bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Stimulation Attenuates Neuroinflammation through JAK2-STAT3 Activation in Murine Models of Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Krafft Paul R. , McBride Devin , Rolland William B. , Lekic Tim , Flores Jerry J. , Zhang John H.
Published: April 2017

Accounting for high mortality and morbidity rates, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains one of the most detrimental stroke subtypes lacking a specific therapy. Neuroinflammation contributes to ICH-induced brain injury and is associated with unfavorable outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate whetherα7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) stimulation ameliorates neuroinflammation after ICH. Male CD-1 mice and Sprague-Dawley were subjected to intracerebral injection of autologous blood or bacterial collagenase. ICH animals received eitherα7nAChR agonist PHA-543613 alone or combined withα7nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine (MLA) or Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) antagonist AG490. Neurobehavioral deficits were evaluated at 24 hours, 72 hours, and 10 weeks after ICH induction. Perihematomal expressions of JAK2, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were quantified via Western blot. Histologic volumetric analysis of brain tissues was conducted after 10 weeks following ICH induction. PHA-543613 improved short-term neurobehavioral (sensorimotor) deficits and increased activated perihematomal JAK2 and STAT3 expressions while decreasing TNF-αand MPO expressions after ICH. MLA reversed these treatment effects. PHA-543613 also improved long-term neurobehavioral (sensorimotor, learning, and memory) deficits and ameliorated brain atrophy after ICH. These treatment effects were reduced by AG490.α7nAChR stimulation reduced neuroinflammation via activation of the JAK2-STAT3 pathway, thereby ameliorating the short- and long-term sequelae after ICH.
The Effect of Three Different Meditation Exercises on Hypertension: A Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Yang Hongchang , Wu Xueping , Wang Min
Published: April 2017

We aimed to use the pairwise and network meta‐analysis to estimate the effects of different meditation exercises on the control of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were retrieved from PubMed and Embase up to June 2016, which are published in English and reported on meditation exercise for hypertensive patients. Risks of bias assessment of the included studies were assessed by Cochrane Collaboration Recommendations and network meta‐analysis was performed by ADDIS. Mean difference (MD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were used as the effect size. A number of 19 RCTs were included in this study. Results of pairwise comparisons indicated that meditation exercise could significantly decrease the SBP and DBP, compared with other interventions (MD = −7.10, 95% CI: −10.82 to −3.39; MD = −4.02, 95% CI: −6.12 to −1.92). With good consistence and convergence, network meta‐analysis showed that there were no significant differences between meditation and other interventions on SBP. For DBP, Qigong was significantly lower than “no intervention” (MD = −11.73, 95% CI: −19.85 to −3.69). Qigong may be the optimal exercise way in lowering SBP and DBP of hypertensive patients, but a detailed long‐term clinical research should be needed in the future.
Molecular Pathways: Targeting the Protein Kinase Wee1 in Cancer
Authors: Geenen Jill J.J. , Schellens Jan H.M.
Published: April 2017

Wee1 is a protein kinase that regulates the G2 checkpoint and prevents entry into mitosis in response to DNA damage. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) are a family of 14 serine/threonine protein kinases that coordinate the progression through the cell cycle. The Cdc2/cyclin B complex controls the progression from G2 into mitosis. There are two mechanisms by which the G2 checkpoint is initiated in response to DNA damage: phosphorylation of Cdc25c by CHK1 and of the Wee1 kinase, which phosphorylates Cdc2. Blockade at the G2 checkpoint is especially important for p53-mutant cells because these tumors mainly rely on DNA repair at the G2 checkpoint. AZD1775 (formerly MK-1775) is a small-molecule, pyrazol-pyrimidine derivative and potent and ATP-competitive specific inhibitor of the Wee1 kinase. Several preclinical and clinical studies demonstrated encouraging antitumor effects with manageable side effects of the combination of Wee1 inhibition and DNA-damaging agents. Promising combination schedules are being investigated at the moment, for example, combining PARP inhibition and Wee1 inhibition. Also, a weekly schedule with carboplatin and AZD1775 warrants investigation aimed at further improving the antitumor effect. Clin Cancer Res; 23(16); 4540–4. ©2017 AACR.
Next-Generation Sequencing Analysis and Algorithms for PDX and CDX Models
Authors: Khandelwal Garima , Girotti María Romina , Smowton Christopher , Taylor Sam , Wirth Christopher , Dynowski Marek , Frese Kristopher K. , Brady Ged , Dive Caroline , Marais Richard , Miller Crispin
Published: April 2017

Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) and circulating tumor cell–derived explant (CDX) models are powerful methods for the study of human disease. In cancer research, these methods have been applied to multiple questions, including the study of metastatic progression, genetic evolution, and therapeutic drug responses. As PDX and CDX models can recapitulate the highly heterogeneous characteristics of a patient tumor, as well as their response to chemotherapy, there is considerable interest in combining them with next-generation sequencing to monitor the genomic, transcriptional, and epigenetic changes that accompany oncogenesis. When used for this purpose, their reliability is highly dependent on being able to accurately distinguish between sequencing reads that originate from the host, and those that arise from the xenograft itself. Here, we demonstrate that failure to correctly identify contaminating host reads when analyzing DNA- and RNA-sequencing (DNA-Seq and RNA-Seq) data from PDX and CDX models is a major confounding factor that can lead to incorrect mutation calls and a failure to identify canonical mutation signatures associated with tumorigenicity. In addition, a highly sensitive algorithm and open source software tool for identifying and removing contaminating host sequences is described. Importantly, when applied to PDX and CDX models of melanoma, these data demonstrate its utility as a sensitive and selective tool for the correction of PDX- and CDX-derived whole-exome and RNA-Seq data.

Implications: This study describes a sensitive method to identify contaminating host reads in xenograft and explant DNA- and RNA-Seq data and is applicable to other forms of deep sequencing. Mol Cancer Res; 15(8); 1012–6. ©2017 AACR.
Therapeutic Targeting of PTK7 is Cytotoxic in Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumors
Authors: Messerli Shanta M. , Hoffman Mariah M. , Gnimpieba Etienne Z. , Bhardwaj Ratan D.
Published: April 2017

Novel discoveries involving the evaluation of potential therapeutics are based on newly identified molecular targets for atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRT), which are the most common form of infantile brain tumors. Central nervous system ATRTs are rare, aggressive, and fast growing tumors of the brain and spinal cord and carry a very poor prognosis. Currently, the standard of care for ATRT patients is based on surgical resection followed by systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which result in severe side effects. As protein tyrosine kinases have proven to be actionable targets that reduce tumor growth in a number of cancers, we examined how inhibiting tyrosine kinases affected ATRT tumor growth. Here, we examine the therapeutic efficacy of the broad-spectrum tyrosine kinase inhibitor vatalanib in the treatment of ATRT. Vatalanib significantly reduced the growth of ATRT tumor cell lines, both in two-dimensional cell culture and in three-dimensional cell culture using a spheroid model. As vatalanib had a remarkable effect on the growth of ATRT, we decided to use a transcriptomic approach to therapy by examining new actionable targets, such as tyrosine kinases. Next-generation RNA-sequencing and NanoString data analysis showed a significant increase in PTK7 RNA expression levels in ATRT tumors. Inhibition of PTK7 by siRNA treatment significantly decreases the viability of ATRT patient–derived tumor cell lines.

Implications: These studies provide the groundwork for future preclinical in vivo studies aiming to investigate the efficacy of PTK7 inhibition on ATRT tumor growth. Mol Cancer Res; 15(8); 973–83. ©2017 AACR.
Differential Allelic Expression of HTR1B in Suicide Victims: Genetic and Epigenetic Effect of the Cis-Acting Variants
Authors: Bani-Fatemi Ali , Howe Aaron , Zai Clement , Kennedy James L. , Vincent John , Strauss John , Wong Albert , De Luca Vincenzo
Published: April 2017

Objectives: In the present study, we tested the allelic imbalance of the C861G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of HTR1B in the frontal cortex of suicide victims. Methods: The study was conducted using 3 sets of samples. First, C861G allele-specific mRNA levels in the frontal cortex were compared between suicide (n = 13) and nonsuicide controls (n = 13) from the Stanley Medical Research postmortem brain collection. Second, we tested common variants in the HTR1B promoter for linkage disequilibrium (LD) with the C861G variant in an unrelated sample of suicide attempters (SA; n = 38) and non-SA (NSA; n = 42). Finally, we performed a family-based association study of the C861G and promoter variants in 162 nuclear families using suicidal behavior severity scores as phenotype. Results: We observed no alterations in the C/G expression ratio in suicide victims compared to nonsuicide controls (p = 0.370). When comparing the LD between the C861G and cis-acting SNPs, we did not find any differences in SA and NSA. There was no association between preferential transmission of cis-acting SNPs and suicidal behavior severity scores in both maternal and paternal meiosis. Conclusions: We found several promoter variants in LD that may potentially influence the allelic imbalance in the C861G variant. However, no evidence of allelic imbalance nor parent-of-origin effects of the C861G variant was observed in suicidal behavior. Further research is required to assess this marker in larger cohorts.
Cytokine and Chemokine Profiles in Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Wang Yuge , Zhou Yifan , Sun Xiaobo , Lu Tingting , Wei Lei , Fang Ling , Chen Chen , Huang Qiao , Hu Xueqiang , Lu Zhengqi , Peng Lisheng , Qiu Wei
Published: April 2017

Objective: To screen cytokines and chemokines and determine their dynamic changes in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Methods: Eight NMOSD with seropositive aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-IgG) were enrolled, as well as 8 matched patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and 8 with noninflammatory neurological diseases, who were included as controls. In total, 102 cytokines and 34 chemokines were detected in the CSF and serum of NMOSD patients and controls. Results: CSF interleukin (IL)-17A levels were significantly higher in NMOSD patients in the relapsing phase (27.15 ± 11.33) than in those in the remitting phase (10.04 ± 3.11, p = 0.0017), and patients with MS (14.72 ± 3.20, p = 0.0283) and other controls (10.39 ± 11.38, p = 0.0021). CSF IL-6 levels were higher in the NMOSD patients in the relapsing phase (12.23 ± 3.47) than in those in the remitting phase (5.87 ± 2.78, p = 0.0001), and MS patients (7.38 ± 2.35, p = 0.0033) and other controls (7.50 ± 0.37, p = 0.0043). CSF CCL19 levels were also significantly higher in NMOSD patients in the relapsing phase (35.87 ± 27.07) than in those in the remitting phase (10.71 ± 3.62, p = 0.0215). Serum IL-19 levels were lower in NMOSD patients in the relapsing phase (6.23 ± 1.95) than in those in the remitting phase (10.72 ± 4.46, p = 0.0092). Further, there was a positive, significant correlation between serum IL-9 concentration and the Expanded Disability Status Scale score in the NMOSD patients in the relapsing phase (p = 0.04). Conclusion: In addition to IL-6 and IL-17A, IL-16 and CCL19 act as proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines, while IL-19 plays a protective role in NMOSD pathogenesis.
Heating of Newborn Infants due to Blue Light-Emitting Diode Fibreoptic Phototherapy Pads
Authors: Ng Pei Ling , Carlisle Tony , Ly Marleesa , Morris Scott Adam
Published: April 2017

Background: Surface temperatures of fibreoptic phototherapy pads using a high intensity blue light-emitting diode (LED) light source have not been studied. Objectives: The aim of this study was to measure the temperature of LED fibreoptic phototherapy pads during phototherapy in a bench-top study, and to determine temperature effects on babies during phototherapy. Methods: A commercially available LED fibreoptic phototherapy system was tested. In a bench-top setting, pad surface temperatures were measured before, during and after a 12-h period of phototherapy (10 different LED light box-pad combinations). A prospective, cohort study of well babies at >34 weeks' gestation receiving phototherapy was then conducted to determine changes in pad and body temperatures during a 90-min phototherapy period. Results: In the bench-top study, the mean (95% CI) pad temperature was 21.8°C (21.5-22.1) before lights, 27.0°C (26.5-27.5) after 12 h of lights, and 22.1°C (21.9-22.4) 8 h after turning off the lights (F = 366.1, p < 0.0005). The magnitude of change in pad temperature with phototherapy was linearly correlated with irradiance (r = 0.89, p < 0.0005). The pad plastic covering absorbed 13% of blue light from fibres. In the clinical study, the warmest pad temperature during phototherapy was 38.9°C. Axillary temperature increased by a mean (95% CI) of 0.3°C (0.1-0.5), p < 0.019, and exceeded 37.5°C in 4 babies. Conclusions: LED fibreoptic phototherapy pads are heated by high-intensity blue light. The thermal environment and temperature of babies should be monitored closely during LED fibreoptic phototherapy. A temperature probe placed between the skin and the pad will not accurately reflect the core temperature during fibreoptic phototherapy.
Three-Year Clinical Outcome of Patients with Coronary Disease and Increased Event Risk Treated with Newer-Generation Drug-Eluting Stents: From the Randomized DUTCH PEERS Trial
Authors: van der Heijden Liefke C. , Kok Marlies M. , Löwik Marije M. , Danse Peter W. , Jessurun Gillian A.J. , Hartmann Marc , Stoel Martin G. , van Houwelingen K. Gert , Hautvast Raymond W.M. , Linssen Gerard C. , Doggen Carine J.M. , von Birgelen Clemens
Published: April 2017

Objective: Limited data is available on the long-term outcome of patients with increased cardiovascular event risk, treated with newer-generation durable polymer drug-eluting stents (DES). Methods: We therefore assessed 3-year follow-up data of high-risk versus low- to intermediate-risk patients of the randomized DUTCH PEERS trial (NCT01331707). In both risk groups we also compared patients treated with Resolute Integrity versus Promus Element DES. Patients were categorized as “high-risk” if they met ≥1 of the following criteria: (1) diabetes (17.9%); (2) previous myocardial infarction (21.9%); (3) previous coronary revascularization (25.8%); (4) chronic renal failure (3.5%); (5) left ventricular ejection fraction ≤30% (1.5%); and (6) age ≥75 years (17.3%). Results: At the 3-year follow-up, the incidence of the composite endpoint target vessel failure (TVF) (13.2 vs. 7.5%; logrank p < 0.001) and 2 of its components - cardiac death (4.7 vs. 1.5%; logrank p < 0.001) and target vessel revascularization (7.3 vs. 4.7%; logrank p = 0.03) - was higher in high-risk (n = 957) versus low- to intermediate-risk patients (n = 854). Among high-risk patients, treatment with Resolute Integrity (n = 481) and Promus Element stents (n = 476) was similarly safe and efficacious (TVF: 13.3 vs. 13.1%; logrank p = 0.95; definite-or-probable stent thrombosis: 1.7 vs. 1.7%; logrank p = 1.00). Conclusions: The newer-generation Resolute Integrity and Promus Element stents showed similar results in terms of safety and efficacy for treating high-risk patients, who had significantly higher event rates than patients with low-to-intermediate risk.
The Association of Five-Year Changes in the Levels of N-Terminal Fragment of the Prohormone Brain-Type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) with Subsequent Heart Failure and Death in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease: The Heart and Soul Study
Authors: Mishra Rakesh K. , Judson Gregory , Christenson Robert H. , DeFilippi Christopher , Wu Alan H.B. , Whooley Mary A.
Published: April 2017

Background: The N-terminal fragment of the prohormone brain-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a powerful predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, little is known regarding the prognostic significance of longitudinal changes in NT-proBNP levels. Methods: We evaluated the ability of 5-year changes in NT-proBNP levels to predict subsequent heart failure (HF) hospitalization or cardiovascular (CV) death in 635 participants with stable CAD enrolled in the Heart and Soul Study. Results: The median (IQR) 5-year change in NT-proBNP was 50 pg/mL (-5 to +222). During an average of 4.0 ± 1.4 years follow-up (i.e., 9 years from the baseline measurement), there were 67 events. Participants with 5-year changes in the highest quartile (≥ 223 pg/mL increase in NT-proBNP) had an almost 4-fold greater risk of subsequent HF or CV death than those in the lowest quartile of ≤-5 pg/mL (HR 3.8; 95% CI 2.0-7.3; p < 0.001). This association remained strong after adjustment for demographic variables, comorbidities, left ventricular mass index, systolic and diastolic function, and baseline and follow-up NT-proBNP levels (HR 3.9; 95% CI 1.1-13.4; p = 0.01). Conclusion: Changes in NT-proBNP levels at 5 years predict subsequent HF or CV death in patients with stable CAD, independent of other prognostic markers, including baseline and follow-up NT-proBNP levels. A stable NT-proBNP level predicts a low risk of subsequent events.
Benign Exocrine Pancreatic Diseases in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Pezzilli Raffaele , Pagano Nico
Published: April 2017

Background: Data regarding the involvement of the pancreas during the course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are scarce and conflicting. Aim: To assess the frequency of benign pancreatic diseases, that is, acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis (CP), and autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), in a population with IBD. Methods: A search for patients with IBD who presented at our hospital between January 2006 and January 2015 with a diagnosis of IBD was carried out. Patients: A total of 5,242 patients with IBD were included in this study (2,838 males, 54.1%, and 2,404 females, 45.9%, mean age 43.7 years, range 18-101 years). Of these 5,242 patients, 3,201 (61.1%) had Crohn's disease and 2,041 (38.9%) had ulcerative colitis (UC). Results: Thirteen patients developed benign pancreatic diseases (0.2%). Eight patients had acute pancreatitis (0.2%; 4 in the Crohn's disease group and 4 in the UC group), 3 had CP (0.1%, 2 in the Crohn's disease group and 1 in the UC group), 2 had AIP (0.04%), all in the group of diffuse UC (p = 0.321). Conclusions: The frequency of benign pancreatic disease was not high in patients with IBD and was probably similar to that seen in the general population.
Feasibility of Modified FOLFOX in Elderly Patients Aged ≥80 Years with Metastatic Gastric Cancer or Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Lim Kyu-Hyoung , Lee Hui-Young , Park Sung Bae , Song Seo-Young
Published: April 2017

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a modified FOLFOX regimen as first-line treatment in elderly patients with metastatic gastric cancer (GC) or colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: We included chemotherapy-naïve patients over 80 years old with metastatic GC or CRC in our study. From September 2008 to November 2014, 28 consecutive patients were enrolled and treated with modified FOLFOX. Results: The study population consisted of an equal number of GC and CRC patients. The median age was 82.2 years in the GC group and 81.1 years in the CRC group. The total number of administered cycles was 89 (with a median of 6 per patient) in the GC group and 112 (with a median of 8 per patient) in the CRC group. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 5.4 and 6.6 months in the GC group and 7.3 and 8.1 months in the CRC group, respectively. There was no significant difference in PFS (p = 0.941) and OS (p = 0.238) between the GC and the CRC group. The 1-year survival rates were 35.7% with GC and 42.9% with CRC. Common grade 3/4 hematology toxicities were neutropenia (10.7%) and anemia (14.3%). Salvage chemotherapy was administered to 1 patient with GC and 7 patients with CRC. Conclusions: The modified FOLFOX regimen can be cautiously considered as a first-line treatment option in extremely elderly patients with metastatic GC or CRC.
Host specificity of some wood decaying-fungi in moist deciduous forests of Kerala, India
Authors: Iqbal A. Muhammed , Vidyasagaran Kattany , Ganesh Narayan
Published: April 2017

The low diversity tropical forest is dominated by host specialized wood decaying fungi (Hymenochaetales, Polyporales) with narrow host range.  To understand whether or not wood decaying fungi in a highly diverse tropical moist deciduous forest have any kind of host specialization, sporophores of 22 species of wood decaying fungi were recorded on 17 tree species in three seasons viz., pre monsoon, monsoon and post monsoon from the moist deciduous forests of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India.  Only two of the 22 species with three or more records showed signs of host specialization.  In the case of other fungi, the number of host tree species increased with increasing number of occupied or colonized logs.  The findings support the assumption that most of the wood decaying fungi have broad host ranges in highly diverse forest types in the tropics.
Conservation of the Southern River Terrapin Batagur affinis (Reptilia: Testudines: Geoemydidae) in Malaysia: a case study involving local community participation
Authors: Chen Pelf Nyok
Published: April 2017

It is evident that the participation of the local community plays a crucial role in the success of a conservation project.  Despite initiating and leading the oldest Batagur affinis conservation project in Malaysia since 1967, which involved egg protection, head starting and reintroduction programs, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks did not involve the participation of the local community.  This study provides the first account of the involvement of local villagers in B. affinis research and conservation project in the Kemaman River, Terengganu, Malaysia.  As a result of involving this group of local villagers, the Village Development and Security Committee was recruited to be involved in the conservation project.  From 2012 to 2016, we hand captured and processed 102 post-nesting females.  The Schnabel mark-recapture method estimated at least 186 wild female B. affinis in the river.  We collected 2,542 B. affinis eggs from 205 nests for incubation, and produced 1,723 hatchlings (mean hatching success 67.8%).  Survivorship of head started B. affinis hatchlings in captivity ranged from 96.7−100 % among cohorts.  Head started hatchlings recorded a 467% increase in body mass and 90% increase in straight carapace length.  We reintroduced 1,690 B. affinis juveniles into the river.  We also initiated a symbolic adoption program to raise funds and ensure the sustainability of the conservation project.  This study proves that local communities are capable of managing their own resources, given sufficient training in conservation techniques.
Propaganda Broadcasts and Cold War Politics: The Carter Administration's Outreach to Islam
Authors: Gil Guerrero Javier
Published: April 2017

After the Islamic revolution in Iran in early 1979 and the hostage crisis that began at the U.S. embassy in Tehran later that year, the Carter administration launched a public diplomacy campaign specifically directed at Muslims, the first of its kind. The idea was to counter the narrative of a Western crusade against Islam while highlighting the differences between the United States and militant Islam. In time, the damage control effort was transformed into an attempt to rally Muslims—both outside and inside the Soviet Union—against Soviet Communism. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan created an opportunity for the United States to bolster its standing in the Islamic world. Influencing Muslim opinion was no longer just a matter of delegitimizing the discourse of radical Islam, but also one of using the growth of religious sentiment among Muslims against the Soviet Union. The initiative's spearhead was the increased multilingual radio broadcasts directed at Muslim audiences across the globe.
Gendering the American Enemy in Early Cold War Soviet Films (1946–1953)
Authors: Riabov Oleg
Published: April 2017

Analyzing Soviet films and film criticism from the late Stalin period, this article shows how Soviet cinematographers exploited gender discourse to produce Otherness. Cinematic representations of U.S. femininity, masculinity, love, sexuality, and marriage played an important role in constructing external and internal Enemies. Cinematography depicted the U.S. gender order as resulting from the unnatural social system in the United States and as contrary to both the Soviet order and human nature. In line with the notion of “two different Americas,” the films also created images of “good Americans” who aspired to satisfy gender norms of the Soviet way of life. The image of the American Other helped shape Soviet gender and political orders. Internal enemies’ “groveling before the West” on political matters was depicted as causing gender deviancy, and the breaking of Soviet gender norms was shown to lead to political crimes.
A Simple New Model for Incoming Solar Radiation Dependent Only on Screen-Level Relative Humidity
Authors: Lindauer M. , Schmid H. P. , Grote R. , Steinbrecher R. , Mauder M. , Wolpert B.
Published: April 2017

Global incoming shortwave radiation (Rg) is the energy source for the majority of biogeochemical processes on Earth as well as for photovoltaic power production. Existing simple site-specific models to estimate Rg commonly use the daily range of air temperature as input variables. Here, the authors present a simple model for incoming shortwave radiation, requiring only screen-level relative humidity data (and site-specific astronomical information). The model was developed and parameterized using high-quality global radiation data covering a broad range of climate conditions. It was evaluated at independent sites, which were not involved in the process of model development and parameterization. The mean 1:1 slope was 1.02 with an averager2of 0.98. Normalized root-mean-square error (NRMSE) averaged at 43%. Despite its simplicity, the new model clearly outperforms conventional approaches, and it comes close to more labor- and data-intensive alternative models.
Associations Between Parenting Styles and Perceived Child Effortful Control Within Chinese Families in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan
Authors: Huang Ching-Yu , Cheah Charissa S. L. , Lamb Michael E. , Zhou Nan
Published: April 2017

The current study examined the associations between parentally perceived child effortful control (EC) and the parenting styles of 122 Chinese mothers (36 first-generation Chinese immigrants in the United Kingdom, 40 first-generation Chinese immigrants in the United States, and 46 Taiwanese mothers) of 5- to 7-year-old ( M age = 5.82 years, SD = .805; 68 boys and 54 girls) children. The findings showed significant cultural group differences in mothers’ reported authoritarian parenting style. Significant associations also emerged between mothers’ reports of their children’s EC and some parenting dimensions, although there were no cultural group differences in perceived child EC. Different patterns of associations between perceived child EC and parenting styles in these three groups also demonstrated heterogeneity within the Chinese population, and highlighted the need to consider differences between original and receiving societies when seeking to understand parenting and child development in different immigrant groups.
The Coproduction of Truancy Control
Authors: Mazerolle Lorraine , Bennett Sarah , Antrobus Emma , Eggins Elizabeth
Published: April 2017

Objectives:

To evaluate, under randomized field trial conditions, the deterrent effects of a police–school partnership, called the Ability School Engagement Program (ASEP). The partnership sought to co-produce truancy reduction by actively engaging parents and their truanting children in a group conference dialogue that was designed to increase parental and child awareness of the truancy laws (and the consequences of noncompliance), and thereby foster students’ willingness to attend school.

Methods:

Using a randomized field trial design, 102 truanting young people were randomly allocated to a control, business-as-usual condition ( n = 51), or the ASEP experimental condition ( n = 51). In this paper, we use mixed model ANOVA and multiple regression analysis of self-report survey data from both students and their parents to assess differences between the experimental and control group on parental perceptions of prosecution likelihood and student willingness to attend school. We use qualitative analysis of the group conference transcripts to examine how the intervention affected these factors.

Results:

Our results demonstrate that the police–school partnership intervention increased parental awareness of prosecution likelihood, which moderated students’ self-reported willingness to attend school.

Conclusions:

We conclude that police–school partnerships that engage parents and their children to better understand the laws pertaining to school attendance are a promising approach for co-producing the reduction of truancy.
Assessing College Life Adjustment of Students With Disabilities: Application of the PERMA Framework
Authors: Tansey Timothy N. , Smedema Susan , Umucu Emre , Iwanaga Kanako , Wu Jia-Rung , Cardoso Elizabeth da Silva , Strauser David
Published: April 2017

The clearest career path to the middle class generally involves access, and completion, of postsecondary education. However, persons with disabilities are less likely to enroll or graduate from college compared with their same-age peers without disabilities. The quality of life of students with disabilities, and their well-being, may be a root cause of low graduation rates. To flourish in life is to both feel good and function effectively. Seligman developed the Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment (PERMA) model that may be useful in understanding the well-being of individuals. The purpose of this study is to examine the factorial structure of the PERMA model in sample college students with disabilities and then examine the model’s relationship with outcomes important to college adjustment such as academic achievement, relationship problems, stress, life satisfaction, and core self-evaluation. Ninety-seven college students with disabilities enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) were recruited for the study. Findings support a one-factor solution for the PERMA measurement model. Furthermore, PERMA was negatively correlated with factors associated with college difficulty and positively associated with factors linked to college success. The PERMA model also demonstrated that well-being mediates the relationship between functional disability and life satisfaction. Implications for rehabilitation researchers and practitioners are reviewed.
Is Xenios Zeus Still Alive? Destination Image of Athens in the Years of Recession
Authors: Gkritzali Alkmini , Gritzalis Dimitris , Stavrou Vassilis
Published: April 2017

This study examines the evolution of the destination image of Athens from 2005 to 2015, in order to exploit the impact of the recent economic recession on individual perceptions. It uses advanced web content mining to analyze TripAdvisor messages that were posted in Athens Travel Forum. The findings show that the image of Athens has remained positive, facing a significant, but short-term, shift during the first years of the crisis. The findings also reveal that the destination image of Athens is only partially shared by individuals residing inside and outside Greece, and that non-Greek residents have more favorable perceptions toward the destination. The study expands understanding on the destination image literature by demonstrating the normative nature of destination images, which—once established—can be particularly resistant to change, even during sustained crises.
Comfort signatures: How long-term studies of occupant satisfaction in office buildings reveal on-going performance
Authors: Bunn Roderic , Marjanovic-Halburd Ljiljana
Published: April 2017

Occupant surveys reveal how people in buildings perceive their internal environments. The Soft Landings extended handover process, which requires project teams to focus more on operational outcomes, has led to the use of occupant surveys during a three year Soft Landings aftercare period to provide a means of checking whether the desired outcomes have been met. However, little is known of the longitudinal perceptions of occupant satisfaction in buildings, and the relationships between those perceptions and the many environmental, seasonal and functional comfort variables that act upon occupant satisfaction. This paper reports the results of time-series surveys on two office buildings. Occupant satisfaction scores have been compared with the technical, organisational and functional contexts in the work environments, such as density, workgroup sizes, and cellular and open-plan layouts, to determine whether changes in these parameters have significantly altered levels of perceived occupant comfort and productivity. The research found stability in some contexts but statistical declines in others. Conclusions are made regarding the key operational factors that may contribute to changes in occupant satisfaction over time. Factors that might constitute limits to office carrying capacity are discussed.

Practical application: The growing use of the Soft Landings approach to building procurement and handover, with greater emphasis on designing for improved operational outcomes, is creating a demand to understand more about occupant needs and expectations. The central government equivalent – Government Soft Landings – is similarly placing a requirement on public sector construction projects to deliver buildings with improved environmental and functional outcomes. Delivering these expectations requires construction professionals to develop skills in building performance evaluation, particularly in understanding the primary drivers that lead to high occupant perceptions of comfort, health, productivity and wellbeing. This research provides real-world evidence to clients and their design advisors on the key factors for ensuring long-term occupant satisfaction, while for building management professionals the research identifies some organisational risk factors that may lead to a fall in satisfaction during long-term operation.
Facilitating children’s speech, language and communication development: An exploration of an embedded, service-based professional development program
Authors: Brebner Chris , Attrill Stacie , Marsh Claire , Coles Lilienne
Published: April 2017

Professional development can provide opportunities to develop new skills and knowledge, and to apply them to practice in a sustainable way. However, delivery of professional development needs to consider the philosophies and pedagogies of training recipients, and activities should be tailored to meet their needs. This article reports on an exploratory study of an embedded, service-based model of professional development for early childhood educators (educators), targeting children’s speech, language, and communication skill development. This innovative model, conducted by speech and language therapy (SLT) students and a SLT professional practice educator, utilized co-teaching strategies to facilitate the professional learning of educators and SLTs in this context. A qualitative research design was employed and data gathered through focus group interviews with educators and individual semi-structured interviews with centre directors. The data were triangulated with some observational data of educators’ practices with young children several months post program completion to explore their application of skills and knowledge that had been covered in the professional development program. The data contained four main themes: Communication, relationships, environment, and translating knowledge into practice. Observational data lent further depth and validation to the results by confirming the presence or absence of expressed practice values and experiences in the educators’ everyday interactions with children. The observational data supported the themes relationships and translating knowledge into practice. The results contribute to our understanding of educators’ and childcare centre directors’ perspectives on their knowledge, skills, and practice in response to this embedded professional development program. This model of professional development may be appropriate to facilitate knowledge and skill development about children’s speech, language, and communication skills for educators working with young children in a childcare setting. Benefits for educators and SLTs were found where good working relationships and communication had been established.
Sequence text structure intervention during interactive book reading of expository picture books with preschool children with language impairment
Authors: Breit-Smith Allison , Olszewski Arnold , Swoboda Christopher , Guo Ying , Prendeville Jo-Anne
Published: April 2017

This study explores the outcomes of an interactive book reading intervention featuring expository picture books. This small-group intervention was delivered by four practitioners (two early childhood special education teachers and two speech-language pathologists) three times per week for 8 weeks to 6 preschool-age children (3 years 1 month to 4 years 9 months) identified with language impairment. The intervention included use of language facilitation strategies during interactive book reading and extension activities after reading for promoting children’s understanding of signal words related to the sequence text structure (e.g. first, next, then, finally), academic vocabulary, and science topic knowledge related to plants (how plants grow, plant parts, plant needs). Outcomes indicated that practitioners increased their use of language facilitation strategies over the course of the intervention in both contexts of interactive book reading and extension activities. Children with language impairment made significant improvements in their receptive understanding of sequence signal words, vocabulary, and science topic knowledge from pre-test to post-test. These findings suggest the promise of a sequence text structure intervention implemented in the contexts of interactive book reading of expository picture books and extension activities for supporting the syntax, vocabulary, and content knowledge of preschool children with language impairment.
Targeting neuronal dysfunction in schizophrenia with nicotine: Evidence from neurophysiology to neuroimaging
Authors: Smucny Jason , Tregellas Jason R
Published: April 2017

Patients with schizophrenia self-administer nicotine at rates higher than is self-administered for any other psychiatric illness. Although the reasons are unclear, one hypothesis suggests that nicotine is a form of ‘self-medication’ in order to restore normal levels of nicotinic signaling and target abnormalities in neuronal function associated with cognitive processes. This brief review discusses evidence from neurophysiological and neuroimaging studies in schizophrenia patients that nicotinic agonists may effectively target dysfunctional neuronal circuits in the illness. Evidence suggests that nicotine significantly modulates a number of these circuits, although relatively few studies have used modern neuroimaging techniques (e.g. functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)) to examine the effects of nicotinic drugs on disease-related neurobiology. The neuronal effects of nicotine and other nicotinic agonists in schizophrenia remain a priority for psychiatry research.
Patient emergency assessment following deliberate self-poisoning with benzodiazepines: Can cognitive markers predict recall of the psychiatric interview? A pilot study
Authors: Salles J , Pariente J , Dimeglio C , Gandia P , Lemesle B , Giron A , Franchitto N , Schmitt L , Very E
Published: April 2017

Study hypothesis:

In cases of deliberate self-poisoning (DSP), patients often ingest benzodiazepines (BZDs), known to alter memory. Experts recommend recovery of the patient’s cognitive capacity before psychiatric assessment. Unfortunately, there is no validated tool in common practice to assess whether sufficient cognitive recovery has occurred after DSP with BZDs to ensure patient memory of the assessment.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to identify cognitive functions and markers which predict preserved memory of the mental health care plan proposed at the emergency department after DSP.

Methods:

We recruited patients admitted for DSP with BZDs and control patients. At the time of the psychiatric assessment, we performed cognitive tests and we studied the relationship between these tests and the scores of a memory test performed 24 h after.

Results:

In comparison with the control group, we found memory impairment in the BZD group. We found significant impairment on the Trail Making Test A (TMT A) in the BZD group in comparison with the control group, while TMT A and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) Coding test scores were significantly correlated with memory scores.

Conclusions:

Attentional functions tested by WAIS Coding test and TMT A were correlated with memory score. It could be profitable to assess it in clinical practice prior to a psychiatric interview.
The Autonomous Unit System at the Ontario Hospital, New Toronto: Part 1
Authors: Ray Edward
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a description and preliminary objective evaluation of a new method of hospital organization. Replacing the traditional centralized scheme of organization the unit system concept involves the division of this hospital into a series of functionally autonomous units with a complete treatment team on each unit. The aim of this scheme was to offer to the patient more concentrated and personal attention.

With an awareness of the weaknesses of the historical approach, hospital statistics for the first year of operation under the unit system were compared with those of the previous year. Increases were noted in; the number of patients placed in hospital approved boarding homes, the number of patients placed on probation, and in the discharge rate. A decrease was noted in the average length of stay in hospital before discharge.

It is recognized that changes in data reflect not only the effects of the unit system but also the effects of other variables operative at this time. The data presented are suggestive rather than conclusive evidence of the efficiency of the unit system.
A Case of Double Personality with Death of the Imaginary Partner
Authors: Mckee J. B. , Wittkower E. D.
Published: April 2017

We have presented a case of double personality with the death of the imaginary partner. The differential diagnosis and psychodynamics have been briefly discussed to emphasize the role of the hysterical mechanisms in the genesis of such a syndrome. Attention has also been called to the relation between such cases and Erikson's cases of “acute identity diffusion.”
A Psychiatric Approach to the Study of Nightmare
Authors: De Verteuil Roger L.
Published: April 2017

1. Although the nightmare is a common form of dream, and beyond doubt an authentic experience, it has never been adequately explained and in fact still remains to be properly defined.

2. We have attempted here to arrive at some definition of nightmare, and in so doing to sketch a tentative classification of dreams. Examples have been taken from the dreams of patients under treatment, and from the dream-like creations of Edgar Allan Poe.

3. Four types of dreams are briefly described:

a. The wish-fulfilling dream, which is the type best known and understood.

b. The pipe-dream, an extreme form of wish-fulfilling dream, with certain specific features.

c. The nightmare, characterized by chaotic structure and highly disturbing emotions (dread, horror, loathing, disgust) and not adequately explained by any known hypothesis.

d. The intuitive dream, in which we find unconscious and apparently instinctive perceptions of truth which are only later available to conscious reasoning.

4. An attempt is made to show in which way these types of dream are distinct from one another, and in which way they are inter-related.

5. Finally, elements common to both the phenomena of nightmare and those of functional psychoses are pointed out, with the suggestion that similar causative mechanisms may be at work in both.
Combined Tranylcypromine and Trifluoperazine Therapy in General Medicine
Authors: Lewis Ross A.
Published: April 2017

The tranylcypromine-trifluoperazine combination was used in several hundred patients in the past twenty months. It was tabulated in 26 cases for the purpose of this report. This evaluation is consistent with reported results of the use of the preparation in the treatment of emotional disorders where coexistent anxiety and depression are present. In my opinion, this drug combination is superior to any other psychopharmacological aid available for the treatment of the emotional disorders seen in my general practice.
The Essentials of Behaviour Therapy
Authors: Costello C.G.
Published: April 2017

The following four distinguishing features of behaviour therapy are discussed.

a) Neurotic reactions are learned.

b) People differ in the speed with which they learn them.

c) They may be learned in later periods of life than childhood.

d) If the neurotic reaction is eliminated you get rid of the neurosis.

In discussion of these features, behaviour therapy is contrasted with psychoanalytic therapy.

Cases treated by means of reciprocal inhibition, aversion therapy and negative practice are briefly described.

Finally, an attempt is made to answer the critics of behaviour therapy and their main criticisms that:

a) With removal of one neurotic symptom a substitute symptom will take its place.

b) Personal relationships are ignored.

c) The behaviour therapist's technique is too like brain washing.

d) Behaviour therapy can deal only with simple symptoms such as tics and writer's cramp.