bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimedia Shared Stories for Diverse Learners with Moderate Intellectual Disability
Authors: Rivera Christopher J. , Spooner Fred , Wood Charles L. , Hicks S. Christy
Published: December 2015

In recent years, there has been an increase in literature related to the development of literacy skills for students with intellectual disability (ID). By the same token, literature on ways to improve literacy skills for English language learners also has grown. Despite these advancements within the literature little is known about effective practices for English language learners with ID, specifically those who are Hispanic. The purpose of this study was to examine the comparative effects of an English and Spanish multimedia shared story intervention, with a constant time delay procedure, on the acquisition of English vocabulary for two English language learners with moderate ID. Instruction was provided to students for two weeks, lasting approximately 7–11 minutes per session. Results from the study suggested that language of instruction played an important role in English vocabulary acquisition. Results also indicated that language of instruction did not have a meaningful impact on generalization and maintenance of vocabulary for both conditions over time. Finally, teachers reported that multimedia shared stories were practical and a useful supplement for literacy instruction.
Discriminative Stimulus Social Skills Training: The Effects of Video-Based Exemplars of Teacher Requests on the Compliance of Students with Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Clees Tom J. , Greene Erik B.
Published: December 2015

Virtually all social skills training (SST) regimens incorporate live or video modeling to effect gains in the targeted skills; there seems to be an implicit assumption that a behavioral model must be shown. The experimental literature to date has not investigated the effects of presenting video-based stimulus exemplars in the absence of video-based response models. In the present study two concurrent, yet independent, experiments evaluated the effectiveness of two SST regimens on the compliance of students with emotional and behavioral disorders. The first experiment represents the initial application of a video-based SST procedure, Discriminative Stimulus Social Skills Training (DS-SST). This intervention included multiple video-based exemplars of teacher requests within instruction designed to establish the requests as discriminative stimuli for individual responses that, collectively, were members of the response class, “compliance.” The second experiment evaluated the effectiveness of a novel, yet more traditional, SST approach on compliance. The Peer Assisted Social Skills Training (PA-SST) included peer modeling, imitation, role playing, and feedback/discussion and was included in the study as a nontechnological point of reference for DS-SST. Both experiments also evaluated the effects of treatment on on-task and talk-out behaviors. Results indicated a functional relation between DS-SST and compliance as well as on-task behaviors. The PA-SST experiment did not demonstrate a functional relation with compliance, but was associated with gains in on-task and a reduction in talk-out behaviors. A discussion is presented on the relationship between the DS-SST video-based elements and factors that promote generalization. Results also are related to the construct of stimulus control. Limitations and implications for future research are presented.
Use of Portable Electronic Assistive Technology to Improve Independent Job Performance of Young Adults with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Collins James C. , Ryan Joseph B. , Katsiyannis Antonis , Yell Mitchell , Barrett David E.
Published: December 2015

Poor employment outcomes for persons with intellectual disability (ID) persist despite legislative mandates designed to enhance access to gainful employment. Recent data suggest that only 37% of young adults with ID obtain paid employment outside of the home. Among those who do obtain employment, career options are limited and nearly half are paid below minimum wage. However, strategies such as the use of visual or auditory prompting to assist with task completion to improve employment outcomes may be provided by assistive technology (AT). The current study examined the use of readily available, inexpensive, and discrete portable electronic AT in an office setting to provide three unique modes of prompting and instruction (video, audio, and a combination of both) for three young adults with ID. Results revealed the AT was highly effective for increasing participants' ability to independently and correctly complete office-related tasks, yet the type of prompt that was provided had no effect on performance. Implications and suggestions for future research are provided.
Systematically Produced Intervention Strategies in Early Education
Authors: Casto Glendon , Baer Richard , Hoagland Vicky , Peterson Adrienne
Published: December 2015

In recent years, instructional technology procedures have been utilized in developing various types of packaged curricula in the field of early education. This article describes the development of packaged curricula which address the broad skill areas of receptive and expressive language, motor, self-help and social emotional development Preliminary data regarding intervention effectiveness is presented.
Collecting Trial-by-Trial Data on Severely Handicapped Children with the Aid of a Microprocessor
Authors: Arick Joel R. , Krug David A. , Rathkey John , Flax Stephen
Published: December 2015

Continuous paper-pencil data collection and summarizing time was monitored and compared with an automated data collection system made possible by a microprocessor computer. Fifteen autistic and/or severely handicapped students ranging in age from four years to fourteen years participated in the study. The automated data collection system was found to be significantly faster and more precise than the conventional paper-pencil recording of individual trials and summarization of trials.
Methods of Delivering Variable Schedules of Reinforcement
Authors: Baker Ahmad M.
Published: December 2015

The difficulties encountered in implementing variable schedules of reinforcement were presented and discussed. Procedures then were given and described for constructing instruments that are designed to help teachers deliver variable ratio, variable interval, and variable DRO schedules of reinforcement accurately and pragmatically. A step by step description of the instruments and their use was given and described.
Transitions in Living Arrangements Among Older Mexican Americans
Authors: Prickett Kate C. , Angel Jacqueline L.
Published: December 2015

This study examines the transition from independent living to a coresidential living arrangement across the late life course among older unmarried (i.e., widowed, divorced/separated, and single) Mexican Americans. Using 18 years’ worth of panel data from the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly, event history analyses revealed that age at migration, physical disability, and cognitive impairment were strong predictors of the transition to a coresidential living arrangement. Importantly, a decline in physical and cognitive abilities heightened the risk of transition to a coresidential living arrangement, net of time-variant measures of disability and impairment. These findings provide evidence for incorporating a dynamic approach to examining living arrangements across the late life course for Mexican-origin Hispanics living in the United States, with implications for policy and service providers.
Perfusion and diffusion characteristics of endometrial malignancy based on intravoxel incoherent motion MRI at 3.0 T: comparison with normal endometrium
Authors: Liu Jingyan , Wan Yeda , Wang Zhi , Qi Yang , Qu Pengpeng , Liu Yixin
Published: December 2015

Background

There has been a growing need for a non-invasive imaging method for the accurate diagnosis and differentiation of endometrial malignancy (EM).

Purpose

To study tissue characteristics of EM using an intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) model and to assess their diagnostic potential.

Material and Methods

Sixty-eight EMs and 31 healthy participants were prospectively recruited for diffusion-weighted (13 b-values, b = 0–3,000 s/mm2) and standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A bi-exponential analysis was performed to derive f (perfusion fraction), D* (pseudodiffusion coefficient), and D (true diffusion coefficient) in EM and normal endometrium (NE). Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was calculated. Student’s t test, the Mann–Whitney U test and a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis were performed.

Results

EM had lower f (37.809 ± 12.158%) and was significantly different from NE ( P < 0.001). However, the EMs had higher D (0.503 ± 0.155 × 10−3 mm2/s) and D* (19.796 ± 20.029 × 10−3 mm2/s) and were all significantly different from NE ( P < 0.001). D was significantly lower than ADC in NE ( P < 0.001) but not in EM ( P > 0.05). f ≤ 48.5%, D > 0.432 × 10−3 mm2/s, D* > 4.94 × 10−3 mm2/s, and ADC ≤ 0.542 × 10−3 mm2/s could diagnose EM (AUC 0.786–0.961).

Conclusion

EM has distinctive IVIM perfusion and diffusion characteristics with promising potential for earlier non-invasive diagnosis.
Decision-making in healthcare as a complex adaptive system
Authors: Kuziemsky Craig
Published: December 2015

Healthcare transformation requires a change in how the business of healthcare is done. Traditional decision-making approaches based on stable and predictable systems are inappropriate in healthcare because of the complex nature of healthcare delivery. This article reviews challenges to using traditional decision-making approaches in healthcare and how insight from Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) could support healthcare management. The article also provides a system model to guide decision-making in healthcare as a CAS.
Status Decreases Dominance in the West but Increases Dominance in the East
Authors: Kuwabara Ko , Yu Siyu , Lee Alice J. , Galinsky Adam D.
Published: December 2015

In the experiments reported here, we integrated work on hierarchy, culture, and the enforcement of group cooperation by examining patterns of punishment. Studies in Western contexts have shown that having high status can temper acts of dominance, suggesting that high status may decrease punishment by the powerful. We predicted that high status would have the opposite effect in Asian cultures because vertical collectivism permits the use of dominance to reinforce the existing hierarchical order. Across two experiments, having high status decreased punishment by American participants but increased punishment by Chinese and Indian participants. Moreover, within each culture, the effect of status on punishment was mediated by feelings of being respected. A final experiment found differential effects of status on punishment imposed by Asian Americans depending on whether their Asian or American identity was activated. Analyzing enforcement through the lens of hierarchy and culture adds insight into the vexing puzzle of when and why people engage in punishment.
Oscillations of a rocking block with an added pendulum
Authors: Collini Luca , Garziera Rinaldo , Karapetyan Aleksander V , Munitsyna Maria A , Tasora Alessandro
Published: December 2015

Interactions between buildings and earthquakes have been studied for a long time, and there is much literature about them. This research deals with the dynamical evolutions exhibited by a simple mechanical model of building, comprising a parallelepiped standing on a horizontal plane. The main goal is the introduction of a pendulum in order to control the vibrations; dry friction has also been considered. The theoretical part of the work consists of a Lagrange formulation and Galerkin approximation method. From this theoretical standpoint, we derive many important analytical or numerical results, providing us the tools suitable for the design of absorbers in practical cases.
Predatory Property
Authors: De Neve Geert
Published: December 2015

While liberalization policies have unleashed unprecedented opportunities for accumulation and wealth extraction in India, the urban social consequences of post-reform economic restructuring have been poorly documented to date. Based on ethnographic research carried out in the city of Tiruppur in South India, this article describes the processes of land acquisition and politics of housing that shape the contemporary dynamics of urban restructuring and class formation in this industrial city. The article describes how a powerful caste not only profited from rapid industrial accumulation, but in the process also came to monopolize the urban property market and real estate industry. Moreover, this new urban elite mobilizes urban property in the competitive pursuit of status and distinction through which they seek to establish themselves as an urban, industrial class. It is argued, first, that such processes of wealth accumulation and status competition have led to the dispossession of the urban working classes from home ownership in the city and, second, that urban property plays a key role in the transformation of urban class relations and in the production of a property-less labouring class that is kept under increasingly precarious and uncertain living conditions in the city.
A Readability Evolution of Narratives in Annual Reports
Authors: Moreno Alonso , Casasola Araceli
Published: December 2015

Previous research on the readability of annual reports is based mainly on English narratives and has found them difficult to read. Although the results of such research cannot be generalized to different contexts, accounting narratives written in non-English languages have seldom been analyzed in this respect. More important, few studies have longitudinally examined the evolution in readability of such narratives. This study focuses on the readability evolution of annual report narratives written in Spanish, applying an adapted version of the Flesch readability formula to two sets of documents from different companies over most of the years of the 20th century. The results confirm that the reports are indeed difficult to read but show an improvement in readability over the years. The study tested several variables that might influence readability, including profitability.
Knowledge Sharing Research
Authors: Sergeeva Anastasia , Andreeva Tatiana
Published: December 2015

In response to the calls for more context-aware theorizing, in this essay we review the empirical research on individual knowledge sharing behavior in organizations, with a specific focus on the context in which employees share knowledge. We build on the “Who? / Where? / Why? / What?” framework to “flesh out” the contexts of the empirical studies on individual knowledge sharing published in top-level journals. Mapping the researched contexts, we indicate several biases of the literature as well as point to under-investigated spaces, suggesting theoretical dimensions, their contrasts, and new empirical settings that are missing from the major stream of knowledge sharing studies. We also find that context has been scarcely accounted for in the existing literature, discuss the reasons for it, show how accounting for context can be used to re-interpret some contradictions in existing literature, and suggest some ways to move forward.
Barriers to Asthma Management for School Nurses
Authors: Hanley Nadeau Ellen , Toronto Coleen E.
Published: December 2015

Childhood asthma is a growing health concern. Asthma is the most common chronic illness of childhood and a leading cause of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and school absenteeism. School nurses play a valuable role in asthma management. The purpose of this integrative review is to examine barriers to asthma management for school nurses in the school setting. Findings revealed multiple barriers school nurses encounter in managing asthma. Six themes emerged that included lack of resources and support, insufficient time, communication challenges, limited knowledge, and lack of awareness of school nurses’ expertise. Students, parents, primary care physicians, school administration, staff, and school nurses themselves all play a role in constructing barriers to asthma management. There is a need for school nurses and school nurse leaders to focus efforts to develop strategies to overcome barriers to ensure evidence-based, best practice management of asthma in the school setting.
Mean Platelet Volume as a Surrogate Marker for Platelet Activation in Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Ntolios P. , Papanas N. , Nena E. , Boglou P. , Koulelidis A. , Tzouvelekis A. , Xanthoudaki M. , Tsigalou C. , Froudarakis M. E. , Bouros D. , Mikhailidis D. P. , Steiropoulos P.
Published: December 2015

Background:

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is associated with a prothrombotic state.

Aim:

To study mean platelet volume (MPV) and Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) as markers of platelet activation and their potential association with lung function in patients with recently diagnosed IPF.

Materials and Methods:

This study included 56 patients with IPF (age 64.9±7.4 years) and 79 controls (age 64.2 ± 5.9 years).

Results:

An inverse relation was demonstrated between platelet count and MPV in the control group but not among patients with IPF. Platelet count was significantly lower in patients with IPF compared with controls (230 ± 60 vs 256 ± 75 × 103/μL, P = .038). Conversely, MPV was higher in patients versus controls (10.3 ± 1.2 vs 9.8 ± 1.2 fl, P = .024), while there was no difference between the groups in PDW. Respiratory function was, as expected, significantly impaired in patients with IPF versus controls in terms of forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1; 67.2 ± 23.1 vs 102.6 ± 15.9% of predicted value, P < .001), forced vital capacity (FVC; 65.3 ± 21 vs 95.2 ± 16.1% of predicted value, P < .001), FEV1/FVC (83.1 ± 15 vs 87.5 ± 6.4%, P = .041) and partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2; 67.1 ± 10.3 vs 81.5 ± 15.2 mm Hg, P < .001). No significant correlation was seen between MPV and FVC ( r = −.1497, P = .275), MPV and lung diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide ( r = .035, P = .798) and total lung capacity ( r = .032, P = .820).

Conclusions:

Patients with IPF exhibit higher MPV values and lower platelet count. Further studies are needed to assess the clinical implications of these findings.
Meningoencephalitis in cats in Austria: a study of infectious causes, including Encephalitozoon cuniculi
Authors: Künzel Frank , Rebel-Bauder Barbara , Kassl Christine , Leschnik Michael , Url Angelika
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Despite comprehensive diagnostics, the aetiology of meningoencephalitis (ME) in cats often remains undetermined. As a result of recently published surveys, Encephalitozoon cuniculi has gained growing importance in cats not only with ocular disorders, but also with central nervous system disease. Therefore, it was hypothesised that E cuniculi may be an underestimated pathogen in the development of feline non-suppurative and/or granulomatous ME.

Methods

As a first step, histopathological sections of the brain of cats with encephalopathy were retrospectively reviewed to identify cases of granulomatous ME. In a second step, an immunohistochemical screening for detection of E cuniculi was performed in cases with ME of unknown origin.

Results

In 59/89 (66.3%) cats with ME, an aetiologically relevant pathogen was detected. Forty-three of 89 (48.3%) cats had a diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis. In 14/89 (15.7%) cats, protozoan cysts were identified and infection with Toxoplasma gondii was confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in all cases. In 2/89 (2.3%) cats with granulomatous ME, fungal organisms were identified. Thirty of 89 (33.7%) cats with ME of unknown origin that underwent IHC for the detection of E cuniculi remained negative.

Conclusions and relevance

The results of this study suggest that E cuniculi is unlikely to be directly associated with (non-suppurative and/or granulomatous) ME in cats in Austria.
Role of surfactant head group and chain length in aqueous lubrication: Steel−steel contact
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Singh Abhay , Mishra Devesh K
Published: December 2015

Surfactants are important molecules to decide the lubricating characteristics in aqueous lubrication. In metal working fluids, stabilization of oil droplets in continuous water phase is aided by repulsive force created by surfactants at oil−water interface. Present study explores the possibility of participation of surfactants molecules in lubrication process. Effect of surfactant hydrocarbon chain length and type of head group in aqueous lubrication is explored. Aqueous solutions were prepared using Oleic acid, Tween 20 and Tween 80 surfactants. Goniometer was used for recording surface and interfacial effects of surfactants in water and on steel substrate. Lubricating response of aqueous solutions of surfactants was recorded using Tribometer. Ability of a surfactant to adsorb the steel surface along with longer hydrocarbon chain length is well suited for aqueous lubrication. Solubility of surfactant in water is another important parameter.
When choice becomes limited: Women’s experiences of delay in labour
Authors: Armstrong Natalie , Kenyon Sara
Published: December 2015

Choice and patient involvement in decision-making are strong aspirations of contemporary healthcare. One of the most striking areas in which this is played out is maternity care where recent policy has focused on choice and supporting normal birth. However, birth is sometimes not straightforward and unanticipated complications can rapidly reduce choice. We draw on the accounts of women who experienced delay during labour with their first child. This occurs when progress is slow, and syntocinon is administered to strengthen and regulate contractions. Once delay has been recognized, the clinical circumstances limit choice. Drawing on Mol’s work on the logics of choice and care, we explore how, although often upsetting, women accepted that their choices and plans were no longer feasible. The majority were happy to defer to professionals who they regarded as having the necessary technical expertise, while some adopted a more traditional medical model and actively rejected involvement in decision-making altogether. Only a minority wanted to continue active involvement in decision-making, although the extent to which the possibility existed for them to do so was questionable. Women appeared to accept that their ideals of choice and involvement had to be abandoned, and that clinical circumstances legitimately changed events.
Training in Patient Navigation
Authors: Ustjanauskas Amy E. , Bredice Marissa , Nuhaily Sumayah , Kath Lisa , Wells Kristen J.
Published: December 2015

Despite the proliferation of patient navigation programs designed to increase timely receipt of health care, little is known about the content and delivery of patient navigation training, or best practices in this arena. The current study begins to address these gaps in understanding, as it is the first study to comprehensively review descriptions of patient navigation training in the peer-reviewed research literature. Seventy-five patient navigation efficacy studies published since 1995, identified through PubMed and by the authors, were included in this narrative review. Fifty-nine of the included studies (79%) mentioned patient navigation training, and 55 of these studies additionally provided a description of training. Most studies did not thoroughly document patient navigation training practices. Additionally, several topics integral to the role of patient navigators, as well as components of training central to successful adult learning, were not commonly described in the research literature. Descriptions of training also varied widely across studies in terms of duration, location, format, learning strategies employed, occupation of trainer, and content. These findings demonstrate the need for established standards of navigator training as well as for future research on the optimal delivery and content of patient navigation training.
Self-Reported Psychopathic Traits and Antisocial Outcomes in Detained Girls
Authors: Colins Olivier F. , Damme Lore van , Andershed Henrik , Fanti Kostas A. , DeLisi Matt
Published: December 2015

This study examines the usefulness of self-reported psychopathy scores in predicting various antisocial outcomes in a sample of detained girls ( n = 95, Mage = 16.25). Psychopathic traits at baseline were measured by the Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD). Other self-report tools were completed at baseline and 6 months after discharge to assess violent and nonviolent offending, reactive and proactive aggression, and alcohol/drug use. Only occasionally a significant relationship between the APSD total score and these antisocial outcomes was revealed, though the APSD total score did never remain a significant predictor after controlling for past offenses, aggression, and alcohol/drug use. Altogether, these findings suggest that the APSD total score is of restricted usefulness in predicting antisocial outcomes among detained girls. This overall conclusion is consistent with past research using the APSD and other tools and suggests that one should rethink the role of psychopathy measures for risk assessment purposes among detained youths.
Partnership Matters in Health Services Research: A Mixed Methods Study of Practitioners’ Involvement in Research and Subsequent Use of Evidence-Based Interventions
Authors: Spector Anya Y. , Pinto Rogério. M.
Published: December 2015

Health and social service practitioners have not readily incorporated research-based behavioral interventions in HIV prevention practice due to lack of awareness, lack of training, and challenges translating research findings into practice. Practitioners’ involvement in research is associated with their willingness to use research to guide practice. Likewise practitioners’ personal and organizational characteristics have been shown to be associated with use of research findings in practice. Factors associated with practitioners’ use of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) in HIV prevention, however are not well understood. While research involvement has been recommended to help practitioners overcome barriers to the use of EBIs, the types of research involvement that result in practitioners’ actual use of EBIs is not known. This is partly because most studies are either qualitative or quantitative and ignore the voices of practitioners, which can be best unearthed with qualitative research followed by survey research including larger numbers of participants. By using a mixed methods approach, this study fills this gap by showing associations between practitioners’ and organizational characteristics, specific areas of research involvement, and practitioners’ use of EBIs. The use of mixed methods was extremely helpful to integrate in-depth qualitative interview data from practitioners across 10 community-based agencies providing social and health services, with cross-sectional survey data from practitioners across 24 agencies in New York City. We used a sequential approach for data collection and a concurrent approach for data analysis, content analysis of in-depth interviews, and multivariate linear regression analysis. Practitioners who performed research tasks/procedures similar to their professional duties as well as their level of education, knowledge about EBIs, and their agency capacity were all positively associated with HIV evidence–based interventions. Training practitioners in research, engaging practitioners in research tasks that resemble their professional practices, and capacity building within organizations to foster academic-research partnerships could optimize practitioners’ use of EBIs.
Adrenal Cushing’s syndrome in pregnancy: Clinical and molecular characterisation of a case
Authors: Trinh Anne , Chan Irene , Alexiadis Maria , Pell Medina , Kumar Beena , Fuller Peter J
Published: December 2015

Background

Cushing’s syndrome is rare during pregnancy and more commonly due to adrenal pathology, in contrast to the non-pregnant population. Increased levels of cortisol-binding globulin and placental production of corticotropin-releasing hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone complicate the diagnostic strategies usually employed.

Case

A 32-year-old G1P0 at 15/40 gestation presented with severe peripheral oedema and excessive weight gain. Examination revealed pitting oedema to the abdominal wall, wide violaceous striae, moon facies and acne. Cortisol excess was confirmed with elevated 24 h urinary free cortisol, raised midnight salivary cortisol and lack of diurnal variation. Adrenocorticotropic hormone ranged between 22 and 36 pg/ml (5–8 pmol/L). Fetal ultrasound confirmed a single live intrauterine gestation with an incidental finding of a maternal left adrenal mass. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed an adrenal mass measuring 3.0 × 4.4 × 4.1 cm. She underwent a laparoscopic left adrenalectomy at 18 weeks’ gestation without complication. Her postoperative cortisol level was undetectable. Hydrocortisone replacement was commenced with slow weaning as an outpatient. Histology was consistent with an adrenal adenoma. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong staining for the luteinising hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor, and expression of the luteinising hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor gene was in the range seen in normal ovary. DNA analysis revealed a mutation in GNAS encoding the Gα subunit in the cyclic adenosine monophosphate pathway.

Conclusion

Cushing’s syndrome may present in pregnancy as a result of βhCG acting on the luteinising hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor over-expression by the adenoma amplifying the aberrant cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling implicated in the development of cortisol-secreting adenomas.
Positive Affectivity Is Dampened in Youths With Histories of Major Depression and Their Never-Depressed Adolescent Siblings
Authors: Kovacs Maria , Bylsma Lauren M. , Yaroslavsky Ilya , Rottenberg Jonathan , George Charles J. , Kiss Enikö , Halas Kitti , Benák István , Baji Ildiko , Vetró Ágnes , Kapornai Krisztina
Published: December 2015

Although hedonic capacity is diminished during clinical depression, it is unclear whether that deficit constitutes a risk factor or persists after depression episodes remit. To examine these issues, adolescents with current/past major depression (probands; n = 218), never-depressed biological siblings of probands ( n = 207), and emotionally well controls ( n = 183) were exposed to several positively valenced probes. Across baseline and hedonic probe conditions, controls consistently reported higher levels of positive affect than high-risk siblings, and siblings reported higher levels of positive affect than probands (remitted and depressed probands’ reports were similar). Extent of positive affect across the protocol predicted adolescents’ self-reports of social support network and parental reports of offspring’s use of various adaptive mood repair responses in daily life. Attenuated hedonic responding among youths remitted from depression offers partial support for anhedonia as a trait, whereas its presence among never-depressed high-risk siblings argues for anhedonia as a potential diathesis for clinical depression.
An international registry for primary ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Werner Claudius , Lablans Martin , Ataian Maximilian , Raidt Johanna , Wallmeier Julia , Große-Onnebrink Jörg , Kuehni Claudia E. , Haarman Eric G. , Leigh Margaret W. , Quittner Alexandra L. , Lucas Jane S. , Hogg Claire , Witt Michal , Priftis Kostas N. , Yiallouros Panayiotis , Nielsen Kim G. , Santamaria Francesca , Ückert Frank , Omran Heymut
Published: December 2015

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder leading to chronic upper and lower airway disease. Fundamental data on epidemiology, clinical presentation, course and treatment strategies are lacking in PCD. We have established an international PCD registry to realise an unmet need for an international platform to systematically collect data on incidence, clinical presentation, treatment and disease course.

The registry was launched in January 2014. We used internet technology to ensure easy online access using a web browser underwww.pcdregistry.eu. Data from 201 patients have been collected so far. The database is comprised of a basic data form including demographic and diagnostic information, and visit forms designed to monitor the disease course.

To establish a definite PCD diagnosis, we used strict diagnostic criteria, which required two to three diagnostic methods in addition to classical clinical symptoms. Preliminary analysis of lung function data demonstrated a mean annual decline of percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s of 0.59% (95% CI 0.98–0.22).

Here, we present the development of an international PCD registry as a new promising tool to advance the understanding of this rare disorder, to recruit candidates for research studies and ultimately to improve PCD care.
Clinical decision support software for diabetic foot risk stratification: development and formative evaluation
Authors: Schoen Deborah E. , Glance David G. , Thompson Sandra C.
Published: December 2015

Background

Identifying people at risk of developing diabetic foot complications is a vital step in prevention programs in primary healthcare settings. Diabetic foot risk stratification systems predict foot ulceration. The aim of this study was to explore the views and experiences of potential end users during development and formative evaluations of an electronic diabetic foot risk stratification tool based on evidence‐based guidelines and determine the accuracy of the tool.

Methods

Formative evaluation of the risk tool occurred in five stages over an eight‐month period and employed a mixed methods research design consisting of semi‐structured interviews, focus group and participant observation, online survey, expert review, comparison to the Australian Guidelines and clinical testing.

Results

A total of 43 healthcare practitioners trialled the computerised clinical decision support system during development, with multiple software changes made as a result of feedback. Individual and focus group participants exposed critical design flaws. Live testing revealed risk stratification errors and functional limitations providing the basis for practical improvements. In the final product, all risk calculations and recommendations made by the clinical decision support system reflect current Australian Guidelines.

Conclusions

Development of the computerised clinical decision support system using evidence‐based guidelines can be optimised by a multidisciplinary iterative process of feedback, testing and software adaptation by experts in modern development technologies.
Effects of different types of fluid resuscitation for hemorrhagic shock on splanchnic organ microcirculation and renal reactive oxygen species formation
Authors: Wu Chun-Yu , Chan Kuang-Cheng , Cheng Ya-Jung , Yeh Yu-Chang , Chien Chiang-Ting ,   on behalf of the NTUH Center of Microcirculation Medical Research (NCMMR)
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Fluid resuscitation is an indispensable procedure in the acute management of hemorrhagic shock for restoring tissue perfusion, particularly microcirculation in splanchnic organs. Resuscitation fluids include crystalloids, hypertonic saline (HTS), and synthetic colloids, and their selection affects the recovery of microcirculatory blood flow and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, which is often evident in the kidney, following reperfusion. In this study, the effects of acute resuscitation with 0.9 % saline (NS), 3 % HTS, 4 % succinylated gelatin (GEL), and 6 % hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 were compared in a hemorrhagic shock rat model to analyze restoration of microcirculation among various splanchnic organs and the gracilis muscle and reperfusion-induced renal ROS formation.

Methods

A total of 96 male Wistar rats were subjected to sham operation (sham group), hemorrhagic shock (control group), and resuscitation with NS, HTS, GEL and HES. Two hours after resuscitation, changes in the mean arterial pressure (MAP), serum lactate level and the microcirculatory blood flow among various splanchnic organs, namely the liver, kidney, and intestine (mucosa, serosal muscular layer, and Peyer’s patch), and the gracilis muscle, were compared using laser speckle contrast imaging. Renal ROS formation after reperfusion was investigated using an enhanced in vivo chemiluminescence (CL) method.

Results

Microcirculatory blood flow was less severely affected by hemorrhaging in the liver and gracilis muscle. Impairment of microcirculation in the kidney was restored in all resuscitation groups. Resuscitation in the NS group failed to restore intestinal microcirculation. Resuscitation in the HTS, GEL, and HES groups restored intestinal microcirculatory blood flow. By comparison, fluid resuscitation restored hemorrhagic shock-induced hypotension and decreased lactatemia in all resuscitation groups. Reperfusion-induced in vivo renal ROS formation was significantly higher in the GEL and HES groups than in the other groups.

Conclusion

Although fluid resuscitation with NS restored the MAP and decreased lactatemia following hemorrhagic shock, intestinal microcirculation was restored only by other volume expanders, namely 3 % HTS, GEL, and HES. However, reperfusion-induced renal ROS formation was significantly higher when synthetic colloids were used.
Immunosuppressive CD11b+Ly6Chi monocytes in pristane-induced lupus mouse model
Authors: Ma Huijuan , Wan Suigui , Xia Chang-Qing
Published: December 2015

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells with immunosuppressive functions have been described to be associated with one of the mechanisms by which malignant tumors escape immune surveillance. However, little is known about the role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in autoimmunity. In the current study, when we attempted to characterize the peritoneal cells in pristane-induced lupus model, as reported previously, we observed that there were markedly increased CD11b+Ly6Chi monocytes. Surprisingly, this type of monocytes was almost phenotypically identical to the reported monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Further analysis on how these CD11b+Ly6Chi cells affected T cell response showed that they strongly suppressed T cell proliferation in vitro in a manner dependent on cell–cell contact, NO, and PGE2. In addition, we found that CD11b+Ly6Chi monocytes inhibited Th1 differentiation but enhanced development of forkhead box p3+CD4+ regulatory T cells. Consistent with the in vitro experimental results, the in vivo adoptive cell transfer study showed that infusion of pristane-treated syngeneic CD11b+Ly6Chi monocytes significantly suppressed the production of anti-keyhole limpet hemocyanin antibodies induced by keyhole limpet hemocyanin immunization. In addition, we found that CD11b+Ly6Chi monocytes were also increased significantly in spleen and peripheral blood and showed immunosuppressive characteristics similar to their peritoneal counterparts. Our findings indicate that CD11b+Ly6Chi monocytes in a pristane-induced lupus mouse model are monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells instead of inflammatory monocytes, as demonstrated previously. To our knowledge, this is the first to describe myeloid-derived suppressor cells in a pristane-induced lupus mouse model, which may lead to a better understanding of the role of CD11b+Ly6Chi monocytes in this specific pristane-induced lupus model.
A20 Inhibits β-Cell Apoptosis by Multiple Mechanisms and Predicts Residual β-Cell Function in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Fukaya Makiko , Brorsson Caroline A. , Meyerovich Kira , Catrysse Leen , Delaroche Diane , Vanzela Emerielle C. , Ortis Fernanda , Beyaert Rudi , Nielsen Lotte B. , Andersen Marie L. , Mortensen Henrik B. , Pociot Flemming , van Loo Geert , Størling Joachim , Cardozo Alessandra K.
Published: December 2015

Activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) contributes to β-cell death in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Genome-wide association studies have identified the gene TNF-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3), encoding for the zinc finger protein A20, as a susceptibility locus for T1D. A20 restricts NF-κB signaling and has strong antiapoptotic activities in β-cells. Although the role of A20 on NF-κB inhibition is well characterized, its other antiapoptotic functions are largely unknown. By studying INS-1E cells and rat dispersed islet cells knocked down or overexpressing A20 and islets isolated from the β-cell-specific A20 knockout mice, we presently demonstrate that A20 has broader effects in β-cells that are not restricted to inhibition of NF-κB. These involves, suppression of the proapoptotic mitogen-activated protein kinase c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), activation of survival signaling via v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (Akt) and consequently inhibition of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Finally, in a cohort of T1D children, we observed that the risk allele of the rs2327832 single nucleotide polymorphism of TNFAIP3 predicted lower C-peptide and higher hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels 12 months after disease onset, indicating reduced residual β-cell function and impaired glycemic control. In conclusion, our results indicate a critical role for A20 in the regulation of β-cell survival and unveil novel mechanisms by which A20 controls β-cell fate. Moreover, we identify the single nucleotide polymorphism rs2327832 of TNFAIP3 as a possible prognostic marker for diabetes outcome in children with T1D.
Generalized fractional Lévy processes with fractional Brownian motion limit
Authors: Klüppelberg Claudia , Matsui Muneya
Published: December 2015

Fractional Lévy processes generalize fractional Brownian motion in a natural way. We go a step further and extend the usual fractional Riemann-Liouville kernel to a regularly varying function. We call the resulting stochastic processes generalized fractional Lévy processes (GFLPs) and show that they may have short or long memory increments and that their sample paths may have jumps or not. Moreover, we define stochastic integrals with respect to a GFLP and investigate their second-order structure and sample path properties. A specific example is the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process driven by a time-scaled GFLP. We prove a functional central limit theorem for such scaled processes with a fractional Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process as a limit process. This approximation applies to a wide class of stochastic volatility models, which include models where possibly neither the data nor the latent volatility process are semimartingales.
Escape from the boundary in Markov population processes
Authors: Barbour A. D. , Hamza K. , Kaspi Haya , Klebaner F. C.
Published: December 2015

Density dependent Markov population processes in large populations of sizeNwere shown by Kurtz (1970), (1971) to be well approximated over finite time intervals by the solution of the differential equations that describe their average drift, and to exhibit stochastic fluctuations about this deterministic solution on the scale √Nthat can be approximated by a diffusion process. Here, motivated by an example from evolutionary biology, we are concerned with describing how such a process leaves an absorbing boundary. Initially, one or more of the populations is of size much smaller thanN, and the length of time taken until all populations have sizes comparable toNthen becomes infinite asN→ ∞. Under suitable assumptions, we show that in the early stages of development, up to the time when all populations have sizes at leastN1-αfor 1/3 < α < 1, the process can be accurately approximated in total variation by a Markov branching process. Thereafter, it is well approximated by the deterministic solution starting from the original initial point, but with a random time delay. Analogous behaviour is also established for a Markov process approaching an equilibrium on a boundary, where one or more of the populations become extinct.
Optimal double stopping of a Brownian bridge
Authors: Baurdoux Erik J. , Chen Nan , Surya Budhi A. , Yamazaki Kazutoshi
Published: December 2015

We study optimal double stopping problems driven by a Brownian bridge. The objective is to maximize the expected spread between the payoffs achieved at the two stopping times. We study several cases where the solutions can be solved explicitly by strategies of a threshold type.
Hindsight/RREB-1 functions in both the specification and differentiation of stem cells in the adult midgut ofDrosophila
Authors: Baechler Brittany L. , McKnight Cameron , Pruchnicki Porsha C. , Biro Nicole A. , Reed Bruce H.
Published: December 2015

The adult Drosophila midgut is established during the larval/pupal transition from undifferentiated cells known as adult midgut precursors (AMPs). Four fundamental cell types are found in the adult midgut epithelium: undifferentiated intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and their committed daughter cells, enteroblasts (EBs), plus enterocytes (ECs) and enteroendocrine cells (EEs). Using the Drosophila posterior midgut as a model, we have studied the function of the transcription factor Hindsight (Hnt)/RREB-1 and its relationship to the Notch and Egfr signaling pathways. We show that hnt is required for EC differentiation in the context of ISC-to-EC differentiation, but not in the context of AMP-to-EC differentiation. In addition, we show that hnt is required for the establishment of viable or functional ISCs. Overall, our studies introduce hnt as a key factor in the regulation of both the developing and the mature adult midgut. We suggest that the nature of these contextual differences can be explained through the interaction of hnt with multiple signaling pathways.
The calcineurin inhibitor, Sarah/Nebula, exacerbates Aβ42 phenotypes in aDrosophilamodel of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lee Soojin , Bang Se Min , Hong Yoon Ki , Lee Jang Ho , Jeong Haemin , Park Seung Hwan , Liu Quan Feng , Lee Im-Soon , Cho Kyoung Sang
Published: December 2015

Expression of the Down syndrome critical region 1 (DSCR1) protein, an inhibitor of the Ca2+-dependent phosphatase calcineurin, is elevated in the brains of patients with Down syndrome (DS) or Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although increased levels of DSCR1 were often observed to be deleterious to neuronal health, its beneficial effects against AD neuropathology also have been reported, and the roles of DSCR1 on the pathogenesis of AD remain controversial. Here, we investigated the role of sarah (sra)/nebula, a Drosophila DSCR1 ortholog, in amyloid-β42 (Aβ42)-induced neurological phenotypes in Drosophila. We detected sra expression in the mushroom bodies of the fly brain, which are a center for learning and memory in flies. Moreover, similar to humans with AD, Aβ42-expressing flies showed increased Sra levels in the brain, demonstrating that the expression pattern of DSCR1 with regard to AD pathogenesis is conserved in Drosophila. Interestingly, overexpression of sra using the UAS-GAL4 system exacerbated the rough eye phenotype, decreased survival rates, and increased neuronal cell death in Aβ42-expressing flies without modulating Aβ42 expression. Moreover, neuronal overexpression of sra in combination with Aβ42 dramatically reduced both locomotor activity and the adult lifespan of Aβ42-expressing flies, while flies with overexpression of sra alone showed normal climbing ability albeit with a slightly reduced lifespan. Similarly, treatment with chemical inhibitors of calcineurin such as FK506 and cyclosporin A, or knockdown of calcineurin expression by RNAi, exacerbated the Aβ42-induced rough eye phenotype. Furthermore, sra-overexpressing flies displayed significantly decreased mitochondrial DNA and ATP levels, as well as increased susceptibility to oxidative stress compared to that of control flies. Taken together, our results demonstrating that sra overexpression augments Aβ42 cytotoxicity in Drosophila suggest that DSCR1 up-regulation or calcineurin down-regulation in the brain may exacerbate Aβ42-associated neuropathogenesis in AD or DS.