bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the roles of school leaders and teachers in a school‐wide adoption of flipped classroom: School dynamics and institutional cultures
Authors: Sun Yanyan , Gao Fei 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWhile the development of digital technologies provides generous resources for educational practices, how the use of information and communication technology (ICT) supports instructional reforms in schools still needs further exploration. The purpose of the study is to understand the roles of school leaders and teachers play in an instructional reform supported by ICT as well as how these roles interact with each other. The study selected a Chinese middle‐high school that successfully had a school‐wide instructional reform supported by ICT as an exemplary case and collected data through document analysis, interviews and observations. The results indicated that the school leadership was critical in the instructional reform. While the executive vice principal was in an essential position as an initiator and strategic planner, the leadership was distributed and stretched over in the school. The school built supporting pedagogical and organizational systems for continuous and collaborative learning and helped the teachers develop four new roles: learners, facilitators to student‐centered learning, collaborators and researchers.
The reality and evolutionary significance of human psychological sex differences
Authors: Archer John 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTThe aims of this article are: (i) to provide a quantitative overview of sex differences in human psychological attributes; and (ii) to consider evidence for their possible evolutionary origins. Sex differences were identified from a systematic literature search of meta‐analyses and large‐sample studies. These were organized in terms of evolutionary significance as follows: (i) characteristics arising from inter‐male competition (within‐sex aggression; impulsiveness and sensation‐seeking; fearfulness; visuospatial and object‐location memory; object‐centred orientations); (ii) those concerning social relations that are likely to have arisen from women's adaptations for small‐group interactions and men's for larger co‐operative groups (person‐centred orientation and social skills; language; depression and anxiety); (iii) those arising from female choice (sexuality; mate choice; sexual conflict). There were sex differences in all categories, whose magnitudes ranged from (i) small (object location memory; negative emotions), to (ii) medium (mental rotation; anxiety disorders; impulsivity; sex drive; interest in casual sex), to (iii) large (social interests and abilities; sociosexuality); and (iv) very large (escalated aggression; systemizing; sexual violence). Evolutionary explanations were evaluated according to whether: (i) similar differences occur in other mammals; (ii) there is cross‐cultural consistency; (iii) the origin was early in life or at puberty; (iv) there was evidence for hormonal influences; and (v), where possible, whether there was evidence for evolutionarily derived design features. The evidence was positive for most features in most categories, suggesting evolutionary origins for a broad range of sex differences. Attributes for which there was no sex difference are also noted. Within‐sex variations are discussed as limitations to the emphasis on sex differences.
Hepatitis B virus‐regulated growth of liver cancer cells occurs through the microRNA‐340‐5p‐activating transcription factor 7‐heat shock protein A member 1B axis
Authors: Song Feifei , Wei Mingcong , Wang Jingwen , Liu Yang , Guo Mingxiong , Li Xiaolu , Luo Jun , Zhou Junying , Wang Min , Guo Deyin , Chen Lang , Sun Guihong 
Published: March 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer with poor prognosis. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the leading causes of HCC, but the precise mechanisms by which this infection promotes cancer development are not fully understood. Recently, miR‐340‐5p, a microRNA (miRNA) that has been identified as a cancer suppressor gene, was found to inhibit the migration and invasion of liver cancer cells. However, the effect of miR‐340‐5p on cell proliferation and apoptosis in HBV‐associated HCC remains unknown. In our study, we show that miR‐340‐5p plays an important role during HBV infection and hepatocellular carcinoma development. Specifically, this miRNA directly binds to the mRNA encoding activating transcription factor 7 (ATF7), a protein that both promotes cell proliferation and suppresses apoptosis through its interaction with heat shock protein A member 1B (HSPA1B). We further found that miR‐340‐5p is downregulated by HBV, which enhances ATF7 expression, leading to enhanced cell proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis. Notably, ATF7 is upregulated in HCC tissue, suggesting that HBV may target miR‐340‐5p in vivo to promote ATF7/HSPA1B‐mediated proliferation and apoptosis and regulate liver cancer progression. This work helps to elucidate the complex interactions between HBV and host miRNAs and further suggests that miR‐340‐5p may represent a promising candidate for the development of improved therapeutic strategies for HCC.
An integrative approach using systems biology, mutational analysis with molecular dynamics simulation to challenge the functionality of a target protein
Authors: Bora Nikita , Nath Jha Anupam 
Published: March 2019

AbstractVisceral leishmaniasis affects millions of people worldwide in areas where Leishmania donovani is endemic. The protozoan species serves a greater threat as it has gradually evolved drug resistance whereby requiring newer approaches to treat the infection. State‐of‐art techniques are mostly directed toward finding better targets extracted from the available proteome data. In light of recent computational advancements, we ascertain and validate one such target, adenylosuccinate lyase (ADSL) by implementation of in‐silico methods which led to the identification of critical amino acid residues that affects its functional attributes. Our target selection was based on comprehensive topological analysis of a knowledge‐based protein–protein interaction network. Subsequently, mutations were incorporated and the dynamic behavior of mutated and native proteins was traced using MD simulations for a total time span of 600 ns. Comparative analysis of the native and mutated structures exhibited perceptible changes in the ligand‐bound catalytic region with respect to time. The unfavorable changes in the orientations of specific catalytic residues, His118 and His196, induced by generated mutations reduce the enzyme specificity. In summary, this integrative approach is able to select a target against pathogen, identify crucial residues, and challenge its functionality through the selected mutations.
Direct effect of common mental disorders on xerostomia in adults estimated by marginal structural models: A population‐based study
Authors: Ianunzio Jamie Raffaele , Peres Karen Glazer , Haag Dandara Gabriela , Peres Marco Aurelio 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the controlled direct effect (CDE) of common mental disorders (CMD) on xerostomia which is not mediated by psychoactive medication intake.MethodsA population‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted with 1720 individuals aged 20‐59 years from Florianópolis, Brazil, in 2009. A two‐stage cluster sample design was adopted, with a systematic selection of census tracts, followed by a random selection of households. All inhabitants of the selected households belonging to the age group of interest were considered eligible to participate. CMD were assessed using the Self‐Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ > 7). Xerostomia was the outcome assessed by asking: “How often do you feel dry mouth?” with responses “often” and “always” taken as indicating xerostomia. Psychoactive medication intake was set as the mediator. Confounding factors included sex, age, per capita family income, educational attainment and smoking status. Marginal structural models were performed to quantify the CDE of CMD on xerostomia. Missing data were handled by multiple imputation by chained equations, and sensitivity analysis for unmeasured confounding was carried out.ResultsThe overall prevalence of xerostomia was 8.8% and 15.3% of the individuals presented with CMD. After adjustment, the prevalence of xerostomia among individuals with CMD was 3.2 times higher than that among individuals without CMD (PR = 3.2 [95% CI: 2.3; 4.5]). The CDE of CMD on xerostomia which is not mediated by the medication intake resulted in a three times greater prevalence of xerostomia (PR = 3.0 95% CI: 2.0; 4.5) among those individuals with CMD.ConclusionsCommon mental disorders is directly and negatively associated with xerostomia. Clinicians should bear in mind the emotional state when investigating the underlying factors and managing patients with xerostomia.
User‐Guided Facial Animation through an Evolutionary Interface
Authors: Reed K. , Cosker D. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe propose a design framework to assist with user‐generated content in facial animation — without requiring any animation experience or ground truth reference. Where conventional prototyping methods rely on handcrafting by experienced animators, our approach looks to encode the role of the animator as an Evolutionary Algorithm acting on animation controls, driven by visual feedback from a user. Presented as a simple interface, users sample control combinations and select favourable results to influence later sampling. Over multiple iterations of disregarding unfavourable control values, parameters converge towards the user's ideal. We demonstrate our framework through two non‐trivial applications: creating highly nuanced expressions by evolving control values of a face rig and non‐linear motion through evolving control point positions of animation curves.
Technology Gap, Reverse Technology Spillover and Domestic Innovation Performance in Outward Foreign Direct Investment: Evidence from China
Authors: Hong Jin , Zhou Chongyang , Wu Yanrui , Wang Ruicheng , Marinova Dora 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis research adds to the literature studying the effects of outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) on domestic innovation performance and the moderating effect of a technology gap between host and home countries. New definitions of observed technology gap and expected technology gap are proposed. An observed technology gap captures the existing differences in technology level between establishments, regions or countries. An expected technology gap is an indication of the effort of imitating and learning from technology leaders. The corresponding measures and effects of observed and expected technology gaps on OFDI‐induced reverse technology spillover are analyzed. OFDI in developed countries promotes innovation performance. However, OFDI in emerging markets hampers innovation performance. It is also found that regions with a wider observed technology gap and a narrower expected technology gap can benefit more from OFDI.
High‐speed Rail and Urban Economic Growth in China after the Global Financial Crisis
Authors: Yao Shujie , Zhang Fan , Wang Feng , Ou Jinghua 
Published: March 2019

AbstractHigh‐speed rail (HSR) has been an important driver of China's economic expansion over the last decade. Using data of 285 prefecture‐level cities over 2010–2014, this paper proposes an endogenous economic growth model to explain how and why HSR may have propelled China's economic growth by reducing the time‐space between cities. The research results show that HSR has a potent effect on urban economic growth and regional convergence. Ceteris paribus, HSR appears to have accelerated economic growth by more than 0.6 percent and the pace of regional economic convergence by approximately 2 percent per annum over the data period. Our research findings have important policy implications for the sustainability of China's economic development, backed by HSR.
Tropicality and abjection: What do we really mean by “Neglected Tropical Diseases”?
Authors: Shahvisi Arianne 
Published: March 2019

AbstractNeglected tropical diseases are defined operationally as diseases that prevail in “tropical” regions and are under‐researched, under‐funded, and under‐treated compared with their disease burden. By analysing the adjectives “tropical” and “neglected,” I expose and interrogate the discourses within which the term “neglected tropical disease” derives its meaning. First, I argue that the term “tropical” conjures the notion of “tropicality,” a form of Othering which erroneously explains the disease‐prevalence of “tropical” regions by reference to environmental determinism, rather than colonialism and neocolonialism. Second, I examine the way in which this Othering enables the abjection of tropical regions and their peoples, leading to neglect. I recommend that the term “neglected tropical diseases” be more carefully contextualised within health scholarship, education, and policy.
A perspective on global access to insulin: a descriptive study of the market, trade flows and prices
Authors: Beran D. , Laing R. O. , Kaplan W. , Knox R. , Sharma A. , Wirtz V. J. , Frye J. , Ewen M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAimTo describe the global insulin market.MethodsMarket intelligence data, United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics for insulin trade, the International Medical Products Price Guide for prices of human insulin and additional web searches were used as data sources. These sources were combined to gain further insight into possible links among market, trade flows and prices. Descriptive statistics and Spearman's rank order correlation were used for the analysis.ResultsA total of 34 insulin manufacturers were identified. Most countries and territories are reliant on a limited number of supplying countries. The overall median (interquartile range) government procurement price for a 10‐ml, 100‐IU/ml vial during the period 1996–2013 equivalent was US$4.3 (US$ 3.8–4.8), with median prices in Africa (US$ 4.7) and low‐ (US$ 6.9) and low‐ to middle‐ (US$ 4.7) income countries being higher over this period. The relationships between price and quantity of insulin (Spearman's r=0.046; P>0.1) and number of import links (Spearman's r=0.032; P>0.1) were weak. The links between price and percentage of total insulin from a country where a ‘big three' manufacturer produces insulin (Spearman's r=0.294; P<0.05) and total insulin from the main import link (Spearman's r=–0.392; P<0.05) were stronger.ConclusionsThis research shows the high variability of insulin prices and the reliance on a few sources, both companies and countries, for global supply. In addressing access to insulin, countries need to use existing price data to negotiate prices, and mechanisms need to be developed to foster competition and security of supply of insulin, given the limited number of truly global producers.
Stress resilience evidenced by grooming behaviour and dopamine levels in male mice selected for high and low immobility using the tail suspension test
Authors: Reis‐Silva Thiago M. , Sandini Thaisa M. , Calefi Atilio S. , Orlando Bruna C. G. , Moreira Natalia , Lima Ana Paula N. , Florio Jorge C. , Queiroz‐Hazarbassanov Nicolle G. T. , Bernardi Maria Martha 
Published: March 2019

AbstractGrooming behaviour has different functions on many species during development and can be observed and affected during periods of stress. By selecting male mice with high (HI) and low (LI) immobility traits in the tail suspension test, a screening for antidepressant drugs, we investigate how these phenotypes associated with grooming behaviour may be influenced by the effects of repeated restraint stress. For this we used the sucrose preference test and the splash test in a novel and a familiar cage performed before and after exposure to 2 days of restraint stress. Animals were submitted to an additional day of restraint stress before the hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex and midbrain extraction for dopamine activity analysis. Corticosterone analysis was made in three distinct moments: without stress (prior first restraint session), immediately after the last restrain, and 1 hr after the last restrain episode. Compared to LI group, HI animals exhibited an increased frequency and decreased time of grooming in the familiar cage. In the novel cage, stress increased frequency and time of grooming of HI animals compared to LI. Corticosterone levels were increased in HI animals after 3 days of stress. Lower hypothalamic dopaminergic activity without stress and decreased hypothalamic dopaminergic activity immediately after stress in HI group were observed. The HI group displayed decreased prefrontal cortex dopaminergic activity and increased activity in the mesolimbic area. We proposed that through the influence of stress the two phenotypes manifested as a resilient (LI) and a not resilient (HI) trait in response to restraint stress.
Digital Module 04: Diagnostic Measurement: Modeling Checklists for Practitioners https://ncme.elevate.commpartners.com
Authors: Carragher Natacha , Templin Jonathan , Jones Phillip , Shulruf Boaz , Velan Gary 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn this ITEMS module, we provide a didactic overview of the specification, estimation, evaluation, and interpretation steps for diagnostic measurement/classification models (DCMs), which are a promising psychometric modeling approach. These models can provide detailed skill‐ or attribute‐specific feedback to respondents along multiple latent dimensions and hold theoretical and practical appeal for a variety of fields. We use a current unified modeling framework—the log‐linear cognitive diagnosis model (LCDM)—as well as a series of quality‐control checklists for data analysts and scientific users to review the foundational concepts, practical steps, and interpretational principles for these models. We demonstrate how the models and checklists can be applied in real‐life data‐analysis contexts. A library of macros and supporting files for Excel, SAS, and Mplus are provided along with video tutorials for key practices.
The Role of Children's Neurophysiological Functioning in the Links Between Emotion‐Parenting Behaviors and Child Anxiety Symptoms: A Biological Sensitivity to Context Framework
Authors: Han Zhuo Rachel , Zhang Xutong , Davis Molly , Suveg Cynthia 
Published: March 2019

A plethora of data supports links between parenting behaviors and child anxiety, but few studies have examined factors that can contribute to variability in these relations. Adopting a biological sensitivity to context framework, this study explored the role of children's physiological stress reactivity in the links between emotion‐parenting and child anxiety symptoms in a group of Chinese families. Sixty‐one parent–child dyads (child Mage = 8.21 years, SD = 1.40, range = 6–12 years) participated in an acute stress protocol, from which children's physiological (cortisol and respiratory sinus arrhythmia) responses to a social speech task were recorded. Participants then completed questionnaires assessing parents’ emotion‐parenting behaviors and children's anxiety symptoms. Results showed that the relation between supportive emotion‐parenting and child anxiety was stronger in the context of greater child RSA suppression to acute stress, such that children higher in RSA suppression exhibited lower anxiety symptoms when supportive emotion‐parenting was higher than when it was lower. Thus, these findings supported the biological sensitivity to context model. No significant moderation effect was detected for cortisol reactivity or recovery. Instead, exploratory mediation analyses showed that supportive emotion‐parenting was negatively related to child anxiety via greater cortisol recovery. There was also a significant indirect path where unsupportive emotion‐parenting was related to blunted cortisol recovery, which in turn was associated with higher child anxiety. The results highlight the importance of coaching parents to respond in supportive ways to children's emotional expressions, particularly in the context of greater child reactivity, to help buffer against childhood anxiety symptoms.
Thermoregulatory traits combine with range shifts to alter the future of montane ant assemblages
Authors: Bishop Tom R. , Parr Catherine L. , Gibb Heloise , van Rensburg Berndt J. , Braschler Brigitte , Chown Steven L. , Foord Stefan H. , Lamy Kévin , Munyai Thinandavha C. , Okey Iona , Tshivhandekano Pfarelo G. , Werenkraut Victoria , Robertson Mark P. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPredicting and understanding the biological response to future climate change is a pressing challenge for humanity. In the 21st century, many species will move into higher latitudes and higher elevations as the climate warms. In addition, the relative abundances of species within local assemblages are likely to change. Both effects have implications for how ecosystems function. Few biodiversity forecasts, however, take account of both shifting ranges and changing abundances. We provide a novel analysis predicting the potential changes to assemblage‐level relative abundances in the 21st century. We use an established relationship linking ant abundance and their colour and size traits to temperature and UV‐B to predict future abundance changes. We also predict future temperature driven range shifts and use these to alter the available species pool for our trait‐mediated abundance predictions. We do this across three continents under a low greenhouse gas emissions scenario (RCP2.6) and a business‐as‐usual scenario (RCP8.5). Under RCP2.6, predicted changes to ant assemblages by 2100 are moderate. On average, species richness will increase by 26%, while species composition and relative abundance structure will be 26% and 30% different, respectively, compared with modern assemblages. Under RCP8.5, however, highland assemblages face almost a tripling of species richness and compositional and relative abundance changes of 66% and 77%. Critically, we predict that future assemblages could be reorganized in terms of which species are common and which are rare: future highland assemblages will not simply comprise upslope shifts of modern lowland assemblages. These forecasts reveal the potential for radical change to montane ant assemblages by the end of the 21st century if temperature increases continue. Our results highlight the importance of incorporating trait–environment relationships into future biodiversity predictions. Looking forward, the major challenge is to understand how ecosystem processes will respond to compositional and relative abundance changes.