in Early Child Care Settings
Authors: Nanney Marilyn S. , LaRowe Tara L. , Davey Cynthia , Frost Natasha , Arcan Chrisa , O’Meara Joyce
Published: May 2016

Background. Long-term evaluation studies reveal that high-quality early care and education (ECE) programs that include a lifestyle component predict later adult health outcomes. The purpose of this article is to characterize the nutrition and physical activity (PA) practices, including implementation difficulty and barriers, of licensed center- and family home-based ECE programs serving 2- to 5-year-old children in Minnesota (MN) and Wisconsin (WI). Method. A stratified random sampling procedure was used to select representative cross sections of licensed ECE providers in MN and WI. A total of 2,000 providers (1,000 center-based, 1,000 family home-based) were randomly selected and invited to respond to a 97-item survey with questions representing (1) nutrition and PA practices, (2) barriers to meeting nutrition and PA best practices, and (3) written and implemented nutrition and PA policies. Summated scales were constructed for nutrition-related (range 0-15; Cronbach’s α = .86) and for PA-related best practices (range 0-10; Cronbach’s α = .82). Results. A total of 823 providers returned surveys between August 2010 and March 2011, resulting in a 44% bistate participation rate. Across all programs an average ( SD) of 7.0 (4.1) nutrition best practices were already implemented. Center-based providers reported on average 0.8 additional nutrition best practice (7.4 vs. 6.6, p = .01). Across all programs an average ( SD) of 5.2 (3.1) PA best practices were already implemented. Center-based providers reported on average one more PA best practice (5.3 vs. 4.3, p < .01). The cost of healthy food and the weather were identified as barriers by 80% of providers, regardless of program type.
Let’s Move Together
Authors: de Heer Hendrik Dirk , de la Haye Kayla , Skapinsky Kaley , Goergen Andrea F. , Wilkinson Anna V. , Koehly Laura M.
Published: May 2016

Background. Due to shared health behaviors and disease risk, families may be more effective targets for health promotion. This study assessed whether providing family health history (FHH)–based risk information for heart disease and diabetes affected encouragement to engage in physical activity (PA) and healthy weight (HW) maintenance and co-engagement in physical activity among 320 Mexican-origin parents and their 1,081 children. Method. At baseline and 10 months, parents indicated who they encouraged and who encouraged them to engage in PA/HW, and with whom they co-engaged in PA. Households were randomized to receive FHH-based assessments either by one or all adult household members. Primary analyses consisted of regression analyses using generalized estimating equations. Results. At baseline, parents reported encouraging their child for both PA and HW in 37.6% of parent–child dyads and reported receiving children’s encouragement for both in 12.1% of dyads. These increased to 56.8% and 17.5% at 10 months ( p < .001). Co-engagement in PA increased from 11.4% to 15.7% ( p < .001), with younger children (30.4%) and mother–daughter dyads (26.8%) most likely to co-engage at 10 months. Providing FHH-based risk information to all adult household members (vs. one) was associated with increased parent-to-child encouragement of PA/HW ( p = .011) at 10 months but not child-to-parent encouragement. New encouragement from parent-to-child ( p = .048) and from child-to-parent ( p = .003) predicted new 10-month PA co-engagement. Discussion. Providing FHH information on a household level can promote parental encouragement for PA/HW, which can promote greater parent–child co-engagement in PA. In this high-risk population with a cultural emphasis on family ties, using FHH-based risk information for all adult household members may be a promising avenue to promote PA.
Feasibility and Acceptability of Classroom-Based Interventions for Students With Emotional/Behavioral Challenges at the High School Level
Authors: State Talida M. , Harrison Judith R. , Kern Lee , Lewis Timothy J.
Published: May 2016

Little is known about the feasibility and acceptability of interventions designed to address the needs of high school students with emotional and behavioral challenges and adopted by their teachers. In this study, 336 general and special education teachers rated classwide interventions (e.g., expectations, routines, positive student–teacher interactions [PSTI]) and individual student interventions (e.g., study skills, organizational skills) in terms of priority, feasibility, and acceptability before implementation. Teachers who implemented the interventions rated their acceptability post-implementation. Results indicated that acceptability ratings varied across interventions, and it appeared that teachers rated interventions that required the least amount of time to implement (e.g., PSTI) most acceptable and those that required the most time for implementation (e.g., study skills) least acceptable. Lack of time, perceived lack of effectiveness, and poor environmental fit were often cited as reasons for lack of feasibility. Regression analyses revealed that teacher characteristics (e.g., years of experience) and type of intervention (e.g., classwide vs. individualized) contributed to teacher ratings of intervention acceptability. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Plasma oxidative stress level of IgA nephropathy in children and the effect of early intervention with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
Authors: Pei Yuxin , Xu Yuanyuan , Ruan Jingwei , Rong Liping , Jiang Mengjie , Mo Ying , Jiang Xiaoyun
Published: May 2016

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the change of the plasma oxidative stress level in children with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and analyze its relativity to the clinical and pathological classification. To discuss the early effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) on the plasma oxidative stress level in children with IgA nephropathy.

Methods:

Thirty-eight children with IgAN were divided into groups according to their clinical features, pathologic grades, and treatments. Twenty healthy children were included in the control group.

Results:

The plasma level of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), malonaldehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected. The plasma level of oxidative stress was significantly increased in the IgAN group, including a higher plasma level of AOPP and MDA and a lower plasma level of SOD. After treatment, the plasma level of oxidative stress was significantly decreased in the ACEI group.

Conclusions:

The children with IgAN had an increase in the plasma level of oxidative stress, expressed as an increased plasma level of AOPP and MDA and a decreased plasma level of SOD. Oxidative stress was associated with the progression of IgAN in children. Early treatment with ACEI therapy can significantly reduce the plasma level of oxidative stress in children with IgAN.
One rule for the goose, one for the gander? Wrongfulness and harmfulness in determining reactions to offenders and victims of crime
Authors: Lens Kim M. E. , van Doorn Janne , Pemberton Antony , Lahlah Esmah , Bogaerts Stefan
Published: May 2016

People’s reactions to offenders and victims of crime follow different rationales. Whereas the punishment of the offender is primarily determined by the severity of the crime (which includes its foreseeable harmful consequences), the actual harm that is experienced by the victim drives the need for his or her support and assistance. With the introduction of the Victim Impact Statement (VIS), in which victims are allowed to express the (harmful) consequences of the crime on their lives, the question is raised whether allowing such victim input during criminal proceedings would influence the offender’s sentence. The main goal of the current research is to disentangle how a crime’s wrongfulness and harmfulness influence people’s reactions to offenders and victims. We show that, whereas people’s perceptions of the offender (and the outcome of the trial) are influenced by the severity of the crime, people’s judgements related to the victim are more likely to be influenced by an interaction between the severity of the crime and the experienced harm of the crime. That is, in this study no support was found for the argument that the delivery of a VIS would lead to a violation of the proportionality principle.
The legitimacy of international courts: Victims’ evaluations of the ICTY and local courts in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Kutnjak Ivković Sanja , Hagan John
Published: May 2016

This paper presents the results of a 2007 survey of victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity from Bosnia and Herzegovina. We study the level of diffuse and specific support for the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) among its constituency by exploring the respondents’ views about the ICTY and the local courts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia. Our results show that, whereas the ICTY was the preferred decision-maker for war crimes and crimes against humanity for the majority of the respondents, ethnicity plays a strong role in the perceptions of the ICTY’s legitimacy. Compared with Croat and Serb respondents, who typically expressed little confidence in the ICTY, the Bosniak/Muslim respondents seemed to show the greatest degree of support for the ICTY. Although the majority of the respondents evaluated the ICTY as fair, the level of support for the ICTY was sharply divided across ethnic lines as well and was related to evaluations of the ICTY’s distributive fairness and procedural fairness, and to perceptions about the judges’ (lack of) political independence. The majority of the respondents evaluated only one domestic court – the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina – as fair.
Impact of a Community-Based Physical Activity Program on Fitness and Adiposity Among Overweight and Obese Children
Authors: Hatfield Daniel P. , Chomitz Virginia R. , Chui Kenneth K. H. , Sacheck Jennifer M. , Brown Allison A. , Economos Christina D.
Published: May 2016

This study tested whether overweight/obese children’s attendance in a community-based physical activity (PA) program was associated with changes in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and adiposity and whether in-program activity levels influenced those associations. Program sessions (offered twice/week, 2 hours/session, over 9 months) included structured exercise/sports. At baseline and follow-up, CRF was measured as Progressive Aerobic Cardiorespiratory Endurance Run (PACER) laps, height/weight were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Attendance was recorded as sessions attended. Children wore pedometers in 10 representative sessions; in-program activity was calculated as mean steps/minute across sessions. Linear mixed models tested associations between attendance and changes in PACER score and BMI and the influence of in-program activity on those associations. A total of 101 participants (56% male, 93% Hispanic) completed baseline and one or two follow-up fitness/adiposity measurements. Attendance was associated with PACER change (β = .093, p = .01) but not BMI change (β = .00026, p = .97). There were significant interactions between attendance and in-program activity: Attendance more favorably affected PACER (p < .0001) and BMI (p = .03) as in-program activity levels increased. Attending community-based PA programs may improve CRF among overweight/obese children, particularly when participants are highly active during program time. Community practitioners should not only enroll overweight/obese children in PA programs but also promote adequate attendance/in-program activity levels.
Engaging Cervical Spinal Cord Networks to Reenable Volitional Control of Hand Function in Tetraplegic Patients
Authors: Lu Daniel C. , Edgerton V. Reggie , Modaber Morteza , AuYong Nicholas , Morikawa Erika , Zdunowski Sharon , Sarino Melanie E. , Sarrafzadeh Majid , Nuwer Marc R. , Roy Roland R. , Gerasimenko Yury
Published: May 2016

Background. Paralysis of the upper limbs from spinal cord injury results in an enormous loss of independence in an individual’s daily life. Meaningful improvement in hand function is rare after 1 year of tetraparesis. Therapeutic developments that result in even modest gains in hand volitional function will significantly affect the quality of life for patients afflicted with high cervical injury. The ability to neuromodulate the lumbosacral spinal circuitry via epidural stimulation in regaining postural function and volitional control of the legs has been recently shown. A key question is whether a similar neuromodulatory strategy can be used to improve volitional motor control of the upper limbs, that is, performance of motor tasks considered to be less “automatic” than posture and locomotion. In this study, the effects of cervical epidural stimulation on hand function are characterized in subjects with chronic cervical cord injury. Objective. Herein we show that epidural stimulation can be applied to the chronic injured human cervical spinal cord to promote volitional hand function. Methods and Results. Two subjects implanted with a cervical epidural electrode array demonstrated improved hand strength (approximately 3-fold) and volitional hand control in the presence of epidural stimulation. Conclusions. The present data are sufficient to suggest that hand motor function in individuals with chronic tetraplegia can be improved with cervical cord neuromodulation and thus should be comprehensively explored as a possible clinical intervention.
Interval uncertain analysis of active hydraulically interconnected suspension system
Authors: Liang Jiejunyi , Wu Jinglai , Zhang Nong , Luo Zhen , Zhu Sangzhi
Published: May 2016

Uncertainty exists in many industry fields and needs to be dealt properly to avoid unexpected failure. This article proposes a new approach to deal with the uncertain problems encountered by the mathematical modeling of an active hydraulically interconnected suspension system. As the need for both riding comfort and the controllability is soaring nowadays, the traditional passive and semi-active suspension system could barely keep up with the pace, and the proposed active hydraulic system could be one of the solutions. In order to deal with the uncertain factors in the hydraulic system, an interval analysis method for the dynamic responses of nonlinear systems with uncertain-but-bounded parameters using Chebyshev polynomial series is introduced. The comparisons conducted in this article demonstrate the accuracy and computational efficiency of the proposed uncertain problem solver and reveal the influences of uncertain parameters in fluid and mechanical components on the dynamic responses of active hydraulically interconnected suspension.
Influence of punch radius on elastic modulus of three-point bending tests
Authors: Hou Pengliang , Zhao Hongwei , Ma Zhichao , Zhang Shizhong , Li Jianping , Dong Xiaolong , Sun Yujiao , Zhu Zhongwei
Published: May 2016

Three-point bending is one of the most common methods of studying the mechanical performance of materials. The influence of punch radius in the measurements is not considered in the previous studies. This article focuses on the influence of the punch radius on the elastic modulus. The experiment is set up to measure the elastic modulus of 6061 aluminum alloy (6061 Al) and copper as the specimens, in which several different radii of punches are used. The maximum bending deflection of the middle point is 1.0 mm. Moreover, a finite element simulation is constructed to simulate the bending process of specimen, which is consistent with the experimental results. According to the results, the punch radius has affected the measurement of elastic modulus, and the elastic modulus, the contact length, and the peak load increase with the increase in the punch radius. Combining the experiment result ( E1) and the standard result ( E3) of Changchun research institute for testing machines, it is found that the appropriate punch radius is in the range from 2.5 to 3.0 mm for this experiment, when the specimen’s dimension is 30.0 mm × 6.0 mm × 1.0 mm.
Optimal linear generator with Halbach array for harvesting of vibration energy during human walking
Authors: Jun Joonsoo , Shin Yujeong , Cho Seong-Jin , Cho Young-Wook , Lee Seung Hwan , Kim Jin Ho
Published: May 2016

In IT business, the capacity of the battery in smartphone was drastically improved to digest various functions such as communication, Internet, e-banking, and entertainment. Although the capacity of the battery is improved, it still needs to be upgraded due to customer’s demands. In this article, we optimize the design of the linear generator with the Halbach array to improve the efficiency of harvesting vibration energy during human walking for the battery capacitance. We propose the optimal design of the tubular permanent magnet with the linear generator that uses a Halbach array. The approximate model is established using generic algorithm. Furthermore, we performed electromagnetic finite element analysis to predict the induced voltage.
Automotive style design assessment and sensitivity analysis using integrated analytic hierarchy process and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution
Authors: Tian Guangdong , Zhang Honghao , Jia Hongfei , Liu Yumei , Xu Guan , Wang Jing
Published: May 2016

Product style characteristics have a large impact on product function. Making an objective and precise assessment of style characteristic has become an increasing importance to improve the production efficiency and reduce environmental pollution. This work proposes a framework built by analytic hierarchy process and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution methods, that is, analytical hierarchy process and technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution, to evaluate automotive style design alternatives’ performance, together with automotive style design characteristics. Analytic hierarchy process is applied to obtain weights of the performance, and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution is adopted to rank the design alternatives. A case study is illustrated to test and verify the proposed method. Simultaneously, sensitivity analysis is provided to monitor the robustness of this method. The results show that it provides an effective and feasible method for evaluation of automotive style design alternatives’ performance.