37495 research outputs found
Sort by
Review of \u3cem\u3eLiteracy in a Digital World: The Evolution and Development of Literacy Proficiency\u3c/em\u3e, by Lorraine Dagostino et al.
Full text linkA review of Literacy in a Digital World: The Evolution and Development of Literacy Proficiency, by Lorraine Dagostino et al
Exploring the Association Between Self-Esteem and Blood Pressure: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Investigation
Full text linkHigh self-esteem is linked to favorable outcomes including better mental health and relationships, however, its impact on cardiovascular health is less understood. This study examined the relationship between self-esteem and blood pressure levels using data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study (Mage = 54.53; 57% women; 20% non-White). We hypothesized that higher self-esteem would be associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure concurrently and 10 years later. Self-esteem was measured with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and blood pressure was clinically assessed. Cross-sectional analyses included 1194 participants; longitudinal analyses included 566 participants. Contrary to expectations, higher self-esteem was associated with increased SBP over time (p = 0.04). However, no significant cross-sectional relationships were found. These findings suggest self-esteem may not consistently predict blood pressure, although it could be related to SBP in the long term, warranting further research into the impact of self-esteem on cardiovascular health
Californians’ Perceptions of the Causes of Homelessness and Potential Policy Solutions
No full textIntroduction
This study examines whether residents’ perceptions of the causes of homelessness and preferred policy solutions are associated with homeless-related behaviors and opinions, and whether such perceptions are attributed to internal or external factors. Methods
California residents (N = 371) completed a survey and an exploratory factor analysis was conducted, which identified subscales of the perceived causes, preferred policy solutions, opinions, and behaviors. We used MANCOVA to examine which sociodemographic characteristics were associated with each subscale, and multiple regressions to assess relationships among subscales. Results
As predicted by attribution theory, internal causes (e.g. lack of ambition) were positively associated with support for internal policies (e.g. policies emphasizing personal responsibility), while external causes (e.g. discrimination) were positively correlated with support for external policies (e.g. treatment infrastructure policies) (p \u3c .001). Conservative participants were more likely to attribute causes of homelessness to internal characteristics, while also supporting internal policies (p \u3c .001). Conclusion
This study provides insight into our sample of Californians’ perceptions of homelessness and can be used to tailor interventions that update people’s understanding of the issue and encourage support for evidence-based policies
Review of \u3cem\u3eOf Rule and Office: Plato’s Ideas of the Political\u3c/em\u3e, by Melissa Lane.
Full text linkA review of Of Rule and Office: Plato’s Ideas of the Political, by Melissa Lane
Applying the Matching Law to Major League Baseball (MLB)
Full text linkThe application of the generalized matching equation (GME) has been detailed in a variety of sports, including football, basketball, and others. However, only a limited number of studies have focused on Major League Baseball (MLB), and they typically have examined ≤ 5 players and/or focused on a single behavior. This paper increases the generalizability of such work by using newly available, state-of-the-art data from thousands of players to explore the GME in several scenarios within three aspects of a baseball game - defense, pitching and batting. We found that the GME accurately summarized response allocation in most scenarios, with r 2 ranging from 0.5 to 0.981, sensitivity ranging from 0.428 to 0.977, and bias ranging from -0.254 to 0.158. In addition, temporal trends in the applicability of the GME were examined within the context of changing philosophies in baseball strategy. These results indicate that the GME operated within several precisely defined dimensions of a baseball game and that analyses of this phenomenon can yield insight into prevailing trends in the sport. Furthermore, with the GME recognized as a ubiquitous phenomenon, teams can examine whether competitive advantages exist for GME adherence and adjust their strategies accordingly. From a psychological science perspective, this work helps establish the degree to which the GME generalizes to real-world contexts
Neonatal State and Degree of Necessity for Parental Care in \u3cem\u3eMaiasaura\u3c/em\u3e Based on Inferred Neonatal Metabolic Rates
Full text linkWe infer the neonatal metabolic rate at rest (RMR) and at maximum activity levels (MMR) of the hadrosaurid dinosaur Maiasaura peeblesorum from the Two Medicine Formation of Montana (USA) using Phylogenetic Eigenvector Maps applied to the following osteohistological features: the Relative Primary Osteon Area and the size of the femoral nutrient foramen as proxies. We investigate the locomotor/motor activity of the neonates by comparing the difference between maximum and minimum rates of oxygen consumption—referred to as aerobic scope and denoted as ΔMR, as a proxy of their activity levels. Applied to Maiasaura, this novel methodology allows for a quantitative assessment of its neonatal state and to deduce its dependence on parental care. The inferred neonatal RMR values for Maiasaura are similar to those of present-day fast-growing endotherms. As for the aerobic scope, M. peeblesorum neonates have a ΔMR value similar to those observed in present-day altricial birds that need intensive parental care. This result is consistent with the previously proposed hypothesis of nidicolous M. peeblesorum requiring parental care. Finally, based on age-estimations from M. peeblesorum neonate remains found both in and outside nest sites, we estimate that this species remained in the nest for approximately 40–75 days. Maiasaura provides a useful ecological baseline from which to infer neonatal states in an other hadrosaur of similar adult size—Hypacrosaurus stebingeri, whose differing ecological traits point to a relatively more precocial condition. The diversity of post-hatching reproductive strategy partly explains the adaptation of hadrosaurs to a wide range of paleolatitudes and environments
Specificity of Interaction of Antimicrobial Peptide with Cell Membrane
Full text linkAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing global health threat due to its rising incidence worldwide. Resistant microbial infections have become difficult to treat and pose serious risks to patients. In 2019, AMR was responsible for approximately 1.27 million deaths globally, with numbers continuing to rise. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the urgent need for new antibiotics with novel mechanisms of action and low toxicity to combat this issue. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a promising solution. These peptides exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and rapid killing kinetics, reducing the likelihood of resistance development. AMPs primarily target bacterial cell membranes. Their hydrophobic side chains contribute both to membrane interaction and to peptide stability. This study investigates the interactions of a series of small AMPs with liposomes mimicking bacterial membranes (DOPC/DOPG, 7:3 molar ratio) and mammalian membranes (DOPC/cholesterol, 9:1 molar ratio). Samples at different peptide-to-lipid molar ratios (1:20 to 1:2 molar ratio) were analyzed using 1H and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Changes in 1H and 31P spectral signals indicated (1) varied modes of peptide association with liposomes and (2) alterations in lipid bilayer integrity. Further, investigations will explore AMP interactions with membrane mimics using complementary techniques such as surface plasmon resonance and fluorescence quenching, alongside NMR spectroscopy
Combination of Irreversible Electroporation and \u3cem\u3eClostridium novyi\u3c/em\u3e-NT Bacterial Therapy for Colorectal Liver Metastasis
No full textColorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) poses a significant challenge in oncology due to its high incidence and poor prognosis in unresectable cases. Current treatments, including surgical resection, systemic chemotherapy, and liver-directed therapies, often fail to effectively target hypoxic tumor regions, which are inherently more resistant to these interventions. This review examines the potential of a novel therapeutic strategy combining irreversible electroporation (IRE) ablation and Clostridium novyi-nontoxic (C. novyi-NT) bacterial therapy. IRE is a non-thermal tumor ablation technique that uses high-voltage electric pulses to create permanent nanopores in cell membranes, leading to cell death while preserving surrounding structures, and is often associated with temporary tumor hypoxia due to disrupted perfusion. C. novyi-NT is an attenuated, anaerobic bacterium engineered to selectively germinate and proliferate in hypoxic tumor regions, resulting in localized tumor cell lysis while sparing healthy, oxygenated tissue. The synergy between IRE-induced hypoxia and hypoxia-sensitive C. novyi-NT may enhance tumor destruction and stimulate systemic antitumor immunity. Furthermore, the integration of advanced imaging and artificial intelligence can support precise treatment planning and real-time monitoring. This integrated approach holds promise for improving outcomes in patients with CRLM, though further preclinical and clinical validation is needed
Prenatal Maternal Mood Instability and Child Externalizing Problems: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study
Full text linkThis study examines whether exposure to affect fluctuations during fetal development have implications for child psychopathology. To evaluate maternal mood instability, participants (N = 154) completed Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) eight times per day across three days at 15-, 25-, and 35-weeks\u27 gestation, and then at two months postpartum. The EMA measured depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), anxiety (Profile of Mood States), and stress (Perceived Stress Scale). Mood instability was quantified by calculating root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), which captures both variability and temporal dependency of mood states. When the children were 3 years old, mothers reported on their child\u27s externalizing symptoms with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and then again at 4.5 years with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Bivariate correlations indicated a positive association between prenatal mood instability and child externalizing problems at both ages (r = 0.34, r = 0.29, respectively; all p \u3c .05). Sensitivity analyses indicated that mood instability was predictive of child externalizing problems, even after consideration of potential confounding factors, including prenatal and postnatal negative mood level as well as postnatal mood instability. Examination of maternal mood instability, in addition to mood level, provides additional and unique information regarding how maternal mental health affects child psychopathology and underscores the developmental importance of patterns of parental signals even in the very earliest stages of neurodevelopment