bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delta-Like 1 Homologue (DLK1) Protein in Neurons of the Arcuate Nucleus That Control Weight Homeostasis and Effect of Fasting on Hypothalamic DLK1 mRNA
Authors: Persson-Augner David , Lee Yong-Woo , Tovar Sulay , Dieguez Carlos , Meister Björn
Published: October 2014

Delta-like 1 homologue (DLK1; also called preadipocyte factor 1) is an epidermal growth factor repeat-containing transmembrane protein that is cleaved by tumor necrosis factor-α-converting enzyme to generate a biologically active soluble form. DLK1 is involved in the differentiation of several cell types, including adipocytes. Lack of the dlk1 gene results in adiposity, and polymorphism within the gene encoding DLK1 is associated with human obesity. The dlk1 gene is expressed in restricted areas of the adult brain, with an enrichment of cell bodies expressing DLK1 mRNA in the hypothalamus. Antibodies to DLK1 were used to study the cellular localization and chemical identity of DLK1-immunoreactive neuronal cell bodies in rat hypothalamus. DLK1 immunoreactivity was demonstrated in the cell soma and dendrites of cell bodies in the suprachiasmatic, supraoptic, paraventricular, dorsomedial, arcuate nuclei and in the perifornical/lateral hypothalamic area. In the arcuate nucleus (Arc), DLK1 immunoreactivity was mainly seen in many neurons of the ventromedial and to a lesser extent in its ventrolateral division. Double labeling showed that 93.7% of orexigenic agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and 94.1% of neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons located in the ventromedial part of the Arc were DLK1 positive, whereas 36.1% of anorexigenic pro-opiomelanocortin and 34.6% of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript neurons of the Arc contained DLK1 immunoreactivity. DLK1 mRNA was downregulated in the hypothalamus of fasted animals. Presence of DLK1 in the majority of orexigenic Arc NPY/AgRP neurons and regulation of DLK1 mRNA by nutritional challenge suggest that DLK1 has a role in hypothalamic regulation of body weight control.
Nutrient Control of Energy Homeostasis via Gut-Brain Neural Circuits
Authors: Mithieux Gilles
Published: October 2014

Intestinal gluconeogenesis is a recently described function in intestinal glucose metabolism. In particular, the intestine contributes around 20-25% of total endogenous glucose production during fasting. Intestinal gluconeogenesis appears to regulate energy homeostasis via a neurally mediated mechanism linking the enterohepatic portal system with the brain. The periportal neural system is able to sense glucose produced by intestinal gluconeogenesis in the portal vein walls, which sends a signal to the brain to modulate energy and glucose homeostasis. Dietary proteins mobilize intestinal gluconeogenesis as a mandatory link between the sensing of these proteins in the portal vein and their well-known effect of satiety. Comparably, dietary soluble fibers exert their antiobesity and antidiabetic effects via the induction of intestinal gluconeogenesis. Finally, intestinal gluconeogenesis might be involved in the rapid metabolic improvements in energy homeostasis induced by gastric bypass surgeries of obesity.
Mixed Adenoneuroendocrine Carcinomas of the Gastrointestinal Tract: Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing Suggests a Monoclonal Origin of the Two Components
Authors: Scardoni Maria , Vittoria Emanuele , Volante Marco , Rusev Borislav , Bersani Samantha , Mafficini Andrea , Gottardi Marisa , Giandomenico Valeria , Malleo Giuseppe , Butturini Giovanni , Cingarlini Sara , Fassan Matteo , Scarpa Aldo
Published: October 2014

Background: Mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas (MANECs) of the gastrointestinal tract are rare neoplasms characterized by coexisting exocrine and neuroendocrine neoplastic components. MANECs' histogenetic classification and molecular characterization remain unclear, significantly affecting the identification of innovative therapeutic options for these tumors. Methods: The exocrine and neuroendocrine components of 6 gastrointestinal MANECs were microdissected and subjected to the simultaneous mutation assessment in selected regions of 54 cancer-associated genes using Ion Torrent semiconductor-based next-generation sequencing. Sanger sequencing and immunohistochemistry were used as validation of the mutational status. Results: A total of 20 driver gene somatic mutations were observed among the 12 neoplastic components investigated. In 11 of 12 (91.7%) samples, at least one mutation was detected; 7 samples (58.3%) were found to have multiple mutations. TP53 gene mutations were the most frequent genetic alterations observed in the series, occurring in 11/12 samples (91.7%). Somatic mutations in other genes were detected at lower frequencies: ATM, CTNNB1, ERBB4, JAK3, KDR, KRAS, RB1. Conclusions: Five of the 6 MANECs presented an overlapping mutational profile in both components, suggesting a monoclonal origin of the two MANEC components.
Cardiac Energetic Impairment in Heart Disease and the Potential Role of Metabolic Modulators
Authors: Singh Satnam , Schwarz Konstantin , Horowitz John , Frenneaux Michael
Published: October 2014

Cardiac energetic impairment is a frequent finding in patients with both inherited and acquired diseases of heart muscle. In this review the mechanisms of energy generation in the healthy heart and their disturbances in heart muscle diseases are described. Therapeutic agents targeted at correcting cardiac energetic impairment are discussed.
GRK5-Mediated Exacerbation of Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy Involves Facilitation of Nuclear NFAT Activity
Authors: Hullmann Jonathan E. , Grisanti Laurel A. , Makarewich Catherine A. , Gao Erhe , Gold Jessica I. , Chuprun J. Kurt , Tilley Douglas G. , Houser Steven R. , Koch Walter J.
Published: October 2014

Rationale
:

G protein–coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) acting in the cardiomyocyte regulate important signaling events that control cardiac function. Both GRK2 and GRK5, the predominant GRKs expressed in the heart, have been shown to be upregulated in failing human myocardium. Although the canonical role of GRKs is to desensitize G protein–coupled receptors via phosphorylation, it has been demonstrated that GRK5, unlike GRK2, can reside in the nucleus of myocytes and exert G protein–coupled receptor–independent effects that promote maladaptive cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.

Objective
:

To explore novel mechanisms by which GRK5 acting in the nucleus of cardiomyocytes participates in pathological cardiac hypertrophy.

Methods and Results
:

In this study, we have found that GRK5-mediated pathological cardiac hypertrophy involves the activation of the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) because GRK5 causes enhancement of NFAT-mediated hypertrophic gene transcription. Transgenic mice with cardiomyocyte-specific GRK5 overexpression activate an NFAT-reporter in mice basally and after hypertrophic stimulation, including transverse aortic constriction and phenylephrine treatment. Complimentary to this, GRK5 null mice exhibit less NFAT transcriptional activity after transverse aortic constriction. Furthermore, the loss of NFATc3 expression in the heart protected GRK5 overexpressing transgenic mice from the exaggerated hypertrophy and early progression to heart failure seen after transverse aortic constriction. Molecular studies suggest that GRK5 acts in concert with NFAT to increase hypertrophic gene transcription in the nucleus via GRK5’s ability to bind DNA directly without a phosphorylation event.

Conclusions
:

GRK5, acting in a kinase independent manner, is a facilitator of NFAT activity and part of a DNA-binding complex responsible for pathological hypertrophic gene transcription.
Hypertension in the United States, 1999 to 2012
Authors: Egan Brent M. , Li Jiexiang , Hutchison Florence N. , Ferdinand Keith C.
Published: October 2014

Background—

To reduce the cardiovascular disease burden, Healthy People 2020 established US hypertension goals for adults to (1) decrease the prevalence to 26.9% and (2) raise treatment to 69.5% and control to 61.2%, which requires controlling 88.1% on treatment.

Methods and Results—

To assess the current status and progress toward these Healthy People 2020 goals, time trends in National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 1999 to 2012 data in 2-year blocks were assessed in adults ≥18 years of age age-adjusted to US 2010. From 1999 to 2000 to 2011 to 2012, prevalent hypertension was unchanged (30.1% versus 30.8%,
P
=0.32). Hypertension treatment (59.8% versus 74.7%,
P
<0.001) and proportion of treated adults controlled (53.3%–68.9%,
P
=0.0015) increased. Hypertension control to <140/<90 mm Hg rose every 2 years from 1999 to 2000 to 2009 to 2010 (32.2% versus 53.8%,
P
<0.001) before declining to 51.2% in 2011 to 2012. Modifiable factor(s) significant in multivariable logistic regression modeling include: (1) increasing body mass index with prevalent hypertension (odds ratio [OR], 1.44); (2) lack of health insurance (OR, 1.68) and <2 healthcare visits per year (OR, 4.24) with untreated hypertension; (3) healthcare insurance (OR, 1.69), ≥2 healthcare visits per year (OR, 3.23), and cholesterol treatment (OR, 1.90) with controlled hypertension.

Conclusions—

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999 to 2012 analysis suggests that Healthy People 2020 goals for hypertension ([1] prevalence shows no progress, [2] treatment was exceeded, and [3] control) have flattened below target. Findings are consistent with evidence that (1) obesity prevention and treatment could reduce prevalent hypertension, and (2) healthcare insurance, ≥2 healthcare visits per year, and guideline-based cholesterol treatment could improve hypertension control.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Resident Protein 44 (ERp44) Deficiency in Mice and Zebrafish Leads to Cardiac Developmental and Functional Defects
Authors: Wang Ding‐Yan , Abbasi Cynthia , El‐Rass Suzan , Li Jamie Yuanjun , Dawood Fayez , Naito Kotaro , Sharma Parveen , Bousette Nicolas , Singh Shalini , Backx Peter H. , Cox Brian , Wen Xiao‐Yan , Liu Peter P. , Gramolini Anthony O.
Published: October 2014

Background

Endoplasmic reticulum (
ER
) resident protein 44 (
ER
p44) is a member of the protein disulfide isomerase family, is induced during
ER
stress, and may be involved in regulating Ca
2+
homeostasis. However, the role of
ER
p44 in cardiac development and function is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of
ER
p44 in cardiac development and function in mice, zebrafish, and embryonic stem cell (
ESC
)‐derived cardiomyocytes to determine the underlying role of
ER
p44.

Methods and Results

We generated and characterized
ER
p44
−/−
mice,
ER
p44 morphant zebrafish embryos, and
ER
p44
−/−
ESC
‐derived cardiomyocytes. Deletion of
ER
p44 in mouse and zebrafish caused significant embryonic lethality, abnormal heart development, altered Ca
2+
dynamics, reactive oxygen species generation, activated
ER
stress gene profiles, and apoptotic cell death. We also determined the cardiac phenotype in pressure overloaded, aortic‐banded
ER
p44
+/−
mice: enhanced
ER
stress activation and increased mortality, as well as diastolic cardiac dysfunction with a significantly lower fractional shortening. Confocal and LacZ histochemical staining showed a significant transmural gradient for
ER
p44 in the adult heart, in which high expression of
ER
p44 was observed in the outer subepicardial region of the myocardium.

Conclusions

ER
p44 plays a critical role in embryonic heart development and is crucial in regulating cardiac cell Ca
2+
signaling,
ER
stress,
ROS
‐induced oxidative stress, and activation of the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.
Incident Atrial Fibrillation and Risk of Death in Adults With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Bansal Nisha , Fan Dongjie , Hsu Chi‐yuan , Ordonez Juan D. , Go Alan S.
Published: October 2014

Background

Atrial fibrillation (
AF
) frequently occurs in patients with chronic kidney disease (
CKD
); however, the long‐term impact of development of
AF
on the risk of death among patients with
CKD
is unknown.

Methods and Results

We studied adults with
CKD
(glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation) identified between 2002 and 2010 who were enrolled in Kaiser Permanente Northern California and had no previously documented
AF
. Incident
AF
was identified using primary hospital discharge diagnoses or ≥2 outpatient visits for
AF
. Death was comprehensively ascertained from health plan administrative databases, Social Security Administration vital status files, and the California death certificate registry. Covariates included demographics, comorbidity, ambulatory blood pressure, laboratory values (hemoglobin, proteinuria), and longitudinal medication use. Among 81 088 adults with
CKD
, 6269 (7.7%) developed clinically recognized incident
AF
during a mean follow‐up of 4.8±2.7 years. There were 2388 cases of death that occurred after incident
AF
(145 per 1000 person‐years) compared with 18 865 cases of death during periods without
AF
(51 per 1000 person‐years,
P
<0.001). After adjustment for potential confounders, incident
AF
was associated with a 66% increase in relative rate of death (adjusted hazard ratio 1.66, 95% CI 1.57 to 1.77).

Conclusion

Incident
AF
is independently associated with an increased risk of death in adults with
CKD
. Further study is needed to understand the mechanisms by which
CKD
is associated with
AF
and to identify potentially modifiable risk factors to decrease the burden of
AF
and subsequent risk of death in this high‐risk population.
The Framework of the Right to Defence in Palestine: Legal Rationale and Practical Implementation
Authors: Rutz* Julia
Published: October 2014

Despite Palestine’s endeavour to seek full UN membership and herewith gain the support of the international community, strong tendencies towards violating basic fair trial principles can be observed on the ground. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the current Rule of Law building efforts in the occupied Palestinian Territories by an exemplary analysis of the status of the right to defence. The study examines the legal situation of the right to defence in Palestine and how those regulations are interpreted and applied in everyday practice. Considering recent developments of access to legal defence and legal aid on the UN and EU level, this article demonstrates the importance of granting comprehensive access to defence as part of the rule of law building efforts, and also underlines the necessity of its application during the early stages of criminal procedure.
Of Iron Cages, Double Binds, Epistemological Crises, and Environmental Destruction
Authors: Balcomb Anthony O.
Published: October 2014

The Western worldview, otherwise known as the modern worldview, has its origins in ancient Greek culture and its best known analyst and critic is Max Weber. Weber described the rationalization processes by which it came about as involving the disenchantment of the world, the disengagement of the autonomous self from the world in order to become its central agent, the objectification of the cosmos and the bureaucratization of all aspects of human life with the intention of mastery and control. This has led to what Weber called the Iron Cage in which modern human beings find themselves, unable to escape the alienation that such disengagement has brought about but equally unable to find an alternative. The exploitative nature of the western project is the basic cause of the contemporary destruction of the environment. Gregory Bateson probes more deeply into the alienating influences of the modern worldview which he says is based on its inability to understand the world holistically, which will inevitably lead to the world’s destruction. At the heart of this condition is his theory of the double bind. His advocacy for a more holistic understanding of the world resonates with postmodern critics in the fields of philosophy, anthropology, and theology, all of whom are advocating engagement, vulnerability, and participation as opposed to separation, prediction, and control.
The Higgs Boson, Creation and “Truth”
Authors: du Toit Cornelius Willem
Published: October 2014

In this article the latest developments in particle physics form the basis for rethinking their implications for a religious doctrine of creation. The assumption is that scientific insights that are accepted on solid grounds will influence belief, but will not replace or terminate it. Some aspects of particle physics provide a background to explain the importance of the discovery of the Higgs boson. The question is: can science serve as the final explicator of the world? After looking at the role of metaphysics and truth in science, we briefly consider some unsuccessful attempts to assign God a demonstrable place in physical reality. Would that necessarily imply a creator God? The role of belief in creation in the origin and development of religions is traced in order to determine whether religions entailing such a belief are viable, with due regard to the impact of worldview and evolution on the doctrines of creation and God. In conclusion we look at the distinctive contribution of religion to human life with reference to the role of emotion and affect.
A Synopsis of the Scolytine Ambrosia Beetles of Thailand (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)
Authors: BEAVER R. A. , SITTICHAYA W. , LIU L-Y.
Published: October 2014

The present state of knowledge of the scolytine ambrosia beetles of Thailand is summarised to provide a basis for future studies of the fauna and its economic importance in forestry, timber production and crop tree plantations. A checklist of the fauna is provided with information on local and world distribution, host trees, biology and taxonomy. Six faunal elements based on geographical distribution, and the host tree and altitudinal preferences of species are discussed. One hundred and sixty-one species are recorded from Thailand, 67 of them for the first time. The following new synonym is proposed: Euwallacea wallacei (Blandford) (= Xyleborus barbatomorphus Schedl n.syn.). The following new combinations are given: Ambrosiophilus cristatulus (Schedl), Ambrosiophilus latisulcatus (Eggers), Beaverium dihingensis (Eggers), Beaverium lantanae (Eggers) and Immanus desectus (Eggers) are transferred from their present position in Ambrosiodmus; Ancipitis depressus (Eggers) and Ancipitis punctatissimus (Eichhoff) are transferred from Leptoxyleborus; Cyclorhipidion armipenne (Schedl), Cyclorhipidion inarmatum (Eggers), Euwallacea semiermis (Schedl), Fortiborus macropterus (Schedl), Microperus nudibrevis (Schedl) and Wallacellus minutus (Blandford) are transferred from Xyleborus.
Asymmetry of Winter European Surface Air Temperature Extremes and the North Atlantic Oscillation
Authors: Diao Yina , Xie Shang-Ping , Luo Dehai
Published: October 2014

Interannual variations of winter warm and cold extremes in Europe are investigated. It is found that the variations are closely connected to the phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). The leading EOF of the winter cold (warm) surface air temperature (SAT) extreme frequency shows an enhanced occurrence over western (eastern) Europe. The SAT probability distribution function of the cold extreme winter exhibits both a decrease of the mean SAT and a marked increase in SAT variance, whereas it shows only a shift of the mean SAT to the warmer side for extreme warm winters.

This study reveals an asymmetry in location between the cold and warm extremes, caused by the NAO modulations of blocking events and other submonthly variations. Winters with frequent cold extremes are mainly accompanied by the eastern Atlantic blocking. The circulation causes not only marked local cooling but also increased SAT gradient, resulting in both enhanced SAT variance and increased occurrence of cold extremes. By contrast, winters with frequent warm extremes are associated with the northeast–southwest tilted positive NAO pattern. The warm advection by the submonthly perturbations is responsible for the development of warm extremes. The reduced SAT gradient due to enhanced warm advection weakens SAT variance over northern Europe. Thus, the cold extremes are larger in terms of deviations from the monthly mean than the warm extremes.
European-Scale Drought: Understanding Connections between Atmospheric Circulation and Meteorological Drought Indices
Authors: Kingston Daniel G. , Stagge James H. , Tallaksen Lena M. , Hannah David M.
Published: October 2014

Quantification of large-scale climate drivers of drought is necessary to understand better and manage these spatially extensive and often prolonged natural hazards. Here, this issue is advanced at the continental scale for Europe. Drought events are identified using two indices—the 6-month cumulative standardized precipitation and standardized precipitation evapotranspiration indices (SPI-6 and SPEI-6, respectively)—both calculated using the gridded Water and Global Change (WATCH) Forcing Dataset for 1958–2001. Correlation of monthly time series of the percentage of European area in drought with geopotential height for 1958–2001 indicates that a weakening of the prevailing westerly circulation is associated with drought onset. Such conditions are linked to variations in the eastern Atlantic/western Russia (EA/WR) and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) atmospheric circulation patterns. Event-based analysis of the most widespread European droughts reveals that a higher number are identified by the SPEI-6 than the SPI-6, with SPEI-6 drought events showing a greater variety of spatial locations and start dates. Atmospheric circulation drivers also vary between the two types of events, with EA/WR-type variation associated most frequently with SPEI-6 drought, and the NAO associated with SPI-6. This distinction reflects the sensitivity of these drought indices to the underlying drought type (meteorological water balance versus precipitation, respectively) and associated differences in their timing and location (Europe-wide year round versus northern Europe winter). As such, this study provides new insight into both the identification of Europe-wide drought and patterns of large-scale climate variation associated with two different drought indices.
HIV/AIDS Information on East African Websites: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Kothari Ammina , Elliott Dennis
Published: October 2014

According to the UNAIDS Global Report of 2010, Sub-Saharan Africa has about 22.5 million people living with HIV/AIDS. In a textual analysis of government-sponsored and private websites originating in East Africa, we analyze how the Internet and social media tools are used to disseminate information about HIV/AIDS and promote social change among targeted audiences. Our analysis found that content available on selected government and private websites, with minor exceptions, is generally not updated frequently nor systematically targeted specifically to those who can benefit most from the information. The government-initiated websites were populated with information that highlighted national strategic plans and focused on evaluation reports, while the private organizations provided information that in some instances was customized for specific audiences, but overall encouraged grassroots collaborations.
Influence of foam agent content and talc filler on the microcellular and mechanical properties of injection molded polypropylene and talc filled polypropylene composite foams
Authors: Yetgin SH , Unal H , Mimaroglu A
Published: October 2014

In this study, influence of the chemical foaming agent content and talc mineral filler on the microcellular and mechanical properties of pure polypropylene and 20 wt% talc filled polypropylene composite foams was investigated. The chemical foaming agent at 1 wt% and 2 wt% ratios was added to pure polypropylene and talc filled polypropylene composites. Using an injection molding machine, foam materials were produced under a set of process parameters consisting of injection pressure, injection speed, melt temperature, and packing pressure. For each set of process parameters, the cell number, cell size, distance between cells, skin layer thickness, cell density, and the mechanical properties of foam products were recorded. The results indicate that the cell number, cell density, skin layer thickness, tensile strength, and tensile modulus values for microcellular talc filled polypropylene composite foam are higher, while the cell diameter, impact strength, and elongation at break values are lower than that of pure microcellular polypropylene foam.
Investigating the Effect of Anxiety, Uncertainty and Ethnocentrism on Willingness to Interact in an Intercultural Communication
Authors: Logan Shanna , Steel Zachary , Hunt Caroline
Published: October 2014

The current research aims to explore the effect of low or high perceived predictability and anxiety on willingness to interact with a person from another cultural group. How differences in anxiety, both individual (trait anxiety) and intergroup (anxiety specifically related to an interaction), influence willingness to engage within an intercultural communication is investigated. In addition, the contribution of ethnocentrism to willingness to interact is explored. Anxiety, uncertainty, and ethnocentrism are all important factors that negatively affect willingness to interact in an intercultural communication. Yet to date, anxiety and uncertainty have been examined separately to ethnocentrism in the literature. The current study found that an anxiety-provoking intercultural interaction has a negative impact on willingness to interact with an intercultural interaction partner. Perceived predictability alone was not found to affect willingness to interact, contrary to previous research, with results suggesting that intergroup anxiety may be a better predictor of willingness to interact than perceived predictability and trait anxiety. Overall results indicate that anxiety and uncertainty are separate but related constructs in support of current theoretical models. Ethnocentrism was shown to uniquely contribute to willingness to interact. This novel finding indicates the importance of cultural factors on willingness to engage in intercultural communication and points to the need for further research to explore the impact of cultural values on these relationships.
Who Is At Risk for Persistent Mathematics Difficulties in the United States?
Authors: Morgan Paul L. , Farkas George , Hillemeier Marianne M. , Maczuga Steve
Published: October 2014

We analyzed two nationally representative, longitudinal data sets of U.S. children to identify risk factors for persistent mathematics difficulties (PMD). Results indicated that children from low socioeconomic households are at elevated risk of PMD at 48 and 60 months of age, as are children with cognitive delays, identified developmental delays or disabilities, and vocabulary difficulties. In contrast, children attending preschool either in Head Start or non–Head Start classrooms are at initially lower risk of PMD. Kindergarten-aged children experiencing either low socioeconomic status or mathematics difficulties are at greatest risk for PMD across third, fifth, and eighth grades. Also at risk for PMD between third and eighth grades are children displaying reading difficulties or inattention and other learning-related behaviors problems, children with identified disabilities, and those who are retained. Educationally relevant and potentially malleable factors for decreasing young children’s risk for PMD may include increasing children’s access to preschool, decreasing their risk of experiencing vocabulary or reading difficulties, and avoiding use of grade retention.
Modeling Polymorphemic Word Recognition
Authors: Kearns Devin M. , Steacy Laura M. , Compton Donald L. , Gilbert Jennifer K. , Goodwin Amanda P. , Cho Eunsoo , Lindstrom Esther R. , Collins Alyson A.
Published: October 2014

Comprehensive models of derived polymorphemic word recognition skill in developing readers, with an emphasis on children with reading difficulty (RD), have not been developed. The purpose of the present study was to model individual differences in polymorphemic word recognition ability at the item level among 5th-grade children ( N = 173) oversampled for children with RD using item-response crossed random-effects models. We distinguish between two subtypes of RD children with word recognition problems, those with early-emerging RD and late-emerging RD. An extensive set of predictors representing item-specific knowledge, child-level characteristics, and word-level characteristics were used to predict item-level variance in polymorphemic word recognition. Results indicate that item-specific root word recognition and word familiarity; child-level RD status, morphological awareness, and orthographic choice; word-level frequency and root word family size; and the interactions between morphological awareness and RD status and root word recognition and root transparency predicted individual differences in polymorphemic word recognition item performance. Results are interpreted within a multisource individual difference model of polymorphemic word recognition skill spanning item-specific, child-level, and word-level knowledge.
Modification of a method for cannulation of the cisterna magna in sheep to enable chronic collection of cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Wilson MO , Barrell GK
Published: October 2014

A method is described for chronic cannulation of the cisterna magna to enable repeated sampling of cerebrospinal fluid from conscious, ambulatory sheep by means of a flexible vinyl tube. Ease of sampling and duration of cannula patency are similar to those obtained with rigid, metal cannulae, but this modified method minimizes the degree of surgical intervention, and possible trauma, occurring during placement of the cannula.
Waiting for Black Superman
Authors: Pabon Amber
Published: October 2014

Black male teachers make up less than 2% of the U.S. public school labor force. A prevalent discourse among educational stakeholders has suggested that Black male teachers are the key to helping students in urban schools develop skills to succeed in school by acting as role models. This assertion presents Black male teachers as a panacea to improving urban schools while ignoring the historical and contemporary contexts that complicate their roles in schools. This study uses life history methods to access the narratives of a group of Black male teachers to shed light on their experiences working in urban classrooms. The purpose of this study is to broaden our understandings about teacher education, teaching, and teacher retention of Black male teachers.
Gender Role Beliefs and Parents’ Support for Athletic Participation
Authors: Heinze Justin E. , Heinze Kathryn L. , Davis Matthew M. , Butchart Amy T. , Singer Dianne C. , Clark Sarah J.
Published: October 2014

Pay-to-play fees in public schools place more support for sport participation in the hands of parents; this may disproportionately affect the ability of girls to garner the benefits of sports. Using an online survey of a national sample of parents ( N = 814), we examined the relationship between parents’ gender role beliefs, parents’ beliefs about the benefits and monetary value of sports, and the types of sports their daughters play. The results indicate that parents placed somewhat greater value on sport for sons, than for daughters, both ideologically and financially. Gender role beliefs played a small, but significant role, in shaping parents’ beliefs about their daughters’ involvement in sport, and the types of sports their daughters play.
The Predictive Validity of the LS/CMI with Aboriginal Offenders in Canada
Authors: Wormith J. Stephen , Hogg Sarah M. , Guzzo Lina
Published: October 2014

This study examined the applicability of a general risk/need assessment tool, the Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (LS/CMI), to a large sample of Aboriginal offenders ( n = 1,692) and compared the predictive validity with that of the rest of the cohort, a sample of non-Aboriginal offenders ( n = 24,758). It examined the use of the clinical override with offenders. Aboriginal offenders had considerably higher scores and a greater recidivism rate than non-Aboriginal offenders. Internal consistency was high and virtually identical for both samples. The predictive validity for Aboriginal offenders on general recidivism was high, although slightly higher for non-Aboriginal offenders. The predictive validity was significant but low on violent recidivism for Aboriginal offenders, as were numerous subscales. Assessors used the override feature to change risk level less frequently on Aboriginal offenders. The implications of this study for policy (use on ethnic minority offenders) and practice (how to interpret potential recidivism) are discussed.
Organizational Implosion
Authors: Zavattaro Staci M.
Published: October 2014

Detroit, Michigan, is on the brink: Financial mismanagement, population exodus, increasing legacy costs, and out-of-control debt have driven it to bankruptcy. City actors, both administrative and elected, making politically driven decisions invited the disaster. This article uses the concepts of organizational implosion and image management to examine the degree to which the city indeed suffered organization implosion and how the city presented its image, internally and externally. The article synthesizes the administrative and communication literature streams to find that despite an overall rebranding effort, city actors still are falling short when generating positive narratives and trying to change organizational culture.
The Multicomponent Latent Trait Model for Diagnosis
Authors: Embretson Susan E.
Published: October 2014

Heterogeneous item content is prevalent on psychological and educational tests that measure global traits or competencies, such as general intelligence and achievement tests. In such tests, the domain is broadly defined, so as to include many attributes and skills. Items often vary substantially in both the type and the number of attributes or skills that are involved in item solving. A hierarchical organization is often necessary to accommodate the heterogeneity of the test domain. For example, the mathematical achievement tests that are routinely administered in all U.S. states at the end of the school year typically have this hierarchical structure. The multicomponent latent trait model for diagnosis (MLTM-D) was developed for application to heterogeneous tests. MLTM-D is a confirmatory model that permits diagnosis at broad and more specific attribute or skill levels. In the current study, MLTM-D is applied to diagnose mastery at both the broad and specific skill levels in middle school mathematics. MLTM-D is presented, and methods involved in application are described.
Epigenomics and the Microbiota
Authors: Alenghat Theresa
Published: October 2014

The mammalian gastrointestinal tract is home to trillions of commensal microorganisms that collectively make up the intestinal microbiota. These microbes are important environmental factors that regulate homeostasis, and alterations in the composition of the microbiota have been associated with several diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, and cancer. New research is beginning to uncover epigenomic pathways that may regulate this relationship with the microbiota. Epigenomic modifications alter the structure of the chromatin and therefore regulate the transcriptional program of a cell. These modifications are maintained by the dynamic activity of various modifying and demodifying enzymes, the activities of which can be influenced by metabolites and other environmental cues. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are a class of epigenomic-modifying enzymes that are regulated by both endogenous and exogenous factors, and recent studies have suggested that host HDAC expression is important for regulating communication between the intestinal microbiota and mammalian host cells.
Nurse Assistant Communication Strategies About Pressure Ulcers in Nursing Homes
Authors: Alexander Gregory L.
Published: October 2014

There is growing recognition of benefits of sophisticated information technology (IT) in nursing homes (NHs). In this research, we explore strategies nursing assistants (NAs) use to communicate pressure ulcer prevention practices in NHs with variable IT sophistication measures. Primary qualitative data were collected during focus groups with NAs in 16 NHs located across Missouri. NAs ( n = 213) participated in 31 focus groups. Three major themes referencing communication strategies for pressure ulcer prevention were identified, including Passing on Information, Keeping Track of Needs and Information Access. NAs use a variety of strategies to prioritize care, and strategies are different based on IT sophistication level. NA work is an important part of patient care. However, little information about their work is included in communication, leaving patient records incomplete. NAs’ communication is becoming increasingly important in the care of the millions of chronically ill elders in NHs.
Utilization of the Organ Care System Lung for the assessment of lungs from a donor after cardiac death (DCD) before bilateral transplantation
Authors: Mohite PN , Sabashnikov A , García Sáez D , Pates B , Zeriouh M , De Robertis F , Simon AR
Published: October 2014

In this manuscript, we present the first experience of evaluating donation after circulatory death (DCD) lungs, using the normothermic preservation Organ Care System (OCS) and subsequent successful transplantation. The OCS could be a useful tool for the evaluation of marginal lungs from DCD donors as it allows a proper recruitment and bronchoscopy in such donations in addition to continuous ex-vivo perfusion and assessment and treatment during transport. The OCS could potentially be a standard of care in the evaluation of marginal lungs from DCD.
Innovation and e-commerce in clusters of small firms: The case of a regional e-marketplace
Authors: Lorenzini Eleonora
Published: October 2014

This paper goes into the black box of a Regional Electronic Marketplace (REM) and studies it from a multiplicity of points of view. It identifies the critical success factors for the establishment of an REM and its evaluation, analyses the determinants of firms’ satisfaction and economic performance inside the REM and proposes policy suggestions. The analysis is based on micro-level data collected via a questionnaire submitted to firms, on interviews with relevant agents and accountancy data. Results show that REMs deserve support as an instrument of territorial development in the establishment and in the adoption phase. Policy makers should promote policies aimed at financing the acquisition of know-how and technical infrastructure but also work as ‘territorial animateurs’, identifying possible pilot enterprises characterised by high export orientation, commercial vision and linkages inside and outside the cluster, and then encouraging its adoption amongst less innovative firms.
A Strategy to Increase the Social Interactions of 3-Year-Old Children With Disabilities in an Inclusive Classroom
Authors: Stanton-Chapman Tina L. , Brown Tiara S.
Published: October 2014

The current study evaluated the play behaviors of children with disabilities (e.g., developmental delays, specific language impairment) who participated in a social communication intervention targeting skills such as initiations, responses, name use, proximity, and turn-taking. Three children who were enrolled in an inclusive classroom met the inclusion criteria. A multiple baseline design was used to determine the effects of the intervention. The social communication intervention was highly effective for all children in increasing the rate of parallel play behaviors. Several implications for practice were derived from the findings. By teaching children social communication strategies, the quality of social interactions that children have with their peers is likely to improve. The intervention offers a more systematic technique for teaching social communication and play skills than do informal strategies commonly used by teachers. Social validity assessments indicated that teachers found the intervention acceptable and produced important changes in behavior.
Performance of a Mathematical Model to Forecast Lives Saved from HIV Treatment Expansion in Resource-Limited Settings
Authors: Kimmel April D. , Fitzgerald Daniel W. , Pape Jean W. , Schackman Bruce R.
Published: October 2014

Background. International guidelines recommend HIV treatment expansion in resource-limited settings, but funding availability is uncertain. We evaluated the performance of a model that forecasts lives saved through continued HIV treatment expansion in Haiti. Methods. We developed a computer-based, mathematical model of HIV disease and used incidence density analysis of patient-level Haitian data to derive model parameters for HIV disease progression. We assessed the internal validity of model predictions and internally calibrated model inputs when model predictions did not fit the patient-level data. We then derived uncertain model inputs related to diagnosis and linkage to care, pretreatment retention, and enrollment on HIV treatment through an external calibration process that selected input values by comparing model predictions to Haitian population-level data. Model performance was measured by fit to event-free survival (patient level) and number receiving HIV treatment over time (population level). Results. For a cohort of newly HIV-infected individuals with no access to HIV treatment, the model predicts median AIDS-free survival of 9.0 years precalibration and 6.6 years postcalibration v. 5.8 years (95% confidence interval, 5.1–7.0) from the patient-level data. After internal validation and calibration, 16 of 17 event-free survival measures (94%) had a mean percentage deviation between model predictions and the empiric data of <6%. After external calibration, the percentage deviation between model predictions and population-level data on the number on HIV treatment was <1% over time. Conclusions. Validation and calibration resulted in a good-fitting model appropriate for health policy decision making. Using local data in a policy model-building process is feasible in resource-limited settings.
Germs Are Germs, and Why Not Take a Risk? Patients’ Expectations for Prescribing Antibiotics in an Inner-City Emergency Department
Authors: Broniatowski David A. , Klein Eili Y. , Reyna Valerie F.
Published: October 2014

Background. Extensive use of unnecessary antibiotics has driven the emergence of resistant bacterial strains, posing a threat to public health. Physicians are more likely to prescribe antibiotics when they believe that patients expect them. Current attempts to change these expectations highlight the distinction between viruses and bacteria (“germs are germs”). Fuzzy-trace theory further predicts that patients expect antibiotics because they make decisions based on categorical gist, producing strategies that encourage risk taking when the status quo is bad (i.e., “why not take a risk?”). We investigate both hypotheses. Methods. We surveyed patients visiting the emergency department of a large urban hospital (72 [64%] were African American) using 17 Likert scale questions and 2 free-response questions regarding patient expectations for antibiotics. Results. After the clinical encounter, 113 patients completed the survey. Fifty-four (48%) patients agreed with items that assess the “germs are germs” hypothesis, whereas 86 (76%) agreed with items that assess the “why not take a risk?” hypothesis. “Why not take a risk?” captures significant unique variance in a factor analysis and is neither explained by “germs are germs” nor by patients’ lack of knowledge regarding side effects. Of the 81 patients who rejected the “germs are germs” hypothesis, 61 (75%) still indicated agreement with the “why not take a risk?” hypothesis. Several other misconceptions were also investigated. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that recent public health campaigns that have focused on educating patients about the differences between viruses and bacteria omit a key motivation for why patients expect antibiotics, supporting fuzzy-trace theory’s predictions about categorical gist. The implications for public health and emergency medicine are discussed.
Use of diffusion tensor imaging in assessing superficial myometrial invasion by endometrial carcinoma: a preliminary study
Authors: Zhang Longmin , Liu Ailian , Zhang Ting , Song Qingwei , Wei Qiang , Wang Heqing
Published: October 2014

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains the standard modality for local staging of gynecological malignancies, but it has several limitations, especially when differentiating a cancer limited to the endometrium from a cancer invading the superficial myometrium.

Purpose

To explore 1.5 T diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in assessing superficial myometrial infiltration by endometrial carcinoma.

Material and Methods

We analyzed the sensitivity of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) versus fractional anisotropy (FA) in diagnosing superficial myometrial infiltration compared to DCE-MRI and T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) in 35 patients with endometrial cancer. For each patient, T2WI-DWI fusion images were generated, and five regions of interest (ROIs) were placed on corresponding DTI images. ADC and FA were calculated, and fiber tractography (FT) images for each level were obtained. ADC and FA values for the five ROIs were compared.

Results

In distinguishing cancerous versus non-cancerous areas within superficial myometrium, median ADC values were significantly lower (1.16 vs. 1.48, respectively; P < 0.001) and median FA values were significantly higher (0.41 vs. 0.27; P < 0.001, respectively). ADC’s versus FA’s sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy for diagnosing superficial myometrial invasion were 74.3%, 88.6%, 86.7%, 77.5%, 81.4% versus 88.6%, 97.1%, 96.9%, 89.5%, 92.9%, respectively. T2WI and DCE-MR showed a sensitivity of 80.0% and 77.1%, respectively, in diagnosing myometrial invasion.

Conclusion

Both ADC and FA were able to distinguish between cancerous verss non-cancerous areas within superficial myometrium (although FA was more sensitive based on AUC values). In addition, FA was superior to ADC, and more sensitive than T2WI and DCE-MR, in evaluating myometrial invasion. FT images provided visual confirmation of irregular arrangement and direction of the fibers due to proliferation of stromal cells caused by superficial myometrial invasion.