bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redistribution of NMDA Receptors in Estrogen-Receptor-β-Containing Paraventricular Hypothalamic Neurons following Slow-Pressor Angiotensin II Hypertension in Female Mice with Accelerated Ovarian Failure
Authors: Marques-Lopes Jose , Tesfaye Ephrath , Israilov Sigal , Van Kempen Tracey A. , Wang Gang , Glass Michael J. , Pickel Virginia M. , Iadecola Costantino , Waters Elizabeth M. , Milner Teresa A.
Published: April 2016

Hypertension in male and aging female rodents is associated with glutamate-dependent plasticity in the hypothalamus, but existing models have failed to capture distinct transitional menopausal phases that could have a significant impact on the synaptic plasticity and emergent hypertension. In rodents, accelerated ovarian failure (AOF) induced by systemic injection of 4-vinylcyclohexane diepoxide mimics the estrogen fluctuations seen in human menopause including the perimenopause transition (peri-AOF) and postmenopause (post-AOF). Thus, we used the mouse AOF model to determine the impact of slow-pressor angiotensin II (AngII) administration on blood pressure and on the subcellular distribution of obligatory N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor GluN1 subunits in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN), a key estrogen-responsive cardiovascular regulatory area. Estrogen-sensitive neuronal profiles were identified in mice expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein under the promoter for estrogen receptor (ER) β, a major ER in the PVN. Slow-pressor AngII increased arterial blood pressure in mice at peri- and post-AOF time points. In control oil-injected (nonhypertensive) mice, AngII decreased the total number of GluN1 in ERβ-containing PVN dendrites. In contrast, AngII resulted in a reapportionment of GluN1 from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane of ERβ-containing PVN dendrites in peri-AOF mice. Moreover, in post-AOF mice, AngII increased total GluN1, dendritic size and radical production in ERβ-containing neurons. These results indicate that unique patterns of hypothalamic glutamate receptor plasticity and dendritic structure accompany the elevated blood pressure in peri- and post-AOF time points. Our findings suggest the possibility that distinct neurobiological processes are associated with the increased blood pressure during perimenopausal and postmenopausal periods.
Lupus-anticoagulant testing at NOAC trough levels
Authors: Ratzinger Franz , Lang Mona , Belik Sabine , Jilma-Stohlawetz Petra , Schmetterer Klaus G. , Haslacher Helmuth , Perkmann Thomas , Quehenberger Peter
Published: April 2016

Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC), including rivaroxaban, apixaban or dabigatran, regularly show relevant effects on coagulation tests, making the interpretation of results difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible interferences of NOACs in trough level concentrations in lupus anticoagulant (LA) testing. Citrate plasma specimens of 30 healthy volunteers were spiked with rivaroxaban, apixaban or dabigatran in four plasma concentration levels at or below trough NOAC levels. The NOAC concentration was measured using dedicated surrogate concentration tests and a stepwise diagnostic procedure for LA-testing was applied using screening, mixing and confirmatory testing. Results were compared to NOAC-free specimens. Starting with a plasma concentration of 12.5 ng/ml, dabigatran-spiked specimens showed significant prolongations in the lupus anticoagulant-sensitive activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT-LA) as well as in the Dilute Russell viper venom time (dRVVT), leading to 43.3% false positives in confirmatory testing in the dRVVT. In contrast, rivaroxaban, beginning with 7.5 ng/ml, exclusively affected dRVVT-based tests. In confirmatory tests, 30.0% of rivaroxaban-spiked specimens showed false positive results. Starting with 18.75 ng/ml apixaban, a significant prolongation of the dRVVT and up to 20.7% false positives in confirmatory tests were found. In contrast to other NOACs tested, apixaban did not present with a dose-dependent increase of the dRVVT ratio. In conclusion, the rate of false positive results in LA-testing is unacceptably high at expected trough levels of NOACs. Even at plasma concentrations below the LLOQ of commercially available surrogate tests, LA testing is best avoided in patients with NOAC therapy.
Low Homoarginine Levels in the Prognosis of Patients With Acute Chest Pain
Authors: Atzler Dorothee , Baum Christina , Ojeda Francisco , Keller Till , Cordts Kathrin , Schnabel Renate B. , Choe Chi‐un , Lackner Karl J. , Münzel Thomas , Böger Rainer H. , Blankenberg Stefan , Schwedhelm Edzard , Zeller Tanja
Published: April 2016

Background

The endogenous amino acid homoarginine predicts mortality in cerebro‐ and cardiovascular disease. The objective was to explore whether homoarginine is associated with atrial fibrillation (
AF
) and outcome in patients with acute chest pain.

Methods and Results

One thousand six hundred forty‐nine patients with acute chest pain were consecutively enrolled in this study, of whom 589 were diagnosed acute coronary syndrome (
ACS
). On admission, plasma concentrations of homoarginine as well as brain natriuretic peptide (
BNP
), and high‐sensitivity assayed troponin I (hsTnI) were determined along with electrocardiography (
ECG
) variables. During a median follow‐up of 183 days, 60 major adverse cardiovascular events (
MACEs
; 3.8%), including all‐cause death, myocardial infarction, or stroke, were registered in the overall study population and 43
MACEs
(7.5%) in the
ACS
subgroup. Adjusted multivariable Cox regression analyses revealed that an increase of 1
SD
of plasma log‐transformed homoarginine (0.37) was associated with a hazard reduction of 26% (hazard ratio [
HR
], 0.74; 95%
CI
, 0.57–0.96) for incident
MACE
and likewise of 35% (
HR
, 0.65; 95%
CI
, 0.49–0.88) in
ACS
patients. In Kaplan–Meier survival curves, homoarginine was predictive for patients with high‐sensitivity assayed troponin I (hsTnI) above 27 ng/L (
P
<0.05). Last, homoarginine was inversely associated with
QT
c duration (
P
<0.001) and prevalent
AF
(
OR
, 0.83; 95%
CI
, 0.71–0.95).

Conclusion

Low plasma homoarginine was identified as a risk marker for incident
MACEs
in patients with acute chest pain, in particular, in those with elevated hsTnI. Impaired homoarginine was associated with prevalent
AF
. Further studies are needed to investigate the link to
AF
and evaluate homoarginine as a therapeutic option for these patients.
Stone handling, an object play behaviour in macaques: welfare and neurological health implications of a bio-culturally driven tradition
Authors: Nahallage Charmalie A.D. , Leca Jean-Baptiste , Huffman Michael A.
Published: April 2016

Object play in primates is viewed as generally having no immediate functional purpose, limited for the most part to immature individuals. At the proximate level, the occurrence of object play in immatures is regarded as being intrinsically self-rewarding, with the ultimate function of supporting motoneuronal development and the acquisition of skills necessary to prepare them for survival as adults. Stone handling (SH), a solitary object play behaviour occurs, and has been studied, in multiple free-ranging and captive troops of provisioned Japanese macaques, as well as rhesus and long-tailed macaques for over 35 years now. A review of our combined findings from these observations reveal that infants acquire SH in the first 3-4 months of life and exhibit increasingly more complex and varied behavioural patterns with age. The longitudinal data shows that many individuals maintain this activity throughout life, practicing it under relaxed ecological and social conditions. The ultimate function may be bimodal, promoting motor development in young and neural maintenance and regeneration in adult and aging individuals.
There is a Crack in Everything
Authors: Spronk Klaas
Published: April 2016

As a contribution to the ongoing discussion about the relation between monotheism and violence a comparison is made between polytheistic stories about the annihilation of mankind and the monotheistic Old Testament story of the flood. There appear to be many ambiguities in Genesis 6-9, also concerning the image of God. This leaves room for criticism on the abuse of power. Whereas polytheism tends to fatalism, monotheism seems to offer a more hopeful view. It cannot be denied, however, that the Old Testament also testifies of monotheism which does not tolerate deviating religious views and in this way can be used to legitimize violence. Nevertheless, there are small but important indications in the text describing violence in the name of God that God is broader minded in this regard than many religious hardliners see Him. Inspired by a text of Leonard Cohen one could call them ‘cracks’ in the holy scriptures which will help to let more light of tolerance come in.
Divinity and Humanity in Islam and Christianity
Authors: Abdullah M. Amin
Published: April 2016

How do we read the Qur’an in a time of growing tensions between Christians and Muslims in many places in the world? After issuing the document of A Common Word between Us and You (acw) in 2007, Muslims should read the Qur’an in a different and fresh way. In this article I use a novel specially developed System Approach in my reading of the Qur’an as a new type of reading, which refrains from the abrogation / nasikh mansukh type of reading. In this process I discern two groups within the Qur’anic verses that provide information about the relationship between Muslims and Christians. Each of them consists of cluster of various verses. The System Approach emphasizes the need of having an intensive, comprehensive and deep dialogue and interconnectedness between the verses of the Qur’an that are scattered over these two groups. Nowadays Muslims need ‘a shifting paradigm’ type of the way they read the Qur’an. Without this Muslims will suffer from a lack of unified information from the Qur’an which gives them a comprehensive and inclusive meaning. Both Muslims and Christians are required to read and to think in a fresh way so that they are able to establish good neighbourly relationships in all areas of the world.
The genus Cosmopterix Hübner of continental Sub-Saharan Africa (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea: Cosmopterigidae)
Authors: Koster Sjaak (J.C.)
Published: April 2016

The genus Cosmopterix Hübner, [1825] of continental Sub-Saharan Africa is revised. A total of 77 species are recognized and 56 species are described as new. Of eight new species, all known only from females, the validity of the species cannot be confirmed with certainty. Four new synonyms are proposed. Diagnoses, descriptions, and type information are provided for each species. Watercolours of the adults, line drawings of the wing venation, the male and the female genitalia and a key to the species are included, as well as distribution maps.
Lectotypifications of some Nineteenth Century names and other nomenclatural updates in Myrcia s.l. (Myrtaceae)
Authors: SANTOS MATHEUS F. , SANO PAULO T. , LUCAS EVE
Published: April 2016

Nine monophyletic groups have been recognized in Myrcia s.l. and this study presents nomenclatural updates for one of them—clade 7. The updates are based on 35 herbarium collections analysed in the context of a wider herbarium survey and field expeditions that allowed specimens to be analysed in situ. Lectotypes are provided for the 20 following basionyms: Aulomyrcia bicarinata, A. breviramis, A. calyptranthoides, A. ferruginea, A. mutabilis, A. pulchra, A. rufa, A. supraaxillaris, A. widgreniana, Calyptranthes cordata, C. densa, Eugenia paniculata, Eugenia rubiginosa, Eugeniopsis angustifolia, Myrcia bicolor, M. nitida, M. pilodes, M. pilotantha, M. plusiantha, and M. subcordata. Twelve synonymizations are proposed: A. rufa under Myrcia bicarinata; A. supraaxillaris under Myrcia densa; A. calyptranthoides under Myrcia mutabilis; E. paniculata and E. rubiginosa under M. nitida; Myrcia follii under M. plusiantha; A. breviramis, A. pulchra, A. widgreniana, M. pilotantha and Myrcia jaguariaivensis under M. subcordata; Marlierea vicina under Myrcia summa. Lastly, the holotype of Aulomyrcia tenuifolia is clarified and two new combinations are presented: Myrcia foveolata (based on Marlierea foveolata) and Myrcia summa (based on Marlierea summa).
Two new species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from the Colombian Western Cordillera
Authors: JARA-MUÑOZ O. A.
Published: April 2016

Two New species of Begonia section Semibegoniella (C.DC) Barkley & Baranov (Begoniaceae) are described from the Colombian Western Cordillera. Illustrations of distinguishing characters, photos of living plants and a key to the Colombian Begonias with tepals fused are included.
New African species of Helina Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera, Muscidae)
Authors: COURI MÁRCIA , PONT Adrian
Published: April 2016

The study of Afrotropical Muscidae deposited in the Natural History Museum (BMNH), London, United Kingdom, revealed four new species of Helina Robineau-Desvoidy, herein described and illustrated. Helina duocolorata sp. nov. is described from Kenya, Helina longicerca sp. nov. and Helina sexnotata sp. nov. from Nigeria, and Helina mediomaculata sp. nov. from Angola. All types are deposited in the collection of the BMNH. Some corrections are made to the entries under Helina in the Catalogue of the Diptera of the Afrotropical Region (Pont 1980).
Telosticta fugispinosa sp. nov. from Sabah (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platystictidae)
Authors: DOW RORY A. , AFENDY AQILAH , RAHMAN HOMATHEVI
Published: April 2016

Telosticta fugispinosa sp. nov. (holotype male, from Borneo, Sabah, West Coast division, Crocker Range National Park, Inobong, Kimamabang waterfall stream system, 21 ix 2012, deposited in RMNH) is described from Kinabalu National Park and Crocker Range National Park in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. It is distinguished from all other species of Telosticta by the form of the male anal appendages.
Towards an Understanding of the Twentieth-Century Cooling Trend in the Southeastern United States: Biogeophysical Impacts of Land-Use Change
Authors: Ellenburg W. L. , McNider R. T. , Cruise J. F. , Christy John R.
Published: April 2016

This paper explores the link between the anomalous warming hole in the southeastern United States and a major land-use/land-cover (LULC) change in the region. Land surface and satellite observations were analyzed to estimate the net radiative forcing due to LULC change. Albedo and latent energy were specifically addressed for the dominant LULC change of agriculture to forests. It was assumed that in the energy-limited environment of the region, the partition of changes in available energy due to albedo will mostly impact the sensible heat. The results show that in the southeastern United States, for the period of 1920 to 1992, the changes in sensible (as a result of albedo) and latent energies are in direct competition with each other. In the spring and early summer months, the croplands are in peak production and the latent energy associated with their evapotranspiration (ET) is comparable to that of the forests so the decrease in radiation due to albedo dominates the signal. However, during the late summer and fall months, most major crops have matured, thus reducing their transpiration rate while forests (particularly evergreens) maintain their foliage and with their deep roots are able to continue to transpire as long as atmospheric conditions are favorable. This later influence of latent energy appears to more than offset the increased radiative forcing from the spring and early summer. Overall, a mean annual net radiative forcing resulting from a LULC change from cropland to forests was estimated to be −1.06 W m−2 and thus a probable contribution to the “warming hole” over the Southeast during the majority of the twentieth century.
Understanding Women’s Needs for Weather and Climate Information in Agrarian Settings: The Case of Ngetou Maleck, Senegal
Authors: Carr Edward R. , Fleming Grant , Kalala Tshibangu
Published: April 2016

While climate services have the potential to reduce precipitation- and temperature-related risks to agrarian livelihoods, such outcomes are possible only when they deliver information that is salient, legitimate, and credible to end users. This is particularly true of climate services intended to address the needs of women in agrarian contexts. The design of such gender-sensitive services is hampered by oversimplified framings of women as a group in both the adaptation and climate services literatures. This paper demonstrates that even at the village level, women have different climate and weather information needs, and differing abilities to act on that information. Therefore, starting with preconceived connections between identities and vulnerability is likely to result in overgeneralizations that hinder the ability to address the climate-related development and adaptation needs of the most vulnerable. Instead, as is demonstrated in this paper, the design and implementation of effective gender-sensitive climate services must start with the relevant social differences that shape people’s livelihoods decisions and outcomes, including but not limited to gender.
Violence against women and Tunisian feminism: Advocacy, policy, and politics in an Arab context
Authors: Arfaoui Khedija , Moghadam Valentine M
Published: April 2016

Informed theoretically by feminist sociological and political science research on women’s social movements and women’s engagement with public policy, this article examines the advocacy and political work of women’s rights groups in Tunisia in the area of violence against women. It locates the origins of the concern about this particular social problem, shows how the women’s rights groups worked with government agencies as well as transnational feminist networks to raise awareness and institute policy changes, and examines how their research, advocacy, and lobbying efforts have evolved. Drawing on the personal experience of the first author, who has been a longstanding participant in the Tunisian women’s rights movement, as well as on various publications by ATFD and AFTURD and related documentary data, the article shows how a relatively small feminist movement has been able to leverage its relationships with other civil society organizations to influence changes in policies, laws, and public debates.
Functional fabric treatment using tannic acid and extract from purple-fleshed sweet potato
Authors: Koh Eunmi , Hong Kyung Hwa
Published: April 2016

Purple-fleshed sweet potato (PSP) has a reddish purple color with high amounts of anthocyanins and phenolic acids, both of which have various health-promoting effects. The acylated anthocyanins present in PSP are more heat-resistant than the nonacylated types found in other plants. Therefore, PSP extract was considered as a natural pigment and functional agent for textile dyeing and/or finishing processes. Here, wool and cotton fabrics are pretreated by a tannic acid aqueous solution to increase their dyeability and then dyed by PSP extract. The dyed fabrics are then investigated by various analysis techniques. The results revealed that wool and cotton fabrics can be dyed bluish red through the pretreatment and dyeing process. The wool and cotton fabrics also showed antibacterial and antioxidant characteristics.
Improving the electromagnetic shielding of nickel/polyaniline coated polytrimethylene-terephthalate knitted fabric by optimizing the electroless plating conditions
Authors: Jiyong Hu , Guohao Li , Junhui Shi , Xudong Yang , Xin Ding
Published: April 2016

To solve electromagnetic interference of electronic devices and health issues by the expansion of the electronic industry and the extensive use of electronic equipment, flexible and stretchable conductive elastic textiles are beneficial. This study prepared conductive Ni/polyaniline (PANi)/polytrimethylene-terephthalate (PTT) composite fabric by in situ chemical polymerization and electroless nickel plating. Their direct current electrical resistance and the shielding efficiency energy were tested. Furthermore, the effect of electroless plating conditions was investigated on surface resistivity and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMSE) of the composite fabric, and the correlation between electrical resistivity and EMSE was explored. The results show that the shielding efficiency energy of Ni/PANi/PTT composite fabric optimized can reach more than 40 dB and at a given frequency it has an inverse parabolic relation with the electroless plating conditions. In addition, when the electroless plating conditions is the determinant, the SE has little change in the electromagnetic wave frequency, especially in the frequency range of 600 MHz or more. It is concluded that the EMSE of the Ni/PANi/PTT conductive fabrics could be tailored by modifying the chemical reagent contents in the electroless plating solution.
Bipolar depression
Authors: Avery Lindsay M , Drayton Shannon J
Published: April 2016

Bipolar affective disorder is a debilitating illness that manifests as cyclical episodes of mood elevation and depression, but the treatment of the depressive episodes (i.e., bipolar depression) differs considerably from the treatment of major depressive disorder. In bipolar affective disorder, it is well known that patients spend a significantly greater amount of time in depressive episodes than manic or hypomanic episodes, yet there are currently just three Food and Drug Administration-approved agents for the treatment of bipolar depression: (1) olanzapine/fluoxetine combination (2) quetiapine, both immediate- and extended-release, and (3) lurasidone. The literature review presented here focuses on the clinical trials that led to the Food and Drug Administration-approval of these second generation antipsychotics in the treatment of bipolar depression. The discussion highlights key considerations regarding overall treatment strategies to aid clinicians in the selection of pharmacologic agents. Recommended monitoring parameters, potential adverse effects, and pertinent counseling points for second generation antipsychotics used in bipolar depression are included.
Bad Medicine
Authors: Watkins Adam M. , Melde Chris
Published: April 2016

Research on the risk factors associated with gang joining suggests that the best predictor of gang membership is the accumulation of risk factors across a number of domains. These same risk factors are also associated with poor mental health and suicide, suggesting that gang members may be at risk for these outcomes. The current study utilized a nationally representative sample to examine two related issues. First, do youth who later become gang involved report levels of self-esteem, depression, suicidal thoughts, and attempted suicide that are substantively different than the general population? Second, how does gang membership affect these indicators of mental health? Results suggest that youth who become gang involved have significantly higher levels of depression and report a substantively higher rate of suicidal thoughts and behaviors than comparison youth. Furthermore, membership in gangs exacerbates these underlying problems, creating higher levels of depression and a higher prevalence of suicidal thoughts and actions.
“I Wouldn’t Classify Myself as an Activist”
Authors: Chalhoub Hailey , Ciavattone Domenique , Wetzel Christopher
Published: April 2016

Looking beyond the increasingly common trope of “slacktivism” that frames students as weakly “liking” causes or “tweeting” support through social media, our research analyzes how current students in the United States perceive and participate in action on college campuses. This action note reflects on three insights our research yields about contemporary student engagement: their ambivalence about embracing an “activist” label, their disinclination for direct action, and their thoughtful approach to digital tools. Complicating the view that college students are apathetic or disengaged, we find that students continue to be passionate and engaged, perhaps just not in ways that scholars of social movements might anticipate.
“When You’re a Baby You Don’t Have Puberty”: Understanding of Puberty and Human Reproduction in Late Childhood and Early Adolescence
Authors: Hurwitz Lisa B. , Lauricella Alexis R. , Hightower Brianna , Sroka Iris , Woodruff Teresa K. , Wartella Ellen
Published: April 2016

Basic knowledge of human reproduction can help youth prepare for puberty and make later classes focused on advanced reproductive health topics manageable. With the intention of potentially informing the creation of learning materials, we conducted a needs assessment among children ages 7 to 12 in our suburban Chicago community to ascertain their current understanding of, and beliefs and misconceptions about, human reproduction, and to determine their needs for additional reproductive health education. We held qualitative focus group interviews with local children. Participants primarily reported learning about these topics from their parents prior to receiving school-based education in fifth grade. Their level of understanding was relatively low. They had little knowledge of internal sexual organs, expressed a range of beliefs about conception ranging from inaccurate to accurate but incomplete, and voiced concerns about transitioning into adolescence. This suggests a need for additional resources that provide comprehensible descriptions of reproductive health processes and mitigate puberty-related concerns.
The Effect of Sexual Abuse on Deviant Behaviors Among Turkish Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Emotions
Authors: Solakoglu Ozgur , Driver Nichola , Belshaw Scott H.
Published: April 2016

Drawing from Robert Agnew’s General Strain Theory, the purpose of this study is to examine the effect of sexual abuse on deviant behaviors, such as suicide, smoking, drinking, drug use, violent crime, and property crime, among Turkish adolescents. The article also aims to understand the mediating role of negative emotions, including depression and anger, as well as gender differences in this relationship. Findings from a series of analyses demonstrate that the experience of sexual abuse is significantly related to the likelihood of engaging in most of the deviant behaviors. In addition, the mediating role of negative emotions, particularly anger, was highlighted in the findings. Furthermore, the effect of sexual abuse on deviant behaviors was relatively greater for Turkish males compared with Turkish females. The current study contributes to the literature on the consequences of sexual abuse by considering them within the unique Islamic–Western cultural context of Turkey. Overall, findings suggest that this particular form of strain has a substantial impact on deviant behaviors among Turkish adolescents.
Implementation of the enhanced intersectoral links approach to support increased employment outcomes for consumers of a large metropolitan mental health service
Authors: Chang Lucy , Douglas Nadine , Scanlan Justin Newton , Still Megan
Published: April 2016

Introduction

The purpose of this article is to describe the outcomes of the enhanced intersectoral links (EIL) approach to supporting employment outcomes for individuals accessing a large mental health service.

Method

Based on individual placement and support (IPS) principles, features of EIL included: strong service-level relationships between mental health and local disability employment services; monthly joint meetings to share information; resources to assist mental health clinicians in supporting consumers to access employment services; and provision of training. Programme fidelity was evaluated against IPS principles. Outcome measures included: time from referral to commencement; time to first employment placement; employment placement rate; and duration of employment.

Results

Seventy-nine consumers were referred to the programme. At the close of data collection, 60 participants remained in the programme and 38 of these (63%) had gained at least one employment placement. Average duration of employment was 10.9 weeks. As expected, the EIL programme demonstrated ‘fair’ fidelity against IPS principles. The average time from referral to commencement was 47 days and from commencement to first placement was 81 days.

Conclusion

This project demonstrated how EIL can be implemented in a large mental health service. Further development is required to avoid delays in consumers’ commencement with employment services and support better job tenure.
Chronic Light Exposure in the Middle of the Night Disturbs the Circadian System and Emotional Regulation
Authors: Ikeno Tomoko , Yan Lily
Published: April 2016

In mammals, the circadian system is composed of a principal circadian oscillator located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and a number of subordinate oscillators in extra-SCN brain regions and peripheral tissues/organs. However, how the time-keeping functions of this multiple oscillator circuit are affected by aberrant lighting environments remains largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effects of chronic light exposure in the middle of the night on the circadian system by comparing the mice housed in a 12:4:4:4-h L:DLD condition with the controls in 12:12-h L:D condition. Daily rhythms in locomotor activity were analyzed and the expression patterns of protein products of clock genes Period1 and Period2 (PER1 and PER2) were examined in the SCN and extra-SCN brain regions, including the dorsal striatum, hippocampus, paraventricular nucleus (PVN), and basolateral amygdala (BLA). Following 2 weeks of housing in the L:DLD condition, animals showed disturbed daily rhythms in locomotor activity and lacked daily rhythms of PER1 and PER2 in the SCN. In the extra-SCN brain regions, the PER1 and PER2 rhythms were affected in a region-specific pattern, such that they were relatively undisturbed in the striatum and hippocampus, phase-shifted in the BLA, and abolished in the PVN. In addition, mice in the L:DLD condition showed increased anxiety-like behaviors and reduced brain-derived neurotropic factor messenger RNA expression in the hippocampus, amygdala, and medial prefrontal cortex, which are brain regions that are involved in emotional regulation. These results indicate that nighttime light exposure leads to circadian disturbances not only by abolishing the circadian rhythms in the SCN but also by inducing misalignment among brain oscillators and negatively affects emotional processing. These observations serve to identify risks associated with decisions regarding lifestyle in our modern society.
The Journey of Accompaniment
Authors: Sherrington John
Published: April 2016

This article explores the spiritual and pastoral dimensions of accompanying people who are living with dementia. It is estimated that 40 per cent of people living with dementia will experience ‘prolonged dwindling’. The article develops the understanding of the face-to-face attentive presence of one person ministering to another and supporting the sick person in a breadth of life experience. It argues that insight from the thought of Jean Vanier and the community of L’Arche can be used to reflect on care for people with dementia who share in the Passion of Christ and who are accompanied by others standing in solidarity with them.
A concept to assess the costs and benefits of renewable energy use and distributional effects among actors: The example of Germany
Authors: Breitschopf Barbara , Held Anne , Resch Gustav
Published: April 2016

This paper describes a concept for the detailed assessment of the costs and benefits of renewable energy technologies deployment. A first quantitative impact assessment of German renewable energy technologies use is conducted from a historical perspective based on this comprehensive method. It includes costs and benefits at three different levels – energy system, micro- and macro-economic. The findings suggest that, at the system level, the generation costs in the electricity and heat sector are partly compensated by positive effects mainly from avoided emissions due to the use of renewable energy technologies in the electricity and heat sector. On the electricity market, small power consumers bear a very large share of the policy costs, while others might even profit from renewable energy technologies use. However, a comprehensive assessment that accounts for all the different negative and positive effects in the long term, including distributional effects, is more challenging. The concept applied here allows a differentiated comparison of a wide range of effects including aggregated costs and benefits as well as how these are distributed across different economic actors.
A levels of processing interpretation of dual-system theories of judgment and decision making
Authors: Arkes Hal R.
Published: April 2016

Recently there has been spirited disagreement about the merits of dual-system theories of higher cognition. I suggest that this dispute is very similar to the 1970s dispute between two-store theories of memory and levels of processing theory. The two-store or “box” theorists stipulated that short-term memory and long-term memory stores were quite dissimilar and therefore represented separate memory stores. Levels of processing theorists disputed the evidence for separate memory stores and asserted that memory was an epiphenomenon of the depth to which a stimulus was processed. I adopt the levels of processing approach to show how it can help clarify the phenomena previously described by dual-system theories. Furthermore, this proposed resolution to the controversy renders moot the serious disagreements about what features might characterize each of the two processes in dual-system theories.
Urinary high-mobility group box-1 associates specifically with lupus nephritis class V
Authors: Jog N R , Blanco I , Lee I , Putterman C , Caricchio R
Published: April 2016

Introduction

High-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB-1) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis (LN). There is increased HMGB-1 expression in the kidneys and increased levels are observed in serum and urine of patients with LN. This study was performed to determine whether the increased urinary HMGB-1 was specific for active lupus or secondary to renal damage.

Methods

Urine from 61 lupus patients (32 had active LN and 29 had systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with no evidence of LN) and 14 control proteinuric patients (all with hypertension and eight also with diabetes) were included in this study. HMGB-1 was detected by Western blot. Urine protein was normalized to urine creatinine to account for volume of the specimen.

Results

Median normalized urine HMGB-1 levels were significantly elevated in LN patients compared to lupus patients without kidney disease (53.81 vs 9.46, p < 0.001). A difference in median levels was seen between LN classes, with a significant difference between proliferative and membranous disease (33.4 vs 138.8, p = 0.003). Urine protein to urine creatinine ratio (P/C) correlated with urinary HMGB-1 ( r = 0.52, p < 0.001), but across the classes this was true only for membranous disease ( r = 0.71, p = 0.022, proliferative, p = 0.63; mixed, p = 0.34).

Conclusions

HMGB-1 is elevated in the urine of patients with active LN. Levels are associated with LN class, and higher levels of urinary HMGB-1 are seen in patients with class V when compared to both proliferative and mixed classes. Therefore, urinary HMGB-1 may be suggestive of membranous LN and warrants further evaluation in a large lupus cohort.
Request sequence in Chinese public service calls
Authors: Li Li , Ma Wen
Published: April 2016

This study examines the characteristics of request sequences in Chinese public service calls. The data analysis indicates that a prominent characteristic of Chinese public service calls is the frequent appearance of insert expansions and non-minimal post-expansions, with the latter occurring after both preferred response and dispreferred response. This is closely related to participants’ institutional identities and epistemic asymmetry; operators handling such service calls should pay due attention to this asymmetry to ensure mutual understanding in conversation.
Acts of Memory: Gilles Peress’s Telex: Iran, Then and Now
Authors: Lyford Amy
Published: April 2016

This article explores the visual rhetoric and cultural significance of Gilles Peress’s photographic book Telex: Iran of 1984. It is a book focused on the Iranian revolution which began in 1978, and for which Peress traveled to Iran in late 1979/early 1980 in order to create a body of images about the revolution. The author analyzes a few key sequences of images from within the book in relation to other kinds of images being produced by media outlets in the US at the time. The article moves beyond a visually-based interpretation of the book’s photographic narrative and points to a future collaborative process of reading and writing about Telex: Iran with Peress himself.
The Professional Journeys and Experiences in Leadership of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Women Bishops
Authors: Tunheim Katherine A. , DuChene Mary Kay
Published: April 2016

The Problem

There are 70.5 million Lutherans in the world, with numbers increasing in Asia and Africa. Currently, only 14% of the Lutheran bishops are women, an increase from 10% in 2011. The role of bishop is a complex leadership position, requiring one to lead up to 150 churches and pastors in a geographical area. With more than 50% of the Lutheran church population comprised of women, their gender and voices are not being represented or heard at the highest levels of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). With one billion women projected to enter the workforce globally in the next two decades, more needs to be written and understood about women church leaders, such as Lutheran bishops. The purpose of this study was to explore the journeys of women who achieved the office of bishop, to glean what can be learned for the benefit of other women who might be called to these higher levels of leadership in the church.

The Solution

This research suggests that 70% of the ELCA women bishops interviewed had unique career journeys, important spouse support, few women mentors, many challenges, and key leadership competencies required for the role. These findings can be helpful to future Lutheran and other Christian church leaders. It can help current and future women bishops understand what is expected in the role so they can be more successful in it. Leadership development recommendations are also suggested for seminary and higher education administrators and educators.

The Stakeholders

This research contributes to the literature in human resource development (HRD) by concentrating on the experiences of women leaders in the church—specifically women who have achieved the office of Bishop of the ELCA. The findings offer insights that can benefit scholars and practitioners alike, as well as current and future women leaders across the globe, in the church setting as well as other settings.
Implementing Qualitative Data Management Plans to Ensure Ethical Standards in Multi-Partner Centers
Authors: Hardy Lisa J. , Hughes Amy , Hulen Elizabeth , Schwartz Anna L.
Published: April 2016

Thorough data management is crucial for the protection of people who participate in research and the ability for researchers to share results with the public. The impact of inadequate adherence to data management is particularly evident in small field sites and among vulnerable populations partoicipating in Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR). CBPR presents exciting opportunities for multimedia and multi-sectoral dissemination of research results and policy change, especially concerning the impact of research on health equity for underrepresented populations. In this article, we discuss how we defined data boundaries and protections to adhere to ethical standards while also prioritizing data dissemination while using CBPR with American Indians in Arizona. Although complex partnerships can introduce additional risks to data oversight, data management practices can also increase opportunities for wide-reaching dissemination. We hope to contribute to the literature on data sharing in multi-partnership projects to bolster the impact of dissemination while also protecting participants and populations who chose to collaborate in research and policy practices.
Is This Research? Productive Tensions in Living the (Collaborative) Autoethnographic Process
Authors: Guyotte Kelly W. , Sochacka Nicola W.
Published: April 2016

We came to collaborative autoethnography quite by accident. In this methodological paper, we consider our experiences as we embraced a new methodology, taught and researched collaboratively in an interdisciplinary space, and grappled with how we might nestle our work in a journal with no history of publishing autoethnographies—all while becoming awakened to critiques against and arguments for autoethnographic research. Our discussions are presented along with portions of our lengthy e-mail correspondences written during our research process and center on two prominent facets of our research experience: interdisciplinarity and the research process. Entangled in our methodological unpacking, we highlight “Productive Tensions” that emerged from both our collaboration and reviewer feedback that is presented alongside our discussion. Through seeing these tensions as productive, we argue that embracing diverse perspectives can serve to strengthen the depth of engagement, quality, and potential impact of (collaborative) autoethnographic research.
Experimental evaluation of viscous damping coefficient in the fractional underdamped oscillator
Authors: Escalante-Martínez JE , Gómez-Aguilar JF , Calderón-Ramón C , Morales-Mendoza LJ , Cruz-Orduña I , Laguna-Camacho JR
Published: April 2016

In this article, we obtain the viscous damping coefficient β theoretically and experimentally in the spring–mass–viscodamper system. The calculation is performed to obtain the quasi-period τ. The influence of the viscosity of the fluid and the damping coefficient is analyzed using three fluids, water, edible oil, and gasoline engine oil SAE 10W-40. These processes exhibit temporal fractality and non-local behaviors. Our general non-local damping model incorporates fractional derivatives of Caputo type in the range [Formula: see text], and the viscous damping coefficients are determined in terms of the inverse Mittag-Leffler function. The classical models are recovered when the order of the fractional derivatives is equal to 1.
Fast Fourier transform analysis as a new tool for Olympic rifle coaches
Authors: Gladyszewski Grzegorz , Gladyszewska Bozena
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to examine the possibility of using data collected with an electronic training system to determine the influence of a shooter’s heartbeat on shooting precision. Shooting sessions of a rifle in prone position were studied with the use of an electronic training system. As a case study, results of an experienced shooter were analyzed. Fast Fourier transform was applied to raw data extracted from the system and then results were interpreted. The spectrum obtained revealed a wide peak at the frequency f = 2.6 Hz that was considered as the second harmonics of the average frequency corresponding to the heartbeat decreasing down to 69 beats/min when releasing a shot. The session finished with a very modest score of 611.3 points. When a small intentional change in the shooter’s equipment (a sling position) was introduced, the spectrum obtained did not reveal any peaks and the shooter reached a much better score of 621.8 points. The use of fast Fourier transform analysis is proposed as a new tool for Olympic rifle shooters and coaches. This new tool does not require any complicated procedures and provides quantitative information on the influence of a heartbeat on the stability of a shooter’s aim.
Ayurpharmacoepidemiology Perspective
Authors: Debnath Parikshit , Natasha Khurshid , Ali Liaquat , Bhaduri Tapas , Roy Tushar Kanti , Bera Sayantan , Mukherjee Debdeep , Debnath Swati
Published: April 2016

Older Indian diabetics lack proper health literacy making them vulnerable to complications. Assessment of health literacy was done by hospital-based cross-sectional study. Face-to-face interview was conducted by pretested structured questionnaires. Diabetes patients aged ≥60 years consisted of 56.22% males and 43.78% females; in addition, 34.2% respondents were without formal schooling. Diabetes was known to 63.56% respondents. Total knowledge and practice score of the respondents was good (18.9% and 35.1%), average (30.7% and 46.9%), and poor (50.4% and 18%), respectively. Knowledge and practice score was strongly associated ( P < .01) with religion, educational status, and diabetes duration with positive relationship ( R2 = 0.247, P < .01) between knowledge and practice score. The study highlights lack of health literacy among older diabetics undergoing ayurveda management. Baseline statistics will pave the way toward ayurpharmacoepidemiology.
RecurrentNRASmutations in pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Mourah Samia , How-Kit Alexandre , Meignin Véronique , Gossot Dominique , Lorillon Gwenaël , Bugnet Emmanuelle , Mauger Florence , Lebbe Celeste , Chevret Sylvie , Tost Jörg , Tazi Abdellatif
Published: April 2016

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is constantly activated in Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). Mutations of the downstream kinasesBRAFandMAP2K1mediate this activation in a subset of LCH lesions. In this study, we attempted to identify other mutations which may explain the MAPK activation in nonmutatedBRAFandMAP2K1LCH lesions.

We analysed 26 pulmonary and 37 nonpulmonary LCH lesions for the presence ofBRAF,MAP2K1,NRASandKRASmutations. Grossly normal lung tissue from 10 smoker patients was used as control. Patient spontaneous outcomes were concurrently assessed.

BRAFV600Emutations were observed in 50% and 38% of the pulmonary and nonpulmonary LCH lesions, respectively. 40% of pulmonary LCH lesions harbouredNRASQ61K/Rmutations, whereas noNRASmutations were identified in nonpulmonary LCH biopsies or in lung tissue control. In seven out of 11NRASQ61K/R-mutated pulmonary LCH lesions,BRAFV600Emutations were also present. Separately genotyping each CD1a-positive area from the same pulmonary LCH lesion demonstrated that these concurrentBRAFandNRASmutations were carried by different cell clones.NRASQ61K/Rmutations activated both the MAPK and AKT (protein kinase B) pathways. In the univariate analysis, the presence of concurrentBRAFV600EandNRASQ61K/Rmutations was significantly associated with patient outcome.

These findings highlight the importance ofNRASgenotyping of pulmonary LCH lesions because the use of BRAF inhibitors in this context may lead to paradoxical disease progression. These patients might benefit from MAPK kinase inhibitor-based treatments.