bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 543: Uncovering the Mechanisms by Which Fatty Acid Oxidation Suppresses Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy
Authors: Ritterhoff Julia , Shao Dan , Kolwicz Stephen C , Liu Zhenglong , Tian Rong
Published: February 2019

In cardiac hypertrophy, the adult heart switches from mainly using fatty acids to an increased reliance on glucose to maintain its energetic demands. We have previously shown that preserving fatty acid oxidation (FAO) by cardiac-specific deletion of Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase 2 (ACC2) prevents the shift of substrate preference towards glucose, preserves cardiac function and reduces cardiomyocyte hypertrophy during chronic pressure overload. To determine whether maintaining FAO specifically prevented cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, we treated adult rat cardiomyocytes (CMs) with and without adenoviral-mediated ACC2 knock-down (KD) with phenylephrine (PE, 10 μM). ACC2 KD effectively prevented CM hypertrophy after PE stimulation compared to control CMs (+9±6% vs. 42±6%) in medium supplemented with fatty acids (FA) (5.5 mM glucose, 0.4 mM mixed long-chain FAs and 0.1 mU/ml insulin). Whereas PE stimulation in control CMs increased glucose uptake (+28±8%), accumulation of glycolytic intermediates and lactate (+52±15%), this was normalized after ACC2 KD. Inhibiting FAO by etomoxir or increasing glucose utilization by dichloroacetate abolished the antihypertrophic effects of ACC2 KD after PE stimulation. However, replacing glucose with pyruvate or propionate restored the anti-hypertrophic effect of ACC2 KD. The expansion of TCA cycle pool caused by PE stimulation was also suppressed by ACC KD. Furthermore, ACC2 KD resulted in decreased intracellular amino acid levels, consistent to what has been seen in ACC2 knock-out hearts
in vivo.
This was accompanied by reduced glutamine consumption from the media (-60±25%) in ACC2 KD CMs, indicating reduced glutamine reliance. Taken together, our data suggest that ACC2 KD reduces the utilization of glucose and glutamine; both substrates known to be required for cell growth
in vitro
and
in vivo.
This further supports the hypothesis that maintaining FAO prevents the metabolic switch and CM hypertrophy.
Abstract 570: Activin A Regulates SERCA2a Expression in Cardiomyocytes Through Ubiquitin-proteasome Mediated Degradation
Authors: Hobson Ryan , Chaudhari Vinita , Rosenzweig Anthony , Roh Jason D
Published: February 2019

Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
-ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) is a critical regulator of cardiac function whose expression is decreased in aging and heart failure (HF). Activin-A, a member of the TGFβ superfamily, has been shown to be a potent paracrine inhibitor of SERCA2a expression in cardiomyocytes (CM). However, the mechanism by which this occurs remains unclear. Here, we confirm that Activin-A decreases SERCA2a protein expression in isolated CMs (reductions in SERCA2a expression at 25ng/ml: 35±5%, p=0.02; 50ng/ml: 55±14%, p= 0.003; 100ng/ml: 56±8%, p.= 0.001; n=2-3/group, three replicates). Moreover, we show that increasing circulating Activin-A levels
in vivo
also decreases cardiac SERCA2a protein (reductions in SERCA2a expression at 1-25ng/ml: 22±12%, p=0.27; 25-50ng/ml: 63±14%, p=0.0015; >50ng/ml: 79±2%, p= 0.0002; n=4 per group). Using systematic gene set enrichment analysis of RNAseq data from hearts and CMs exposed to increased Activin-A, we identify the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) as one of the most highly up-regulated pathways induced by Activin-A. With ubiquitination prediction modeling revealing multiple ubiquitin binding sites on SERCA2a, we hypothesized that Activin-A regulates SERCA2a expression through modulation of its UPS-mediated degradation. Indeed, inhibiting the proteasome with MG132 attenuated the inhibitory effects of Activin-A on CM SERCA2a expression. Although Activin-A did not directly affect proteasome activity in CMs, we found that it increased ubiquitination of SERCA2a, resulting in increased proteasome-mediated degradation. Additionally, targeted inhibition of the Activin type II receptors (ActRII) with a monoclonal ActRII blocking antibody reversed the effects of Activin-A on SERCA2a protein expression in isolated CMs in a dose-dependent fashion. Importantly, these effects of Activin-A/ActRII blockade on SERCA2a expression were recapitulated
in vivo
in a transverse aortic constriction model of HF, and further led to improvements in cardiac function. Collectively, these data identify a novel UPS-mediated mechanism by which Activin-A regulates CM SERCA2a expression, which warrants further investigation as a potential therapeutic approach to augmenting SERCA2a in HF.
Abstract 571:
MYBPC3
Mutations Cause Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy by Dysregulating Myosin: Implications for Therapy
Authors: Toepfer Christopher N , Wakimoto Hiroko , Garfinkel Amanda C , McDonough Barbara , Liao Dan , Jiang Jianming , Tai Angela , Gorham Josh , Lund Ida G , Lund Ida G , Lun Mingyue , Lynch Thomas L , Sadayappan Sakthivel , Redwood Charles S , Watkins Hugh , Seidman Jonathan , Seidman Christine
Published: February 2019

The mechanisms by which truncating mutations in
MYBPC3
(encoding cardiac myosin binding protein-C; cMyBPC) or myosin missense mutations cause hyper-contractility and poor relaxation in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are incompletely understood. Using genetic and biochemical approaches we explored how depletion of cMyBPC altered sarcomere function. We demonstrate that stepwise loss of cMyBPC resulted in reciprocal augmentation of myosin contractility. Direct attenuation of myosin function, via a damaging missense variant (F764L) that causes dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) normalized the increased contractility from cMyBPC depletion. Depletion of cMyBPC also altered dynamic myosin conformations during relaxation - enhancing the myosin state that enables ATP hydrolysis and thin filament interactions while reducing the super relaxed conformation associated with energy conservation. MYK-461, a pharmacologic inhibitor of myosin ATPase, rescued relaxation deficits and restored normal contractility in mouse and human cardiomyocytes with
MYBPC3
mutations. These data define dosage-dependent effects of cMyBPC on myosin that occur across all phases of the cardiac cycle as the pathophysiologic mechanisms by which
MYBPC3
truncations cause HCM. Therapeutic strategies to attenuate cMyBPC activity may rescue depressed cardiac contractility in DCM patients, while inhibiting myosin by MYK-461 should benefit the substantial proportion of HCM patients with
MYBPC3
mutations.
Abstract 578: β-arrestin-Biased β2-Adrenergic Receptor Signaling Enhances Cardiomyocyte Contractility via ROCK-Dependent Signaling
Authors: Okyere Ama Dedo , de Lucia Claudio , Song Jianliang , Carter Rhonda L , Benovic Jeffrey L , Koch Walter J , Cheung Joseph Y , Tilley Douglas G
Published: February 2019

During heart failure, chronically decreased cardiac output can be treated with positive inotropes, but classic inotropes such as β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) agonists that increase cAMP-dependent Ca
2+
mobilization and contractility ultimately enhance patient mortality. Thus, an alternate approach would be to enhance cardiomyocyte contractility without alterations in cAMP and Ca
2+
levels, such as regulation of sarcomeric proteins. Recently, we demonstrated that a small lipidated pepducin designed from the 1
st
intracellular loop of β2AR (ICL1-9) enhanced cardiomyocyte contractility in a Ca
2+
-independent, β-arrestin-dependent manner. We also showed that β2AR stimulation in hearts in vivo or neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVM) in vitro activates RhoA in a βarr-dependent manner, therefore we sought to determine whether ICL1-9-dependent cardiomyocyte contractility is mediated downstream of RhoA. Using adult murine cardiomyocytes isolated from wild-type C57Bl/6J mice, we measured basal, ICL1-9- and isoproterenol (ISO, as a positive control)-promoted contractility either alone or in the presence of inhibitors of myosin light chain kinase (ML7), ROCK1 (Y-27632) and MEK (PD181452). Consistent with RhoA activation by ICL1-9, ROCK1 inhibition was able to attenuate ICL1-9-mediated contractility, as was inhibition of MLCK, though inhibition of MEK/ERK signaling had no effect. Through the use of GPCR kinase 5 knockout (GRK5KO) cardiomyocytes, we observed that ICL1-9 was unable to enhance contractility in the absence of GRK5 expression. Further, treatment of isolated cardiomyocytes with ICL1-9 increased phoshphorylation of the myosin light chain regulatory subunit (RLC). Therefore, ICL1-9 acts proximally via β2AR/GRK5/βarr-dependent engagement of RhoA/ROCK1 signaling to distally increase RLC phosphorylation, representing a new signaling paradigm for the enhancement of cardiomyocyte contractility.
A New combination for the Philippine Apocynaceae
Authors: SODUSTA PATRICK JASON A.
Published: February 2019

Studies on the molecular systematics concluded the dissolution of the genus Sarcostemma Brown (1810: 463) (Meve & Liede-Schumann 2012), where it should be congeneric with Cynanchum Linnaeus (1753: 212). Consequently, several authors made new nomenclatorial combinations to transfer Sarcostemma to Cynanchum. However, in the Philippines, Sarcostemma malampayae Kloppenb., Cajano, & Hadsall (Kloppenburg 2015) is yet to be formally published of its new combination. Here I propose the new combination of the species under the genus Cynanchum.
Substitute names for three genera of fossil Neuroptera, with taxonomic notes
Authors: MAKARKIN VLADIMIR N. , ARCHIBALD S. BRUCE
Published: February 2019

The names of three genera of fossil Neuroptera are found to be junior homonyms; we propose the following substitute names: Glottopteryx nom. nov. for Glottidia Bode, 1953; Hongosmylites nom. nov. for Sinosmylites Hong, 1996; and Jurosmylus nom. nov. for Mesosmylus Panfilov, 1980. The family-group name Glottidiidae Bode, 1953 is unavailable and should be considered nomen nudum. The spelling of the family name Osmylopsychopidae Martynova, 1949 (not Osmylopsychopsidae) is grammatically correct and available. The family affinities of these fossil genera are briefly discussed: Glottopteryx may belong to Prohemerobiidae or Osmylopsychopidae; Hongosmylites to an undetermined psychopsid-like family; Jurosmylus with confidence to Osmylidae; Sinosmylites Hong, 1983 is most probably a member of Prohemerobiidae.
On the identity of the type species of the planthopper genus Oliarus Stal, 1862, Oliarus walkeri (Stal, 1859) (Hemiptera: Cixiidae)
Authors: HOCH HANNELORE
Published: February 2019

Type-material of Oliarus walkeri (Stål, 1859) was re-examined. A supplementary description is given. For the first time, the only male specimen contained in the type series is figured. Published information on the geographic distribution of O. walkeri based on misidentification is corrected: O. walkeri is confirmed to occur on the west coast of the Malay Peninsula (Melaka) and on Borneo (Sarawak). The morphology of the male copulatory organ, the aedeagus, is interpreted, and characters hypothesized here as apomorphic are pointed out.
Three new species of Penicillidmus in the Philippines (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: February 2019

Until now, Penicillidmus was represented by two Australian and one Papuan species, distributed in Cape York, northern Queensland, and Lavongai Island, Papua New Guinea. Three new species are described, all known to occur in Luzon, the Philippines: Penicillidmus maquilingensis sp. n., P. lagunensis sp. n. and P. luzonicus sp. n. The discovery of Penicillidmus in the Oriental region suggests a broader distribution of this genus in Southeast Asia.
First records of giant pill-millipedes from Laos (Diplopoda, Sphaerotheriida, Zephroniidae)
Authors: WESENER THOMAS
Published: February 2019

Before this study, giant pill-millipedes (order Sphaerotheriida) were unknown from Laos despite their presence in all surrounding countries. As by-catch from collections by arachnologists, 31 specimens of Sphaerotheriida from Laos became available for study. The sample included 14 species. Three species were only represented by females, which are described but cannot be named. Of the remaining 11 species, a single species belongs to the genus Zephronia Gray, 1832: Z. laotica n. sp.; and the other ten belong to the genus Sphaerobelum Verhoeff, 1924: S. bolavensis n. sp., S. phouloei n. sp., S. denticulatum n. sp., S. spinatum n. sp., S. lachneeis n. sp., S. peterjaegeri n. sp., S. nigrum n. sp., S. splendidum n. sp., S. laoticum n. sp., and S. schwendingeri n. sp. This more than doubles the known diversity of Sphaerobelum. Here, I integratively describe these species, combining morphology and DNA barcodes with a molecular analysis including all Zephroniidae species deposited on GenBank—including the only giant pill-millipede species known from Cambodia, Zephronia dawydoffi Attems, 1953. An updated determination key to the species of the genus is presented. Zephronia laotica n. sp. belongs to the monophyletic Zephronia sensu stricto group, which is confirmed by molecular barcoding. In contrast, most species of Sphaerobelum are in a weakly supported clade. Genetically, Sphaerobelum species differ greatly from one another, with most p-distances >15%. The lowest observed p-distance (9.8%) is between S. truncatum Wongthamwanich et al. 2012 from Thailand and S. peterjaegeri n. sp.
Neotype designation for Rodolia iceryae Janson in Ormerod, 1887 (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: HOUNKPATI KWEVITOUKOUI , FORRESTER JUANITA A. , MCHUGH JOSEPH V.
Published: February 2019

The primary type of Rodolia iceryae Janson in Ormerod, 1887, a species commonly found in the Afrotropical region, is lost. In an effort to stabilize the specific epithet and to fix the taxonomic status and type locality of this economically important species, a neotype is here designated. A species diagnosis, illustrations of the male terminalia, and photographs of the neotype specimen and labels are provided.
A new subfamily of Trichoceridae (Diptera: Tipulomorpha) from Early Cretaceous Lebanese amber
Authors: SHCHERBAKOV DMITRY E. , AZAR DANY
Published: February 2019

The first find of Trichoceridae in the Mesozoic of Gondwana and in Cretaceous ambers worldwide, Ewaurista pusilla gen. et sp. nov. is separated into Ewauristinae subfam. nov. demonstrating some venational traits in common with Limoniidae and a peculiar sexual dimorphism. The diagnosis of Trichoceridae is emended, and relationships of the family are discussed.
Contributions of Climatic Factors to Interannual Variability of the Vegetation Index in Northern China Grasslands
Authors: Zhao Wei , Hu Zhongmin , Guo Qun , Wu Genan , Chen Ruru , Li Shenggong
Published: February 2019

Understanding the atmosphere–land surface interaction is crucial for clarifying the responses and feedbacks of terrestrial ecosystems to climate change. However, quantifying the effects of multiple climatic factors to vegetation activities is challenging. Using the geographical detector model (GDM), this study quantifies the relative contributions of climatic factors including precipitation, relative humidity, solar radiation, and air temperature to the interannual variation (IAV) of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in the northern grasslands of China during 2000 to 2016. The results show heterogeneous spatial patterns of determinant climatic factors on the IAV of NDVI. Precipitation and relative humidity jointly controlled the IAV of NDVI, illustrating more explanatory power than solar radiation and air temperature, and accounting for higher proportion of area as the determinant factor in the study region. It is noteworthy that relative humidity, a proxy of atmospheric aridity, is as important as precipitation for the IAV of NDVI. The contribution of climatic factors to the IAV of NDVI varied by vegetation type. Owing to the stronger explanatory power of climatic factors on NDVI variability in temperate grasslands, we conclude that climate variability may exert more influence on temperate grasslands than on alpine grasslands. Our study highlights the importance of the role of atmospheric aridity to vegetation activities in grasslands. We suggest focusing more on the differences between vegetation types when addressing the climate–vegetation relationships at a regional scale.
An Automated Detection Methodology for Dry Well-Mixed Layers
Authors: Nicholls Stephen D. , Mohr Karen I.
Published: February 2019

The intense surface heating over arid land surfaces produces dry well-mixed layers (WML) via dry convection. These layers are characterized by nearly constant potential temperature and low, nearly constant water vapor mixing ratio. To further the study of dry WMLs, we created a detection methodology and supporting software to automate the identification and characterization of dry WMLs from multiple data sources including rawinsondes, remote sensing platforms, and model products. The software is a modular code written in Python, an open-source language. Radiosondes from a network of synoptic stations in North Africa were used to develop and test the WML detection process. The detection involves an iterative decision tree that ingests a vertical profile from an input data file, performs a quality check for sufficient data density, and then searches upward through the column for successive points where the simultaneous changes in water vapor mixing ratio and potential temperature are less than the specified maxima. If points in the vertical profile meet the dry WML identification criteria, statistics are generated detailing the characteristics of each layer in the profile. At the end of the vertical profile analysis, there is an option to plot analyzed profiles in a variety of file formats. Initial results show that the detection methodology can be successfully applied across a wide variety of input data and North African environments and for all seasons. It is sensitive enough to identify dry WMLs from other types of isentropic phenomena such as subsidence layers and distinguish the current day’s dry WML from previous days.
Analysis of Ensemble Mean Forecasts: The Blessings of High Dimensionality
Authors: Christiansen Bo
Published: February 2019

In weather and climate sciences ensemble forecasts have become an acknowledged community standard. It is often found that the ensemble mean not only has a low error relative to the typical error of the ensemble members but also that it outperforms all the individual ensemble members. We analyze ensemble simulations based on a simple statistical model that allows for bias and that has different variances for observations and the model ensemble. Using generic simplifying geometric properties of high-dimensional spaces we obtain analytical results for the error of the ensemble mean. These results include a closed form for the rank of the ensemble mean among the ensemble members and depend on two quantities: the ensemble variance and the bias both normalized with the variance of observations. The analytical results are used to analyze the GEFS reforecast where the variances and bias depend on lead time. For intermediate lead times between 20 and 100 h the two terms are both around 0.5 and the ensemble mean is only slightly better than individual ensemble members. For lead times larger than 240 h the variance term is close to 1 and the bias term is near 0.5. For these lead times the ensemble mean outperforms almost all individual ensemble members and its relative error comes close to −30%. These results are in excellent agreement with the theory. The simplifying properties of high-dimensional spaces can be applied not only to the ensemble mean but also to, for example, the ensemble spread.
The Possibility of Early Discharge for Newborns Being Monitored for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Based on Modified Finnegan Score Distributions
Authors: Oji-Mmuo Christiana N. , Schaefer Eric W. , Liao Lucia , Kaiser Jeffrey R. , Sekhar Deepa L.
Published: February 2019

We tested the hypothesis that Modified Finnegan Neonatal Scoring System (MFNSS) scores can guide early discharge at 72 hours for newborns at risk for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). A retrospective cohort study with a primary outcome of early discharge of newborns at risk for NAS using mean MFNSS scores recorded before pharmacologic treatment was performed. Quantile regression was used to develop percentile curves of mean MFNSS scores. A total of 202 term newborns at risk for NAS with 5066 mean MFNSS scores recorded before pharmacologic treatment were studied. Sixty-eight of 121 (56%) newborns not treated at 72 hours had mean MFNSS scores <50th percentile and only 1 was ultimately treated (1.5%, 95% confidence interval: 0% to 8%). No newborns with mean MFNSS scores <25th percentile at 72 hours were treated. Newborns at risk for NAS with mean MFNSS scores <50th percentile can be safely discharged by 72 hours if families can assure close outpatient follow-up.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography Scan in Young Athletes With Spondylolysis
Authors: West Amy M. , d’Hemecourt Pierre A. , Bono Olivia J. , Micheli Lyle J. , Sugimoto Dai
Published: February 2019

The objective of this study was to determine diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans in young athletes diagnosed with spondylolysis. A cross-sectional study was used. Twenty-two young athletes (14.7 ± 1.5 years) were diagnosed as spondylolysis based on a single-photon emission CT. Following the diagnosis, participants underwent MRI and CT scan imaging tests on the same day. The sensitivity and false-negative rate of the MRI and CT scans were analyzed. MRI test confirmed 13 (+) and 9 (−) results while CT test showed 17 (+) and 5 (−) results. The sensitivity and false-negative rate of MRI were, respectively, 59.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 36.7% to 78.5%) and 40.9% (95% CI = 21.5% to 63.3%). Furthermore, the sensitivity and false-negative rate of CT scan were 77.3% (95% CI = 54.2% to 91.3%) and 22.7% (95% CI = 0.09% to 45.8%). Our results indicated that CT scan is a more accurate imaging modality to diagnose spondylolysis compared with MRI in young athletes.
Extending Three Existing Models to Analysis of Trust in Automation: Signal Detection, Statistical Parameter Estimation, and Model-Based Control
Authors: Sheridan Thomas B.
Published: February 2019

Objective:

The objective is to propose three quantitative models of trust in automation.

Background:

Current trust-in-automation literature includes various definitions and frameworks, which are reviewed.

Method:

This research shows how three existing models, namely those for signal detection, statistical parameter estimation calibration, and internal model-based control, can be revised and reinterpreted to apply to trust in automation useful for human–system interaction design.

Results:

The resulting reinterpretation is presented quantitatively and graphically, and the measures for trust and trust calibration are discussed, along with examples of application.

Conclusion:

The resulting models can be applied to provide quantitative trust measures in future experiments or system designs.

Applications:

Simple examples are provided to explain how model application works for the three trust contexts that correspond to signal detection, parameter estimation calibration, and model-based open-loop control.
Psychological Health of Disaster Response Forces: Need to Prioritise
Authors: Jain Anita Bhatnagar
Published: February 2019

Globally, various kinds of disasters, both natural and human induced, have seen an exponential growth. Generally, the focus is on the loss and sufferings of the survivors and the other affected population, but rarely is the first responders’ stress taken into account or mentioned in any review or report. However, psychological stress of forty National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel of various hierarchies, who were part of the 2013 Uttarakhand disaster rescue team, has been assessed. The analysis indicates that the nature and place of work and duties of the first responders played a decisive role in the prevalence of higher psychological stress levels. Thus, it is imperative to include the psychological assessment and care of the first responders in the policies, plans and trainings for disaster management.
A modified cross-correlation algorithm to achieve the time difference of arrival in sound source localization
Authors: Zhu Na , Reza Tamim
Published: February 2019

The accuracy in ranging and direction in locating a target source is crucial in sound source localization and different methods have been proposed due to important applications of sound source localization. One of the methods in sound source localization is triangulation with the time difference of arrival information. In this literature, a modified cross-correlation algorithm is introduced to increase the accuracy in time difference of arrival, thus further improving the sound source localization results. A numerical model is generated by assuming multiple sound sources broadcasting in room environment and the location of the target sound source is identified with the triangulation algorithm. Real-time data are produced through experimental setup using an array of four microphones with a target source and background noise. The signals are processed by modified cross-correlation and conventional cross-correlation for comparison. The impacts of the signal-to-noise ratio and time difference of arrival on sound source localization results are demonstrated and discussed. Experimental validation conducted in a non-ideal environment has shown that the modified cross-correlation algorithm can minimize the error in time difference of arrival to be used in sound source localization, thus improving the accuracy in both sound source ranging and direction.
Perceptions of social work students in Mexico and the United States regarding the role of the government in addressing social issues: Implications for social work education
Authors: Becerra David , Castillo Jason , Silva Arciniega Maria Rosario
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this article was to examine social work students’ perceptions of the role of the government in addressing social issues among social work students from the United States and Mexico. Data were drawn from a sample of 893 social work students from universities in the United States and Mexico, in the fall of 2010. Multivariate ordinary least squares regressions indicated that compared with social work students in the United States, students in Mexico reported significantly higher beliefs that government should do more to lessen social gaps, and ensure housing, employment, health insurance, basic necessities, an adequate standard of living, and equal opportunities.
Superstition in Sacramental Theology
Authors: Doherty Cathal
Published: February 2019

Maurice Blondel’s Action (1893) illustrates that the phenomenon of superstition inveigles its way into all forms of human activity, even intellectual pursuits like philosophy and theology, when they insulate themselves from the transcendent in human self-sufficiency. This essay explores how superstition is a constant threat for sacramental theology, manifest in particular, when the heterogeneity of human and divine agency in sacramental synergy is blurred or ignored. It argues that Blondel’s philosophical acumen permits a retrieval of vital insights of the scholastic synthesis, especially the careful distinction between divine agency ( opus operatum) and human agency ( opus operantis) in the sacramental act.
Cleared for Takeoff? A Snapshot of Context for Change in a High-Risk Industry
Authors: Lofquist Eric Arne , Isaksen Scott G.
Published: February 2019

Civil aviation is a high-risk industry where actors are experiencing increasing focus on economic performance, greater international competition, and growing safety threats that require continual organizational adjustments. In this article, we present the findings of a case study conducted within the Norwegian national air traffic management organization—Avinor, in preparation for a major reorganization initiative. In this study, we mapped the aggregated readiness and positioning for organizational change in the three main air traffic control centers in Norway using a mixed-method approach to person–environment Fit to help organizational leaders better understand each unit’s positioning for change, and more specifically, individual preferences for change styles. The results suggest that participants at the different air traffic control centers had developed distinctly different change preferences at both the group and individual levels, and that each was distinctly different from the other units in their positioning and readiness for change.
“Men, money, and motors”: The motor car as an emerging technology in Australian Federal Election Campaigns, 1903–31
Authors: Monnox Chris
Published: February 2019

The appearance of the car in early twentieth-century Australia significantly re-shaped election campaigns. Political parties used cars to bring voters to polling places, and some voters took advantage of elections by making their voting contingent on these free rides. Politicians and other campaigners took exception to the cost of supplying cars and to the attitudes evident in demands for rides. Some saw compulsory voting as a way of forcing voters to provide for their own transportation. Introduced mostly in the 1920s, compulsory voting’s impact was initially muted. But over time it did change how cars were used in Australian politics. One hundred years on compulsory voting remains in force in Australia, and cars are still seldom used on election day. This serves as an enduring example of how new technologies could have a disruptive impact on campaigning prior to the advent of radio and television.
Bibliography of Research Utilizing the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire
Authors: Marks David F.
Published: February 2019

The Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ) is receiving increasing use as a self-report measure of mental, visual imagery vividness. This bibliography contains lists of the publications and dissertations which report investigations of experimental, correlational, and factor analytical research. It also includes publications in which research utilizing the VVIQ is reviewed, critiqued, and discussed. The bibliography provides a resource for investigators.
Effects of an Observer on Handwashing in a Public Restroom
Authors: Munger Kristen , Harris Shelby J.
Published: February 2019

This experiment tests a prediction derived from social influence theories that increased awareness of self enhances normative behavior, specifically, that the frequency and duration of handwashing in a public restroom will be increased by the presence of an observer. When a second person was present, 24 of 31 female subjects washed their hands after using toilet facilities, while only 11 of 28 washed when they were alone. Among those who washed, no significant difference in duration of washing was observed. The results are consistent with Wicklund's theory of objective self-awareness and other theories of social influence.
Developmental Lag in Reading in Relation to Physical Growth and Sex Differences
Authors: Beech John R.
Published: February 2019

The relationship between physical growth and reading development was investigated using 200 children between 4 and 8 yr. of age. Boys of varied teeth maturity, controlling for age, IQ, class and physical height, varied significantly in their reading maturity. The same relationship was not found for girls.
Individual Differences in Mathematics Learning in Japan
Authors: Ito Atsushi
Published: February 2019

To describe individual differences in learning mathematics, 367 Japanese high school students were surveyed through a questionnaire of 64 four-point bipolar items. Three scales were constructed through a factor analysis. Scale 1 dealt with learning patterns of Coping with Errors, Independence, Advancement, and Comprehension. Scale 2 was related to Precision and Scale 3 pertained to Habits. Analysis of variance showed that Scale 1 was appropriate for describing differences in learning between sexes as well as anticipated majors at college (science and arts). Those boys anticipating postsecondary education in science were more self-supportive, were more progressive, and were more comprehension-oriented than boys and girls anticipating studying the arts. Scales 2 and 3 were appropriate for distinguishing sex differences; girls were oriented more toward precision and were more habitual than boys.
Olfaction in Schizophrenia
Authors: Dunn Trevor P. , Weller Malcolm P. I.
Published: February 2019

It was hypothesised that schizophrenic patients tested for olfactory discrimination would show a left nostril deficit. 15 tested were slightly but not significantly better than a control group of 15.
Neuropsychological Test Performance and Employment Status in Patients Referred for Assessment
Authors: Heinrichs R. Walter
Published: February 2019

A summary index of neuropsychological impairment (mean Luria-Nebraska T score), along with age, education, and presence/absence of confirmed brain disease, was used to predict employment status (working/not working). Subjects were 50 patients referred for neuropsychological assessment of confirmed or suspected brain damage. The Luria-Nebraska index contributed about 8% of explained variance independently of the other predictors. The joint validity was about 29% of criterion variance. This is related to issues in the use of neuropsychological data to predict functional variables.
Self-Report Validity as a Function of Self-Awareness and Self-Schemata
Authors: Vaccarella Gerard
Published: February 2019

This study examined what factors would result in greater consistency between self-reports of behavior and actual behavior. It was hypothesized that self-awareness would result in greater consistency between self-reports and behavior than would a lack of self-awareness. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that individuals who described themselves as very helpful would be more affected by self-awareness contexts in showing helpfulness to a confederate than individuals who described themselves differently. Although the above hypotheses were not confirmed, those individuals who described themselves as very helpful were significantly more helpful to the confederate than those individuals who described themselves differently. Individuals who described themselves as very helpful also described themselves as having many positive social qualities, in partial contrast to those who described themselves differently. Explanations for the above results are discussed.
Heterophoria as a Measure of Subjects’ Alertness during Recovery from General Anesthesia
Authors: Letourneau J. E.
Published: February 2019

The purpose of the study was to measure the influence of subjects’ alertness on heterophoria. An experimental group of 43 patients was measured with the Maddox Wing test for heterophoria. Exophoria was greater 1½, 2½, and 3½ hr. after the end of general anesthesia than at baseline level. Data for a control group of 25 did not vary on the Maddox Wing over four hours. The baseline level was not different between the two groups, so heterophoria as measured with the Maddox Wing can be used to evaluate subjects’ alertness during recovery from general anesthesia.
Note on Color Preference and Color Vision Test Performance
Authors: Buckalew L. W. , Buckalew Nancy Maits , Ross Sherman
Published: February 2019

The incidence of color deficient vision was investigated using the Pseudo-Isochromatic Plates on a relatively large and representative group. in the sample of 112 adults aged 20 to 80 yr. and comprised of 53% women and 12% minorities, 8% of men and 3% of women were color deficient. Over-all performance indicated no effects for sex or race. Nearly half of the plates were nondiscriminating among sex, minority/majority, and ”normal” and ”defective” color vision groups. Named color preferences within the ”normal” group strongly favored blues and reflected no sex differences.
Re-animating soils: Transforming human–soil affections through science, culture and community
Authors: Puig de la Bellacasa Maria
Published: February 2019

‘In a sense we are unique moist packages of animated soil’. These are the alluring words of Francis D. Hole, a professor of soil science renowned for encouraging love for the soil and understanding of its vital importance. Affirming humans as being soil entangles them in substantial commonness. This article explores how altering the imaginaries of soils as inert matter subjected to human use and re-animating the life within them is transforming contemporary human–soil affections by developing a sense of shared aliveness. Presenting research on current practices, material involvements and stories emerging from scientific accounts, community involvements and artistic manifestations, I propose five emerging motifs of renewed imaginaries of soil’s aliveness that feed into each other to affirm intimate entanglements of human–soil matter. I argue that while a vision of anthropocenic soils invokes yet another objectified natural resource brought to exhaustion by a deadly human-centred productionist ethos, as soils are re-animated and enlivened, a sense of human–soil entangled and intimate interdependency is intensified. These new involvements with soil’s aliveness open up a sense of earthy connectedness that animates and re-affects material worlds and a sense of more than human community in those involved.
Doing mobile ethnography: Grounded, situated and comparative
Authors: Streule Monika
Published: February 2019

This paper explores and discusses the experimental, critical and self-reflective use of differing methods in urban studies. In the context of frequent calls to investigate urban processes in a planetary and comparative perspective, the empirical groundedness of research is among the particularly complex challenges urban scholars are confronted with. The key question is: how can qualitative-empirical methods, such as ethnography or qualitative mapping, be adapted to explore contemporary urban conditions? This paper seeks to contribute to current debates by introducing a specific methodological design of a mobile ethnography that enables an analysis of large and heterogeneous urban territories, in three main ways: first, by offering a theoretically informed and empirically grounded transductive research design; second, by proposing a complementary set of cartographic, historiographic and comparative methods of which mobile ethnography is a part; and third, by suggesting post- and decolonial methodological perspectives, both conceptually by engaging with Latin American urbanisms, as well as empirically by furthering collaborative ways of knowledge production. To conclude, the paper stresses the need to continually develop new inventive methods for comparative urban research, for two main reasons: (1) to enable scholars to question established geographical representations and parochial imaginaries of urban space, and (2) to problematise methodological and theoretical dogmas with situated knowledge. By suggesting different representations of the urban, the paper thus emphasises how important it is to transductively entangle empirical and theoretical conceptualisations to further decentre and pluralize urban knowledge production.
Knowledge proximity and firm innovation: A microgeographic analysis for Berlin
Authors: Rammer Christian , Kinne Jan , Blind Knut
Published: February 2019

We analyse the geographic proximity of innovative firms to different types of knowledge sources in an urban environment on a microgeographic scale. Based on a comprehensive panel data set of manufacturing and service firms in the German capital city Berlin, we investigate the characteristics of firms’ knowledge environment while differentiating by the type of innovation. Geocoded firm locations at the level of individual addresses allows us to describe the knowledge environment of firms on a very fine microgeographic scale. We find that innovative firms are located in places with higher numbers of same-sector firms, more start-ups and a higher inflow of other firms. They also locate in closer proximity to universities and research institutes. These differences decay rapidly within a few metres (50–250 m), indicating a truly microgeographic scope of knowledge sources in urban environments.
Young and Older Adults May Utilize Different Cognitive Abilities When Performing a Spatial Recognition Memory Test With Varying Levels of Similarity
Authors: DeFord Nicole E. , DeJesus Shannon Y. , Holden Heather M. , Graves Lisa V. , Lopez Francesca V. , Gilbert Paul E.
Published: February 2019

We used signal detection theory to evaluate spatial recognition memory utilizing a behavioral test hypothesized to tax pattern separation. Correlations with standardized neuropsychological tests also were examined. Healthy young ( n = 40) and older ( n = 30) adults completed a spatial recognition memory test involving high- and low-similarity conditions. Using d’ as the dependent variable, we found that older adults were significantly impaired relative to young adults on the high- and low-similarity conditions ( ps < .05). Both groups performed significantly better in the low-similarity condition compared to the high-similarity condition ( p < .05), with young adults exhibiting greater improvement relative to older adults. We also found that young adults may rely on spatial attention abilities when performing our test, while older adults might rely on memory and executive function abilities. These findings indicate that young and older adults may utilize different cognitive abilities when performing certain spatial memory tests.
Services for Consumers Who Are Deafblind: Vocational Rehabilitation Agency Service Models Utilized and Their Effectiveness
Authors: McDonnall Michele C. , Cmar Jennifer L.
Published: February 2019

Introduction:

Little is known about how state-federal vocational rehabilitation agencies provide services to consumers who are deafblind. The purpose of this study was to investigate these service models and their effectiveness.

Methods:

A mixed-methods approach was utilized with data from interviews with 51 vocational rehabilitation agency administrators and the Rehabilitation Services Administration Case Service Report. Information about how these agencies serve deafblind consumers was combined with data from 2,119 consumers served by those agencies to determine competitive employment rates based on service model type. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests of independence, and logistic regression analysis were utilized.

Results:

Four vocational rehabilitation agency service models were identified: specialist, professional collaboration, specialist plus professional collaboration, and miscellaneous. Significant differences in competitive employment closure rates were found based on service model type, in both univariate and multivariate analyses. The specialist and professional collaboration models were superior to miscellaneous models.

Discussion:

This study is the first empirical evaluation of the effectiveness of vocational rehabilitation services for consumers who are deafblind. The results support two previous recommendations about providing services to consumers who are deafblind: establish a deafblind coordinator or specialist position and use a dual-case approach (collaboration between general-service agencies and those for people who are visually impaired).

Implications for agencies:

To improve competitive employment outcomes for individuals who are deafblind, vocational rehabilitation agency administrators should explore options for specialized deafblind positions and promote collaboration within and beyond their agency.
Forgotten Fathers: Postpartum Depression in Men
Authors: Eddy Brandon , Poll Von , Whiting Jason , Clevesy Marcia
Published: February 2019

Although postpartum depression is common and well-studied in mothers, many fathers also experience symptoms. This qualitative study investigated fathers’ experiences of postpartum depression. Data from secondary sources such as blogs, websites, forums, and chat rooms were analyzed using a combination of phenomenological and content analysis methods to understand father’s experiences of paternal postpartum depression. Six themes emerged from the data including fathers’ needing education, adhering to gender expectations, repressing feelings, being overwhelmed, resentment of baby, and the experience of neglect. These data provide useful information that can aid health care providers, researchers, clinicians, and families in understanding the experience of paternal postpartum depression and in better coping with the challenges these families face.
The Bottleneck Hypothesis in L2 acquisition: L1 Norwegian learners’ knowledge of syntax and morphology in L2 English
Authors: Jensen Isabel Nadine , Slabakova Roumyana , Westergaard Marit , Lundquist Björn
Published: February 2019

The Bottleneck Hypothesis (Slabakova, 2008, 2013) proposes that acquiring properties of the functional morphology is the most challenging part of learning a second language. In the experiment presented here, the predictions of this hypothesis are tested in the second language (L2) English of Norwegian native speakers. Two constructions are investigated that do not match in English and Norwegian: One involving functional morphology, subject–verb (SV) agreement, which is obligatory in the L2 but non-existent in the first language (L1), and one involving syntax, verb-second (V2) word order, which is obligatory in the L1, but restricted to specific contexts in the L2. The results of an acceptability judgement task indicate that the participants struggled more with identifying ungrammatical SV agreement than ungrammatical word order. We conclude that the findings lend tentative support to the Bottleneck Hypothesis.
The metamorphosis of the world and nostalgia for an ideal past: Beck and Bauman’s last works
Authors: Albański Łukasz
Published: February 2019

This review essay discusses the description of a world presented by Zygmunt Bauman and Ulrich Beck in their last books. Amid crises, global challenges, and deep-seated insecurity, both sociologists introduce new concepts – metamorphosis and retrotopia – to help us grasp the dynamic of our present condition. With the instability of an increasingly complex world and the present turmoil, a new reality is emerging. In spite of their doubts and fears, Beck and Bauman express hope for the future.
A universal phantom suitable for quality assurance on X-ray imaging modalities
Authors: Groenewald Annemari , Groenewald Willem A
Published: February 2019

Background

Diagnostic radiology X-ray imaging modalities include general projection radiography, fluoroscopy, mammography and computed tomography (CT) scanning. Medical radiology requires quality images that allow accurate diagnosis of medical conditions. Consistent image quality is enabled using suitable phantoms.

Purpose

To manufacture, test, and validate a universal image quality assurance (U-QA) phantom which is compact, unique, non-modality specific, easy and quick to use, and cost-effective.

Material and Methods

The phantom discussed in this publication is an improved version of a previously described prototype. It was made from high density polyethylene and housed several inserts of different materials to comprehensively asses image quality. Data analysis software was developed for analysis of obtained images and a complete step-by-step user’s manual was prepared. Reproducibility testing was performed using the South African Department of Health (DoH) specified limits. Independent validation of the phantom package was performed by three independent medical physicists.

Results

The U-QA phantom and accompanying data analysis software produced reproducible results for all imaging modalities within the accepted DoH tolerance levels. The independent validation results proofed that the phantom package was easy to transport, of light weight, compact, easy to set-up and use, versatile, cost-effective and user-friendly.

Conclusion

It may be concluded that the U-QA phantom, with accompanying data analysis software and user’s manual, offers an acceptable single phantom solution for medical X-ray imaging. It is a cost and time saver and could therefore fill a gap in the existing market. The phantom could also be used by radiographers in resource-limited institutions.