bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 559: AMP-Activated Protein Kinase And Estrogen-Dependent Mechanisms Underlying Increased Susceptibility To Cardiovascular Disease During Menopause
Authors: Pier Marissa A , Konhilas John
Published: February 2019

According to the CDC (2017), more women than men have died from heart disease over the last 20-25 years. Yet, premenopausal women are protected against heart and cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to age-matched men. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the transition from
premenopause/perimenopause
(CVD-resistance) to
postmenopause
(CVD-susceptible) in women is unknown and is the focus of this project. The critical barrier impeding translational progress is the lack of appropriate models to study menopause. Most studies have used surgical removal of ovaries (ovariectomy) as a model of menopause; yet this technique poorly recapitulates the natural, physiological transition to menopause that 90% of women experience. We overcome this barrier with administration of the chemical, 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD), where we can mirror progressive ovarian failure and preserve the critical “perimenopause” transitional period, identical to humans. Using this model, we demonstrate that

perimenopausal

, like cycling (premenopausal) females, are protected from pathological angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cardiac remodeling, while

menopausal

females are not. Our novel finding that perimenopausal females remain protected, despite irregular cycling (prior to complete loss of estrogen), underscores the importance of studying the role of estrogen in CVD, across the transition from perimenopause to menopause. Multiple molecular, genetic and cellular mechanisms have been suggested to underlie protection against CVD in non-cycling females, many of which put estrogen as the key mediator. We discovered that one of these pathways, the adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase (AMPK) signaling axis, is activated by estrogen through direct binding of estrogen receptors to the α-catalytic subunit of AMPK. Taken together with our published and preliminary data,

we hypothesis that loss of AMPK signaling is responsible for the exacerbated pathological cardiac remodeling in menopause (see Fig.).

To date, there are no studies that have tested the ability of AMPK activation to mitigate
menopausal susceptibility
to CVD.

Aim:
Determine if AMPK is necessary and/or sufficient to impart protection against pathological cardiac remodeling in menopausal females.

Rationale:
We discovered that AMPK signaling is severely disabled during menopause where females are more susceptible to CVD. Using the VCD mouse model of menopause, we will determine if protection against Ang II-induced cardiac remodeling during menopause is AMPK-dependent.

Summary:
We plan to determine the cellular and molecular mechanisms in premenopausal and perimenopausal females that prevent associated cardiovascular morbidities; and determine the underlying shift that gives rise to increased susceptibility to CVD in menopausal females.
Abstract 573: Mechanical Stress Alters Cell Signaling and Extracellular Matrix Genes in Fetal Cardiac Valves
Authors: Macfie Rebekah , Bridges Alex , Espinoza Herbert M , Lindgren Isa , Louey Samantha , Giraud George , Thornburg Kent , Tibayan Frederick
Published: February 2019

Objective:
Prenatal hypertension leads to mitral annular dilation and is linked to changes in valvular extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell cycle genes including TGFβ-1, BMPs and FGF. We hypothesized that these changes are exacerbated by additional mechanical stress.

Methods:
Fetal sheep received 8 days of plasma infusion to induce hypertension (HTN, n=5) or lactated ringers solution (CTRL, n=4) starting at 126±2 days gestational age (dGA; term~145 days). Fetal mitral valve interstitial cells (VICs) were isolated at 134±1dGA, cultured in flexible, collagen-coated wells and subjected to 0% (static) or 18% equibiaxial stretch (1 Hz, 24 hrs). mRNA was isolated and qPCR was used to determine the effects of HTN and stretch on gene expression. Statistical analysis was performed via two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction.

Results:
Plasma infusion significantly increased the MAP of HTN fetuses (44.3±2.4 vs 61.6±1.1mmHg, p= 0.002). Change in gene expression is shown in Fig. 1; data are expressed relative to the CTRL/static group. Stretch, but not HTN, significantly increased FGF expression (p<0.05). HTN and stretch each significantly increased expression of TGFβ-1, BMP-1 and -2. Stretch amplified the hypertension-induced increase in these 3 genes (p<0.05 for all). Versican was unaltered by HTN or stretch.

Conclusion:
Our study demonstrates that early exposure to mechanical stress can shape cell signaling pathway responses in developing fetal cardiac valves, and these changes are amplified when exposed to a secondary stress. These data indicate that the prenatal environment has implications for postnatal cardiac valve function and risk for valvular disease in adulthood.
Abstract 577: Beclin1 Regulates UVRAG and Rab5-Mediated Endosomal Degradation Pathway
Authors: Lampert Mark , Najor Rita , Leon Leonardo , Gustafsson Asa
Published: February 2019

Effective cellular quality control is crucial for cellular homeostasis and cardiac health. Defects in the pathways that regulate the removal of damaged proteins and organelles contribute to heart failure. Autophagy is well known for its role in removing protein aggregates and organelles; however, we recently found that the small GTPase Rab5 and early endosomes also participate in Parkin-mediated mitochondrial clearance. Beclin1 is a scaffolding protein which can form distinct PI3K protein complexes to regulate different processes. Here we have investigated the role of Beclin1 in regulating the endosomal degradation pathway in cells. Utilizing Beclin1-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), we assessed the effect of Beclin1 deficiency on endosomal activity. We found that the number of Rab5+ early endosomes were decreased, while EGF receptor levels were increased in Beclin1-/- MEFs compared to WT. This suggests that endosomal-mediated degradation is reduced in the absence of Beclin1. Moreover, the constitutively active Rab5Q79L is unable to hydrolyze bound GTP and its overexpression leads to oversized endosomes in WT cells. Interestingly, Rab5Q79L protein was unstable in Beclin1-/- MEFs and failed to induce formation of enlarged endosomes. Beclin1 has also been reported to form a complex with UVRAG, but the exact function of the Beclin1-UVRAG complex is unclear. We found that Beclin1-/- MEFs had significantly decreased UVRAG protein levels. Unexpectedly, restoration of UVRAG, but not Beclin1, restored Rab5Q79L stability in Beclin1-/- MEFs. Endogenous Rab5 levels were unaffected in Beclin1-/- MEFs after UVRAG restoration, indicating that UVRAG is required to stabilize the GTP bound active Rab5. Finally, to examine the function of Beclin1 in myocytes
in vivo
, we generated inducible cardiac-specific Beclin1 KO mice. Within one week of deleting Beclin1 in the adult heart, we observed significant contractile dysfunction and increased mortality. These mice also had reduced autophagic flux and significantly decreased UVRAG protein levels, but increased IGFR-beta receptor protein levels. Together, these data demonstrate the critical role of Beclin1 in cellular homeostasis as a regulator of not only autophagy but also endosomal activities.
Abstract 580: A β-arrestin-Biased β2-Adrenergic Receptor-Specific Pepducin Confers Cardioprotection
Authors: Grisanti Laurel A , Thomas Toby P , de Lucia Claudio , Carter Rhonda L , Gao Erhe , Koch Walter J , Benovic Jeffrey L , Tilley Douglas G
Published: February 2019

Reperfusion as a therapeutic intervention for acute myocardial infarction-induced cardiac injury itself induces further cardiomyocyte death. We recently demonstrated that the pepducin ICL1-9, a small lipidated peptide fragment designed from the first intracellular loop of β2AR, allosterically engaged pro-survival signaling cascades and enhanced cardiomyocyte contractile function in a βarr-dependent manner in vitro. Thus, in this study we tested whether ICL1-9 relays cardioprotection against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced injury in vivo. Wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice received intracardiac injections of either ICL1-9 or a scrambled control pepducin (Scr) at the time of ischemia (30 min) followed by reperfusion for either 24 hours, to assess infarct size and cardiomyocyte death, or 4 weeks, to monitor the impact of ICL1-9 on long-term cardiac structure and function. Intramyocardial injection of ICL1-9 at the time of I/R reduced infarct size, cardiomyocyte death and improved cardiac function in a β2AR- and βarr-dependent manner, which led to less cardiac fibrosis and improved cardiac function over time. Neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVM) were used in conjunction with serum deprivation or hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) models to assess the mechanism by which ICL1-9 promotes cardiomyocyte survival. Notably, ICL1-9 attenuated mitochondrial superoxide production and promoted cardiomyocyte survival in a RhoA-dependent manner. ICL1-9 did not alter β2AR density in NRVM or whole heart even up to 24 hr post-treatment, at which timepoint both ICL1-9 localization in cardiomyocytes and RhoA activation were detected, indicating long-lasting presence and effects of ICL1-9 on βarr-dependent β2AR signaling. Thus, βarr-biased β2AR-selective allosteric modulation represents a novel therapeutic approach to reduce reperfusion-induced cardiac injury and relay long-term structural and functional benefits.
Abstract 583: Cardiac Compensation In ErbB2-deficient Zebrafish Embryos
Authors: Fleming Nicole D , Samsa Leigh A , Hassel David , Qian Li , Liu Jiandong
Published: February 2019

Congenital heart diseases are a leading birth defect in infants and often feature structural malformations that arise during embryogenesis. Over the course of development, the cardiac chambers undergo extensive morphogenetic changes to optimize their myoarchitecture for efficient conduction and contraction, most notably is the formation of luminal, muscular protrusions called trabeculae within the ventricle. Altered trabeculation is associated with congenital heart diseases, and failure to form trabeculae is embryonic lethal. We have previously reported that ErbB2 signaling plays a direct and essential role in cardiac trabeculation, and
erbb2
mutant hearts develop progressive cardiac dysfunction with reduced fractional shortening, and eventually fail. However, the mechanism underlying this functional deterioration in the absence of trabecular formation is not known. In this study, we found that the trabeculae-deficient
erbb2
mutant exhibited increased ventricular cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area and myofibril size, a phenotype reminiscent of that of an adult mammalian heart subjected to mechanical overload. Consistently, inhibition of Target of Rapamycin (TOR) signaling by rapamycin suppressed
erbb2
mutant hypertrophic-like (HL) growth phenotype. Additional studies suggest the
erbb2
mutant HL phenotypes are due to a loss of cardiac trabeculae. We thus propose that trabeculae serve to enhance contractility and that defects in this process lead to wall-stress induced pathological hypertrophic remodeling.
Abstract 586: Early Characterization of the Mechanisms of ATRA-mediated Suppression of Cardiac Hypertrophy
Authors: Parker Lauren , O’Rourke Brian , Foster D. Brian
Published: February 2019

Pathway analyses of proteomic studies in guinea pig and rat hearts subjected to pressure overload-induced hypertrophy and heart failure (HF) suggest aberrant retinoid signaling may contribute to HF progression. Though the precise mechanisms are unknown, we recently showed that cardiac levels of the hormone
all-trans
retinoic acid (ATRA) are deficient in human non-ischemic HF patients. This has prompted us to revisit an old, but poorly understood, observation that ATRA suppresses phenylephrine (Phe)-induced hypertrophy in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs). Using confocal microscopy to measure cross-sectional area (CSA) as an index of hypertrophy, we show, consistent with prior work, that ATRA suppresses Phe-induced increases in NRVM CSA by average of 70%. Specifically, treatment groups of maintenance media (MM) alone and MM+Phe+ATRA were significantly different from the MM+Phe treatment group (p<0.005, n>58). ATRA exerts its biological actions through a class of ligand-dependent transcription factors called retinoic acid receptors (RARs), of which there are three forms, a, b and g. To better understand the mechanism by which ATRA exerts its anti-hypertrophic effect in NRVMs, we examined the impact of RARα, RARβ, and RARγ antagonists. The RARβ antagonist LE135 (1mM) fully blocked the action of ATRA (p<0.0001, n>46), while initial studies with the RARa and RARg antagonists (BMS 195614 and MM 11253) failed to significantly mitigate CSA suppression by ATRA. Thus, initial pharmacologic studies indicate ATRA elicits an anti-hypertrophic program, at least in part, through its activation of RARb. Ongoing experiments are aimed at corroborating these observations in NRVMs virally-transduced with shRNA to knock down levels of each of the RAR isoforms. These studies will provide key insights as we begin to delineate the mechanisms by which ATRA dysregulation contributes to HF pathogenesis.
Taxonomic novelties in grammitid ferns (Polypodiaceae) from the Neotropics and Madagascar supported by molecular data
Authors: SHALISKO VIACHESLAV , SUNDUE MICHAEL A. , VILLALOBOS-ARÁMBULA ALMA ROSA , MUÑIZ-CASTRO MIGUEL ÁNGEL , VÁZQUEZ-GARCÍA J. ANTONIO
Published: February 2019

Based on cpDNA data, we provide the phylogenetic position for 18 species of Neotropical grammitid ferns (Polypodiaceae) that were not previously included in a molecular phylogeny. These species were resolved in Alansmia, Ceradenia, Enterosora, Grammitis, Lellingeria, Lomaphlebia, Melpomene, Moranopteris, Stenogrammitis, and Terpsichore. Our results indicate that Enterosora is polyphyletic and in need of generic recircumscription. We maintain the identity of Enterosora, based on the position of E. campbellii subsp. spongiosa, a variety of the type species. This finding allowed us to conclude that the E. parietina clade should be excluded from Enterosora. To accommodate this clade we describe a new genus, Parrisia. It is related to Adenophorus and a clade that includes Cochlidium, Grammitis s.s., and Lomaphlebia. We further found that Zygophlebia is paraphyletic with respect to Enterosora, represented by two separate clades, Zygophlebia s. s. that includes Z. cornuta, the type species, Z. sectifrons and Z. matthewsii, and a second clade that includes another seven species of Zygophlebia as well as E. barbatula. As a separate clade, this Zygophlebia species could be maintained. However, we prefer to sink both Zygophlebia clades into Enterosora. We propose ten novel combinations for Enterosora, by moving Zygophlebia with a confirmed phylogenetic position to Enterosora. It is possible that the remaining Zygophlebia species should also be treated as Enterosora, but further research is necessary.
A new species of Neocorynura from Ecuador (Hymenoptera: Halictidae), with notes on taxonomy of the genus
Authors: SMITH-PARDO ALLAN H.
Published: February 2019

A new species of the Neotropical bee genus Neocorynura (Halictinae: Augochlorini) is described and figured. Neocorynura miae, new species, combines characters traditionally used to distinguish Neocorynura from its relative Andinaugochlora (sensu Michener, 2000). The taxonomic placement of N. miae in the genus is presented and a revised diagnosis of Neocorynura is provided.
A new species of Brachysiderus Waterhouse, 1881 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) from Maranhao State, Brazil
Authors: GROSSI PASCHOAL COELHO , GROSSI EVERARDO JOSÉ
Published: February 2019

A new Brachysiderus Waterhouse species, of the B. minicola group, in the subgenus Minisiderus Endrödi, B. (M.) mielkeorum sp. nov. is described, discussed and illustrated based on four specimens collected in Maranhão State, northeastern region of Brazil. A key to subgenera and species is also provided.
New species of Platypalpus from Hebei province, China (Diptera: Empididae)
Authors: YANG DING , LI WEIHAI
Published: February 2019

The genus Platypalpus Macquart is reported from Hebei province for the first time. The following three species are described as new to science: P. hebeiensis n. sp., P. acutatus n. sp. and P. xiaowutaiensis n. sp. A key to the species of the genus from Hebei is presented.
Pygommatius Scarbrough & Marascia, a valid ommatiine genus (Diptera: Asilidae) with new combinations and new species from the Philippines
Authors: SCARBROUGH A. G. , HILL H.
Published: February 2019

The subgenus Pygommatius Scarbrough & Marascia of Ommatius Wiedemann is elevated to genus based upon the following combination of characters: thick pencil-like bristles of the face, unusually stout erect bristles on two or three sternites, absence of a stout anepimeral bristle, deeply trilobed epandrium, the first branch being very short, a minute gonostylus, unusually long ejaculatory apodeme, and two pairs of ligament-like apodemes along the posterior margin of the aedeagal sheath. Thirty-five species are transferred from Ommatius to Pygommatius as new combinations and four new species from the Philippines (apoticius, iriga, misamis, and montanus) are described, increasing the number of species within the genus to 39. Formally known only from the Afrotropical Region, this is the first record of Pygommatius in the Oriental Region. Previously described species from the Philippines are reviewed and terminalia of the four new species are illustrated. A key to the nine Philippine species is also provided.
A review of the genus Aulacogenia Stal (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Stenopodainae) from China
Authors: ZHAO PING , CAI WANZHI , TOMOKUNI MASAAKI
Published: February 2019

The species of the genus Aulacogenia Stål from China are reviewed. Five species are recognized, described or redescribed, illustrated, and keyed. A. dentata Zhao & Cai, A. dilatata Cai & Tomokuni, and A. papilla Zhao & Cai are described as new species. A key to the world species of the genus is also provided. The diagnostic characters both for the genus and the species group are modified.
Additional records of osmiine bees (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae: Osmiini) from Siberia
Authors: PROSHCHALYKIN MAXIM YU. , MÜLLER ANDREAS
Published: February 2019

In addition to a previously published study about Siberian osmiine bees, we here further report records of 19 rarely collected and little known species. Twenty-seven species of osmiine bees are currently known from Siberia. Hoplitis beijingensis Wu, 1987, H. kaszabi Tkalců, 2000, and H. inconspicua Tkalců, 1995 are recorded for the first time for Russia and Hoplitis maritima (Romankova, 1985), Osmia inermis (Zetterstedt, 1838), and O. disjuncta Tkalců, 1995 are new to Siberia. Two species, Hoplitis fulva (Eversmann, 1852) and H. papaveris (Latreille, 1799), are excluded from the list of Siberian bees. The male of Hoplitis daurica (Radoszkowski, 1887) is described for the first time, the taxonomic status of Osmia ephippiata Smith, 1879 is discussed and a lectotype is designated for Hoplitis scita (Eversmann, 1852).
Haptomerus maculosus, a new species of the tribe Myorhinini from Zambia (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae)
Authors: BOROVEC ROMAN , NAKLÁDAL OTO
Published: February 2019

The new species Haptomerus maculosus Borovec & Nakládal, sp. n. is described, illustrated and compared with its related species. A key to all Haptomerus species is presented. New data for other species of Haptomerus are presented. The relationships of Haptomerus species are discussed with particular attention to the relationships of species from the Afrotropical region and those from southern Europe.
Index Finger Muscle Fatigue and Pistol Firing Failure
Authors: Nestler Kai , Rohde Ulrich , Witzki Alexander , Waldeck Stephan , Becker Benjamin , Leyk Dieter
Published: February 2019

Objective:

The aim of this study was to analyze finger strength and effects of muscle fatigue on the ability to shoot.

Background:

The finger and hand muscles of soldiers are subject to high loads. For example, the trigger pull of military pistols can amount up to 58 N (≈6 kg) and could cause muscle fatigue in the trigger finger. For soldiers, however, maintaining the ability to shoot is essential for self-defense and survival.

Method:

The marksmanship training of 30 German soldiers (15 female) ages 18 to 40 years was evaluated. Three consecutive exercises with a total of 60 rounds were fired from target ranges of 5 and 10 m, equally using a single-action and double-action trigger mode. Maximum voluntary isometric contraction of the index finger (MVCIF) was measured before and after each of the three firing exercises.

Results:

Shooting reduced MVCIF in female (88.2 ± 15.8 N to 67.3 ± 17.7 N, p < .001) and male soldiers (145.8 ± 21.7 N to 112.7 ± 26.6 N, p < .001). Of the 30 subjects, 23 were unable to shoot due to fatigue, including 15 of 15 female soldiers. The higher MVCIF was at rest, the less commonly ( r = .73, p < .001) and the later ( r = 0.82, p < .001) task failure occurred. Two intermissions of approximately 6 min did not suffice for a significant recovery.

Conclusion:

Excessive trigger pull weight causes muscle fatigue of the index finger and can ultimately lead to task failure during pistol marksmanship training. Short breaks are insufficient for the recovery of finger muscles.

Application:

This study presents a new perspective on ideal trigger pull weight, which should be carefully considered by manufacturers to allow repetitive firing and simultaneously ensure safe handling.
Theoretical and experimental analysis of dynamic parameters of the leveling and centering device
Authors: Kilikevicius Arturas , Skeivalas Jonas , Jurevicius Mindaugas , Kilikeviciene Kristina , Turla Vytautas , Tolocka Eligijus , Cernasejus Olegas , Lukauskaite Raimonda
Published: February 2019

The article analyzes vibrational oscillation’s strength dissemination and the parameters in the centering and leveling table using the covariance function theory. The implementation of measurement techniques requires to use most advanced ideas, and to seek and develop new tools, based on which the direction of angle calibration system’s development could be substantiated and calibration methodologies could be enabled. Vibrational oscillation strength measurements across fixed five ring points’ observations were recorded on a time scale in five vectors arrays (matrices). The covariance functions have enabled the evaluation of the influence of the vibrations of the corresponding rings on the accuracy of the measurement results. Expressions of auto-covariance and cross-covariance functions show the changes in the time scale of the interdependence between the parameters of the corresponding vibrations of the rings on the smoothing device. These changes significantly affect the measurement data errors. The digital vibrational strength measurement arrays’ reciprocal covariance functions were calculated, and estimates of individual arrays’ auto-covariance functions, by changing the quantization interval on the time scale. The covariance model proposed by the authors for the analysis of the dynamical parameters of the centering–leveling devices can be used to investigate the dynamic characteristics of the angular comparators containing the said devices and at the same time to determine the ways of improving the precision of these angular comparators. The calculations were carried out using the special computer program developed by the authors of the Matlab7 Operator Package (The MathWorks, Inc. R2012a 7.14.0.739 License Number 699298).
The Behaviour of Metals under Tensile Loads of Short Duration
Authors: Gibson J.
Published: February 2019

The object of the tests described in this paper was to determine the dynamic yield strengths of various materials when subjected to a certain type of dynamic loading. Such tests have been carried out on fifteen metals, using constant loads of 5 and 10 milliseconds duration. These loads were produced by the longitudinal impact of a brass bar 58 feet long. Measurements of stress and strain were made during the tests, and a comparison of static and dynamic strengths was made on the basis of a 0·1 per cent proof stress when possible. It was found that for a material with a yield point there is a delay period before yielding (under constant applied stress), and for the mild steel a further investigation was made using longer load durations, which were produced by an arrangement of buckled struts.
A Method of Studying Errors in Flight Crew Communication,
Authors: Navarro Claude
Published: February 2019

We present a method of studying errors in flight crew communication, based on the information-processing paradigm. The taxonomy of errors proposed here is based on two dimensions, Type of Communication Errors (Transmission, Detection, Identification, Interpretation, plus Action linked to communication), Type of Adjustment (Individual: problem-solving by the operator concerned; interactive: problem-solving by crew). This taxonomy, tested during certification flight test, seems to be useful in all work situations based on information exchange between operators.
Relationship between Jealous Feelings and Behaviors
Authors: McIntosh Everton G. , Tangri Sandra S.
Published: February 2019

The relationship between jealous feelings and behaviors was investigated by giving 185 college students who were currently dating four measures. Analysis showed that high self-esteem, an internal locus of control, and the making of a dispositional (internal) attribution of the cause of jealousy were all significantly related to the use of direct coping (jealous) behaviors.
Influence of Age on Proprioceptive Accuracy in two Dimensions
Authors: Hearn Muriel , Crowe Alan , Keessen Wim
Published: February 2019

Slow arm movements were made over a smooth horizontal table at shoulder height. With visual cues excluded, target position was indicated by the index finger of the nonmoving arm touching the underside of the table. 134 subjects (including 26 left-handed subjects) in the age range 8.0 to 24.6 yr. were examined to see if the results were age-related. Accuracy slightly but significantly increased with age. The younger subjects showed a greater accuracy with the dominant hand—a situation which tended to be reversed in the older subjects.
Depth Cues of Disparity and Relative Size Added to Necker Cube
Authors: Brigner Willard L. , Harris John Eric
Published: February 2019

A stereogram was prepared in which one of the alternating facets of the Necker cube was drawn with uncrossed disparity and a reduced size relative to the opposite facet. During a 2-min. stereoscopic viewing period, the disparity cue and reduced-size cue did not affect the number of reversals in depth; however, the depth cues led to the disparate and smaller facet being perceived as more distant for a longer duration than the other facet.
A Methodological Note on Predicting Attrition
Authors: Matthews Michael D. , Weaver Charles N.
Published: February 2019

Comparison of two regression models for predicting attrition among 49,668 Air Force recruits indicate the importance of defining turnover in terms which are conceptually related to the predictor variables.
The Generalizability of Social Information Processing to Organizational Settings: A Summary of two Field Experiments
Authors: Jex Steve M. , Spector Paul E.
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this research was to conduct two field experiments of the Social Information Processing (SIP) theory of job attitudes and reports of job characteristics. in the first, subjects were randomly assigned to either positive or no feedback regarding the job satisfaction of others in similar jobs. The results indicated that being exposed to such feedback had no effect on job satisfaction or perceptions of job characteristics. A second experiment was conducted in which both newly hired employees and employees with considerable job experience were randomly assigned to positive, negative, or no feedback conditions. The results were consistent with those of Exp. 1 in that being exposed to feedback regarding the job satisfaction of others had no effect on satisfaction or job perceptions. This was true regardless of job experience. Salancik and Pfeffer in 1978 may have overstated the importance of social cues in organizational settings.
Effects of Open-Ended versus Close-Ended Questions on Interviewees’ Problem-Related Statements
Authors: Nelson-Gray Rosemery O. , Haas Joseph R. , Romano Barbara , Herbert James D. , Herbert Diana L.
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of two interviewer-administered variables, open-ended versus close-ended questions and frequent versus infrequent encouragements, on number of interviewees’ problem-related statements. Female college students ( n = 40) participated in the four types of interviews, created by the 2 (questions) by 2 (encouragements) experimental design. Open-ended questions produced a significantly greater number of interviewees’ problem-related statements, although such questions did not produce substantively more talking by the interviewees. Frequent versus infrequent encouragements by the interviewers did not affect any dependent measure. These results suggest that interviewers use open-ended questions to help accomplish a major goal of assessment, that of problem identification.
Music Affects Learning of a Braille-Like Task by Sighted Subjects
Authors: Kennison Robert F. , Mcfarland Richard A.
Published: February 2019

24 consistently right-handed male college students felt sets of four Braille symbols with either the right or the left index finger and identified by touch alone which two of the four symbols in each set were identical. During the task music was played to either the right ear, the left ear, both ears, or neither ear. Significantly fewer errors were made when the music was in the ear contralateral to whichever hand performed the task. The ipsilateral, binaural, and no-music groups did not differ significantly from each other. It is suggested that monaural music to the ear contralateral to the engaged hand led to reduced interhemispheric competition acting on the hemisphere controlling the hand. Such a facilitating effect may be of practical importance in tasks during which one hemisphere receives the bulk of the task-related sensory input and/or processes the final order from the brain to the task-related muscles.
Mania and Nondominant Hemisphere Function
Authors: Stein Johanna
Published: February 2019

Unlike schizophrenics, actively disturbed manic and hypomanic patients perceived intensely affective musical stimuli without configurational errors or exacerbation of symptoms. The result disagrees with the prevailing hypothesis of manic affect-related cognitive defect in nondominant hemisphere function.
Field Independence and Business Students’ Achievement: A Note
Authors: Young Jeffrey D. , Kelleher William E. , Mcrae Lissa S. E.
Published: February 2019

The Group Embedded Figures Test was used as a measure of field independence with 62 Canadian senior undergraduates in business administration. Scores did not correlate significantly with measures of individual students’ performance in business policy courses.
Evaluation of a Young Child's Behavior: Effects of Attractiveness and Sex
Authors: Horvath T. , Macdonald E. L. L.
Published: February 2019

Facial drawings of 2- or 4-yr.-old hoys or girls differing in attractiveness were attached to an episode which depicted a mild misbehavior. Neither the attribution of responsibility for the behavior nor the choice of an indulgent vs punitive response was associated with the child's attractiveness, sex, or age. These findings suggest that the halo effects of attractiveness discriminations may not be fully operative at these ages.
Abundance in the Anthropocene
Authors: Giraud Eva , Hadley Kershaw Eleanor , Helliwell Richard , Hollin Gregory
Published: February 2019

Numerous attempts have been made to understand the Anthropocene in relation to overwhelming species and habitat loss. However, amidst these losses ecological niches have emerged and been taken as signs of resilience and hope: from mushrooms that flourish in damaged forests to urban wildlife in brownfield sites. This article offers an alternative conception of abundance, which addresses the sociological and conceptual challenges posed when abundance is a characteristic of so-called pests, parasites and pathogens. The article draws together research from three case studies: bed bugs, hookworms and antibiotic resistant microbes, all of which have become intimately entangled with particular human communities as other lifeforms have declined. Through contrasting these cases we elucidate how the affordances of abundant lifeforms, including the dangers they pose to other forms of life, are entwined with failed ‘technofixes’, colonial legacies and contemporary inequalities. In doing so we situate abundance as a constitutive element of the Anthropocene that requires as sustained an ethical engagement as questions of species loss. We conclude by arguing that further ethical attention needs to be paid to finding ways of ‘being alongside’ life that is difficult to live with, but is becoming intimately re-entangled with human worlds. In doing so, we complicate existing theoretical work that has drawn hope from multispecies abundance and entanglement.
Are Flexible Work Arrangements Associated with Lower Levels of Chronic Stress-Related Biomarkers? A Study of 6025 Employees in the UK Household Longitudinal Study
Authors: Chandola Tarani , Booker Cara L , Kumari Meena , Benzeval Michaela
Published: February 2019

Debates around the benefits of flexible work arrangements for employee well-being are limited by a lack of empirical analyses on whether flexible working enables employees with work or family stressors to cope with their levels of stress. This study examines whether the availability and use of different flexible work arrangements are associated with lower allostatic load (an index of chronic stress-related biomarkers) in a large representative study of UK adults. Male and female employees who made use of reduced hours working arrangements had lower levels of allostatic load. Among women caring for two or more children aged under 15, there was a difference of almost one unit of the allostatic load index (an additional biomarker risk) between women who used reduced hours flexible work and those without such arrangements. Reduced hours flexible work arrangements could enable women who combine work and family roles to reduce their levels of chronic stress.
Student Attitudes Toward Campus Diversity at the U.S. Naval Academy: Evidence From Conjoint Survey Experiments
Authors: Polga-Hecimovich John , Carey John M. , Horiuchi Yusaku
Published: February 2019

Although the value of diversity—in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status—to the U.S. military has been subject to debate, preferences for diversity at educational institutions for the military officers are rarely examined systematically. To address this, we investigate whether midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy favor prioritizing diversity in student admissions and faculty recruitment using conjoint analysis, a method suited for estimating attitudes on sensitive and politicized issues. The results show strong preferences in favor of applicants from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds and moderate but still positive preferences for members of traditionally underrepresented racial/ethnic groups in both admissions and faculty recruitment. Midshipmen’s preferences with respect to gender are, however, less straightforward. In particular, we find a strong negative preference against gender nonbinary applicants and candidates. Our findings suggest that midshipmen’s attitudes reflect both resolved and unresolved debates that resonate throughout the armed forces.
Physical Performance of Participants of Sports Education Camps for Children with Visual Impairments
Authors: McMahon John , Emerson Robert S. Wall , Ponchillia Paul , Curtis Amy
Published: February 2019

Introduction:

Youths with visual impairments (i.e., those who are blind or have low vision) often demonstrate reduced involvement in sports and related negative effects. This study looked at data from sports education camps to see whether involvement in this short-term intervention positively affected the performance of component sports skills such as running, throwing, and catching.

Methods:

This study is a secondary analysis of interview and performance data taken at sports education camps in one of 12 U.S. states in the years 1989, 1996, and 2000–2010. Data included questions about students’ attitudes toward and involvement in physical activities and sports. Skill performance measured before and after each camp included standing long jump, overarm softball throw, underarm softball throw, and goalball throw.

Results:

First-time attendees at the sports education camps demonstrated significant improvement in overarm throw, underarm throw, and standing long jump. Boys had slightly greater increases in standing long jump and overarm throw, and girls had a larger increase in underarm throw. Participants who initially felt safe running improved more in overarm throw and those who initially felt unsafe running improved more in underarm throw and standing long jump. Girls and those who initially felt unsafe running had a significant increase in goalball throwing speed.

Discussion:

The sports education camp model of short-term intervention for basic sports skill instruction is highly effective in improving physical performance for students who are visually impaired.

Implications for practitioners:

Students with visual impairments who are demonstrating negative effects from not being active or involved in sports might positively benefit from involvement in a sports education camp.
Catecholaminergic effects on inhibitory control depend on the interplay of prior task experience and working memory demands
Authors: Bensmann Wiebke , Zink Nicolas , Roessner Veit , Stock Ann-Kathrin , Beste Christian
Published: February 2019

Background:

Catecholamines affect response inhibition, but the effects of methylphenidate on inhibitory control in healthy subjects are heterogenous. Theoretical considerations suggest that working memory demands and learning/familiarization processes are important factors to consider regarding catecholaminergic effects on response inhibition.

Aims:

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of working memory demands and familiarization for methylphenidate effects on response inhibition.

Methods:

Twenty-eight healthy adults received a single dose of methylphenidate (0.5 mg/kg) or placebo in a randomised, double-blind, crossover study design. The subjects were tested using a working memory-modulated response inhibition paradigm that combined a Go/Nogo task with a mental rotation task.

Results:

Methylphenidate effects were largest in the most challenging mental rotation condition. The direction of effects depended on the extent of the participants’ task experience. When performing the task for the first time, methylphenidate impaired response inhibition performance in the most challenging mental rotation condition, as reflected by an increased false alarm rate. In sharp contrast to this, methylphenidate seemed to improve response execution performance in the most challenging condition when performing the task for the second time as reflected by reaction times on Go trials.

Conclusion:

Effects of catecholamines on inhibitory control processes depend on the interplay of two factors: (a) working memory demands, and (b) learning or familiarization with a task. It seems that the net effect of increases in gain control and decreases in working memory processes determines the methylphenidate effect on response inhibition. Hence, crossover study designs likely underestimate methylphenidate effects on cognitive functions.
Redrawing a Constitutional Design: The Indian Experience (1780–1950)
Authors: Chakrabarty Bidyut
Published: February 2019

The 1950 Constitution of India is an outcome of an ideational battle that had begun long before it was formally framed by the members of the Constituent Assembly in little less than 3 years between 1946 and 1949. Tracing its intellectual genealogy to the philosophy of Enlightenment, the article shows that the constitution heavily drew upon the liberal values of constitutionalism, which flourished in India in the wake of colonial rule. Being sensitive to the Gandhian preference for village swaraj, the founding fathers also addressed the concern of the Gandhians in the Assembly by incorporating a new chapter in the Constitution. In order to capture the complex interplay of ideas that culminated with the inauguration of the Constitution in India in 1950, the article pays adequate attention to the endeavours that the colonial rulers and their bete noire, the nationalists, had undertaken to constitutionalise India.
Trends in Hospital Admissions for Intimate Partner Violence in Australian Mothers With Children Born From 1990 to 2009
Authors: Orr Carol , Preen David , Fisher Colleen , Sims Scott , O’Donnell Melissa
Published: February 2019

This study aims to determine the prevalence, and trends over time, of Western Australian (WA) mothers who were victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) requiring hospital admission. The study investigated the prevalence of all mothers and the specific prevalence of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal mothers. A population-based cohort study using de-identified linked health data of mothers of children born from 1990 to 2009 in WA was carried out. The prevalence of hospitalizations for IPV in mothers of children born in the period 1990-2009 (per 1,000 births) was calculated. Results indicate that the overall prevalence of hospital admissions for mothers assaulted 12 months prior to their child’s birth month increased in the period 1990-2009, from 2.7 to 7.7 per 1,000 births. There was also an increase in the overall prevalence of hospital admissions of mothers who were assaulted 12 months prior to the birth month and 36 months after the birth month, from 8.9 per 1,000 births in 1990 to 19.4 per 1,000 births in 2009. In addition, being Aboriginal, having a mother <30 years of age, and being of low SES significantly increased the odds of having a mother with an IPV admission. This study highlights that while there has been an increase in the prevalence of IPV admissions for mothers of children born from 1990 to 2009 in WA, the level of prevalence has remained persistent for the last decade for the whole population. However, non-Aboriginal mothers have seen an increase in prevalence in the last decade. This increase is associated with the introduction of the Z63.0 code in International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, Australian Modification (ICD-10-AM). This study highlights the importance of prioritizing groups for targeted early intervention and prevention as well as the need for culturally appropriate strategies to reduce the burden of interpersonal violence.
An Analysis of Psychoactive Medications Initiated in the ICU but Continued Beyond Discharge: A Pilot Study of Stewardship
Authors: Kovacic Nicole Lynn , Gagnon David J. , Riker Richard R. , Wen Sijin , Fraser Gilles L.
Published: February 2019

Background:

Psychoactive medications (PM) are frequently administered in the intensive care unit (ICU) to provide comfort. Interventions focused on preventing their continuation after the acute phase of illness are needed.

Objective:

To determine the frequency that patients with ICU-initiated PM are continued upon ICU and hospital discharge.

Methods:

This single-center, prospective, observational study assessed consecutive adult ICU patients who received scheduled PM. Frequency of PM continued at ICU and hospital discharge was recorded. The patient’s primary treatment team was contacted by the pharmacist within 72 hours of ICU discharge to establish rationale for continued use or to suggest discontinuation.

Results:

Of the 60 patients included, 72% were continued on PM at ICU discharge and 30% at hospital discharge. The pharmacist contacted 40% of treatment teams after ICU discharge and intervention resulted in PM discontinued in 50% of patients. Post ICU discharge, the indication of 41% of patients’ PM was unknown by the non-ICU care team or incorrect. Medical ICU patients or those transferred to an outside facility were more likely remain on PM at hospital discharge.

Conclusion:

PM are frequently continued during transitions of care and often without knowledge of the initial indication. Future studies should establish effective PM stewardship methods.
Factors associated with HIV testing among men who have sex with men in Guatemala City
Authors: Morales-Miranda Sonia , Loya-Montiel Itzel , Ritter Julie , Rocha-Jiménez Teresita , Gordon Leah , García Judith , Flores Carlos , Silverman Jay G
Published: February 2019

Although men who have sex with men (MSM) have the highest human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence in Guatemala, prevention efforts have been focused on other vulnerable populations. Respondent-driven sampling was used to recruit 444 MSM in Guatemala City to explore factors related to HIV testing among MSM. About 56% of participants reported HIV testing in the past 12 months, which was associated with a public MSM status (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.08; 95% CI 1.02–4.26), participating in peer HIV prevention intervention (AOR 3.71; 95% CI 1.86–7.43), having at least one casual male partner (AOR 2.16; 95% CI 1.11–4.20), and practicing only insertive anal sex (AOR 3.35; 95% CI 1.59–7.09). Men with comprehensive HIV knowledge (AOR 2.63; 95% CI 1.38–5.02) were also more likely to have been tested. Further interventions in Guatemala targeting the most hidden MSM are needed.
The impact of SLE on health-related quality of life assessed with SF-36: a systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gu M , Cheng Q , Wang X , Yuan F , Sam NB , Pan H , Li B , Ye D
Published: February 2019

Objective

To evaluate the impact of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessed with SF-36 and explore factors associated with HRQoL in SLE patients.

Methods

A random-effect meta-analysis was performed to calculate extracted data. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to distinguish sources of heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 36 articles were finally included in this meta-analysis, including 6510 patients. The pooled mean scores of SF-36 physical component summary and mental component summary were 46.10 (95% confidence interval (CI): 43.09–49.10) and 50.37 (95% CI: 47.78–52.87), respectively. Spearman's correlation analysis found that mean age, proportion of female participants, and publication decades were negatively associated with some of the SF-36 domains. Sample size and SLEDAI were positively associated with some of the SF-36 domains. Patients with SLE have lower HRQoL in comparison to the general population.

Conclusions

SLE has a significant impact on HRQoL, which proves that the necessity of improving HRQoL in SLE patients cannot be ignored. Measuring HRQoL should be considered as an indispensable part of the overall evaluation of health conditions of SLE patients.