bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of mathematics computer games on special education students' multiplicative reasoning ability
Authors: Bakker Marjoke , van den Heuvel‐Panhuizen Marja , Robitzsch Alexander
Published: March 2015

This study examined the effects of a teacher‐delivered intervention with online mathematics mini‐games on special education students' multiplicative reasoning ability (multiplication and division). The games involved declarative, procedural, as well as conceptual knowledge of multiplicative relations, and were accompanied with teacher‐led lessons and class discussions. A pretest–posttest control‐group design was employed, with 81 students from five schools for special primary education (three experimental schools and two control schools). The intervention consisted of two 10‐week game periods in which a total of 16 mini‐games were offered as part of the regular educational program for multiplicative reasoning. The control group students played non‐multiplicative mini‐games; for multiplicative reasoning, they followed their regular educational program without mini‐games. In both groups, students' multiplicative reasoning ability significantly increased. Regarding declarative knowledge of multiplication facts, learning outcomes were significantly higher in the experimental group as compared with the control group. This finding indicates the usefulness of mini‐games for enhancing special education students' mathematics fact knowledge. Learning outcomes on a test measuring procedural and conceptual knowledge of multiplicative reasoning did not differ between experimental and control group. For these learning outcomes, then, the mini‐games intervention did not have added value but can still be considered a “safe” alternative approach.
Canadian Cattle Cycles and Market Shocks
Authors: Twine Edgar E. , Rude James , Unterschultz Jim
Published: March 2015

We analyze Canadian beef cattle cycles using time‐series properties of four variables: total cattle inventories, beef cow inventories, beef supply, and beef prices. Our aim is to provide up‐to‐date estimates of the duration of the cycles, and to determine whether or not some of the recent market shocks can be associated with changes in the nature of the cycles. Spectral decomposition of the variables reveals 10‐year cycles in total cattle inventories, beef cow inventories, beef supply, and beef prices. Seasonal and annual cycles are also found in beef supply and prices, respectively. Using intervention analysis, exchange rate appreciation, feed price escalation, and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) are modeled as pure jumps. Exchange rate and feed price shocks are modeled as having started in 2002 and 2007, respectively, and persisted up to the end of the sample period, while BSE is modeled as a shift for the period 2003 to 2005. We find significant impacts of the three shocks on total inventories, but beef supply appears to have been impacted by exchange rates and BSE. A spectral comparison of the pre‐ and post‐shock periodograms of beef supply reveals a 58% reduction in the peak amplitude of the beef supply cycle.
Concurrent Individual And Social Learning In Robot Teams
Authors: Ng Larry , Emami M. Reza
Published: March 2015

This article discusses effective mechanisms that enable a group of robots to autonomously generate, adapt, and enhance team behaviors while improving their individual performance simultaneously. Two promising team learning concepts, namely, cooperative learning and advice‐sharing, are integrated to provide a platform that encompasses a comprehensive approach to team‐performance enhancement. These methods were examined in relation to the performance characteristics of standard single‐robot Q‐learning to ascertain whether they retain viable learning characteristics despite the integration of individual learning into team behaviors.
Effective learning and retention of braille letter tactile discrimination skills in children with developmental dyslexia
Authors: Hayek Maisam , Dorfberger Shoshi , Karni Avi
Published: March 2015

Children with developmental dyslexia (DD) may differ from typical readers in aspects other than reading. The notion of a general deficit in the ability to acquire and retain procedural (‘how to’) knowledge as long‐term procedural memory has been proposed. Here, we compared the ability of elementary school children, with and without reading difficulties (DD, typical readers), to improve their tactile discrimination with practice and tested the children's ability to retain the gains. Forty 10–11‐year‐olds practiced the tactile discrimination of four braille letters, presented as pairs, while blindfolded. In a trial, participants were asked to report whether the target stimuli were identical or different from each other. The structured training session consisted of six blocks of 16 trials each. Performance was re‐tested at 24 hours and two weeks post‐training. Both groups improved in speed and in accuracy. In session 1, children with DD started as significantly less accurate and were slower than the typical readers but showed rapid learning and successfully closed the gap. Only two children with DD failed to benefit from training and were not included in subsequent data analyses. At 24 hours post‐training both groups showed effective retention of the gains in speed and accuracy. Importantly, children with DD were able to retain the gains in speed and accuracy, over a two‐week interval as effectively as typical readers. Thus, children with DD were as effective in the acquisition and retention of tactile discrimination of braille letters as typical readers of the same age. The results do not support the notion of a general procedural learning disability in DD.
Cross‐linguistic interactions influence reading development in bilinguals: a comparison between early balanced French‐Basque and Spanish‐Basque bilingual children
Authors: Lallier Marie , Acha Joana , Carreiras Manuel
Published: March 2015

This study investigates whether orthographic consistency and transparency of languages have an impact on the development of reading strategies and reading sub‐skills (i.e. phonemic awareness and visual attention span) in bilingual children. We evaluated 21 French (opaque)‐Basque (transparent) bilingual children and 21 Spanish (transparent)‐Basque (transparent) bilingual children at Grade 2, and 16 additional children of each group at Grade 5. All of them were assessed in their common language (i.e. Basque) on tasks measuring word and pseudoword reading, phonemic awareness and visual attention span skills. The Spanish speaking groups showed better Basque pseudoword reading and better phonemic awareness abilities than their French speaking peers, but only in the most difficult conditions of the tasks. However, on the visual attention span task, the French‐Basque bilinguals showed the most efficient visual processing strategies to perform the task. Therefore, learning to read in an additional language affected differently Basque literacy skills, depending on whether this additional orthography was opaque (e.g. French) or transparent (e.g. Spanish). Moreover, we showed that the most noteworthy effects of Spanish and French orthographic transparency on Basque performance were related to the size of the phonological and visual grain used to perform the tasks.
Two Giant Right Coronary Artery Aneurysms with Fistula to the Left Ventricle: Preliminary Diagnosis by Echocardiography
Authors: Li Yuman , Xie Mingxing , Wang Xinfang , Lv Qing , Yang YaLi , He Lin
Published: March 2015

Mini‐Abstract

Coronary artery fistula with two giant coronary artery aneurysms is a very rare condition. In this study, we report a patient with right coronary artery to left ventricle fistula with two giant coronary artery aneurysms. The patient was treated successfully by closure of the fistula and the orifice of the RCA, and coronary artery bypass grafting.
CAN ENTRY OR EXIT EVENT STUDIES INFORM HORIZONTAL MERGER ANALYSIS? EVIDENCE FROM GROCERY RETAILING
Authors: Hosken Daniel S. , Olson Luke M. , Smith Loren K.
Published: March 2015

This study estimates how prices change following the entry and exit of grocery retailers. We estimate the effects of entry (exit) by comparing affected markets to a set of unaffected markets using both a difference‐in‐difference estimator and a synthetic control estimator. We find that entry typically results in reduced prices. More surprisingly, we find that exit is frequently associated with falling prices. Our estimated effects of entry on grocery prices are similar in magnitude to estimates of merger price effects in the supermarket industry. This finding suggests that entry event studies may be a useful tool for horizontal merger analysis. (JEL L11, L4, L81)
WANT EXPORT DIVERSIFICATION? EDUCATE THE KIDS FIRST
Authors: Jetter Michael , Ramírez Hassan Andrés
Published: March 2015

This paper uses Bayesian model averaging to uncover the true determinants of export diversification among 36 potential factors, and thus 236 potential models. Using data from 2001 to 2010, our results reveal two strong predictors: Primary school enrollment (99.7% posterior inclusion probability in the true model) raises export diversification, whereas the share of natural resources in gross domestic product (98.6%) lowers diversification levels. The importance of basic education coverage offers policymakers an opening toward diversifying exports, at least in the long run. This result is robust to accounting for the endogeneity of income levels by applying an instrumental variable BMA method. (JEL C11, F1, F34, O1, O2, O11)
Movement patterns of Brook Trout in a restored coastal stream system in southern Massachusetts
Authors: Snook Erin L. , Letcher Benjamin H. , Dubreuil Todd L. , Zydlewski Joseph , O'Donnell Matthew J. , Whiteley Andrew R. , Hurley Stephen T. , Danylchuk Andy J.
Published: March 2015

Coastal Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations are found from northern Canada to New England. The extent of anadromy generally decreases with latitude, but the ecology and movements of more southern populations are poorly understood. We conducted a 33‐month acoustic telemetry study of Brook Trout in Red Brook, MA, and adjacent Buttermilk Bay (marine system) using 16 fixed acoustic receivers and surgically implanting acoustic transmitters in 84 individuals. Tagged Brook Trout used the stream, estuary (50% of individuals) and bay (10% of individuals). Movements into full sea water were brief when occurring. GAMM models revealed that transitions between habitat areas occurred most often in spring and fall. Environmental data suggest that use of the saline environment is limited by summer temperatures in the bay. Movements may also be related to moon phase. Compared to more northern coastal populations of Brook Trout, the Red Brook population appears to be less anadromous overall, yet the estuarine segment of the system may have considerable ecological importance as a food resource.
Colletotrichum acutatum associated with Dryocosmus kuriphilus galls on Castanea sativa
Authors: Gaffuri F. , Maresi G. , Pedrazzoli F. , Longa C. M. O. , Boriani M. , Molinari M. , Tantardini A.
Published: March 2015

The occurrence of Colletotrichum acutatum J. H. Simmonds in necrotized galls of Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu in chestnut (Castanea sativa Miller) stands is reported for the first time in Italy. Morphological and biomolecular analyses confirmed the isolation of the fungus. No damage by the fungus has been observed.
cis‐cyclopropylamines as mechanism‐based inhibitors of monoamine oxidases
Authors: Malcomson Thomas , Yelekci Kemal , Borrello Maria Teresa , Ganesan A. , Semina Elena , De Kimpe Norbert , Mangelinckx Sven , Ramsay Rona R.
Published: March 2015

Cyclopropylamines, inhibitors of monoamine oxidases (MAO) and lysine‐specific demethylase (LSD1), provide a useful structural scaffold for the design of mechanism‐based inhibitors for treatment of depression and cancer. For new compounds with the less common cis relationship and with an alkoxy substituent at the 2‐position of the cyclopropyl ring, the apparent affinity determined from docking experiments revealed little difference between the enantiomers. Using the racemate, kinetic parameters for the reversible and irreversible inhibition of MAO were determined. No inhibition of LSD1 was observed. For reversible inhibition, most compounds gave high IC50 values with MAO A, but sub‐micromolar values with MAO B. After pre‐incubation of the cyclopropylamine with the enzyme, the inhibition was irreversible for both MAO A and MAO B, and the activity was not restored by dilution. Spectral changes during inactivation of MAO A included bleaching at 456 nm and an increased absorbance at 400 nm, consistent with flavin modification. These derivatives are MAO B‐selective irreversible inhibitors that do not show inhibition of LSD1. The best inhibitor was cis‐N‐benzyl‐2‐methoxycyclopropylamine, with an IC50 of 5 nm for MAO B and 170 nm for MAO A after 30 min pre‐incubation. This cis‐cyclopropylamine is over 20‐fold more effective than tranylcypromine, so may be studied as a lead for selective inhibitors of MAO B that do not inhibit LSD1.
Evaluation of application possibility of water containing organic acids for chemical denture cleaning for older adults
Authors: Izumi Sachi , Ryu Masahiro , Ueda Takayuki , Ishihara Kazuyuki , Sakurai Kaoru
Published: March 2015

Aim

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the application possibility of water containing organic acids (WOA), made by some organic acids used as food additives, for chemical denture cleaning for older adults by microbial investigation.

Methods

Using an in vitro biofilm study, we determined the effects of WOA on Streptococcus sanguinis, S. pneumoniae and Candida albicans attached to heat‐cured acrylic resins. Specimens were divided into three groups as follows: control group (TW), commercial denture cleaner group (DC) and WOA group (WOA). Specimens were treated with each for 5 min, 30 min or 8 h, and the numbers of attached microbes were determined by counting colony‐forming units or adenosine triphosphate analysis. Using an in vivo biofilm study, we studied the effects of these same solutions on 60 complete dentures. The dentures were divided randomly and blindness into three groups as described above, and treated for 10 min. The numbers of microbes attached to dentures before and after treatment were determined by counting colony‐forming units.

Results

For the in vitro biofilm study, there were significant differences in the numbers of microbes between WOA and TW, although there were no significant differences between WOA and DC except for C. albicans. For the in vivo biofilm study, there were significant differences between WOA, DC and TW, although there was no significant difference between WOA and DC.

Conclusion

We conclude that water containing organic acids exerts antimicrobial effects as strong as commercial denture cleaner, and it has an application possibility of use for safe chemical denture cleaning for older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 16: 300–306.
Biodiversity of Coleoptera and other invertebrates in urban gardens: a case study in a New Zealand city
Authors: Barratt Barbara I. P. , Dickinson Katherine J. M. , Freeman Claire , Porter Stephan , Johnstone Peter D. , Wing Janine , van Heezik Yolanda
Published: March 2015

Invertebrate biodiversity was investigated in 55 domestic gardens in the city of Dunedin in southern New Zealand. The influence of habitat types within the gardens (lawns, open beds, and closed canopy beds) on invertebrate community structure was investigated by pitfall trapping. Species richness of Coleoptera, the proportion of native species, and effects of pesticide use by householders was examined.

The most abundantly trapped taxa were Collembola, Amphipoda, and Diptera. Most taxa were represented in all three habitat types, but Collembola, Diptera, and Araneae were most frequently collected in lawns and Isopoda in open beds.

The use of pesticides had no effect on total trap catch, but detritivore numbers were higher in gardens where no insecticide had been used. Opiliones and Acarina were captured in greater numbers in gardens where herbicides had not been used.

Over 1400 Coleoptera were identified to 164 species/morphospecies. Species richness averaged 12 species per garden. Staphylinidae, Curculionidae, and Carabidae were the most abundantly collected Coleoptera, both for species and individuals. Species richness was not affected by vegetation type. The coleopteran fauna was predominantly native (80–90%) for species and individuals.

The capture of a new to New Zealand weevil species (Exomias pellicidus(Boheman)) suggests that urban studies could play a role in alerting authorities to biosecurity incursions. The study stimulated considerable interest in invertebrates from householders, which might help fill the gap between acquiring environmental awareness and encouraging changes in behaviour towards support for native biodiversity.
Chironomids as indicators in freshwater ecosystems: an assessment of the literature
Authors: Nicacio Gilberto , Juen Leandro
Published: March 2015

Freshwater assessment studies have been used changes on individuals and populations of Chironomidae assemblages as bioindicators to assay aquatic ecosystems changes and environmental quality. To assess the contribution of the studies with this family to response aquatic environmental changes, we carried out a scientometric analysis of the papers published from 1992 to 2012.

We imported papers from ISI Web of Knowledge database (Thomson Reuters) in November 2013. A total of 2967 papers were evaluated and we carried out descriptive analysis to assay the main trends on Chironomidae research in freshwater assessments.

The main ideas and approaches in these studies were related to the impact of human influence on aquatic ecosystems and the status of conservation of this environments, as well as to limitations and difficulties in the applications of the assessments.

In view of our results, we suggest some ideas to contribute to the conservation of aquatic ecosystems, mainly in threatened environments in southern Hemisphere countries. However, Chironomidae identification for assessing aquatic environments, as well as the limitations of suitable tools and metrics, which still are strong issues that need more attention to make more robust approaches to assay aquatic ecosystems.
Current state of allocation of oral health human resources in northern China and future needs
Authors: Zhang Y , Lu Z , Cheng R , liu L
Published: March 2015

Objective

The aim of the present investigation was to describe the distribution, structure and allocation of oral health services personnel, evaluate oral health service capacity and predict the needs for oral health services in northern China over the coming 10 years.

Methods

The questionnaires were sent to all the dental medical institutions included in this study directly from the Sanitation Bureau and the Health Supervision Station. All the institutions and dental personnel were asked to fill out the questionnaires, and then, the questionnaires were collected through postal service and email.

Results

In Liaoning Province, which is in northern China, there are a total of 5617 dentists in total, 87.8% of whom are located in urban areas. Dentists in rural areas were found to be less educated and specialized. The ratio of dentists to nurses to technicians was about 6:2:1, and the ratio of dentists to total population was 1:7682. It was predicted that, in 2020, the number of dentists could reach 13 207. This would meet the area's needs for oral health services.

Conclusion

Currently, in northern China, the oral health infrastructure suffers from an insufficient number of dental professionals, disproportionate distribution and inappropriate structure. To improve social equity, it is necessary to adjust the distribution of dental personnel capable of performing for oral health services.
The risk of tuberculosis in patients with psoriasis treated with anti‐tumor necrosis factor agents
Authors: Ergun Tulin , Seckin Dilek , Baskan Bulbul Emel , Onsun Nahide , Ozgen Zuleyha , Unalan Pemra , Alpsoy Erkan , Karakurt Sait
Published: March 2015

Background

Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) antagonist treatment is associated with 1.6 to 27 times higher risk of tuberculosis (TB).

Objective

To find TB incidence of psoriasis patients treated with TNF‐ α antagonists and define risk factors related with this condition in a country with moderately high risk of TB.

Methods

Three hundred seventy psoriasis patients treated by anti‐TNF agents in four referral centers were included. The data on the characteristics of the patients, TB history, tuberculosis skin test results, anti‐TNF agent type and exposure time, localization of TB, and isoniazide prophylaxis state were analyzed.

Results

Four patients (1.08%) developed TB, three pulmonary and one gastrointestinal, 2–23 months after initiating anti‐TNF agents. Other than the patient with gastrointestinal TB, who was using methotrexate and corticosteroid concomitantly, none had contributing risk factors for TB. Two patients developed pulmonary TB in spite of chemoprophylaxis. Three patients with pulmonary TB completely recovered following antiTB treatment whereas patients with gastroinrestinal TB developed renal failure.

Limitations

The major limitation of the study is the lack of a diseased control group, which enables us to compare the risk of psoriatics with that of patients having other inflammatory diseases.

Conclusion

Tuberculosis is a rare but a severe complication of anti‐TNF treatment and may develop in spite of chemoprophylaxis. The risk of TB in psoriasis patients in the present study is comparable to literature mostly based on rheumatology patients.
Effect of high moisture extrusion cooking on protein–protein interactions of pea (Pisum sativum L.) protein isolates
Authors: Osen Raffael , Toelstede Simone , Eisner Peter , Schweiggert‐Weisz Ute
Published: March 2015

This study focuses on protein alterations in fibrous meat substitutes produced by high moisture extrusion cooking of pea protein isolates. Three commercially available pea protein isolates and their respective extrudates were evaluated regarding their amino acid composition, molecular weight distribution and protein–protein interactions. Extrusion had no effect on the degree of hydrolysis and amino acid composition indicating that the thermal and mechanical energy during extrusion did not cause the formation of peptide bonds or the degradation of amino acids due to Maillard reactions. Decrease of protein solubilised from extrudates in a buffered solution containing urea indicated that the structural integrity of extrudates could be attributed mainly to covalent disulphide bonding and, to a smaller extent, to non‐covalent interactions. Additionally, the disappearance of legumin bands in extrudates as determined by electrophoresis could be explained by its participation in a macromolecular network that was aggregated and cross‐linked via disulphide bonds. This study contributes to a better understanding of the way the proteins interact during extrusion of pea protein isolates.
Comparison of the international normalized ratio levels obtained by portable coagulometer and laboratory in a clinic specializing in oral anticoagulation
Authors: Meneghelo Z. M. , Barroso C. M. Q. , Liporace I. L. , Cora A. P.
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Therapy with Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) is effective in reducing thromboembolic events in various diseases. There are limitations however, which limit clinical handling and maintaining INR within therapeutic range. Studies have shown that portable coagulometers, when compared to laboratory tests, are more practical and provide better patient adherence and involvement toward treatment which results in better INR control. This study aimed to evaluate laboratory obtained INR results compared to two different portable coagulometers.

Methods

A prospective study which monitored 1009 patients using VKA in the Anticoagulation Clinic at the Institute Dante Pazzanese of Cardiology in São Paulo between July and September 2012. Patient INR values were obtained by the laboratory through venipuncture and then compared to INR values obtained by capillary puncture from two different portable coagulometers.

Results

Overall, 1009 patients were included in the study; among these, 520 (51.5%) are male with average age of 59.6 years (13–91). The more common indications were atrial fibrillation (49.9%) and mechanical prosthesis (33.7%). The correlation coefficient was of 0.95 with and 0.88 with INRatio PT Monitor® compared to laboratory. In patients with INR < 2 (lower than therapeutic range), the coefficient was 0.92 and 0.81 for CoaguChek XS plus® and INRatio PT Monitor® respectively. In patients within therapeutic range (INR 2–3), the coefficient was 0.86 with CoaguChek XS Plus® and 0.76 with INRatio PT Monitor®. For INR above therapeutic range (INR > 3.0) the correlation was 0.80 with CoaguChek XS Plus® and 0.54 with INRatio PT Monitor®. As for concordance between methods, the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were slightly smaller than those previously stated (ICC = 0.899 with CoaguChek XS Plus® and ICC = 0.716 with INRatio PT Monitor®).

Conclusion

The use of portable coagulometers was comparable to laboratory tests and better correlation coefficients were observed with CoaguChek XS Plus® and in patients with INR lower or within therapeutic range. Portable coagulometers proved to be a useful and reliable tool for INR control in patients using VKA.
On a Problem of Robbins
Authors: Gu Jiaying , Koenker Roger
Published: March 2015

An early example of a compound decision problem of Robbins (1951) is employed to illustrate some features of the development of empirical Bayes methods. Our primary objective is to draw attention to the constructive role that the nonparametric maximum likelihood estimator for mixture models introduced by Kiefer & Wolfowitz (1956) can play in these developments.
Survival on the outside: Assessing Labour in opposition, 2010–2015
Authors: Bale Tim
Published: March 2015

Tim Bale looks back on his 12‐step programme' for Labour's time in opposition to gauge, five years on, how the party fared after 13 years on the inside looking out.
The new class war: Excluding the working class in 21st‐century Britain
Authors: Evans Geoff , Tilley James
Published: March 2015

Is Britain's working class already lost to a vicious cycle of political disengagement and exclusion? Geoff Evans and James Tilley outline the terms of a ‘new class war’ against the working class, based on its shrinking share of the population, low political participation rates and the decreasing return it provides to electoral vote‐chasers.
Equality, Rawls and realism: Has the public debate caught up with the policy theory, or left it behind?
Authors: Jackson Ben
Published: March 2015

Works of ‘popular politics’ and academic research alike have pushed issues of equality into the political spotlight. But, Ben Jackson warns, the theoretical debate may be becoming more inegalitarian in its outlook just as British political culture moves in the opposite direction.
Base‐rates of Negative Traits: Instructions for Use in Criminal Trials
Authors: Picinali Federico
Published: March 2015

Decision‐makers in institutional and non‐institutional contexts are sometimes confronted with the issue of whether to use generalisations expressing the statistical incidence of a negative trait in a disadvantaged and discriminated‐against social group in order to draw an inference concerning a member of that group. If a criminal court were confronted with such a question, what answer should it give? First, the article argues that, our qualms notwithstanding, morality does not demand that these generalisations be disregarded. In doing so, the article addresses the relationship between factual accuracy and the demands of morality in criminal trials. Second, the article considers the implications of this conclusion for the legal question as to whether the evidence at issue should be excluded, in particular, on grounds of unfairness — pursuant to section 78(1) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
Exploring Carers’ Judgements of Responsibility and Control in Response to the Challenging Behaviour of People with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Williams Sophie , Dagnan Dave , Rodgers Jacqui , Freeston Mark
Published: March 2015

Background

This study examines Weiner's recent cognitive emotional model which makes a distinction between judgements of control and responsibility and emphasizes the moderation of control by ‘mitigating’ factors.

Method

In response to four vignettes describing two conditions of control (high or low) and mitigating factors (present or absent), questionnaires rating judgements of responsibility and emotional responses (anger and sympathy) were completed by 52 care staff.

Results

Analysis of the data for sympathy demonstrated that attributions of control were moderated by communication ability and that the effect of control upon sympathy was mediated by the judgement of responsibility.

Conclusions

The data offer tentative support Weiner's account of the mitigation of control attributions in making responsibility judgements and their subsequent effects on emotional responses. Implications for research and clinical work are discussed.
The Characteristics of Local Support Systems, and the Roles of Professionals, in Supporting Families where a Mother has an Intellectual Disability
Authors: Weiber Ingrid , Eklund Mona , Tengland Per‐Anders
Published: March 2015

Background

There might be a need for support for families where the mother has an intellectual disability, in order to counteract the effects of potential parental inadequacy and other detrimental aspects of the family situation. The purpose of this study was to describe how professionals characterized such support and the collaboration required.

Materials and methods

Focus group interviews involving 29 professionals were conducted and analysed using content analysis.

Results

Five themes were identified: The roles and activities of the professionals involved; ways in which needs of support are identified; problems in identifying mothers with an intellectual disability; how professionals coordinate their support and work together; and the dilemma concerning legislative actions.

Conclusions

By identifying both fruitful and problematic aspects of professional support, the findings may be used to enhance future support. More efficient chains of information and improved inter‐sector collaboration between professions may further enhance the support practices.
Oncostatin M (OSM) protects against cardiac ischaemia/reperfusion injury in diabetic mice by regulating apoptosis, mitochondrial biogenesis and insulin sensitivity
Authors: Sun Dongdong , Li Shuang , Wu Hao , Zhang Mingming , Zhang Xiaotian , Wei Liping , Qin Xing , Gao Erhe
Published: March 2015

Oncostatin M (OSM) exhibits many unique biological activities by activating Oβ receptor. However, its role in myocardial I/R injury in diabetic mice remains unknown. The involvement of OSM was assessed in diabetic mice which underwent myocardial I/R injury by OSM treatment or genetic deficiency of OSM receptor Oβ. Its mechanism on cardiomyocyte apoptosis, mitochondrial biogenesis and insulin sensitivity were further studied. OSM alleviated cardiac I/R injury by inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis through inhibition of inositol pyrophosphate 7 (IP7) production, thus activating PI3K/Akt/BAD pathway, decreasing Bax expression while up‐regulating Bcl‐2 expression and decreasing the ratio of Bax to Bcl‐2 in db/db mice. OSM enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial function in db/db mice subjected to cardiac I/R injury. On the contrary, OSM receptor Oβ knockout exacerbated cardiac I/R injury, increased IP7 production, enhanced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, impaired mitochondrial biogenesis, glucose homoeostasis and insulin sensitivity in cardiac I/R injured diabetic mice. Inhibition of IP7 production by TNP (IP6K inhibitor) exerted similar effects of OSM. The mechanism of OSM on cardiac I/R injury in diabetic mice is partly associated with IP7/Akt and adenine mononucleotide protein kinase/PGC‐1α pathway. OSM protects against cardiac I/R Injury by regulating apoptosis, insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial biogenesis in diabetic mice through inhibition of IP7 production.
Identification of miR‐93 as a suitable miR for normalizing miRNA in plasma of tuberculosis patients
Authors: Barry Simone E. , Chan Brian , Ellis Magda , Yang YuRong , Plit Marshall L. , Guan Guangyu , Wang Xiaolin , Britton Warwick J. , Saunders Bernadette M.
Published: March 2015

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health issue. New tests to aid diagnoses and monitor the response to therapy are urgently required. There is growing interest in the use of microRNA (miRNA) profiles as diagnostic, prognostic or predictive markers in a range of clinical and infectious diseases, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, however, challenges exist to accurately normalise miRNA levels in cohorts. This study examined the appropriateness of 12 miRs and RNU6B to normalise circulating plasma miRNA levels in individuals with active TB from 2 different geographical and ethnic regions. Twelve miRs (let‐7, miR‐16, miR‐22, miR‐26, miR‐93, miR‐103, miR‐191, miR‐192, miR‐221, miR‐423, miR‐425 and miR‐451) and RNU6B were selected based on their reported production by lung cells, expression in blood and previous use as a reference miRNA. Expression levels were analysed in the plasma of newly diagnosed TB patients from Australia and China compared with individuals with latent TB infection and healthy volunteers. Analysis with both geNorm and NormFinder software identified miR‐93 as the most suitable reference miR in both cohorts, either when analysed separately or collectively. Interestingly, there were large variations in the expression levels of some miRs, in particular miR‐192 and let‐7, between the two cohorts, independent of disease status. These data identify miR‐93 is a suitable reference miR for normalizing miRNA levels in TB patients, and highlight how environmental, and possibly ethnic, factors influence miRNA expression levels, demonstrating the necessity of assessing the suitability of reference miRs within the study population.
Ultrastructure damage of oviduct telocytes in rat model of acute salpingitis
Authors: Yang Jian , Chi Chi , Liu Zhen , Yang Gang , Shen Zong‐Ji , Yang Xiao‐Jun
Published: March 2015

Acute salpingitis (AS) is an inflammatory disease which causes severe damage to a subset of classically described cells lining in oviduct wall and contributes to interstitial fibrosis and fertility problems. Telocytes (TCs), a newly discovered peculiar type of stromal cells, have been identified in many organs, including oviduct, with proposed multiple potential bio‐functions. However, with recent increasing reports regarding TCs alterations in disease‐affected tissues, there is still lack of evidence about TCs involvement in AS‐affected oviduct tissues and potential pathophysiological roles. We presently identified normal TCs by their characteristic ultrastructural features and immunophenotype. However, in AS‐affected oviduct tissues, TCs displayed multiple ultrastructural damage both in cellular body and prolongations, with obvious loss of TCs and development of tissue fibrosis. Furthermore, TCs lose their interstitial 3‐D network connected by homocellular or heterocellular junctions between TCs and adjacent cells. And especially, TCs connected to the activated immunocytes (mononuclear cells, eosinophils) and affected local immune state (repression or activation). Meanwhile, massive neutrophils infiltration and overproduced Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS), COX‐2, suggested mechanism of inflammatory‐induced TCs damage. Consequently, TCs damage might contribute to AS‐induced structural and reproductive functional abnormalities of oviduct, probably via: (i) substances, energy and functional insufficiency, presumably, e.g. TC‐specific genetic material profiles, ion channels, cytoskeletal elements, Tps dynamics, etc., (ii) impaired TCs‐mediated multicellular signalling, such as homeostasis/angiogenesis, tissue repair/regeneration, neurotransmission, (iii) derangement of 3‐D network and impaired mechanical support for TCs‐mediated multicellular signals within the stromal compartment, consequently induced interstitial fibrosis, (iv) involvement in local inflammatory process/ immunoregulation and possibly immune‐mediated early pregnancy failure.
Nutraceuticals and Antioxidant Activity of Prepared for Consumption Commercial Mushrooms Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus ostreatus
Authors: Jaworska Grażyna , Pogoń Krystyna , Bernaś Emilia , Duda‐Chodak Aleksandra
Published: March 2015

Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms (raw or blanched) were prepared for consumption by braising with 10% rapeseed oil. Fresh mushrooms and mushroom products directly after preparation and storage were analyzed. Fresh mushrooms were characterized by typical proximate composition, content of nutraceuticals and antioxidant activity. One hundred grams fresh weight of ready‐made mushrooms fulfilled 2–9%, 10–34%, 7–12% and 1–8% of Recommended Dietary Allowances for adults set by Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization of vitamin B1, B2, B3 and B6, respectively. One hundred grams dry weight of ready‐made mushrooms contained 151–300 mg of catechin equivalents of total polyphenols, 35–98 mg of catechin equivalents of total flavonoids, 2.1–5.5 mg vitamin of C, 0.548–1.004 mg of β‐carotene, 0.336–0.450 mg of lycopene and 40.46–55.16 mg sum of tocopherols and were characterized by high antioxidant activity in 2,2‐azino‐bis[3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid] (ABTS), 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing/Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. Blanching resulted in lower levels of nutraceuticals and lower values of antioxidant activity. Storage of mushrooms prepared for consumption led to decreases in the amount of several nutraceuticals and to the growth of microorganisms.

Practical Applications

Commercial mushrooms such as Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus ostreatus are very popular foods. In Europe, almost 2 kg per person of those mushrooms are consumed every year. As fresh mushrooms are stodgy, they are rarely consumed raw; usually, they are cooked, braised, fried or preserved prior to consumption. The chemical composition and antioxidant properties of fresh mushrooms are widely described in the literature; however, information pertaining to the vitamin content in mushrooms (estimated by high‐performance liquid chromatography techniques) and characteristic of processed mushrooms is lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate nutraceutical and antioxidant properties of commercial mushrooms after preparation for consumption by braising. This research provides information as to how braising and storage after treatment affects vitamins, antioxidants and antioxidant activity of commercial mushrooms. It also allows estimating the storage period for mushroom culinary products basing on microbiological evaluation.
Determinants of Trust in Health Care in an Older Population
Authors: Guerrero Natalie , Mendes de Leon Carlos F. , Evans Denis A. , Jacobs Elizabeth A.
Published: March 2015

Objectives

To explore differences in sociodemographic and psychological correlates of institutional trust in health care in an aging population of African Americans and non‐Hispanic whites.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey data from the longitudinal Chicago Health and Aging Project.

Setting

Population‐based study of three communities in the Chicago area.

Participants

African Americans (n = 2,284) and non‐Hispanic whites (1,354) with a mean age of 79.3.

Measurements

Demographic factors, socioeconomic status (SES), healthcare access, cynical hostility, perceived discrimination, depression, and institutional trust in health care.

Results

African Americans reported substantially lower healthcare trust than non‐Hispanic whites (P < .001). After adjustment for demographic variables and SES, only race (P < .001) and age (P = .008) were significantly associated with healthcare trust scores. The association between race and healthcare trust was slightly attenuated after adjusting for cynical hostility, depressive symptoms, and perceived discrimination (P < .001). Each of these variables was negatively associated with healthcare trust, and together these accounted for approximately 15% of racial differences in healthcare trust.

Conclusion

Psychological factors, not demographic characteristics, SES, or healthcare factors, appear to contribute the most to disparities in healthcare trust between older African Americans and non‐Hispanic whites.
Chronic Wound Repair and Healing in Older Adults: Current Status and Future Research
Authors: Gould Lisa , Abadir Peter , Brem Harold , Carter Marissa , Conner‐Kerr Teresa , Davidson Jeff , DiPietro Luisa , Falanga Vincent , Fife Caroline , Gardner Sue , Grice Elizabeth , Harmon John , Hazzard William R. , High Kevin P. , Houghton Pamela , Jacobson Nasreen , Kirsner Robert S. , Kovacs Elizabeth J. , Margolis David , McFarland Horne Frances , Reed May J. , Sullivan Dennis H. , Thom Stephen , Tomic‐Canic Marjana , Walston Jeremy , Whitney Jo Anne , Williams John , Zieman Susan , Schmader Kenneth
Published: March 2015

Older adults are more likely to have chronic wounds than younger people, and the effect of chronic wounds on quality of life is particularly profound in this population. Wound healing slows with age, but the basic biology underlying chronic wounds and the influence of age‐associated changes on wound healing are poorly understood. Most studies have used in vitro approaches and various animal models, but observed changes translate poorly to human healing conditions. The effect of age and accompanying multimorbidity on the effectiveness of existing and emerging treatment approaches for chronic wounds is also unknown, and older adults tend to be excluded from randomized clinical trials. Poorly defined outcomes and variables; lack of standardization in data collection; and variations in the definition, measurement, and treatment of wounds also hamper clinical studies. The Association of Specialty Professors, in conjunction with the National Institute on Aging and the Wound Healing Society, held a workshop, summarized in this article, to explore the current state of knowledge and research challenges, engage investigators across disciplines, and identify research questions to guide future study of age‐associated changes in chronic wound healing.
Update on Vaccination Guidelines for Older Adults
Authors: Pilkinton Mark Alexander , Talbot H. Keipp
Published: March 2015

Vaccination is a vital component of routine preventative health. Older adults can potentially benefit most from vaccines because they have greater susceptibility to disease and associated complications. The number of infections covered and the types of vaccines available has grown significantly in recent years. Although this represents tremendous progress, it can also result in confusion and missed opportunities to provided recommended vaccinations. This review summarizes the current guidelines for vaccination of older adults and highlights the latest innovations.
Life Cycle Assessment of a Magazine, Part II: A Comparison of Print and Tablet Editions
Authors: Achachlouei Mohammad Ahmadi , Moberg Åsa
Published: March 2015

The rapid development of information and communications technology (ICT) is providing new ways to access media content. Electronic media are sometimes more advantageous from an environmental perspective than paper‐based media solutions, but ICT‐based media can also bring environmental burdens. This study compared the potential environmental impacts in a life cycle perspective of a print edition of a magazine and that of its electronic edition read on a tablet device. Important objectives were to identify activities giving rise to the main environmental impacts for both the print and tablet editions, determine the key factors influencing these impacts, and address data gaps and uncertainties. A detailed assessment of the tablet edition is provided in a previous article (part 1), whereas this article compares it with the print edition. The methodology used was life cycle assessment and the environmental impacts assessed included climate change, cumulative energy/exergy demand, metal depletion, photochemical oxidant formation, particulate matter formation, terrestrial acidification, freshwater eutrophication, marine eutrophication, and fossil depletion. Use of different functional units to compare the print and tablet editions of the magazine resulted in different relative environmental impacts. In addition, emerging (low number of readers and low reading time per copy) and mature (higher number of readers and higher reading time per copy) tablet editions yielded varying results. The emerging tablet edition resulted in higher potential environmental impacts per reader than the print edition, but the mature tablet edition yielded lower impacts per reader in half the impact categories assessed. This illustrates the importance of spreading the environmental impacts over a large number of readers. The electricity mix used in product system processes did not greatly affect the results of tablet/print comparisons, but overall number of readers for the tablet edition, number of readers per copy for the print edition, file size, and degree of use of the tablet device proved crucial for the comparison results.
Why Do Cities Grow? Insights from Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics at the Urban and Global Scales
Authors: Bristow David , Kennedy Christopher
Published: March 2015

This forum article explores thermodynamic understanding of the growth of cities, including theoretical foundations, observations, and analysis. The general theory of nonequilibrium thermodynamics is reviewed, recognizing differences in interpretation between Prigogine and Schneider and Kay as well as discussing the hypothesis of maximum entropy production. Calculations of exergy gradients in a few cities and settlements, along with measures of anthropogenic heat loss in further cities, support the notion that cities are dissipative structures. The observation that primary energy use per capita increases in Singapore and Hong Kong as they grow is further evidence to support the thermodynamic understanding of the growth of cities, indicative of an increasing rate of entropy production. At the global scale, the strong linear relationship between global urban population and total global energy use, and the distribution of city sizes according to Zipf's law, can be understood as emergent results based on thermodynamics. Parallel results might be derived from models that represent underlying microscale processes, several of which are reviewed. Issues for future research include: development of nonequilibrium thermodynamic models specific to city growth; further study of exergy flows of cities with consistent methodology, including attention to solar energy exchanges in cities; and further exploration of links between thermodynamic and economic models of urban growth.