bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large-scale analysis of gene expression changes during acute and chronic exposure to Δ9-THC in rats
Authors: KITTLER JOSEF T. , GRIGORENKO ELENA V. , CLAYTON CHRIS , ZHUANG SHOU-YUAN , BUNDEY SARAH C. , TROWER MICHAEL M. , WALLACE DON , HAMPSON ROBERT , DEADWYLER SAM
Published: December 2017

Kittler, Josef T., Elena V. Grigorenko, Chris Clayton, Shou-Yuan Zhuang, Sarah C. Bundey, Michael M. Trower, Don Wallace, Robert Hampson, and Sam Deadwyler. Large-scale analysis of gene expression changes during acute and chronic exposure to Δ9-THC in rats. Physiol Genomics 3: 175–185, 2000.—Large-scale cDNA microarrays were employed to assess transient changes in gene expression levels following acute and chronic exposure to cannabinoids in rats. A total of 24,456 cDNA clones were randomly selected from a rat brain cDNA library, amplified by PCR, and arrayed at high density to investigate differential gene expression profiles following acute (24 h), intermediate (7 days), and chronic (21 days) exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the psychoactive ingredient of marijuana. Hippocampal mRNA probes labeled with 33P obtained from both vehicle and Δ9-THC-treated animals were hybridized with identical cDNA microarrays. Results revealed a total of 49 different genes altered by Δ9-THC exposure; of these, 28 were identified, 10 had homologies to expressed sequence tags (ESTs), and 11 had no homology to known sequences in the GenBank database. Chronic or acute cannabinoid receptor activation altered expression of several genes (i.e., prostaglandin D synthase, calmodulin) involved in biochemical cascades of cannabinoid synthesis or cannabinoid effector systems. Other genes [i.e., neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), myelin basic protein], whose relation to cannabinoid system function was not immediately obvious, were also significantly altered. Verification of the changes obtained with the large-scale screen was determined by RNA dot blots in different groups of animals treated the same as those in the large-scale screen. Results are discussed in terms of the different types of genes affected at different times during chronic Δ9-THC exposure.
Gene expression in rats with renal disease treated with the angiotensin II receptor antagonist, eprosartan
Authors: WONG VICTORIA Y. , LAPING NICHOLAS J. , CONTINO LISA C. , OLSON BARBARA A. , GRYGIELKO EUGENE , BROOKS DAVID P.
Published: December 2017

The role of ANG II on renal and cardiac gene expression of matrix proteins was studied in rats with progressive renal disease. Induction of renal failure by five-sixths nephrectomy of Sprague-Dawley rats resulted in hypertension (163 ± 19 vs. control pressures of 108 ± 6 mmHg), proteinuria (83 ± 47 vs. 14 ± 2 mg/day), and increased renal expression of fibronectin, thrombospondin, collagen I and III, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) mRNA. Treatment with the ANG II receptor antagonist, eprosartan (60 mg·kg−1·day−1), lowered blood pressure (95 ± 5 mmHg) and proteinuria (19 ± 8 mg/d) and abrogated the increased TGF-β, fibronectin, thrombospondin, collagens I and III, and PAI-1 mRNA expression. An increase in left ventricular weight was observed in five-sixths nephrectomized rats (0.13 ± 0.01 vs. 0.08 ± 0.01 g/100 g body wt), a response that was inhibited by eprosartan treatment (0.10 ± 0.01 g/100 g). Left ventricular expression of TGF-β and fibronectin was also increased in rats with renal disease; however, the small decreases in expression observed in eprosartan-treated rats did not reach statistical significance. These data suggest that eprosartan may be beneficial in progressive renal disease and that the mechanism of action includes inhibition of cytokine production in addition to antihypertensive activity.
Retinoic acid receptor-β: an endogenous inhibitor of the perinatal formation of pulmonary alveoli
Authors: MASSARO GLORIA DE CARLO , MASSARO DONALD , CHAN WAI-YEE , CLERCH LINDA B. , GHYSELINCK NORBERT , CHAMBON PIERRE , CHANDRARATNA ROSHANTHA A. S.
Published: December 2017

Pulmonary alveoli are formed, in part, by subdivision (septation) of the gas-exchange saccules of the immature lung. Septation is developmentally regulated, and failure to septate at the appropriate time is not followed by delayed spontaneous septation. We report retinoic acid receptor (RAR) β knockout mice exhibit premature septation; in addition, they form alveoli twice as fast as wild-type mice during the period of septation but at the same rate as wild-type mice thereafter. Consistent with the perinatal effect of RARβ knockout, RARβ agonist treatment of newborn rats impairs septation. These results 1) identify RARβ as the first recognized endogenous signaling that inhibits septation, 2) demonstrate premature onset of septation may be induced, and 3) show the molecular signaling regulating alveolus formation differs during and after the period of septation. Suppressing perinatal RARβ signaling by RARβ antagonists may offer a novel, nonsurgical, means of preventing, or remediating, failed septation in prematurely born children.
Expression of a renin/GFP transgene in mouse embryonic, extra-embryonic, and adult tissues
Authors: JONES C. A. , HURLEY M. I. , BLACK T. A. , KANE C. M. , PAN L. , PRUITT S. C. , GROSS K. W.
Published: December 2017

A reporter construct was assembled with 4-kb of renin 5′-flanking sequence fused to humanized green fluorescent protein (GFP) cDNA. Transgenic mice carrying this construct were produced and assayed for GFP expression. In the adult, expression was detected in juxtaglomerular (JG) cells of the kidney and granular convoluted tubular cells of the submandibular gland. Furthermore, treatment of mice with captopril induced GFP expression in renal vascular smooth muscle cells. During embryogenesis, GFP expression was first detected at embryonic day E13 in the adrenal gland and Wolffian duct. Expression was also seen in the developing renal vasculature as early as E14 and remained detectable through birth. Renal GFP expression became restricted to JG cells in adults. Fetal adrenal and gonadal arteries also expressed GFP. In the placenta, GFP was observed in giant cell trophoblasts, consistent with reports of renin expression in chorionic cells of both humans and mice. We conclude that 4 kb of renin 5′ flank is sufficient to direct multiple known renin expression patterns. Furthermore, the renin-GFP construct characterized here will provide a useful vital reporter for renin expression.
Identifying a series of candidate genes for mania and psychosis: a convergent functional genomics approach
Authors: NICULESCU ALEXANDER B. , SEGAL DAVID S. , KUCZENSKI RONALD , BARRETT THOMAS , HAUGER RICHARD L. , KELSOE JOHN R.
Published: December 2017

We have used methamphetamine treatment of rats as an animal model for psychotic mania. Specific brain regions were analyzed comprehensively for changes in gene expression using oligonucleotide GeneChip microarrays. The data was cross-matched against human genomic loci associated with either bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Using this convergent approach, we have identified several novel candidate genes (e.g., signal transduction molecules, transcription factors, metabolic enzymes) that may be involved in the pathogenesis of mood disorders and psychosis. Furthermore, for one of these genes, G protein-coupled receptor kinase 3 (GRK3), we found by Western blot analysis evidence for decreased protein levels in a subset of patient lymphoblastoid cell lines that correlated with disease severity. Finally, the classification of these candidate genes into two prototypical categories, psychogenes and psychosis-suppressor genes, is described.
Analysis of molecular profile data using generative and discriminative methods
Authors: Moler E. J. , Chow M. L. , Mian I. S.
Published: December 2017

A modular framework is proposed for modeling and understanding the relationships between molecular profile data and other domain knowledge using a combination of generative (here, graphical models) and discriminative [Support Vector Machines (SVMs)] methods. As illustration, naive Bayes models, simple graphical models, and SVMs were applied to published transcription profile data for 1,988 genes in 62 colon adenocarcinoma tissue specimens labeled as tumor or nontumor. These unsupervised and supervised learning methods identified three classes or subtypes of specimens, assigned tumor or nontumor labels to new specimens and detected six potentially mislabeled specimens. The probability parameters of the three classes were utilized to develop a novel gene relevance, ranking, and selection method. SVMs trained to discriminate nontumor from tumor specimens using only the 50–200 top-ranked genes had the same or better generalization performance than the full repertoire of 1,988 genes. Approximately 90 marker genes were pinpointed for use in understanding the basic biology of colon adenocarcinoma, defining targets for therapeutic intervention and developing diagnostic tools. These potential markers highlight the importance of tissue biology in the etiology of cancer. Comparative analysis of molecular profile data is proposed as a mechanism for predicting the physiological function of genes in instances when comparative sequence analysis proves uninformative, such as with human and yeast translationally controlled tumour protein. Graphical models and SVMs hold promise as the foundations for developing decision support systems for diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring as well as inferring biological networks.
Integrating naive Bayes models and external knowledge to examine copper and iron homeostasis in S. cerevisiae
Authors: Moler E. J. , Radisky D. C. , Mian I. S.
Published: December 2017

A novel suite of analytical techniques and visualization tools are applied to 78 published transcription profiling experiments monitoring 5,687 Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes in studies examining cell cycle, responses to stress, and diauxic shift. A naive Bayes model discovered and characterized 45 classes of gene profile vectors. An enrichment measure quantified the association between these classes and specific external knowledge defined by four sets of categories to which genes can be assigned: 106 protein functions, 5 stages of the cell cycle, 265 transcription factors, and 16 chromosomal locations. Many of the 38 genes in class 42 are known to play roles in copper and iron homeostasis. The 17 uncharacterized open reading frames in this class may be involved in similar homeostatic processes; human homologs of two of them could be associated with as yet undefined disease states arising from aberrant metal ion regulation. The Met4, Met31, and Met32 transcription factors may play a role in coregulating genes involved in copper and iron metabolism. Extensions of the simple graphical model used for clustering to learning more complex models of genetic networks are discussed.
Gene expression profiling of mouse postnatal cerebellar development
Authors: MATOBA RYO , SAITO SAKAE , UENO NORIKO , MARUYAMA CHIYURI , MATSUBARA KENICHI , KATO KIKUYA
Published: December 2017

Expression patterns of 1,869 genes were determined using adapter-tagged competitive PCR (ATAC-PCR) at 6 time points during mouse postnatal cerebellar development. The expression patterns were classified into 12 clusters that were further assembled into 3 groups by hierarchical cluster analysis. Among the 1,869 genes, 1,053 known genes were assigned to 90 functional categories. Statistically significant correlation between the clusters or groups of gene expression and the functional categories was ascertained. Genes involved in oncogenesis or protein synthesis were highly expressed during the earlier stages of development. Those responsible for brain functions such as neurotransmitter receptor and synapse components were more active during the later stages of development. Many other genes also showed expression patterns in accordance with literature information. The gene expression patterns and the inferred functions were in good agreement with anatomical as well as physiological observations made during the developmental process.
In vivo measurement of lung volumes in mice
Authors: MITZNER W. , BROWN R. , LEE W.
Published: December 2017

We describe longitudinal measurements of functional residual capacity (FRC) in breathing mice using a clinical computed tomography (CT) scanner. Lungs of anesthetized mice from the A/J and C3H/HeJ strains were scanned over a 10-s period. Using a fixed threshold for CT density, we could accurately and reproducibly obtain the amount of air in the lungs at FRC, with a 10% coefficient of variation. Total lung volume, and the fractions in left and right lungs, were measured in the two strains from 4 to 12 wk of age. Results show that in both strains the FRC increases only up to 6 wk of age and then remains stable despite a steady increase in body weight. Over this time period, FRC was consistently about 50% greater in the C3H/HeJ strain compared with the A/J strain. The C3H/HeJ strain also has a significantly smaller fraction of the total lung volume in the left lung. We conclude that accurate measurements of FRC in breathing mice can be made using a standard clinical CT scanner. This method may be useful for repeated noninvasive assessment of both structural and functional changes in the lungs of experimental and genetically manipulated mice.
Insights into a plasma membrane signature
Authors: HARVEY SHERYL , ZHANG YAN , LANDRY FRANCE , MILLER COLEEN , SMITH JEFFREY W.
Published: December 2017

The plasma membrane (PM) is an organized biological system that serves as a structural barrier and communication interface with the extracellular environment. Many basic questions regarding the PM as a system remain unanswered. In particular, we do not understand the scope of similarity and differences in protein expression at the PM. This study takes an initial step toward addressing these questions by comparing the PM proteomes of fibroblasts and mammary carcinoma cells. Three sets of proteins were revealed by the study. The first set comprises between 9 and 23% of all proteins at the PM and appears to be common to both fibroblasts and mammary carcinoma. A second group of proteins, comprising ∼40% of the proteins at the PM, is tightly linked to cell lineage. The third set of proteins is unique to each cell line and is independent of cell lineage. It is reasonable to hypothesize then, that this third group of proteins is responsible for unique aspects of cell behavior. In an effort to find proteins linked to the metastatic phenotype, we identified several proteins that are uniquely expressed at the PM of the metastatic MDA-MB-435 cells. These proteins have functions ranging from cell adhesion to the regulation of translation and the control of oxidant stress.
Cardiac remodeling and contractile function in acid α-glucosidase knockout mice
Authors: KAMPHOVEN JOEP H. J. , STUBENITSKY RENE , REUSER ARNOLD J. J. , VAN DER PLOEG ANS T. , VERDOUW PIETER D. , DUNCKER DIRK J.
Published: December 2017

Pompe’s disease is an autosomal recessive and often fatal condition, caused by mutations in the acid α-glucosidase gene, leading to lysosomal glycogen storage in heart and skeletal muscle. We investigated the cardiac phenotype of an acid α-glucosidase knockout (KO) mouse model. Left ventricular weight-to-body weight ratios were increased 6.3 ± 0.8 mg/g in seven KO compared with 3.2 ± 0.2 mg/g in eight wild-type (WT) mice ( P < 0.05). Echocardiography under ketamine-xylazine anesthesia revealed an increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness (2.17 ± 0.16 in KO vs. 1.18 ± 0.10 mm in WT mice, P < 0.05) and a decreased LV lumen diameter (2.50 ± 0.32 in KO vs. 3.21 ± 0.14 mm in WT mice, P < 0.05), but LV diameter shortening was not different between KO and WT mice. The maximum rate of rise of left ventricular pressure (LV dP/d tmax) was lower in KO than in WT mice under basal conditions (2,720 ± 580 vs. 4,440 ± 440 mmHg/s) and during dobutamine infusion (6,220 ± 800 vs. 8,730 ± 790 mmHg/s, both P < 0.05). Similarly, during isoflurane anesthesia LV dP/d tmaxwas lower in KO than in WT mice under basal conditions (5,400 ± 670 vs. 8,250 ± 710 mmHg/s) and during norepinephrine infusion (10,010 ± 1,320 vs. 14,710 ± 220 mmHg/s, both P < 0.05). In conclusion, the markedly increased LV weight and wall thickness, the encroachment of the LV lumen, and LV dysfunction reflect cardiac abnormalities, although not as overt as in humans, of human infantile Pompe’s disease and make these mice a suitable model for further investigation of pathophysiology and of novel therapies of Pompe’s disease.
Nuclear transfer of adult and genetically modified fetal cells of the rat
Authors: HAYES ERIC , GALEA SANDRA , VERKUYLEN AMANDA , PERA MARTIN , MORRISON JOHN , LACHAM-KAPLAN ORLY , TROUNSON ALAN
Published: December 2017

The present study examines the handling, activation, and micromanipulation of rat eggs in an attempt to produce live young using nuclear transfer (NT) of adult and genetically modified rat fetal cells. Mature rat eggs cultured in calcium-free medium showed reduced rates (24%) of chromosomal dispersion (“spontaneous activation” characteristic of this species) compared with eggs cultured in calcium-containing medium (47%), but failed to survive micromanipulation procedures. High rates of parthenogenetic cleavage were obtained with chemical activation using ethanol/cycloheximide (65%) compared with other standard chemical activation methods (4–28%). This type of activation was also effective in reestablishing cleavage capability (19–71%), in a time-dependent manner, of spontaneously activated eggs arrested at a second prophase-like state. At most, two of four tested micromanipulation procedures were effective in producing NT embryos capable of morula or blastocyst development (14–16%) in vivo following transfer to mouse oviducts. NT blastocysts produced from cumulus cells and transfected rat fetal fibroblasts appeared morphologically and karyotypically normal (2 n = 42). Nocodazole-assisted metaphase enucleation and piezoelectric-assisted donor cell injection produced significant and equivocal effects on survival and cleavage rates of reconstructed embryos but failed to significantly improve in vivo morula/blastocyst development rates (16–28%) compared with unassisted micromanipulation (16%). Live births have not yet been obtained from early cleavage stage embryos ( n = 269) transferred to pseudopregnant recipient rat oviducts. Improvements in reconstituted NT embryo culture and transfer are required for these methods to be an effective means of transgenic rat production.
Contrasting pharmacological ETB receptor blockade with genetic ETB deficiency in renal responses to big ET-1
Authors: POLLOCK DAVID M.
Published: December 2017

Renal clearance studies were conducted to determine the role of ETB receptors in the renal response to big endothelin-1 (big ET-1). Two series of experiments were conducted on Inactin-anesthetized rats to contrast acute pharmacological blockade of ETB receptors vs. genetic ETB receptor deficiency. In the first series, Sprague-Dawley rats were given either ETB-selective antagonist, A-192621, or vehicle (0.9% NaCl) prior to infusion of big ET-1 (10 pmol·kg−1·min−1) for 60 min. A-192621 significantly increased baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP; 102 ± 4 vs. 141 ± 6 mmHg, P < 0.05) and urine flow rate (0.5 ± 0.1 vs. 1.3 ± 0.2 μl/min, P < 0.05) without any effect on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) or effective renal plasma flow (ERPF). Big ET-1 significantly increased MAP in both groups but to a higher level in rats given antagonist (120 ± 6 vs. 169 ± 6 mmHg, P < 0.05). Big ET-1 increased urine flow in control rats but decreased in rats given antagonist. GFR and ERPF were decreased in rats given big ET-1, an effect that was exaggerated by ETB blockade. Another series of experiments examined the response to big ET-1 in rats lacking functional renal ETB receptors, known as spotting lethal ( sl) rats. Surprisingly, rats heterozygous ( sl/+) for ETB receptor deficiency had a significantly higher baseline MAP compared with homozygous ( sl/ sl) rats (134 ± 6 vs. 112 ± 7 mmHg, P < 0.05), although other variables were similar. Big ET-1 produced no significant change in MAP in either group. Urine flow, GFR, and ERPF were significantly decreased in both groups, although these changes were much larger in sl/ sl rats. These experiments indicate that the ETB receptor plays an important role in limiting the renal hemodynamic response to big ET-1. Furthermore, the diuretic actions of big ET-1 require a functional ETB receptor.
Adverse Effects on β‐Adrenergic Receptor Coupling: Ischemic Postconditioning Failed to Preserve Long‐Term Cardiac Function
Authors: Schreckenberg Rolf , Bencsik Péter , Weber Martin , Abdallah Yaser , Csonka Csaba , Gömöri Kamilla , Kiss Krisztina , Pálóczi János , Pipis Judit , Sárközy Márta , Ferdinandy Péter , Schulz Rainer , Schlüter Klaus‐Dieter
Published: December 2017

Background

Ischemic preconditioning (
IPC
) and ischemic postconditioning (
IP
oC) are currently among the most efficient strategies protecting the heart against ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, the effect of
IPC
and
IP
oC on functional recovery following ischemia/reperfusion is less clear, particularly with regard to the specific receptor‐mediated signaling of the postischemic heart. The current article examines the effect of
IPC
or
IP
oC on the regulation and coupling of β‐adrenergic receptors and their effects on postischemic left ventricular function.

Methods and Results

The β‐adrenergic signal transduction was analyzed in 3‐month‐old Wistar rats for each of the intervention strategies (Sham, ischemia/reperfusion,
IPC
,
IP
oC) immediately and 7 days after myocardial infarction. Directly after the infarction a cardioprotective potential was demonstrated for both
IPC
and
IP
oC: the infarct size was reduced, apoptosis and production of reactive oxygen species were lowered, and the myocardial tissue was preserved. Seven days after myocardial ischemia, only
IPC
hearts showed significant functional improvement. Along with a deterioration in fractional shortening,
IP
oC hearts no longer responded adequately to β‐adrenergic stimulation. The stabilization of β‐adrenergic receptor kinase‐2 via increased phosphorylation of Mdm2 (an E3‐ubiquitin ligase) was responsible for desensitization of β‐adrenergic receptors and identified as a characteristic specific to
IP
oC hearts.

Conclusions

Immediately after myocardial infarction, rapid and transient activation of β‐adrenergic receptor kinase‐2 may be an appropriate means to protect the injured heart from excessive stress. In the long term, however, induction and stabilization of β‐adrenergic receptor kinase‐2, with the resultant loss of positive inotropic function, leads to the functional picture of heart failure.
Two Kinds of Soft Facts
Authors: De Florio Ciro , Frigerio Aldo
Published: December 2017

The concept of soft facts is crucial for the Ockhamistic analysis of the divine knowledge of future contingents; moreover, this notion is important in itself because it concerns the structure of the facts that depend—in some sense—on other future facts. However, the debate on soft facts is often flawed by the unaware use of two different notions of soft facts. The facts of the first kind are supervenient on temporal facts: By bringing about a temporal fact, the agent can bring about these facts. However, on the one hand, the determination of the existence of these facts does not affect the past; on the other hand, assimilating divine knowledge into this kind of facts does not help the Ockhamist. The authors will argue that, to vindicate Ockhamism, another definition of “soft fact” is necessary, which turns out to be much more demanding from a metaphysical point of view.
The UK Administrative Data Research Network: Its Genesis, Progress, and Future
Authors: Elias Peter
Published: December 2017

This article describes the ways in which UK administrative data are becoming more widely available for research. I outline the historical context of these developments, detail the network infrastructure that has now been put in place and discuss the continuing legal measures that are required to bring this network to fruition. I focus on the lessons that have been learned as work has progressed, drawing on this experience to elucidate some principles that may have relevance to similar attempts to promote better access to and linkage between administrative datasets in different cultural and legal settings.
Research Infrastructure for the Safe Analysis of Sensitive Data
Authors: Foster Ian
Published: December 2017

To use administrative and other new data sources for the scientific study of human beings and human behavior, analysts need to be able both to connect to these new data and to deploy new methods for linking and analyzing the data. These efforts are often hindered by legal, technical, and operational difficulties. In this article, I examine how new digital research infrastructures can be used to reduce such barriers. Experiences with data stewardship in other scientific domains shows that appropriate infrastructure can enable the efficient, secure, and collaborative integration of domain expertise, data, and analysis capabilities. I review the state of the art in these areas and argue for the use of cloud-hosted enclaves as a safe interaction point for analysts, data, and software, and as a means of automating and thus professionalizing data stewardship processes.
Building an Infrastructure to Support the Use of Government Administrative Data for Program Performance and Social Science Research
Authors: Lane Julia
Published: December 2017

This article provides an overview of the elements necessary to build a sustainable research data infrastructure. I argue that it needs the financial and intellectual engagement of a community of practice. Most attention has been paid to researchers and policy-makers, but a third group—government programmatic agencies—must be a focal point since they act as both data producers and as policy implementers. I also discuss possible business models that are both consistent with serving the needs of multiple stakeholders and that are not completely dependent on the largesse of the public purse.
Order in the Court: How Firm Status and Reputation Shape the Outcomes of Employment Discrimination Suits
Authors: McDonnell Mary-Hunter , King Brayden G
Published: December 2017

This article explores the mechanisms by which corporate prestige produces distorted legal outcomes. Drawing on social psychological theories of status, we suggest that prestige influences audience evaluations by shaping expectations, and that its effect will differ depending on whether a firm’s blameworthiness has been firmly established. We empirically analyze a unique database of more than 500 employment discrimination suits brought between 1998 and 2008. We find that prestige is associated with a decreased likelihood of being found liable (suggesting a halo effect in assessments of blameworthiness), but with more severe punishments among organizations that are found liable (suggesting a halo tax in administrations of punishment). Our analysis allows us to reconcile two ostensibly contradictory bodies of work on how organizational prestige affects audience evaluations by showing that prestige can be both a benefit and a liability, depending on whether an organization’s blameworthiness has been firmly established.
Smooth Factor Analysis (SFA) to Effectively Remove High Levels of Noise from Spectral Data Sets
Authors: Park Yeonju , Noda Isao , Jung Young Mee
Published: December 2017

Smooth factor analysis (SFA) is introduced as an effective method of removing heavy noise from spectral data sets. A modified form of the nonlinear iterative partial least squares (NIPALS) algorithm involving the smoothing of factors at each step is used in SFA. Compared with the conventional smoothing techniques for individual spectra, SFA is much more effective in the treatment of very noisy spectra (∼40% noise level). Smooth factor analysis invokes a large number of smooth factors to retain pertinent spectral information for high fidelity without distortion. This approach can be used as an effective general pretreatment procedure for multivariate spectral data analysis, such as principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS). This SFA method was also applied to the real experimental data, and its results successfully demonstrated the powerful potential for effective noise removal. Furthermore, this treatment is found to be very helpful to assist effective interpretation of two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) spectra with very high noise level, which was not possible before.
What influences physical activity provision in after-school childcare in the absence of policy guidance? A qualitative exploration
Authors: MacFarlane Kendra , Wharf Higgins Joan , Naylor Patti-Jean
Published: December 2017

Objective:

This study explored factors affecting the implementation of good-quality physical activity provision in after-school childcare delivered in a Canadian jurisdiction without specific policy, standards or active interventions aimed at increasing physical activity underway.

Design:

Case study design theoretically guided by the implementation literature.

Method:

Of the 80 childcare centres in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, 50 were eligible or available to participate. Managers from centres who agreed to participate responded to direct recruitment ( n = 9); an additional seven staff were recruited through snowball sampling (n = 7). Semi-structured interviews explored macro-, organisational- and individual-level factors influencing implementation. Coding strategies suggested by grounded theory (open, axial and selective), constant comparison with the literature and an a priori conceptual framework were used to analyse the data.

Results:

Three primary themes (‘Being confined’, ‘Working together to pull it off’ and ‘It takes skill’) and three subthemes (‘It’s a moving target’, ‘We have to make do’ and ‘Centre rules and routines dictate practice’) emerged from the analysis.

Conclusion:

The study contributes to the understanding of facilitators and barriers to the implementation of good-quality physical activity provision in typical after-school childcare centres. This information can inform guideline and implementation resource development.
Familial hypercholesterolaemia patient–determined themes for community-engaged research
Authors: DeAngelis Erik J , McIntosh Scott , Ahmed Catherine D , Block Robert C
Published: December 2017

Objective:

To determine individual and group patient ideas and priorities regarding ways to enhance their own health care while providing a supportive environment including a clinical lipidologist and other medical experts. The intent was to transform these ideas and priorities into hypotheses for future research while enhancing current health promotion practice.

Design:

Communication between patients and medical professionals occurred via individual and group meetings, including group meetings in a non-medical campus location in the community of Rochester, New York.

Setting:

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant disorder that causes elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from birth and premature cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, <10% of affected patients are diagnosed, which carries implications for knowledge and treatment. Patients’ perceptions regarding their own health and others affected by FH have not been described via a direct partnership between patients and medical professionals.

Method:

Qualitative data were collected and thematic coding methods were used to identify underlying themes.

Results:

Themes identified from patient-led discussions included knowledge regarding FH; the importance of being diagnosed with FH; communication between patients, their family members and medical professionals; outreach including via their own roles as advocates and using electronic medical records; and awareness of effective treatments.

Conclusion:

Patients with FH have a great deal to contribute concerning how the medical system approaches them before and after diagnosis as well as research hypotheses that should be of high priority. Taking their ideas into account could improve the very insufficient and life-threatening rate of diagnosis, as well as enhance patient self-empowerment.
Epidemiological patterns of mental disorders and stigma in a community household survey in urban slum and rural settings in Kenya
Authors: Mutiso Victoria N , Musyimi Christine W , Tomita Andrew , Loeffen Lianne , Burns Jonathan K , Ndetei David M
Published: December 2017

Purpose:

This study investigated the epidemiological patterns of mental illness and stigma in community households in Kenya using a cross-sectional community household survey among 846 participants.

Methods:

A cross-sectional community household survey was conducted around urban slum (Kangemi) and rural (Kibwezi) selected health facilities in Kenya. All households within the two sites served by the selected health facilities were included in the study. To select the main respondent in the household, the oldest adult who could speak English, Kiswahili or both (the official languages in Kenya) was selected to participate in the interview. The Opinion about Mental Illness in Chinese Community (OMICC) questionnaire and the MINI-International Neuropsychiatric Interview–Plus Version 5 (MINI) tools were administered to the participants. Pearson’s chi-square test was used to compare prevalence according to gender, while adjusted regression models examined the association between mental illness and views about mental illness, stratified by gender.

Results:

The overall prevalence of mental illness was 45%, showing gender differences regarding common types of illness. The opinions about mental illness were similar for men and women, while rural respondents were more positively opinionated than urban participants. Overall, suffering from mental illness was associated with more positive opinions among women and more negative opinions among men.

Conclusion:

More research is needed into the factors explaining the observed differences in opinion about mental illness between the subgroups, and the impact of mental illness on stigma in Kenya in order to create an evidence-based approach against stigma.
Effect of direct and indirect contact with mental illness on dangerousness and social distance
Authors: Lee Minhwa , Seo Mikyung
Published: December 2017

Background:

This study is based on the contact hypothesis that contact with mental illness is the most effective anti-stigma strategy.

Aims:

This study aims to analyze which form of contact can most effectively decrease the dangerousness and social distance associated with schizophrenia, depression and alcoholism.

Method:

In total, 573 Korean adults ( Mage = 43.71 years, standard deviation ( SD) = 13.41; 54.1% male, 45.9% female) were surveyed about randomly assigned vignettes of schizophrenia, depression and alcoholism. The participants were questioned on the dangerousness and social distance associated with the assigned vignette, as well as direct and indirect contact experience with the mental illness. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the main effect and interaction effect that the type of mental illness and contact experience have on the two dependent variables (dangerousness and social distance).

Results:

The findings show that the type of mental illness has a significant main effect on dangerousness and social distance, but contact type only has a significant main effect on social distance. Moreover, the two independent variables (mental illness subtype and contact experience) have an interaction effect on two dependent variables (dangerousness and social distance). Therefore, the anti-stigma effect of contact varies according to the type of mental illness.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that appropriate anti-stigma strategies are required for each type of mental illness. Considering that opportunities for direct contact with persons with mental illness are highly limited, it is necessary to actively utilize indirect contact.
Xinjiang in Central Asia’s Regional Security Structure
Authors: Debata Mahesh Ranjan
Published: December 2017

The emergence of five Central Asian Republics (CARs) following Soviet collapse in 1991 created a new geopolitical situation, with the USA, Russia and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) emerging as key players. China has become one of the strongest forces to take advantage of this new opportunity, be it trade, energy, or to safeguard its volatile Xinjiang region that shares border with three CARs: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Further, inimical forces such as terrorism, religious extremism, transnational drug trafficking, smuggling of arms and ecological disaster have dealt a body blow to regional peace and stability, thereby creating a shattered security zone in and around Central Asia. Given this backdrop, this article argues that security issues, which have so far been important, are going to pose serious challenge in the coming years. It describes Xinjiang as the main geopolitical anchor in Central Asia’s security structure with all its potential for a possible conflagration in the region.
African American Preschoolers' Social and Emotional Competence at School: The Influence of Teachers and Mothers
Authors: Humphries Marisha L. , Strickland Jennifer , Keenan Kate
Published: December 2017

Children learn social and emotional competence through socialization. Traditionally, research has focused attention on the role of Parents in this process; however, teachers also play an important part. The purpose of this study was to examine the social and emotional competence of preschool African American children and the role teachers and mothers play in supporting these competencies. Teachers who labeled children's emotions as positive and were responsive to them created a positive emotional classroom climate. Children in such classrooms were observed to engage in more social competence behaviors. Mothers who provided positive behavioral strategies for their children were also more likely to be emotionally responsive. Surprisingly, these positive behaviors were not related to their children's competence behaviors at school. The relative contribution of mothers' and teachers' behaviors to African American children's observed social and emotional competencies at school and the implications of this research are described.
Reflections on Teaching and Learning the Arts: A Middle-Grade Classroom and a High School for the Arts
Authors: Barilla Rosemary , Brown Tina Boyer
Published: December 2017

In this article, Rosemary Barilla, a middle-grade language arts teacher, inspired by her own dedication to the arts, describes the ways she integrates the fine arts into her classroom program that is designed to teach reading and writing. She notes,

My priority is to address and teach the language arts standards, and I believe that to do so in good faith is to teach a well-versed understanding of how to “read” and write various texts, whether the text is in the form of a painting, a song, a play, or a novella. (p. 12)
Deaf Students as a Linguistic and Cultural Minority: Shifting Perspectives and Implications for Teaching and Learning
Authors: Higgins Michael , Lieberman Amy M.
Published: December 2017

Deaf children have traditionally been perceived and educated as a special needs population. Over the past several decades, several factors have converged to enable a shift in perspective to one in which deaf children are viewed as a cultural and linguistic minority, and the education of deaf children is approached from a bilingual framework. In this article, we present the historical context in which such shifts in perspective have taken place and describe the linguistic, social, and cultural factors that shape a bilingual approach to deaf education. We further discuss the implications of a linguistic and cultural minority perspective of deaf children on language development, teacher preparation, and educational policy.
The Messenger Matters: Invalidating Remarks From Men Provoke a More Negative Emotional Reaction Than Do Remarks From Women
Authors: Weber Danielle M. , Herr Nathaniel R.
Published: December 2017

Despite negative consequences of emotional invalidation, research has not examined the effect of gender on responses to validation or invalidation or how an invalidating comment from a male versus a female confederate may influence affective responses. We used a two-study quasi-experimental design to examine variables that influence the emotions of individuals validated or invalidated for their emotions. Male and female undergraduates received either validating or invalidating remarks from a gender-ambiguous confederate (Study 1) or invalidating remarks from either a male or female confederate (Study 2). Results showed that invalidation from a gender-ambiguous confederate produced more negative emotional reactions than validation regardless of participants’ gender. Furthermore, being invalidated by a man rather than by a woman provoked a specifically more negative emotional response. Interpersonal interventions should explore ways to reduce invalidation and particularly strive to mitigate the effects of invalidation from men, whose criticisms may provoke heightened negative responses from others.
Adolescent Pregnancy Outcomes Among Sisters and Mothers: A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study Using Linkable Administrative Data
Authors: Wall-Wieler Elizabeth , Roos Leslie L. , Nickel Nathan C.
Published: December 2017

Objectives:

Female family members affect both the likelihood of adolescent pregnancy and the outcome of that pregnancy. We examined the degree to which an older sister’s adolescent reproductive outcomes affect her younger sister’s reproductive behavior, and whether relationships in adolescent pregnancy among sisters born to adolescent mothers differ from those born to nonadolescent mothers.

Methods:

We followed a birth cohort in Manitoba, Ontario, Canada, to age 20 using linkable administrative databases housed at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy. The cohort consisted of 12 391 girls born in Manitoba between April 1, 1984, and March 31, 1996, who had 1 older sister. We used logistic regression models to examine the relationships among familial adolescent pregnancy outcomes.

Results:

Compared with adolescent girls whose older sister did not have an adolescent pregnancy, adolescent girls whose older sister had an adolescent pregnancy were more likely to have a pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.57), regardless of whether that pregnancy was completed (aOR = 2.56) or terminated (aOR = 2.59). Relationships in adolescent pregnancy among sisters were much stronger for those born to nonadolescent mothers (aOR = 3.16 [older sister completed adolescent pregnancy] and 3.18 [older sister terminated adolescent pregnancy]) than to adolescent mothers (aOR = 1.65 [older sister completed adolescent pregnancy] and 1.77 [older sister terminated adolescent pregnancy]). For younger sisters having an adolescent pregnancy, the odds of her completing the pregnancy were reduced if her older sister had terminated an adolescent pregnancy and her mother had not been an adolescent mother (aOR = 0.38).

Conclusions:

Younger sisters of adolescents who had a pregnancy may benefit from targeted interventions to reduce their likelihood of adolescent pregnancies.
Authority of Pharmacists to Administer Human Papillomavirus Vaccine: Alignment of State Laws With Age-Level Recommendations
Authors: Dingman Deirdre A. , Schmit Cason D.
Published: December 2017

Objectives:

One strategy to increase the uptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among adolescents is through the use of pharmacists. Our objectives were to (1) use a publicly available database to describe the statutory and regulatory authority of pharmacists to administer the HPV vaccine in the United States and (2) discuss how the current status of laws may influence achievement of the Healthy People 2020 goal of 80% HPV vaccination rate for teenagers aged 13-15.

Methods:

Using information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Public Health Law Program database, we identified state laws in effect as of January 1, 2016, giving pharmacists authority to administer vaccines. We used a standardized analysis algorithm to determine whether states’ laws (1) authorized pharmacists to administer HPV vaccine, (2) required third-party authorization for pharmacist administration, and (3) restricted HPV vaccine administration by pharmacists to certain patient age groups.

Results:

Of 50 states and the District of Columbia, 40 had laws expressly granting pharmacists authority to administer HPV vaccine to patients, but only 22 had laws that authorized pharmacists to vaccinate preadolescents aged 11 or 12 (ie, the CDC-recommended age group). Pharmacists were granted prescriptive authority by 5 states, and they were given authority pursuant to general (non–patient-specific) third-party authorization (eg, a licensed health care provider) by 32 states or patient-specific third-party authorization by 3 states.

Conclusions:

Most states permitted pharmacists to administer HPV vaccines only to boys and girls older than 11 or 12, which may hinder achievement of the Healthy People 2020 goal for HPV vaccination. Efforts should be made to strengthen the role of pharmacists in addressing this public health issue.
Outcome, Functional Recovery and Unmet Needs following Acute Stroke. Experience of Patient follow up at 6 to 9 Months in a Newly Established Stroke Service
Authors: Martin B. J. , Yip B. , Hearty M. , Marietta S. , Hill R.
Published: December 2017

Objective To assess outcome at six months post stroke and the unmet needs and adherence to the secondary prevention advice among survivors living at home. Setting Stroke Rehabilitation Unit (SRU), Hairmyres Hospital and patients homes. Subjects Survivors living at home who had been managed in the SRU. Results Of 572 consecutive patients with confirmed acute stroke, 301 were managed in the SRU and 179 of these were reviewed at home between 6 and 9 months post acute stroke incident. One hundred and thirty seven (76%) survivors at home were living with a carer. Sixty-eight (38%) had had no personal contact with their General Practitioner since discharge from hospital, although 83 (46%) had attended or were attending day hospital. Thirty-two individuals (18%) had resumed smoking. One hundred and forty nine survivors (83%) still required assistance with daily living tasks. One hundred and fifteen patients (64%) required medication advice. One hundred and forty one (79%) had health concerns. Eight subjects had returned to paid employment. Issues raised by survivors included a feeling of being abandoned by the healthcare system, poor access to professional psychological support and a fear of further stroke. Conclusion There is a need for continuing patient education, improved support for stroke survivors and more active involvement of Primary Care Services in the care of stroke patients following hospital discharge.
John Cleland 1835-1925
Authors: Black A.
Published: December 2017

John Cleland, a surgeon-anatomist, trained at Edinburgh and Glasgow before gaining the Chair of Anatomy at Queens College Galway, Ireland when that institution was of a mere 14 years standing. This outline of his life, career and contemporaries provides some insight into the Scottish tradition of teaching and research in the anatomical sciences of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.