bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient Characteristics Associated With a Successful Response to Nurse‐Led Care Programs Targeting the Oldest‐Old: A Comparison of Two RCTs
Authors: Bleijenberg Nienke , Imhof Lorenz , Mahrer‐Imhof Romy , Wallhagen Margaret I. , de Wit Niek J. , Schuurmans Marieke J.
Published: June 2017

Background

To improve the effectiveness of community‐based care programs, especially those targeting the oldest‐old population (80+), data are needed that elucidate those factors associated with a successful response to the intervention. Two comparable nurse‐led care programs have been evaluated in two large randomized controlled trials (RCTs), one in Switzerland and one in the Netherlands.

Aims

To identify common patient characteristics that are related to a successful response to proactive nurse‐led care, we explored if and to what extent, identical factors were present in both study populations.

Methods

A secondary data analysis using trial data from the intervention group of both RCTs was conducted. The study sample consisted 461 older adults, 230 from the U‐PROFIT trial (the Netherlands) and 231 from the HPC trial (Switzerland). The mean age of the total sample was 85.1 years (SD 3.7). The UPROFIT intervention, delivered by registered nurses, included a frailty assessment and a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) at home followed by an individualized evidence‐based care plan, care coordination, and follow‐up. The HCP intervention was delivered by advanced practice nurses consisting of four home visits and three phone calls, and was guided by the principles of health promotion, empowerment, partnership, and family‐centeredness. A successful response was defined as “stable” or “no decline” in daily functioning at follow‐up. Daily functioning was measured with 13 items of activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to calculate the association between individual characteristics and a successful response.

Results

Almost half of the participants in the U‐PROFIT trial (50.9%), and two‐thirds (65.7%) of the participants in the HCP trial had a successful response at follow‐up. Fewer comorbidities and a better self‐rated health had the strongest predictive value for benefiting from the intervention (OR = 0.83 [95% CI 0.66–1.03], and OR = 1.5 [95% CI 0.92–2.45]), respectively.

Linking Evidence to Action

Two large RCTs demonstrated that a preventive nurse‐led care program can preserve daily functioning in the oldest‐old population. Older people with few comorbidities and higher self‐rated health had a higher likelihood of a positive outcome. Unraveling the characteristics associated with a successful response provides important information for further refining and targeting an intervention to obtain maximum effectiveness. More effort is needed to modify interventions for the oldest‐old with multiple morbidities and low levels of education.
Anterior abdominal wall extraosseous osteosarcoma, occurring 40 years after para-aortic irradiation
Authors: Furrukh Muhammad , Qureshi Asim , Mamoon Nadira , Fatima Menahil
Published: June 2017

Extraskeletal osteosarcomas (OSs) are highly malignant soft tissue tumours associated with a poor prognosis. Only a few records of these rare aggressive neoplasms have been reported in the literature.

We describe the case of a 49-year-old man, who presented to our tertiary care centre with a painful isolated lump around the umbilicus. After surgical biopsy, imaging and subsequent pathological analysis, the swelling was diagnosed to be a localised extraskeletal OS. He received previous radiation as treatment for testicular seminoma 40 years ago, which has been in remission ever since. He also happens to have testicular hydrocele since 10 years. He was subjected to resection and free flap reconstruction complicated by lower anterior abdominal wall haematoma and large pseudoaneurysm of the left femoral artery. Patient completed 60 Gy of adjuvant electron beam irradiation for close margins and is scheduled for adjuvant chemotherapy. We describe a brief account of his illness.
Strangulated gastric prolapse through a gastrostomy site requiring emergent partial gastrectomy
Authors: Johnson Shepard Peir , Roose Benjamin , Brandt Mary-Margaret , Anderson Harry Linne
Published: June 2017

Strangulated gastric prolapse through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tract is a rare and potentially life-threatening complication that requires surgical intervention. We describe a case of a 74-year-old woman who was debilitated and ventilator-dependent and who presented with acute gastric prolapse with resultant ischaemic necrosis. The patient underwent an emergent exploratory laparotomy, partial gastrectomy, repair of gastrostomy defect and placement of a gastrojejunostomy feeding tube remote to the previous location. Literature on gastric prolapse in adult patients is sparse, and therefore treatment is not standardised. In this patient with strangulated tissue, the principles of management included the assessment of gastric mucosa viability, resection of ischaemic tissue and closure of the gastrostomy defect.
Intra-articular lipoma of the hip
Authors: Mells Anthony J , Gosey G Max , Muldoon Michael P
Published: June 2017

Intra-articular lipoma of the hip is a rare entity, with only two reports published in the English-language literature. We present a case of successful arthroscopic resection of an intra-articular peripheral compartment lipoma in a 69-year-old woman with a coincident labral tear. This woman presented with left hip pain that developed gradually over 2 years and increased over 2 months. MRI showed a fat-intense mass in the anterior aspect of the hip joint, convincing for intra-articular lipoma. Physical examination in the operating room reproduced decreased range of motion and evidence of impingement but with a soft endpoint. Arthroscopy revealed an anterior intrasubstance labral tear, which was debrided. The mass was excised and confirmed as true lipoma on histology. The soft endpoint on examination illustrates that a large lipoma of the hip joint can cause clinical symptoms of impingement in the absence of bony abnormality or trauma.
Obesity-related hypogonadism: a reversible condition
Authors: Zouras Stamatios , Stephens Jeffrey W , Price David
Published: June 2017

Obesity is associated with hypogonadism. While this association is widely accepted, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Furthermore, obesity is a risk factor for hypogonadism and conversely hypogonadism may be a risk factor for obesity. We present the case of a morbidly obese man aged 30 years with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism that underwent a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass operation. Following the surgical treatment of his obesity, the testosterone level returned to normal with improvements in hypogonadal symptoms, which allowed discontinuation of exogenous testosterone therapy. This case report demonstrates reversal of hypogonadism following weight loss with restoration of gonadal function.
The Highland Health Advocates: a preliminary evaluation of a novel programme addressing the social needs of emergency department patients
Authors: Losonczy Lia Ilona , Hsieh Dennis , Wang Michael , Hahn Christopher , Trivedi Tarak , Rodriguez Marcela , Fahimi Jahan , Alter Harrison
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Patients commonly come to the emergency department (ED) with social needs. To address this, we created the Highland Health Advocates (HHA), an ED-based help desk and medical-legal partnership using undergraduate volunteers to help patients navigate public resources and provide onsite legal and social work referrals. We were able to provide these services in English and Spanish. We aimed to determine the social needs of the patients who presented to our ED and the potential impact of the programme in resolving those needs and connecting them to a ‘medical home’ (defined as a consistent, primary source of medical care such as a primary care doctor or clinic).

Methods

ED patients at a US safety net hospital were enrolled in a 1:2 ratio in a quasi-experiment comparing those who received intervention from the HHA during a limited access rollout with controls who received usual care on days with no help desk. We collected a baseline social needs evaluation, with follow-up assessments at 1 and 6 months. Primary outcomes were linkages for the primary identified need and to a medical home within 1 month. Other outcomes at 6 months included whether a patient (1) felt helped; 2) had a decreased number of ED visits; (3) had the primary identified need met; (4) had a primary doctor; and (5) had a change in self-reported health status.

Results

We enrolled 459 subjects (intervention=154, control=305). Housing (41%), employment (23%) and inability to pay bills (22%) were participants’ top identified needs. At baseline, 32% reported the ED as their medical home, with the intervention cohort having higher ED utilisation (>1 ED visit in the prior month: 49% vs 24%). At 1 month, 185 (40%) subjects were reached for follow-up, with more HHA subjects linked to a resource (59% vs 37%) and a medical home (92% vs 76%). At 6 months, 75% of subjects felt HHA was helpful and more subjects in the HHA group had a doctor (93% v 69%). No difference was found in ED utilisation, primary need resolution or self-reported health status.

Conclusions

Health-related social needs are common in this US safety net ED. Our help desk is one possible model for addressing social needs.
Evaluation of a community-based safe firearm and ammunition storage intervention
Authors: Simonetti Joseph A , Rowhani-Rahbar Ali , King Cassie , Bennett Elizabeth , Rivara Frederick P
Published: June 2017

Background

Safe firearm storage practices are associated with a lower risk of unintentional and self-inflicted firearm injuries among household members, though many firearms remain unlocked and/or loaded.

Objectives

Conduct a preliminary evaluation of a community-based firearm safety intervention and assess participants’ preferences for firearm locking devices and their comfort with potential firearm safety counsellors.

Design/Methods

Baseline event and follow-up surveys among adult participants to assess changes in firearm storage practices, including whether all household firearms were stored locked, all were unloaded, all ammunition was locked, and a composite measure assessing whether all firearms were locked and unloaded and all ammunition was stored locked.

Results

A total of 206 out of 415 participants completed both surveys and were included. Nearly 9 in 10 respondents preferred the firearm lock box rather than a trigger lock. At follow-up, a significantly greater proportion reported that all household firearms were locked (+13.7%) and unloaded (+8.5%) and a non-significantly greater proportion reported that all ammunition was locked (+6.3%). A significantly greater proportion reported practising all three safe firearm and ammunition storage practices at follow-up (+12.6%). A majority reported they would becomfortableorvery comfortablediscussing firearm safety with various safety counsellors, though women were less likely to do so than men.

Conclusion

This intervention that included distribution of a free, participant-selected locking device improved safe firearm storage practices among participants. Differences in participant preferences for devices and safety counsellors suggest that a ‘one size fits all’ approach may be inadequate in affecting population-level storage practices.
Semen collection methods in alpacas
Authors: Abraham M. C. , de Verdier K. , Båge R. , Morrell J. M.
Published: June 2017

South American camelids, particularly alpacas, are gaining in popularity outside their native lands. Reproductive biotechnologies, such as artificial insemination or embryo transfer with cryopreserved embryos, are more complicated in these species than many others due to differences in their reproductive physiology compared to the more commonly encountered domestic livestock. This article reviews the methods currently available for obtaining semen or spermatozoa from alpacas and describes some of the problems associated with handling the viscous seminal plasma characteristic of camelids. Possibilities and limitations of reproductive biotechnologies in this species are discussed, and future developments are outlined, especially some new techniques which are currently being developed for use with camel semen and may be transferable to alpacas.
Nest cover and faecal glucocorticoid metabolites are linked to hatching success and telomere length in breeding Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima)
Authors: Noreikiene K. , Öst M. , Seltmann M.W. , Boner W. , Monaghan P. , Jaatinen K.
Published: June 2017

Habitat-associated crypsis may affect perceived predation vulnerability, selecting for different predator avoidance strategies. Glucocorticoids could mediate the adjustment of escape responses to the extent of crypsis, introducing an overlooked source of variation in glucocorticoid–fitness relationships. However, prolonged exposure to elevated glucocorticoids may be costly, leading to accelerated telomere loss and, consequently, senescence. Here, we examined how nest cover and immunoreactive faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) levels are linked to hatching success and telomere length in breeding female Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima (L., 1758)). We hypothesized that the degree of nest crypsis, reflecting differences in perceived predation risk, would moderate the relationship between reproductive success and fGCM levels. We also expected that telomere length would be shorter in birds with higher glucocorticoid concentration. Results showed that individuals with high fGCM levels had higher hatching success in nests with low cover, while low fGCM levels were more successful in well-concealed nests. We found that shorter telomeres were associated with high fGCM in nesting sites offering little cover and with low fGCM in well-concealed ones. This study provides the first evidence of habitat-dependent moderation of the relationships between stress physiology, telomere length and hatching success.
Scaling analysis of hyperchaotic time series
Authors: Murguía J. S.
Published: June 2017

The time series of the states of several well-known hyperchaotic systems are analyzed numerically using the detrended fluctuation analysis based on the discrete wavelet transform. We report the finding of significant scaling behaviors (power-law like) in some of these time series, which can be used as an additional characteristic distinguishing the dynamical evolution of such systems.
Averaging algebras, rewriting systems and Gröbner–Shirshov bases
Authors: Gao Xing , Zhang Tianjie
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we study the averaging operator by assigning a rewriting system to it. We obtain some basic results on the kind of rewriting system we used. In particular, we obtain a sufficient and necessary condition for the confluence. We supply the relationship between rewriting systems and Gröbner–Shirshov bases based on bracketed polynomials. As an application, we give a basis of the free unitary averaging algebra on a nonempty set.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODEL OF METASTATIC TUMOR ANGIOGENESIS IN RESPONSE TO ANTI-ANGIOGENIC FACTOR ANGIOSTATIN
Authors: ZHAO GAIPING , CHEN ERYUN , YU XIAOLI , CUI HAIPO , LV JIE , WU JIE
Published: June 2017

Surgeons observed that primary tumors are capable of suppressing the growth of their metastases by generating anti-angiogenic factor angiostatin. A three-dimensional (3D) mathematical model of development of the metastatic tumor vasculature is presented to simulate the morphology and construction of 3D microvascular networks under the inhibitory effect of anti-angiogenic factor angiostatin excreted by the primary tumor. The simulation results demonstrate that metastatic tumor microvascular density (MVD) decreases by about 60%, 58% and 52%, respectively, at [Formula: see text], 7 and 14 days under the effect of anti-angiogenic factor angiostatin. The abnormal geometric and morphological features of 3D microvasculature networks inside and outside the metastatic tumor improve in the presence of angiostatin. The present model may allow to simulate experimental tests and may provide theoretical models for clinical research of anti-angiogenic therapy strategies.
Generators of the pro-p Iwahori and Galois representations
Authors: Cornut Christophe , Ray Jishnu
Published: June 2017

For an odd prime [Formula: see text], we determine a minimal set of topological generators of the pro-[Formula: see text] Iwahori subgroup of a split reductive group [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text]. In the simple adjoint case and for any sufficiently large regular prime [Formula: see text], we also construct Galois extensions of [Formula: see text] with Galois group between the pro-[Formula: see text] and the standard Iwahori subgroups of [Formula: see text].
Schmidt’s subspace theorem for moving hypersurfaces in subgeneral position
Authors: Quang Si Duc
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we establish a Schmidt’s subspace theorem for moving hypersurfaces in weakly subgeneral position. Our result generalizes the previous results on Schmidt’s theorem for the case of moving hypersurfaces.
Telescoping method and congruences for double sums
Authors: Mu Yan-Ping , Sun Zhi-Wei
Published: June 2017

In recent years, Sun proposed several sophisticated conjectures on congruences for finite sums with terms involving combinatorial sequences such as central trinomial coefficients, Domb numbers and Franel numbers. These sums are double summations of hypergeometric terms. Using the telescoping method and certain mathematical software packages, we transform such a double summation into a single sum. With this new approach, we confirm several open conjectures of Sun.
Hua’s theorem with the primes in Piatetski-Shapiro prime sets
Authors: Li Jinjiang , Zhang Min
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we study the hybrid problem of Hua’s theorem and the Piatetski-Shapiro prime number theorem, and obtain results in this direction of the nonhomogeneous case [Formula: see text], which deepen the classical result of Hua.
Correlation-Assisted Imbalance Multimedia Concept Mining and Retrieval
Authors: Yan Yilin , Shyu Mei-Ling
Published: June 2017

In the past decades, we have witnessed an explosion of multimedia data, especially with the development of social media websites and blooming popularity of smart devices. As a result, multimedia semantic concept mining and retrieval whose objective is to mine useful information from the large amount of multimedia data including texts, images, and videos has become more and more important. The huge amount of multimedia data and the semantic gap between low-level features and high-level semantic concepts have made it even more challenging. To address these challenges, the correlations among the classes can provide important context cues to help bridge the semantic gap. Meanwhile, many real-world datasets do not have uniform class distributions while the minority instances actually represent the concept of interests, like frauds in transactions, intrusions in network security, and unusual events in surveillance. Despite extensive research efforts, imbalanced concept retrieval remains one of the most challenging research problems in multimedia data mining. Different from existing frameworks regarding concept correlations among labels, this paper presents a novel concept correlation analysis model using the correlation between the retrieval scores and labels. Experimental results on the TRECVID benchmark datasets demonstrate that the proposed framework can enhance imbalanced concept mining and retrieval even with trivial scores from the minority class.
On cyclic and negacyclic codes of length 8ℓmpn over finite field
Authors: Rani Saroj
Published: June 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be finite field with [Formula: see text] elements, where [Formula: see text] be power of an odd prime [Formula: see text] In this paper, we determine generator polynomials of all cyclic and negacyclic codes of length [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] are distinct odd primes and [Formula: see text] are positive integers. We also determine all self-dual, self-orthogonal, complementary-dual cyclic and negacyclic codes of length [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text]
A novel network porous microspheric ZnS/ZnO with enhanced visible light photocatalytic property
Authors: Bai Mingjun , Liu Xiaowen
Published: June 2017

A novel network porous microspheric ZnS/ZnO photocatalyst had been successfully synthesized via a thermal treatment method with using ZnS as a template. The XRD diffraction result demonstrated that the material was the composite of hexagonal wurtzite ZnS and hexagonal wurtzite ZnO. The network porous microsphere was formed by ZnS/ZnO nanowalls. The photocatalytic activity of the ZnS/ZnO photocatalyst was investigated by using methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation. The MO was reduced by 96.93% in 120[Formula: see text]min, which was much higher than that of pure ZnO and ZnS photocatalysts. The excellent photocatalytic performance was mainly attributed to the formation of novel network porous microspheric ZnS/ZnO heterojunction which was formed by nanowalls and the efficient separation of photogenerated charge carriers.
Nanoscience — Potential and Threats
Authors: Alivisatos Paul
Published: June 2017

As the world’s population continues to expand, scientists are working to address the energy needs and challenges that accompany growth with environmentally responsible approaches. Nanoscience is helping to provide solutions to energy and environmental concerns in a number of ways.
Secondhand Smoke Exposure Among Community-Dwelling Adult Cancer Survivors in the United States: 1999–2012
Authors: Akinboro Oladimeji , Olorunfemi Odunayo , Basak Prasanta , Phillips Elizabeth , Pomerantz Daniel , Bernhardt Bernard , Gucalp Rasim , Jesmajian Stephen , Ostroff Jamie S.
Published: June 2017

Background: Little is known about the prevalence of secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe) among cancer survivors. We sought to determine the prevalence, trends, and correlates of SHSe among nonsmoking adult cancer survivors in the United States.

Methods: Interview and serum cotinine data for nonsmoking adults, age 20 years and older, with a history of cancer (N = 686) were obtained from consecutive two-year cross-sectional cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2012. SHSe was defined as serum cotinine 0.05–10 ng/mL among nonsmokers. We calculated and trended the prevalence of SHSe among nonsmoking cancer survivors. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the associations of SHSe with sociodemographic, smoking, and clinical characteristics. Survey weights were applied in estimating prevalence rates, adjusted ORs, and confidence intervals (CI).

Results: The weighted aggregate SHSe and self-reported indoor SHSe prevalence rates over the study period were 28.26% (95% CI: 24.97%–31.55%) and 4.53% (95% CI: 3.48%–5.57%), respectively. SHS exposure declined from 39.61% (95% CI: 27.88%–51.34%) in 1999/2000 to 15.68% (95% CI: 9.38%–21.98%) in 2011/2012 (Ptrend < 0.001). Age ≥ 60 years was protective against SHSe, while being black, having less than high school education, poverty, and a smoking-related cancer history were associated with higher odds of SHSe.

Conclusions: Fortunately, SHSe among nonsmoking cancer survivors in the United States is on the decline, although certain subgroups remain disproportionately burdened.

Impact: These findings highlight clinical and public health imperatives to target socioeconomically disadvantaged nonsmoking cancer survivors to reduce their SHSe. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(8); 1296–305. ©2017 AACR.
Hemodialysis Arteriovenous Access Occlusion Using the Amplatzer Vascular Plug in Patients with Intractable Arm Edema
Authors: Di Filippo Michele , Barbarisi Danilo , Ferrara Doriana , Brancaccio Stefania , del Guercio Luca , Bracale Renata , Capuano Alfredo , Esposito Giovanni , Bracale Umberto Marcello
Published: June 2017

Objectives: Vascular occlusion of hemodialysis arteriovenous access (AVA) using an Amplatzer vascular plug (AVP; St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA) is an arising and alternative practice in selected patients; however, few reported cases can be found in the literature. Herein, we report on our experience with endovascular treatment of complicated AVA. Materials and Methods: From September 2015 to December 2016, 3 patients at our clinic underwent an occlusion of hemodialysis AVA with 2 different Amplatzer vascular plugs: 2 patients with type II and 1 patient with type IV. Of these, 1 patient was treated for an autologous radiocephalic fistula, the second patient was treated for an autologous brachiocephalic fistula located at the elbow, and the third was, instead, treated for a radiocephalic forearm fistula. The reason for closing the AVA in all patients was due to the presence of dialysis-associated steal syndrome with critical hand ischemia and intractable ipsilateral edema. Results: All AVAs were treated using an AVP. No plug migration, access revascularization, persistent ischemia, nor other complications were observed. Conclusion: This report suggests that the use of AVP for embolization of complicated AVA is a safe and reasonable alternative to open surgery in selected patients.
Low Pulse Pressure After Acute Ischemic Stroke is Associated With Unfavorable Outcomes: The Taiwan Stroke Registry
Authors: Tang Sung‐Chun , Yin Jiu‐Haw , Liu Chung‐Hsiang , Sun Ming‐Hui , Lee Jiunn‐Tay , Sun Yu , Hsu Chih‐Shan , Sun Mu‐Chien , Lin Ching‐Huang , Chen Chih‐Hung , Lien Li‐Ming , Muo Chih‐Hsin , Jeng Jiann‐Shing , Hsu Chung Y. ,   Taiwan Stroke Registry Investigators
Published: June 2017

Background

Pulse pressure (PP) is related to cardiac function, arterial stiffness, fluid status, and vascular events. This study aimed to explore the prognostic role of PP upon admission in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) based on a nation‐wide stroke registry.

Methods and Results

We evaluated the association between PP upon admission and outcomes 3 months after a stroke in patients who had an AIS registered in the Taiwan Stroke Registry, including 56 academic and community hospitals between 2006 and 2013. Three months after the stroke, unfavorable outcomes were defined using a modified Rankin scale of 3 to 6. Of 33 530 patients (female, 40.6%; mean age, 68.8±13.3 years) who had an AIS, PP upon admission had a reverse J‐curve association with an unfavorable outcome. After adjusting for clinical variables, including AIS subtypes, initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure upon admission, a PP of <50 mm Hg was associated with unfavorable outcomes (
P
<0.0001). Compared with patients with a PP of 50 to 69 mm Hg, the odds ratios for unfavorable outcomes were 1.24 (95% CI, 1.14–1.36) with a PP of 30 to 49 mm Hg and 1.85 (95% CI, 1.50–2.28) with a PP of <30 mm Hg. Moreover, the prognostic impact of PP upon admission was similar across all AIS subtypes.

Conclusions

Low PP upon admission was associated with unfavorable patient outcomes in AIS.
On some poorly known or unrecognized verbal categories in Soqotri: 1905–2015
Authors: Kogan Leonid , Bulakh Maria
Published: June 2017

The article deals with two hitherto unexplored—to some extent, even unknown—verbal categories of the Modern South Arabian language Soqotri (Island of Soqotra, Gulf of Aden, Yemen), namely the “old imperative” and the n-conditional. Research material is taken from both the early publications of the Austrian expedition and the authors’ own field materials recently collected on the island. It is demonstrated that both categories have survived up to now and can be found—albeit not very frequently—in the living speech of the islanders. In the concluding segments of the article, a few hypotheses about the functional load of the categories under scrutiny are advanced and discussed.
The reliability of published Mehri texts
Authors: Rubin Aaron D.
Published: June 2017

The Mehri texts collected by T.M. Johnstone and published by Harry Stroomer (1999) are an extremely valuable source for the study of the Mehri language, and it was on these texts that I based the first edition of my own Mehri grammar (2010). However, the original Arabic-letter manuscripts made by the native speaker, along with the accompanying audio recordings, reveal that the draft manuscripts on which Stroomer’s edition was based are replete with errors. A study of the original texts and audio provide a large number of corrected readings and additions, many of which have an effect on an analysis of Mehri phonology and morphology.
Gesture in Modern South Arabian languages
Authors: Watson Janet C.E. , Wilson Jack
Published: June 2017

Until fairly recently most linguistic fieldwork relied on written records of spoken data or audio-only recordings. The recent increase in research focusing on audio-visual data, with emphasis on the co-expressiveness of speech and gesture, has led to a greater understanding of the relationship between language, gesture and thought. In this paper, we discuss gesture and what it illuminates linguistically in two Modern South Arabian Languages: Mehri and Śḥerɛ̄t.
On ejective fricatives in Omani Mehri
Authors: Ridouane Rachid , Gendrot Cédric
Published: June 2017

Ejective fricatives are extremely rare cross-linguistically. This infrequency is generally attributed to the incompatibility of two aerodynamic requirements: airflow to create noise frication and a high intraoral air pressure to implement ejectivity. Seeking to determine how this incompatibility is solved, this study presents an acoustic investigation of initial and intervocalic ejective fricatives in Mehri, a Modern South Arabian language spoken in Oman. Based on data from 5 Mehri speakers, the analysis of different temporal and non-temporal parameters shows a high degree of variability in the way ejectivity is implemented in fricatives. Much of this variability is shaped by the position of the segments within the word. In initial position, the ejectivity of fricatives translates into a frequent presence of post-frication glottal lags, higher intensity and higher center of gravity. These acoustic attributes are less frequently encountered in intervocalic position. In this position, it is argued, the systematic diphthongization of the following long vowel, induced by ejectivity combined with dorsopharyngealisation, is salient enough to allow the contrast of ejectivity to be recovered.
On the role of Modern South Arabian within a comparative Semitic lexicographical project
Authors: Edzard Lutz
Published: June 2017

Drawing on material collected in the course of a large comparative Semitic lexicographic project in general and inspired by Kogan 2015 and other sources (mainly the dictionaries by Thomas Muir Johnstone and Wolf Leslau) in particular, this paper aims at detecting specific lexical peculiarities and semantic shades in the South Semitic (mainly Modern South Arabian) lexicon, in order to determine the value of this branch for genetic classification within Semitic at large
Some thoughts on studying the endangered Modern South Arabian Languages
Authors: Morris Miranda J.
Published: June 2017

A brief history of the author’s research on the Modern South Arabian languages (MSAL) in Oman and Yemen is given. Using Baṭḥari, the dangers of eliciting speech forms in isolation rather than recording continuous speech are illustrated. The value of comparing material from other languages of the study area, including Arabic dialects, is demonstrated. Lexis impoverishment is illustrated by discussing the many terms that were formerly used for ‘home’ in the MSAL. A discussion of possible social / cultural reasons for the decline of the most endangered MSAL follows, and the question of whether monolingualism was ever a reality for MSAL speakers is addressed. Examples of specialised vocabulary are given, Baṭḥari fishing terms, which illustrate the technical expertise necessary for the correct interpretation of texts, and how quickly this can be lost. A brief look at how MSAL speakers describe those who speak their languages imperfectly concludes the article.
Acoustic spectrum analysis of Mahri orature
Authors: Liebhaber Sam
Published: June 2017

The question of the metrical organization of Arabian vernacular orature has historically been defined by two approaches: one holds that its metrical system is based on patterned beats of stress, while the other proposes regular alternations of long and short vowels. In this article, I describe some preliminary experiments in using a digital method to derive visual spectrograms of the same lines of Mahri poetry performed in two different modes: chanting and recitation. Given the discrepancy in results between the two, my findings suggest that the organizational rhythm of bedouin vernacular poetry is contingent on performance and is not intrinsic to the poetic text itself. The results further cast suspicion on the salience of vocalic quantity or syllabic quality as the prime determinants of Bedouin vernacular prosody.
Quill mites (Acariformes: Syringophilidae) associated with birds of Mexico
Authors: SKORACKI MACIEJ
Published: June 2017

The fauna of quill mites of the family Syringophilidae (Acariformes: Cheyletoidea) parasitizing birds in Mexico is surveyed. Three new species of the genus Syringophiloidus Kethley are described: S. amazilia sp. nov. from Amazilia candida (Bonaer & Mulsant) (Apodiformes: Trochilidae), S. cincli sp. nov. from Cinclus mexicanus Swainson (Passeriformes: Cinclidae), and S. sporophila sp. nov. from Sporophila torqueola (Bonaparte) (Passeriformes: Thraupidae). Additionally, six quill mite species are found for the first time in Mexico and several new host associations are recorded. The syringophilid fauna presently recorded in Mexico is summarized.
Pseudaeginella telukrimau sp. n., a new species of caprellid (Crustacea: Amphipoda) from Malaysia
Authors: LIM JACQUELINE HUI CHERN , AZMAN BIN ABDUL RAHIM , TAKEUCHI ICHIRO , OTHMAN BIN HAJI ROSS
Published: June 2017

A new species of caprellid, Pseudaeginella telukrimau (Amphipoda: Senticaudata: Caprellidae) was discovered from Pulau Besar, Johor in Malaysia. This species was collected from a coral reef off Teluk Rimau. Species of Pseudaeginella are unique in terms of a very small/sometimes absent mandibular molar and the numerous projections on its pereonites. Pseudaeginella telukrimau is distinguishable by its paired mid-dorsal projections on pereonites 2 to 5, 1 ventrodistal triangular projection on pereonite 4, and gnathopod 2 ischium with 1 large trapezoid projection.
Redescription of two species and proposal of a new synonym in the genus Mycotretus Lacordaire, 1842 (Coleoptera: Erotylidae: Tritomini)
Authors: PECCI-MADDALENA ITALO SALVATORE DE CASTRO , LOPES-ANDRADE CRISTIANO
Published: June 2017

Mycotretus Lacordaire, 1842 is a Neotropical genus of beetles, being the second most speciose genus within Erotylidae. The older descriptions of Mycotretus species are anecdotal and none include information on male and female genitalia, which can have great taxonomic value. Our objective in the present work is to redescribe Mycotretus chilensis Crotch, 1876 and Mycotretus trifasciatus Guérin, 1956 providing the first descriptions of their mouthparts, metendosternite, male and female terminalia, as well as new data on their geographic distribution and host fungi. Additionally, the lectotype of M. chilensis is designated and Mycotretus bicinctus Guérin, 1949 is proposed as a new junior synonym of M. chilensis. Both M. chilensis and M. trifasciatus have great intraspecific variation and are sympatric or syntopic in a few localities. We conclude that morphological differences of the penial flagellum and the metendosternite can be used to diagnose species and may also have phylogenetic signal for Mycotretus species. The present work is our first step in an ongoing taxonomic revision of the genus Mycotretus.
Active Methods Concerning Skills Formation of the Sensory and Textural Analysis of Cheese
Authors: Tita Mihaela , Tufeanu Roxana , Tita Ovidiu
Published: June 2017

The fundamental objective of this research is establishing favorable active methods applied to students in laboratory work, taking into account the peculiarities of students and the theme specificity so that they form certain practical skills to sensory and textural analysis of cheese. For the research purposes, students were grouped from one of the specializations in two heterogeneous groups. Taking into account their potential for learning, a different method of teaching and learning was applied separately for both groups of students. These methods are associated with other active methods for the skills training of sensory analysis of cheese and to stimulate the student’s creativity. Finally, the same process of assessment is applied to the students and evaluation results of the two groups of students will be compared, by following to determine the effectiveness of the educational process in the case of two different methods, and the measures that are required.
A Multilevel Analysis of Statewide Disproportionality in Exclusionary Discipline and the Identification of Emotional Disturbance
Authors: Bal Aydin , Betters-Bubon Jennifer , Fish Rachel E.
Published: June 2017

Racial minority youth are disproportionally removed from their learning environment due to school discipline and placed in special education for emotional disturbance. These disparities continue to trouble families, educators, and policy makers, particularly within urban schools. Yet there is a paucity of research on how behavioral outcome disparities occur in different states. This study addresses this gap examining the extent and predictors of behavioral outcome disparities in Wisconsin. Using the entire state’s data, we conducted multilevel logistic regression analyses. The analyses showed that African American students were seven times and Native American and Latino students were two times more likely to receive exclusionary discipline. African American students and Native American students were two to three times more likely to be labeled as emotionally disturbed. Students’ race, gender, income, language, attendance, and academic proficiency were related to outcome disparities while school characteristics were not substantively meaningful predictors, excepting the percentage of transferred students. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
A Contemporary Examination of First and Second Permanent Molar Emergence
Authors: Pahel B.T. , Vann W.F. , Divaris K. , Rozier R.G.
Published: June 2017

The emergence of first permanent molars (FPMs) and second permanent molars (SPMs) is an important developmental milestone influencing caries risk and the timing of sealant placement. Emergence times have been shown to vary by sex and race/ethnicity, while recent reports suggest a positive association with adiposity. Amid the changing demographics of the US population and the rising rates of pediatric overweight/obesity, we sought to examine the association of body mass index (BMI) with FPM/SPM emergence in a representative sample of US children and adolescents. We used cross-sectional data from 3 consecutive cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2009 to 2014). The FPM analysis included ages 4 to 8 y ( n = 3,102 representing ~20 million children), and the SPM analysis included ages 9 to 13 y ( n = 2,774 representing ~19 million children/adolescents). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s growth chart data were used to calculate age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles, as measures of adiposity. Initial data analyses relied on descriptive statistics and stratified analyses. We used multivariate methods, including survey linear and ordinal logistic regression and marginal effects estimation to quantify the association between pediatric overweight/obesity and FPM/SPM emergence, adjusting for age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Forty-eight percent of 6-y-olds and 98% of 8-y-olds had all FPMs emerged, whereas SPM emergence varied more. Blacks (vs. whites) and females (vs. males) experienced earlier emergence of FPMs and SPMs. Overweight/obesity was associated with earlier FPM emergence, particularly among black females. Obesity but not overweight was associated with earlier SPM emergence. Overall, overweight/obesity accounted for 6 to 12 mo of dental acceleration. This study’s results emanate from the most recent US-representative data and affirm that FPM/SPM emergence varies by race/ethnicity and sex and is positively influenced by BMI. Future research should further elucidate these associations with detailed eruption data and examine the implications of this variation for clinical care.
Methyltransferase G9A Regulates Osteogenesis via Twist Gene Repression
Authors: Higashihori N. , Lehnertz B. , Sampaio A. , Underhill T.M. , Rossi F. , Richman J.M.
Published: June 2017

Here we investigate the role of epigenetic factors in controlling the timing of cranial neural crest cell differentiation. The gene coding for histone H3 lysine 9 methyltransferase G9A was conditionally deleted in neural crest cells with Wnt1-Cre. The majority of homozygous-null animals survived to birth but thereafter failed to thrive. Phenotypic analysis of postnatal animals revealed that the mutants displayed incomplete ossification and 20% shorter jaws as compared to their wild-type littermates. At E13.5, patterns of expression of the osteogenic transcription factor RUNX2 and the mesenchymal transcription factor TWIST are similar in controls and mutants; both overlap in areas of future intramembranous bone formation. At E14.5, the nonosteogenic mesenchyme expressed TWIST, whereas the ossification center had strong RUNX2 and osteopontin expression. In the mutants, TWIST protein was present in the osteogenic mesenchyme, while osteopontin was not expressed until E15.5. In addition, in mutants, small regions of TWIST-positive osteogenic mesenchyme were visible until E15.5. The delay in ossification and reduction in size of the ossification centers were correlated with an earlier decrease in proliferation. We used micromass cultures of the face to investigate the direct effects of G9A inhibition on skeletal differentiation. Addition of a small molecule inhibitor for G9A, BIX-01294, to wild-type cells upregulated Twist genes similar to what was observed in vivo. The inhibitor also caused decreases in several osteogenic markers. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis of primary osteogenic mesenchyme from calvaria revealed that Twist1 and Twist2 regulatory regions contain the repressive H3K9me2 marks catalyzed by G9A, which are removed when BIX-01294 is added. Our results establish a role for G9A and H3K9me2 in the regulation of Twist genes and provide novel insights into the significance of epigenetic mechanisms in controlling temporal and tissue-specific gene expression during development.
Ras Signaling Regulates Stem Cells and Amelogenesis in the Mouse Incisor
Authors: Zheng X. , Goodwin A.F. , Tian H. , Jheon A.H. , Klein O.D.
Published: June 2017

The role of Ras signaling during tooth development is poorly understood. Ras proteins—which are activated by many upstream pathways, including receptor tyrosine kinase cascades—signal through multiple effectors, such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and PI3K pathways. Here, we utilized the mouse incisor as a model to study how the MAPK and PI3K pathways regulate dental epithelial stem cells and amelogenesis. The rodent incisor—which grows continuously throughout the life of the animal due to the presence of epithelial and mesenchymal stem cells—provides a model for the study of ectodermal organ renewal and regeneration. Utilizing models of Ras dysregulation as well as inhibitors of the MAPK and PI3K pathways, we found that MAPK and PI3K regulate dental epithelial stem cell activity, transit-amplifying cell proliferation, and enamel formation in the mouse incisor.
Diabetes Self-management Training in a Virtual Environment
Authors: Reagan Louise , Pereira Katherine , Jefferson Vanessa , Evans Kreider Kathryn , Totten Susan , D’Eramo Melkus Gail , Johnson Constance , Vorderstrasse Allison
Published: June 2017

Diabetes self-management training (DSMT) improves diabetes health outcomes. However, low numbers of patients receive DSMT. Using virtual environments (VEs) for DSMT is an innovative approach to removing barriers for patients. The purpose of this paper is to describe the experience of health professionals and diabetes educators establishing and teaching DSMT in a VE, Diabetes LIVE© (Learning in Virtual Environments), and the implications for future use of VEs in DSMT. It was found that providing DSMT in a VE preserves real-time interaction between patients and educators. To facilitate ongoing patient learning and engagement, the DSMT curriculum was expanded beyond the core content as “Above and Beyond” topics. Using a VE for DSMT presents challenges and opportunities. Challenges include overcoming technological barriers and improving comfort levels to orient educators and patients to the functionality of the VE. Opportunities include overcoming barriers to reaching patients, particularly given the diabetes epidemic and relatively small number of diabetes educators. Using a VE also affords a simulated community for experiential learning. VEs may become powerful tools for diabetes and other health educators to reach patients. Ongoing education and support are vital to successful self-management of chronic disease.
Organizing Authority in the Climate Change Debate: IPCC Controversies and the Management of Dialectical Tensions
Authors: Porter Amanda J. , Kuhn Timothy R. , Nerlich Brigitte
Published: June 2017

At the centre of the undeniably contentious debates about climate change lies the question of authority: Which voices will be heard and, thus, who will influence policy, activism, and scientific inquiry? Following high-profile errors found in the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Dutch Parliament sought to achieve ‘balance’ in these debates by bringing together climate scientists and skeptics for a set of online discussions. Using both communication and dialectical theorizing, we explore the organizing of authority around climate change in the Netherlands. We locate dialectical tensions and discursive positions of diverse actors in the debate, examining the communication practices by which actors sought to resolve tensions as part of three authoritative moves: bridging, (de)coupling, and resisting. The combination of these authoritative moves failed to engage with – and therefore could not resolve – the sources of the underlying dialectical tensions. We build on these insights to suggest contributions to the climate change debate and theory on authority in organization studies.