bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Work Disability Prevention: A Primer for Occupational Therapists
Authors: McDougall Alicia , Nowrouzi-Kia Behdin
Published: October 2017

An estimated 313 million workplace accidents resulting in injury occur worldwide every year. Therefore, the burden of workplace injury and disability is present at the individual and the societal level and involves several stakeholders. There has been a shift in paradigm from workplace disability and injury treatment to workplace disability prevention. Occupational therapy practitioners are well positioned to address this multifaceted societal issue. Opening communication lines among stakeholders allows for a more holistic, collaborative, and comprehensive approach to disability, injury, and pain management. The positive results researchers have found at the individual level when using a holistic approach translate to benefits for all of the stakeholders involved. Occupational therapy practitioners may espouse a work disability prevention approach to reduce work disability rates and provide timely return-to-work outcomes for clients. The transition to the preventative model requires collaboration among stakeholders but would be beneficial to all stakeholders involved in the workplace.
From Little Words, Big Words Grow: Annotations on the Yo, Sí Puedo Experience in Brewarrina, Australia
Authors: Correa Liliana E.
Published: October 2017

This article is a reflection on the application of the Cuban literacy methodology Yo, Sí Puedo to the Australian setting. The Yo, Sí Puedo / Yes, I Can! model developed in Cuba by the Instituto Pedagógico Latinoamericano y Caribeño, IPLAC (Institute of Pedagogy for Latin America and the Caribbean) has been successfully implemented across the Global South as a strategy of adult literacy. It is a legacy of our Latin American revolutionary roots, with its origin in the Freirean pedagogy of the oppressed. Expanding across continents this model continues to teach reading and writing to disenfranchised adults in marginal and Indigenous communities, from the Argentinean Chaco to Brewarrina in northern NSW, Australia. Its aim is to contribute to the hope of improving the health and educational outcomes of the country’s First Peoples. This article is indebted to conversations with the Cuban advisor of Yes, I Can!, José Manuel Chala Leblanch. Observing him working in the classroom setting of Brewarrina touched me at different levels: personally because it reminded me of my own family experiences with the education system in my country, Argentina; and professionally as an educator negotiating different languages and cultures. It also reinforced my belief in the importance of incorporating Indigenous ways of learning and teaching to Western styles of teaching and learning. I built this reflection moving from personal and poetic—visual and textual—narratives and observations to academic interventions informed by researched literature on adult and Indigenous education.
Population, Reproduction and IVF in New Caledonia: Exploring Sociocultural and Caring Dimensions of Sustainable Development
Authors: Marks Nicola Jane
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Both sustainability and sustainable development have multiple meanings that are underpinned by diverse normative visions. Nonetheless, sustainable development is currently centre-stage at the global level. The main goal of this paper is to critically examine these important concepts, in particular their social and cultural dimensions, and to make a conceptual offering: that of ‘caring sustainable development.’ This way of thinking about sustainable development aims to grapple in a situated way with the different normative underpinnings of sustainability in order to support the building of a common future. The paper briefly examines populations, reproduction (both biological and sociocultural) and human in vitro fertilization (IVF), as important sites for thinking about caring sustainable development. It draws on research in New Caledonia examining which populations and which sociocultural social practices are encouraged or sustained, or not. It finds that historically there are many examples of things and people being neglected and not cared for, or being encouraged to ‘develop’ in problematic ways. By contrast, recent practices associated with IVF suggest ways forward that would enable caring sustainable development.

Résumé

La durabilité et le développement durable ont des significations multiples, qui sont sous-tendues par diverses visions normatives. Néanmoins, le développement durable occupe actuellement une place centrale sur le plan mondial. Le but principal de cet article est d’examiner de manière critique ces concepts importants, en particulier leurs dimensions sociales et culturelles, et de faire une contribution conceptuelle qui est celle de la notion du ‘care dans le développement durable.’ Cette façon de penser au développement durable vise à aborder ces différents fondements normatifs, de façon localisée, pour soutenir la construction à long terme d’un futur commun. L’article examine ensuite brièvement les populations, la reproduction (à la fois biologique et socio-culturelle) et la fécondation humaine in vitro (FIV), en tant que sites importants pour penser à l’idée du ‘care’ dans le développement durable. Il s’appuie sur la recherche en Nouvelle Calédonie pour analyser quelles populations et quelle pratiques socio-culturelles sont encouragées voire soutenues ou pas. L’article trouve que du point de vue historique, il y a de nombreux exemples de choses et de personnes qui ont été négligées et dont on ne se préoccupait pas, ou alors qui étaient encouragées à se ‘développer’ de manière problématique. En revanche, les pratiques récentes associées à la FIV suggèrent des moyens d’aller de l’avant qui permettraient de favoriser le ‘care’ dans développement durable.
Challenges for Sustainable Communities in Solomon Islands: Food Production, Market Sale and Livelihoods on Savo Island
Authors: Georgeou Nichole , Hawksley Charles
Published: October 2017

This article highlights the challenges of community sustainability in the emerging market economy of Solomon Islands as it grows increasingly reliant on imported foodstuffs. It examines the ways in which Solomon Islanders from neighbouring Savo Island engage with HCM and the opportunities it brings. Using Renzaho and Mellor’s (2010) conceptual framework for analysis of food security assessment we explore the symbiotic relationship that provides food security for those living in and around Honiara city, and income for the mostly subsistence farmers who supply Honiara’s growing population with fresh agricultural produce. Data from five focus groups from three villages on Savo Island reveals the critical importance of income from market sales at the HCM. The article demonstrates the mix of logistical and environmental challenges that confront people when trying to earn money through farming and sales of surplus food.
The effects of meteorological parameters and diffusive barrier reuse on the sampling rate of a passive air sampler for gaseous mercury
Authors: McLagan David S. , Mitchell Carl P. J. , Huang Haiyong , Abdul Hussain Batual , Lei Ying Duan , Wania Frank
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Passive air sampling of gaseous mercury (Hg) requires a high level of accuracy to discriminate small differences in atmospheric concentrations. Meteorological parameters have the potential to decrease this accuracy by impacting the sampling rate (SR), i.e., the volume of air that is effectively stripped of gaseous mercury per unit of time. We measured the SR of a recently calibrated passive air sampler for gaseous Hg in the laboratory under varying wind speeds (wind still to 6 m s−1), temperatures (−15 to +35 °C), and relative humidities (44 to 80 %). While relative humidity has no impact on SR, SR increases slightly with both wind speed (0.003 m3 day−1 increase in SR or 2.5 % of the previously calibrated SR for every m s−1 increase for wind speeds  > 1 m s−1, typical of outdoor deployments) and temperature (0.001 m3 day−1 increase in SR or 0.7 % for every 1 °C increase). The temperature dependence can be fully explained by the effect of temperature on the molecular diffusivity of gaseous mercury in air. Although these effects are relatively small, accuracy can be improved by adjusting SRs using measured or estimated temperature and wind speed data at or near sampling sites. We also assessed the possibility of reusing Radiello® diffusive barriers previously used in the passive air samplers. The mean rate of gaseous Hg uptake was not significantly different between new and previously used diffusive barriers in both lab and outdoor deployments, irrespective of the applied cleaning procedure. No memory effect from Radiellos® previously deployed in a high Hg atmosphere was observed. However, a loss in replicate precision for the dirtiest Radiellos® in the indoor experiment suggests that cleaning is advisable prior to reuse.
Problemas pedagógicos para un Prácticum reflexivo de Maestros
Authors: Saiz Linares Ángela , Susinos Rada Teresa
Published: October 2017

El practicum en la titulación de maestro se ha perfilado en los últimos años como uno de los elementos cardinales a la hora de redefinir la formación inicial. Diversos estudios dan cuenta de la necesidad de fundamentar estos programas de formación práctica en modelos reflexivos y colaborativos. En este artículo presentamos una propuesta de practicum articulada como un trabajo de indagación y de reflexión que se despliega a partir de los problemas pedagógicos que los alumnos de prácticas identifican como relevantes. Más concretamente, analizaremos los cinco proyectos de indagación desarrollados por las estudiantes en aras de descubrir: los intereses pedagógicos vinculados a sus prácticas, el foco de reflexión en sus formulaciones iniciales y la visión de la enseñanza y del docente que se coligen de dichos planteamientos y, finalmente, algunas relaciones entre las preocupaciones pedagógicas de las alumnas y su propia biografía personal y escolar. Para este estudio hemos utilizado una metodología cualitativa enmarcada en el estudio de caso evaluativo. El análisis de datos desarrollado procede de informaciones producidas en una entrevista semiestructurada y en el diario de prácticas de las estudiantes. Los resultados que presentamos ponen de manifiesto la influencia de los centros de prácticas a la hora de moldear las percepciones pedagógicas de las estudiantes, una preferencia por un paradigma técnico y práctico de la enseñanza y la relevancia de las vivencias familiares y escolares en la interpretación que las estudiantes realizan de sus experiencias pedagógicas.
Implicación escolar y autoconcepto multidimensional en una muestra de estudiantes de secundaria
Authors: Ramos-Díaz Estibaliz , Rodríguez-Fernández Arantzazu , Ros Iker , Antonio-Agirre Iratxe
Published: October 2017

La implicación escolar constituye en la actualidad una temática de gran interés en el ámbito de la educación por su relevante papel en el desarrollo positivo y el éxito académico del alumnado de los estudiantes. Los objetivos de esta investigación fueron los siguientes: en primer lugar, analizar las posibles diferencias en función del nivel educativo en el autoconcepto multidimensional y la implicación escolar de los estudiantes; en segundo lugar, explorar la relación entre las variables autoconcepto multidimensional e implicación escolar; en tercer lugar, someter a prueba la predicción del autoconcepto multidimensional sobre la implicación escolar. Participaron en la investigación 1034 estudiantes de 11 a 17 años (M= 13.84; DT = 1.38), de los cuales 537 eran chicas (51.9%) y 497 chicos (48.1 %). Se administraron los siguientes instrumentos de evaluación: el Cuestionario de Autoconcepto Dimensional (AUDIM) de Fernández-Zabala, Goñi, Rodríguez-Fernández y Goñi (2015) y el Cuestionario de Implicación Escolar (SEM) de Fredericks, Blumenfeld, Friedel y Paris (2005). Los resultados confirmaron puntuaciones inferiores en el segundo ciclo escolar con respecto al primer ciclo en la implicación escolar y los dominios físico, general y académico del autoconcepto. Se observó que la implicación escolar tiene correlaciones significativas que muestran un tamaño del efecto medio-alto con la mayoría de las dimensiones del autoconcepto. El autoconcepto académico fue identificado como la variable predictora más importante de la implicación escolar.
Diagnosis de la problemática actual de las direcciones escolares
Authors: Serrano Albendea Ricardo , Martín-Cuadrado Ana María
Published: October 2017

Diferentes estudios coinciden en señalar la importancia de una buena dirección escolar en la mejora de los aprendizajes. Conocer la problemática a la que se enfrentan las direcciones diariamente debe ser útil no únicamente para concederles más apoyo, sino también para confeccionar programas de formación directiva basados en la realidad de las instituciones educativas. Con este trabajo nos proponemos investigar cómo afecta al director actual el conjunto de problemas diagnosticados en décadas anteriores, verificando cuáles se mantienen vigentes en la actualidad y cuáles de las funciones que la normativa les adjudica les generan mayor problemática a la hora de llevarlas a cabo. Para ello aplicamos un cuestionario preparado ad-hoc a una muestra representativa de una población de 242 directoras/es de los centros públicos de primaria y secundaria de la delegación territorial de Barcelona Comarcas, en Cataluña. La teoría muestra la escasa formación requerida tradicionalmente para el acceso al cargo de director y se corresponde con la pobre formación directiva que manifiestan tener las direcciones estudiadas. Los resultados ratifican la vigencia en la actualidad de problemáticas como la excesiva carga de trabajo, la deficiente formación técnica recibida, el incumplimiento laboral de los docentes que dirigen y el poco respaldo de la Administración. Las funciones relacionadas con el liderazgo pedagógico, con la organización del centro y con la jefatura de personal son por este orden las que se perciben como las más difíciles de llevar a cabo. Posibles soluciones pasan por proporcionar a las direcciones un marco que les permita desarrollarse profesionalmente a partir de una formación específica en competencias relacionadas con el liderazgo pedagógico y las relaciones interpersonales y les dote de mayor capacidad de actuación y decisión.
La inteligencia emocional como predictora del rendimiento académico en la infancia: el contexto pluricultural de Ceuta
Authors: Pulido Acosta Federico , Herrera Clavero Francisco
Published: October 2017

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo conocer los predictores de la Inteligencia Emocional (IE) y el Rendimiento Académico (RA) de alumnos, de 6 a 12 años, en la ciudad de Ceuta. Se contó con una muestra de 404 participantes, procedentes de 4 centros distintos, que reflejan las características del contexto pluricultural de la ciudad; el 47.8% son niños y el 52.2% niñas, el 68.8% de cultura/religión musulmana y el 31.2% cristiana. Como instrumento de evaluación se ha empleado una adaptación propia del MSCEIT (Test de Inteligencia Emocional de Mayer, Salovey y Caruso, 2009) y las calificaciones de los alumnos. Se encontraron niveles medio-altos en ambas variables. Los predictores de la IE son la Edad y el Rendimiento. Estatus y Cultura aparecen como predictores, pero no en todos los casos. Los predictores del Rendimiento son la IE, la Cultura y la Edad. El Estatus aparece en dos factores. Se encontró relación estadísticamente significativa entre IE y RA, siendo mayor a medida que ascienden las puntuaciones en IE.
¿Se adecúa la normativa de evaluación del Trabajo Fin de Grado a las exigencias del Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior?
Authors: Reyes García Carmen Isabel , Díaz-Megolla Alicia
Published: October 2017

Este trabajo analiza el marco normativo de las universidades públicas españolasen la asignatura denominada Trabajo Fin de Grado (TFG) con el objetivo de determinar si éste se adecúa al enfoque de Evaluación Orientada al Aprendizaje (EOA) requerido desde el Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior (EEES). Se realizó un análisis de contenido basado en el análisis de documentos y se emplearon como unidades de análisis las normativas que regulan el TFG. Comprobamos que la normativa de evaluación del TFG presenta cierta aproximación al modelo de EOA pero este acercamiento es insuficiente, ya que los textos legales no recogen de forma global las condiciones mínimas de un sistema de EOA. Por ello, consideramos que los textos legales universitarios no constituyen marcos de referencia adecuados para el diseño de la normativa de las facultades, por lo que es necesario ajustar la información sobre la evaluación del TFG hacia el enfoque que se requiere en la actualidad.
Effect of Extrusion Parameters on Properties of Powder Coatings Determined by Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Lepschi A. , Kilgus J. , M. Brandstetter M. Brandstetter , Miethlinger J.
Published: October 2017

In polymer extrusion, compounding is a continuous mixing process that is also used to produce highly reactive powder coatings. A premixed batch of powder coating is added to the feeding section and extruded, preferably by a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. One essential parameter in the processing of highly reactive materials is the melt temperature: If it is too high, pre-reactions occur during the extrusion process, which may cause high rejection rates. We studied the melt temperature of an epoxy/carboxyl-based powder coating using a retractable thermocouple at 3 different axial positions along the barrel of a ZSK34 co-rotating twin-screw extruder. The influence of different processing conditions on the reactivity of a highly reactive powder coating was examined by infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Furthermore, the specific energy input and the color change in the finished powder coating at different processing points were investigated. Multivariate data analysis was used to correlate mid-infrared spectra, melt temperatures, specific energy inputs, enthalpies of reaction and changes in color
El profesorado frente a las políticas de rendición de cuentas: ¿qué redefinición(es) de su profesionalismo y de su responsabilidad social? (presentación disponible en español, francés e inglés)
Authors: Venegas Mar , Dutercq Yves , Maroy Christian
Published: October 2017

Coordinan: Christian Maroy, Universidad de Montreal (Quebec, Canadá), christian.maroy@umontreal.ca; Yves Dutercq, Universidad de Nantes (Francia), yves.dutercq@univ-nantes.fr; y Mar Venegas, Universidad de Granada (España), mariter@ugr.es
La privatización de la educación en Chile: análisis de los discursos del profesorado y de la dirección de los centros sobre la calidad de la educación y la rendición de cuentas
Authors: Reyes Ignacio Eduardo , Akkari Adbeljalil
Published: October 2017

En materia de privatización de la educación, Chile suscita el interés y controversias a nivel Latino-americano. En efecto, el proceso de privatización se inició y tuvo una aceleración bajo el régimen militar, especialmente desde inicio de la década de los ochenta; manteniéndose prácticamente durante la transición democrática, lo que incluye ciertamente a los gobiernos de centro-izquierdaEn Chile, asistimos, como en otros países latino-americanos, a una verdadera indefinición de fronteras entre lo público y lo privado en beneficio de grupos sociales favorecidosExpondremos, a su vez, que el discurso de los actores de la educación (Profesores y directores) se distancia de la calidad y de la rendición de cuentas definidas por la política educativa, cuando las escuelas se ven confrontadas a la pobreza extrema y a la violencia. En estos casos, el simple hecho tener a los niños en la escuela y relacionarse en un ambiente de paz, son desde ya, resultados en sí mismos, más allá de toda tentativa burocrática de medición de resultados de aprendizaje. Al mismo tiempo, la profesión docente muestra una faceta distinta, toda vez que se enmarca en la dinámica interna de las escuelas, atendiendo a las necesidades que el contexto de pobreza demanda.
Críticas a las políticas de rendición de cuentas según lo que el profesorado chileno de secundaria consideran justo en educación
Authors: Ferrada Hurtado Rocío
Published: October 2017

A partir del modelo De la justificación propuesto por Boltanski y Thévenot nos preguntamos cuáles son los bienes educativos que los profesores emplean para justificar lo que consideran justo hacer en la escuela, o para criticar una realidad escolar cuando ésta se aleja de dichos bienes escolares ideales. Realizamos16 focus group donde participaron un total 68 docentes de los distintos tipos de establecimientos educativos de Santiago. Encontramos que consideran una situación escolar justa, cuando ella refiere a una pluralidad de bienes educativos: de estos bienes, uno esencial es la preocupación por la singularidad del estudiante y la relación afectivo-personal profesor-alumno. En este marco, las políticas de rendición de cuenta diseñadas en nombre de la estandarización de las prácticas y de la identificación de los aprendizajes a la obtención de resultados, son muchas veces criticadas como injustas por no respetar la diversidad ni las necesidades afectivo-personales de los estudiantes, y por identificar los fines escolares solo a la obtención de resultados eficientes en algunas disciplinas. Pero encontramos también justificaciones que adhieren a las actuales normativas. Concluimos afirmando que esta política no cuenta para las y los profesores como suficientemente representativa del trabajo que realizan. En el límite, o se ajustan a sus procedimientos, debiendo renunciar a los otros bienes educativos que valoran; o conservan su adhesión a lo que consideran justo, alejándose de los objetivos de la autoridad educativa.
Les enseignants français du primaire face aux politiques de reddition de comptes : une évolution de leur professionnalisme dans un contexte d’accountability subjective
Authors: Dutercq Yves , Maleyrot Eric
Published: October 2017

Notre contribution porte sur la manière dont les enseignants français de l’école primaire publique réagissent aux politiques de performance et de responsabilisation qui se sont développées ces dernières années. Elle cherche à savoir dans quelle mesure leur professionnalisme s’en trouve redéfini. Dans une première partie, une analyse sociohistorique décrit l'évolution des mesures de responsabilisation à travers la succession des outils et de leurs objectifs mis en place pour l’aide individualisée à la réussite des élèves. Nous examinons alors comment la responsabilité attachée au professionnalisme traditionnel des enseignants est remodelée par ces nouveaux dispositifs, en prenant en compte l’autorégulation et la faible reddition dont ils font l’objet. Dans une seconde partie, nous nous centrons sur la réception par les enseignants de deux dispositifs récents. Le premier est un instrument externe de mesure des résultats des élèves, le second un dispositif de mise à disposition d’un enseignant supplémentaire dans des écoles accueillant un public défavorisé. A partir d’enquêtes réalisées antérieurement, notre analyse secondaire met en lumière à la fois les résistances et l’évolution des pratiques professionnelles que ces politiques de responsabilisation suscitent. Enfin, dans une troisième partie, nous questionnons le professionnalisme « interne » des enseignants au regard du professionnalisme « externe » attendu par l'institution. Dans une politique de responsabilisation à régulation « douce », les enseignants (ré)agissent dans un contexte que nous qualifions d’« accountability subjective », laissant apparaître deux formes de professionnalisme, l’un traditionnel, attaché à une autonomie pédagogique individuelle, l’autre à dimension collective, acceptant reddition de comptes.
James Baldwin, Lionel Trilling, American Studies, and the Freudian Tragic
Authors: Garcia Jay
Published: October 2017

The intellectual connection between James Baldwin and Lionel Trilling, and the resonances
across their criticism, are more substantial than scholarly and biographical treatments
have disclosed. For Trilling, Baldwin’s writings were notable for their deviation from
most humanistic inquiry, which he considered insufficiently alert to the harms and
depredations of culture. Baldwin’s work became for Trilling a promising indication that
American criticism could be remade along the lines of a tragic conception of culture
deriving from Freud. This essay concentrates on a relevant but neglected dynamic in
American letters—the mid-twentieth-century tension between Freudian thought and American
humanistic inquiry evident in fields like American Studies—to explain the intellectual
coordinates within which Trilling developed an affinity for Baldwin’s work. The
essay concludes by suggesting that the twilight of Freud’s tragic conception of
culture, which figured centrally in the modernist critical environment in which
Baldwin and Trilling encountered one another, contributed to an estrangement whereby the
two came to be seen as unrelated and different kinds of critics, despite the consonance of
their critical idioms during the 1940s and 1950s.
Cerebral mGluR5 availability contributes to elevated sleep need and behavioral adjustment after sleep deprivation
Authors: Holst Sebastian C , Sousek Alexandra , Hefti Katharina , Saberi-Moghadam Sohrab , Buck Alfred , Ametamey Simon M , Scheidegger Milan , Franken Paul , Henning Anke , Seifritz Erich , Tafti Mehdi , Landolt Hans-Peter
Published: October 2017

Increased sleep time and intensity quantified as low-frequency brain electrical activity after sleep loss demonstrate that sleep need is homeostatically regulated, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. We here demonstrate that metabotropic glutamate receptors of subtype 5 (mGluR5) contribute to the molecular machinery governing sleep-wake homeostasis. Using positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and electroencephalography in humans, we find that increased mGluR5 availability after sleep loss tightly correlates with behavioral and electroencephalographic biomarkers of elevated sleep need. These changes are associated with altered cortical myo-inositol and glycine levels, suggesting sleep loss-induced modifications downstream of mGluR5 signaling. Knock-out mice without functional mGluR5 exhibit severe dysregulation of sleep-wake homeostasis, including lack of recovery sleep and impaired behavioral adjustment to a novel task after sleep deprivation. The data suggest that mGluR5 contribute to the brain's coping mechanisms with sleep deprivation and point to a novel target to improve disturbed wakefulness and sleep.
Structure of PINK1 and mechanisms of Parkinson's disease-associated mutations
Authors: Kumar Atul , Tamjar Jevgenia , Waddell Andrew D , Woodroof Helen I , Raimi Olawale G , Shaw Andrew M , Peggie Mark , Muqit Miratul MK , van Aalten Daan MF
Published: October 2017

Mutations in the human kinase PINK1 (hPINK1) are associated with autosomal recessive early-onset Parkinson's disease (PD). hPINK1 activates Parkin E3 ligase activity, involving phosphorylation of ubiquitin and the Parkin ubiquitin-like (Ubl) domain via as yet poorly understood mechanisms. hPINK1 is unusual amongst kinases due to the presence of three loop insertions of unknown function. We report the structure of Tribolium castaneum PINK1 (TcPINK1), revealing several unique extensions to the canonical protein kinase fold. The third insertion, together with autophosphorylation at residue Ser205, contributes to formation of a bowl-shaped binding site for ubiquitin. We also define a novel structural element within the second insertion that is held together by a distal loop that is critical for TcPINK1 activity. The structure of TcPINK1 explains how PD-linked mutations that lie within the kinase domain result in hPINK1 loss-of-function and provides a platform for the exploration of small molecule modulators of hPINK1.
Pedunculopontine glutamatergic neurons control spike patterning in substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Galtieri Daniel J , Estep Chad M , Wokosin David L , Traynelis Stephen , Surmeier D James
Published: October 2017

Burst spiking in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) dopaminergic neurons is a key signaling event in the circuitry controlling goal-directed behavior. It is widely believed that this spiking mode depends upon an interaction between synaptic activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and intrinsic oscillatory mechanisms. However, the role of specific neural networks in burst generation has not been defined. To begin filling this gap, SNc glutamatergic synapses arising from pedunculopotine nucleus (PPN) neurons were characterized using optical and electrophysiological approaches. These synapses were localized exclusively on the soma and proximal dendrites, placing them in a good location to influence spike generation. Indeed, optogenetic stimulation of PPN axons reliably evoked spiking in SNc dopaminergic neurons. Moreover, burst stimulation of PPN axons was faithfully followed, even in the presence of NMDAR antagonists. Thus, PPN-evoked burst spiking of SNc dopaminergic neurons in vivo may not only be extrinsically triggered, but extrinsically patterned as well.
A randomized control trial feasibility evaluation of anmHealth intervention for wheelchair skill training among middle-aged and older adults
Authors: Giesbrecht Edward M. , Miller William C.
Published: October 2017

Background

Providing mobility skills training to manual wheelchair (MWC) users can have a positive impact on community participation, confidence and quality of life. Often such training is restricted or not provided at all because of the expense of, and limited access to, occupational and physical therapists before and after discharge. This is particularly true among middle-aged and older adults, who often have limited access to rehabilitation services and require more time to learn motor skills. A monitored MWC skills training home program, delivered using a computer tablet (mHealth), was developed as an alternative approach to service delivery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing thismHealth MWC skills training program among middle-aged and older adults.

Methods

A 2 × 2 factorial design randomized controlled trial (RCT) was used to compare themHealth intervention and control groups, with additional wheeling time as a second factor. Community-dwelling MWC users aged 55 and older, who had used their MWC for less than two years and propelled with two hands, were recruited. Feasibility outcomes related to process, resources, management and treatment criteria were collected.

Results

Eighteen participants were recruited, with a retention rate of 94%. Mean (±SD) duration for the first and second in-person training sessions were 90.1 ± 20.5 and 62.1 ± 5.5 min, respectively. In the treatment group, 78% achieved the minimum amount of home training (i.e., 300 min) over four weeks and 56% achieved the preferred training threshold (i.e., 600 min). Trainers reported only seven minor protocol deviations. No tablets were lost or damaged and there was one incident of tablet malfunction. No injuries or adverse incidents were reported during data collection or training activities. Participants indicated 98% agreement on the post-treatment benefit questionnaire.

Discussion

Overall, the study protocol enabled implementation of the intervention in a safe, efficient and acceptable manner. Participant recruitment proved to be challenging, particularly gaining access to individuals who might benefit. Resource issue demands were acceptable for administration of the intervention; data collection was more time-consuming than anticipated but could be reduced with minor revisions. Participant retention and home program treatment adherence was high; both participant and trainer burden was acceptable. Treatment group participants reported a positive experience and clinical benefits from training program. The findings suggest a full-scale RCT evaluating the clinical impact of the Enhancing Participation In the Community by improving Wheelchair Skills (EPIC Wheels) intervention is warranted, provided the recruitment issues are addressed through collaborative partnerships and active recruitment strategies.
Mechanisms of action andin vivoantibacterial efficacy assessment of five novel hybrid peptides derived from Indolicidin and Ranalexin againstStreptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Jindal Hassan Mahmood , Zandi Keivan , Ong Kien Chai , Velayuthan Rukumani Devi , Rasid Sara Maisha , Samudi Raju Chandramathi , Sekaran Shamala Devi
Published: October 2017

Background

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are of great potential as novel antibiotics for the treatment of broad spectrum of pathogenic microorganisms including resistant bacteria. In this study, the mechanisms of action and the therapeutic efficacy of the hybrid peptides were examined.

Methods

TEM, SEM and ATP efflux assay were used to evaluate the effect of hybrid peptides on the integrity of the pneumococcal cell wall/membrane. DNA retardation assay was assessed to measure the impact of hybrid peptides on the migration of genomic DNA through the agarose gel.In vitrosynergistic effect was checked using the chequerboard assay. ICR male mice were used to evaluate thein vivotoxicity and antibacterial activity of the hybrid peptides in a standalone form and in combination with ceftriaxone.

Results

The results obtained from TEM and SEM indicated that the hybrid peptides caused significant morphological alterations inStreptococcus pneumoniaeand disrupting the integrity of the cell wall/membrane. The rapid release of ATP from pneumococcal cells after one hour of incubation proposing that the antibacterial action for the hybrid peptides is based on membrane permeabilization and damage. The DNA retardation assay revealed that at 62.5 µg/ml all the hybrid peptides were capable of binding and preventing the pneumococcal genomic DNA from migrating through the agarose gel.In vitrosynergy was observed when pneumococcal cells treated with combinations of hybrid peptides with each other and with conventional drugs erythromycin and ceftriaxone. Thein vivotherapeutic efficacy results revealed that the hybrid peptide RN7-IN8 at 20 mg/kg could improve the survival rate of pneumococcal bacteremia infected mice, as 50% of the infected mice survived up to seven days post-infection.In vivoantibacterial efficacy of the hybrid peptide RN7-IN8 was signficantly improved when combined with the standard antibiotic ceftriaxone at (20 mg/kg + 20 mg/kg) as 100% of the infected mice survived up to seven days post-infection.

Discussion

Our results suggest that attacking and breaching the cell wall/membrane is most probably the principal mechanism for the hybrid peptides. In addition, the hybrid peptides could possess another mechanism of action by inhibiting intracellular functions such as DNA synthesis. AMPs could play a great role in combating antibiotic resistance as they can reduce the therapeutic concentrations of standard drugs.
Combined moderate and high intensity exercise with dietary restriction improves cardiac autonomic function associated with a reduction in central and systemic arterial stiffness in obese adults: a clinical trial
Authors: Hu Min , Wang Shen , Wang Dan , Lai Qinhao , Chen Xiaoying , Duan Shiwei , Zhao Mengke , Huang Junhao
Published: October 2017

Objective

The present study aimed to assess the effects of exercise with dietary restriction on cardiac autonomic activity, arterial stiffness, and cardiovascular biomarkers in obese individuals.

Methods

Seventeen obese adults completed an 8-week exercise and dietary program. Anthropometry, body composition, and multiple biochemical markers were measured. We used carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), central blood pressure, and augmentation index (AIx) to assess arterial stiffness. To determine cardiac autonomic activity, heart rate variability (HRV) was analyzed by standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), square root of the mean squared differences of successive normal-to-normal intervals (RMSSD), total power (TF), low-frequency power in normalized units (LFnu), high-frequency power in normalized units (HFnu), and low-frequency power/high-frequency power (LF/HF).

Results

Following the exercise and diet intervention, obese subjects had significant reductions in body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, brachial systolic blood pressure, and resting heart rate, and they had shown improvements in blood chemistry markers such as lipid profiles, insulin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. There was a significant reduction in both cfPWV and baPWV following the intervention when compared to baseline levels. Moreover, the AIx and aortic systolic blood pressure were significantly reduced after the intervention. The diet and exercise intervention significantly increased cardiac autonomic modulation (determined by improved SDNN, RMSSD, TP LF, HF, and LF/HF), which was partly due to changes in heart rate, insulin resistance, and the inflammatory pattern. Furthermore, we observed a correlation between enhanced cardiac autonomic modulation (LF/HF) and decreased arterial stiffness, as measured by central cfPWV and systemic baPWV.

Discussion

An 8-week combined intervention of diet and exercise is effective in improving cardiac autonomic function in obese adults, with an associated decrease in central and systemic arterial stiffness.
Pigments, Inorganic, 2. White Pigments
Authors: Auer Gerhard , Woditsch Peter , Westerhaus Axel , Kischkewitz Jürgen , Griebler Wolf‐dieter , Rohe Markus , Liedekerke Marcel
Published: October 2017

The article contains sections titled:1.Introduction2.Titanium Dioxide2.1.Properties2.2.Raw Materials2.2.1.Natural Raw Materials2.2.2.Synthetic Raw Materials2.3.Production2.3.1.Sulfate Method2.3.2.Chloride Process2.3.3.Coating2.3.4.Chloride or Sulfate Pigments?2.3.5.Waste Management2.4.Economic Aspects2.5.Pigment Properties2.6.Analysis2.7.Uses of Pigmentary TiO22.8.Uses of Nonpigmentary TiO22.9.Toxicology3.Zinc Sulfide Pigments and Lithopone3.1.Properties3.2.Production3.3.Commercial Products3.4.Uses3.5.Economic Aspects3.6.Toxicology4.Zinc Oxide (Zinc White)4.1.Introduction4.2.Properties4.3.Production4.4.Quality Specifications4.5.Uses4.6.Economic Aspects4.7.Toxicology and Occupational Health
miR‐181c protects CsA‐induced renal damage and fibrosis through inhibiting EMT
Authors: Sun Wenjuan , Min Binying , Du Dewei , Yang Feng , Meng Junping , Wang Wen , Zhao Jie , Tan Xiaomeng , Li Zhanting , Sun Jifeng
Published: October 2017

Cyclosporine A (CsA), a widely used immunosuppressive drug in organ transplantation and autoimmune disorders, frequently induces renal damage and fibrosis. Recent evidence has implicated epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in CsA‐induced nephrotoxicity. Microarray analysis disclosed miR‐181c as the microRNA most dramatically repressed by CsA. Downregulation of miR‐181c expression at the transcriptional level by CsA is dependent on the transcription factor Nrf2. miR‐181c mimics or inhibitors attenuate or aggravate CsA‐induced EMT gene changes, respectively. Importantly, in Nrf2−/− mice, CsA‐induced renal damage, fibrosis, and EMT gene changes are restored by miR‐181c mimics. Mechanistically, we identified Notch2 as a potential target of miR‐181c. Collectively, our data support the notion that miR‐181c may serve as an important factor for protecting renal tissues from CsA‐induced nephrotoxicity.
Using the Coronal Evolution to Successfully Forward Model CMEs' In Situ Magnetic Profiles
Authors: Kay C. , Gopalswamy N.
Published: October 2017

Predicting the effects of a coronal mass ejection (CME) impact requires knowing if impact will occur, which part of the CME impacts, and its magnetic properties. We explore the relation between CME deflections and rotations, which change the position and orientation of a CME, and the resulting magnetic profiles at 1 AU. For 45 STEREO‐era, Earth‐impacting CMEs, we determine the solar source of each CME, reconstruct its coronal position and orientation, and perform a ForeCAT (Forecasting a CME's Altered Trajectory) simulation of the coronal deflection and rotation. From the reconstructed and modeled CME deflections and rotations, we determine the solar cycle variation and correlations with CME properties. We assume no evolution between the outer corona and 1 AU and use the ForeCAT results to drive the ForeCAT In situ Data Observer (FIDO) in situ magnetic field model, allowing for comparisons with ACE and Wind observations. We do not attempt to reproduce the arrival time. On average FIDO reproduces the in situ magnetic field for each vector component with an error equivalent to 35% of the average total magnetic field strength when the total modeled magnetic field is scaled to match the average observed value. Random walk best fits distinguish between ForeCAT's ability to determine FIDO's input parameters and the limitations of the simple flux rope model. These best fits reduce the average error to 30%. The FIDO results are sensitive to changes of order a degree in the CME latitude, longitude, and tilt, suggesting that accurate space weather predictions require accurate measurements of a CME's position and orientation.
Quantification of Fracture Interaction Using Stress Intensity Factor Variation Maps
Authors: Thomas Robin N. , Paluszny Adriana , Zimmerman Robert W.
Published: October 2017

Accurate and flexible models of fracture interaction are sought after in the fields of mechanics and geology. Stress intensity factors (SIFs) quantify the energy concentrated at the fracture tips and are perturbed from their isolated values when two fractures are close to one another. Using a three‐dimensional finite element fracture mechanics code to simulate static fractures in tension and compression, interaction effects are examined. SIF perturbations are characterized by introducing three interaction measures: the circumferential and maximum SIF perturbation provide the “magnitude” of the effect of interaction, and the amplification to shielding ratio quantifies the balance between increased and decreased SIFs along the tip. These measures are used to demonstrate the change in interaction with fracture separation and to find the separation at which interaction becomes negligible. Interaction maps are constructed by plotting the values of the interaction measures for a static fracture as a second fracture is moved around it. These maps are presented for several common fracture orientations in tension. They explore interaction by highlighting regions in which growth is more likely to occur and where fractures will grow into nonplanar geometries. Interaction maps can be applied to fracture networks with multiple discontinuities to analyze the effect of geometric variations on fracture interaction.
Aquifer Mechanical Properties and Decelerated Compaction in Tucson, Arizona
Authors: Miller Megan Marie , Shirzaei Manoochehr , Argus Donald
Published: October 2017

In recent decades, high groundwater extraction rates, often coincident with periods of severe drought, result in the widespread decline of water levels. Overexploitation of aquifers also causes land subsidence, which poses a severe threat to infrastructure. Tucson, Arizona experiences land subsidence coupled with the depletion of groundwater, a critical water resource for the desert city. To understand the spatiotemporal evolution of land subsidence and its implications for aquifer properties, we examine long time series of surface deformation and head levels. Measurements at extensometer stations indicate rapid compaction of fine‐grained material up to 8.5 mm/yr from 1990 to 2005, which results in permanent storage volume losses up to 4.1%. The analysis of densely populated sets of interferograms generated from Envisat and RadarSAT C band acquisitions yields multitemporal maps of surface deformation at unprecedented resolution. These maps reveal that subsidence significantly slows by the late 2000s, corresponding with the implementation of artificial recharge efforts. Subsequent to groundwater level recovery, we observe a brief 6.6 year interval of residual compaction, suggesting a high vertical hydraulic conductivity, which is then shown to be up to 9.8 × 10−4 m/d. We also estimate the average elastic and inelastic skeletal storage coefficients for the aquifer system to be 3.78 × 10−3 and 6.01 × 10−3, respectively. Interferometric synthetic aperture radar shows deformation nearly ceases by 2015, likely reducing hazards associated with Earth fissuring and infrastructure damage. This study highlights successful outcomes of water management and conservation plans that preserve existing groundwater reserves and increase artificial recharge.
O
ccallatibacter
Authors: Foesel Bärbel U. , Huber Katharina J. , Pascual Javier , Overmann Jörg
Published: October 2017

Oc.cal.la.ti.bac'ter. L. masc. adj.
occallatus
thick‐skinned, referring to the thick cell envelope; N.L. masc. n.
bacter
a rod; N.L. masc. n.
Occallatibacter
rod‐shaped bacterium with thick cell envelope.

Acidobacteria / Acidobacteriia / Acidobacteriales / Acidobacteriaceae / Occallatibacter

The genus
Occallatibacter
currently comprises the two species
O. riparius
and
O. savannae
that represent strictly aerobic, moderately acidophilic, and chemoorganotrophic mesophiles. Cells are Gram‐negative, non‐spore‐forming, and rod‐shaped. They form capsules and divide by binary fission. Although flagella are not detected, cells perform nondirectional tumbling movements that maybe mediated by fimbria‐like cellular appendages. A large variety of sugars are utilized as carbon and energy source. In addition, several amino acids, complex proteinaceous substrates, and a few organic acids are used for growth. Major fatty acids after Bligh–Dyer extraction are
iso
‐C
15:0
,
iso
‐C
17:1
ω7
c
, and
iso
‐C
17:0
; after direct acid hydrolysis of cells, high amounts of 13,16‐dimethyl octacosanedioic acid (
iso
‐diabolic acid) are also found. Major quinone is MK‐8. Member of the class
Acidobacteriia
, family
Acidobacteriaceae
. So far, members of this genus have been isolated from periodically flooded river bank soil and savanna soil in Namibia.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 58.5–59.9 (HPLC).

Type species
:
Occallatibacter riparius
Foesel, Mayer, Luckner, Wanner, Rohde and Overmann 2016, 226
VP
.
Improved vessel–tissue contrast and image quality in 3D radial sampling‐based 4D‐MRI
Authors: Deng Zixin , Yang Wensha , Pang Jianing , Bi Xiaoming , Tuli Richard , Li Debiao , Fan Zhaoyang
Published: October 2017

Purpose

In radiation treatment planning for thoracic and abdominal tumors, 4D‐MRI has shown promise in respiratory motion characterization with improved soft‐tissue contrast compared to clinical standard, 4D computed tomography (4D‐CT). This study aimed to further improve vessel–tissue contrast and overall image quality in 3D radial sampling‐based 4D‐MRI using a slab‐selective (SS) excitation approach.

Methods

The technique was implemented in a 3D radial sampling with self‐gating‐based k‐space sorting sequence. The SS excitation approach was compared to a non‐selective (NS) approach in six cancer patients and two healthy volunteers at 3T. Improvements in vessel–tissue contrast ratio (CR) and vessel signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) were analyzed in five of the eight subjects. Image quality was visually assessed in all subjects on a 4‐point scale (0: poor; 3: excellent). Tumor (patients) and pancreas (healthy) motion trajectories were compared between the two imaging approaches.

Results

Compared with NS‐4D‐MRI, SS‐4D‐MRI significantly improved the overall vessel–tissue CR (2.60 ± 3.97 vs. 1.03 ± 1.44, P < 0.05), SNR (63.33 ± 38.45 vs. 35.74 ± 28.59, P < 0.05), and image quality score (2.6 ± 0.5 vs. 1.4 ± 0.5, P = 0.02). Motion trajectories from the two approaches exhibited strong correlation in the superior–inferior (0.96 ± 0.06), but weaker in the anterior–posterior (0.78 ± 0.24) and medial–lateral directions (0.46 ± 0.44).

Conclusions

The proposed 4D‐MRI with slab‐selectively excited 3D radial sampling allows for improved blood SNR, vessel–tissue CR, and image quality.