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Background: Recurrent symptom-relevant negative autobiographical memories are common in patients with emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression, even among those without a trauma-related diagnosis. Recurrent negative autobiographical memories may also contribute to distress in non-clinical populations. Methods: To examine the prevalence of recurrent negative autobiographical memories and associated psychological features, we recruited a student sample (n = 101) and a treatment-seeking sample of patients with emotional disorders (n = 123). We hypothesized that recurrent negative autobiographical memories would be associated with higher levels of psychological symptoms and rumination. We also conducted exploratory analyses of participants’ most bothersome memory. Results: In each sample, individuals who endorsed recurrent negative autobiographical memories had significantly higher depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms as well as greater rumination. In the treatment-seeking sample, where memories also had to be identified by patients as symptom-relevant, those who endorsed memories also had significantly higher clinician-rated symptom severity for their primary diagnosis. The majority of participants in each sample endorsed moderate or greater re-experiencing (sample 1: 79 %, sample 2: 66 %) and avoidance symptoms (sample 1: 78 %, sample 2: 58 %) related to their most bothersome memory. Conclusion: Recurrent negative autobiographical memories relate to mental health symptoms in both clinical and non-clinical samples. Further research should explore whether targeting such memories reduces distress or improves wellbeing in these populations.

Aquatic ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to the introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS), leading to multi-faceted ecological, economic and health impacts worldwide. The Iberian Peninsula comprises an exceptionally biodiverse Mediterranean region with a high number of threatened and endemic aquatic species, most of them strongly impacted by biological invasions. Following a structured approach that combines a systematic review of available information and expert opinion, we provide a comprehensive and updated multi-taxa inventory of aquatic NIS (fungi, macroalgae, vascular plants, invertebrates and vertebrates) in Iberian inland waters. Moreover, we assess overall patterns in the establishment status, introduction pathways, native range and temporal introduction trends of listed NIS. In addition, we discuss the legal coverage provided by both national (Spanish and Portuguese) and European NIS regulations. We inventoried 326 aquatic NIS in Iberian inland waters, including 215 established, 96 with uncertain establishment status and 15 cryptogenic taxa. Invertebrates (54.6%) and vertebrates (24.5%) were the groups with the highest number of NIS, with Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Chordata being the most represented phyla. Recorded NIS originated from diverse geographic regions, with North and South America being the most frequent. Vertebrates and vascular plants were mostly introduced through intentional pathways (i.e. release and escape), whereas invertebrates and macroalgae arrived mostly through unintentional ways (i.e. contaminant or stowaway). Most of the recorded NIS were introduced in Iberian inland waters over the second half of the 20th century, with a high number of NIS introductions being reported in the 2000s. While only 8% of the recorded NIS appear in the European Union list of Invasive Alien Species of Union concern, around 25% are listed in the Spanish and Portuguese NIS regulations. This study provides the most updated checklist of Iberian aquatic NIS, meeting the requirements set by the EU regulation and providing a baseline for the evaluation of its application. We point out the need for coordinated transnational strategies to properly tackle aquatic invasions across borders of the EU members.

Summary: UV radiation induces the formation of adducts in genomic DNA within cells that are later found to be present in cell-free fractions associated with extracellular vesicles (EVs) outside of cells. Here, we present a protocol for isolating UV photoproducts in extracellular DNA released from UVB-irradiated cells via differential centrifugation. We then detail steps for monitoring the DNA adducts using DNA immunoblotting. This protocol can be applied for detection of DNA adducts in EVs from cell culture and skin explant models.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Carpenter et al.1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Abstract Background Extrahepatic disease progression limits clinical efficacy of Yttrium-90 (90Y) radioembolization (TARE) for patients with chemotherapy-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Trifluridine and tipiracil (TAS-102) has overall survival benefit for patients with refractory mCRC and may be a radiosensitizer. Methods Sequential lobar TARE using 90Y resin microspheres in combination with TAS-102 in 28-day cycles were used to treat adult patients with bilobar liver-dominant chemo-refractory mCRC according to 3 + 3 dose escalation design with a 12-patient dose expansion cohort. Study objectives were to establish safety and determine maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of TAS-102 in combination with TARE. Results A total of 21 patients (14 women, 7 men) with median age of 60 years were enrolled. No dose limiting toxicities were observed. Treatment related severe adverse events included cytopenias (10 patients, 48%) and radioembolization-induced liver disease (2 patients, 10%). Disease control rate in the liver lobes treated with TARE was 100%. Best observed radiographic responses were partial response for 4 patients (19%) and stable disease for 12 patients (57%). Conclusions The combination of TAS-102 and TARE for patients with liver-dominant mCRC is safe and consistently achieves disease control within the liver. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02602327 (first posted 11/11/2015).

Bluish-grey limestones have been extensively used as ornamental stones for decoration purposes in buildings, as well as in works of art, and accordingly, have been the target of intense exploration. In Portugal, the Jurassic limestone massif known as the Maciço Calcário Estremenho (MCE), has been the source of grey-coloured ornamental stones, namely the Azul Valverde (one of the most well-known bluish-grey limestones) and Atlantic Blue varieties, both of which may undergo colour changes in outdoor environments. In this sense, it is important to understand the sudden colour change from bluish-grey to yellow/beige in the same limestone block in a quarry, or even, what happens to the colour when polished limestone is placed outdoors. This study was undertaken using various techniques, namely XRF (X-ray fluorescence spectrometry), XRD (X-ray diffraction), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), DTA–TG (differential thermal analysis/thermogravimetry) and colourimetry. Synchrotron radiation was also used at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF, Grenoble, France) where XANES (X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure) spectra at Fe K-edge were collected to ascertain the speciation state of Fe in different coloured zones of the limestone, previously checked by EDXRF (energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence). The presence of Fe2+ and Fe3+ are responsible for the greyish and yellow/brown colour, respectively. On the other hand, the UV radiation from the sun causes a quickened and severe bleaching/fading on the dark blue/grey polished limestone.

Cork granules (Quercus suber L.) were slowly pyrolyzed at temperatures between 400-700 °C and under N2 flow. While preserving its structure, some cells of the cork biochar became interconnected, allowing such carbon residue to be used as templates for manufacturing ceria redox materials. The pyrolytic char morphology was similar to that of the natural precursor. The produced cork biochar belonged to Class 1 (C > 60%) and possessed a high heating value of 32 MJ kg−1. Other pyrolysis-derived compounds were identified and quantified through GC-FID and GC-MS analyses. The yield of gases released during cork pyrolysis was strongly dependent on the temperature used due to the thermal decomposition reactions involved in the degradation of cork. In particular, rising pyrolysis temperature from 500 to 700 ºC resulted in reducing the total hydrocarbon gases from 74 to 24 vol%. On the other hand, the yield of H2 increased from 0 to 58% by increasing the pyrolysis temperature from 400 to 700 ºC. Due to the presence of suberin in cork, the composition and yield of bio-oil could be regulated by the pyrolysis temperature. Cork bio-oil was found to consist of long-chain hydrocarbons (from C11 to C24). The bio-oil resulting from the slow pyrolysis of cork residues is suitable as an appropriate feedstock for producing aliphatic-rich pyrolytic biofuels or as a source of olefins. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that Quercus suber L. could be a promising feedstock for biochar and biofuel production through the pyrolytic route and could contribute to the environmental and economic sustainability of the cork production industry.

Luanda Bay, the second largest bay and one of the most important ecosystems of the Angolan coast, supports many human activities. This bay supports a range of marine biodiversity that serves as a means of livelihood and source of income for more than fifty small-scale artisanal fisheries and collectors of worms and bivalve molluscs. The present study is the first record of this fishing activity in Luanda Bay and the objective was to characterize the resource exploitation in this bay based on field data obtained by distributing self-reported and structured questionnaires to the two fishing communities (fishermen and shellfish harvesters) in Luanda Bay: Luanda Island and Luanda Commercial Harbour. The results revealed that the two fishing communities used different vessel types during fishing activity. In the Luanda Island fishing community, the fishermen used rowboats (“Chata”) and motorboats, and in the Commercial Port of Luanda fishing community, they used an adapted vessel made of Styrofoam boards. The main gears were line/hooks (34.1%), shovel (25.0%), seine (9,1%), gillnet (6.8%), trawl (4.5%) and traps (2.3%). According to the local fishing communities, Pomadasys jubelini, Mugil cephalus, Dentex spp., Senilia senilis, Mactra glauca, Donax spp., Perna perna, and Lucinella divaricata were the predominant species. In relation to the earnings by fishing day, the Luanda Island community had a higher income (average: 14.4 ± 8.3 euros; maximum: 39.0 euros) than Luanda Commercial Harbour community (average: 8.4 ± 5.1 euros; maximum: 24.2 euros). Thus, the quality of life of the fishing communities seems to be highly depending on this activity.

Background: Learning Progress Assessments (LPA) have been developed to help teachers individualize their curriculum. The use of LPA is facilitated by an increasing number of computerized LPA tools. However, little is known about student factors that influence the effectiveness of computerized LPA. Objectives: In this study, we explored whether a computerized LPA that focused on reading comprehension was differentially effective depending on students' initial reading comprehension abilities. Moreover, effects of the LPA implementation on underlying or related form-based literacy skills (i.e., decoding, spelling) were explored. Methods: The development of reading and spelling skills of 668 third graders was assessed in 41 LPA and 36 control classes in a pretest-posttest design. We used multi-level modelling to analyse effects of the LPA on reading comprehension, decoding, and spelling skills, and tested whether these effects were qualified by students' initial achievement level. Results: The LPA treatment proved beneficial for improving reading comprehension but not for improving decoding or spelling. Children with low levels of reading comprehension at the beginning of the school year benefitted particularly from LPA. Takeaways: Teachers seem to make use of the data offered by the computerized LPA to identify children with reading comprehension difficulties. For these children, an accelerated increase in reading comprehension ability was observed. Results also suggest that this effect is specific to the literacy skill measured by the LPA and does not generalize to underlying or related literacy skills (i.e., decoding, spelling).

In this paper, we propose a new method for selecting cases for in situ, immediate interview research: detector-driven classroom interviewing (DDCI). Published work in educational data mining and learning analytics has yielded highly scalable measures that can detect key aspects of student interaction with computer-based learning in close to real-time. These measures detect a variety of constructs and make it possible to increase the precision and time-efficiency of this form of research. We review four examples that show how the method can be used to study why students become frustrated and how they respond, how anxiety influences how students respond to frustration, how metacognition interacts with affect, and how to improve the design of an adaptive learning system. Lastly, we compare DDCI to other mixed-methods approaches and outline opportunities for detector-driven classroom interviewing in research and practice, including research opportunities, design improvement opportunities, and pedagogical opportunities for teachers.

Spironolactone (SP) is used to treat a variety of disparate disease states ranging from heart failure to acne through antagonism of the mineralocorticoid and androgen receptors. Although normally taken as an oral medication, recent studies have explored the topical application of SP onto the skin. However, because SP induces the proteolytic degradation of the XPB protein, which plays critical roles in DNA repair and transcription, there may be safety concerns with the use of topical SP. In this study, we show that the topical application of a high concentration of either SP or its metabolite canrenone onto human skin ex vivo lowers XPB protein levels and induces toxic responses in the epidermis. Interestingly, although SP and canrenone both inhibit cell proliferation, induce replication stress responses, and stimulate apoptotic signaling at high concentrations in cultured keratinocytes in vitro, these effects were not correlated with XPB protein loss. Thus, high concentrations of SP and canrenone likely inhibit cell proliferation and induce toxicity through additional mechanisms to XPB proteolytic degradation. This work suggests that care may need to be taken when using high concentrations of SP directly on human skin.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) efficiency has rapidly increased from the initial 3.8 to recent 24.2%. This high efficiency has attracted serious worldwide researchers and industry attention due to their low material cost, and simple solution-based fabrication process. However, fundamental studies on PSCs are usually produced through lab-scale actions and carried out on small-area devices (≤1 cm2). Here we present the advances of up-scaling using microwave (MW) annealing of perovskite films on large area specimens (~16 cm2), looking forward the industrial-scale. Morphological, structural and optical characterization were performed to confirm the effectiveness of the scaled up MW annealing. Keywords: Scale-up, Perovskite, PSC, Microwave annealing

From the contemporary panorama of creative media, the animation documentary A Journey to Cape Verde (2010, Viagem a Cabo Verde) is analysed in terms of its content concerning biodiversity and plant issues. The concept of ‘plant blindness’ is revisited, a term introduced by Wandersee and Schussler in 1998 (Allen, 2003) to describe “the inability to see or notice the plants in one’s own environment” and their importance in the biosphere. Some future considerations are discussed. It is hoped this case-study displays a picture of what can be done to improve collective knowledge about biodiversity issues and could inspire and help others to develop awareness raising projects about them.

Students with complex communication needs have increasingly been using non-dedicated communication systems, such as mobile devices, to support their communication needs. This in turn, has led to an increased used of augmentative and alternative communication apps. The main challenge currently faced is the lack of empirically validated apps and evaluation systems to assess the features of the apps. As a result, this study attempted to determine the reliability of an app evaluation tool that was grounded in the components of the feature matching model. The goal was also to identify if the app evaluation tool could be used to evaluate various types of augmentative and alternative communication apps. Participants evaluated apps across the dimensions of usability, output, and display. Results suggest that expert raters were more reliability than novice raters across the various types of apps. Practical implications and future research directions are discussed.

The Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin) is the only extant member of the order Opisthocomiformes. This unique South American bird lives in the riparian lowland vegetation characteristic of the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Hoatzins nest in communal social units close to water bodies; they are strictly folivores being the only bird with pregastric fermentation in the crop. Because of the complex logistics involved in capturing this bird, there is a knowledge gap on its parasites. This study documents two distant lineages of haemosporidian parasites (Plasmodium spp.) in a juvenile and two adults sampled in the Cojedes state, Venezuela. Although negative by microscopy, the parasite identification was possible by using molecular methods. We estimated the phylogenetic relationships on the parasite cytochrome b (cytb, 480 bp) gene and the mitochondrial DNA. We found one of the parasites lineages in two individuals (nestling and adult), and the corresponding fragment of cytb was identical to a one found in Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) from Brazil. The other lineage, found in an adult, has an identity of 469 out of 478 bp (98%) with Plasmodium sp. GAL-2012 (isolate THAMB08) from Brazil. Although a morphological description of these parasites was not possible, this is the first molecular study focusing on Hoatzin haemosporidian parasites and the first documentation of Plasmodium infections in the Hoatzin from Venezuela. Furthermore, we reported microfilaria in two adults as well as hematological parameters for six individuals. Information on hematological parameters could contribute to establishing the necessary baseline to detect underlying conditions, such as infections, in this bird species.

Este estudio comparó dimensiones negativas del perfeccionismo, autopresentación perfeccionista, y síntomas depresivos según género y grado en adolescentes de habilidad intelectual por encima de la media de una escuela privada de Asunción, Paraguay. Instrum entos fueron el Child and Adolescent Perfectionism Scale (CAPS), Perfectionistic Self - Presentation Scale (PSPS - V), y el Inventario de Depresión de Beck - II (BDI - II). Un análisis de varianza multivariado halló diferencias significativas según género, pero no según grado ni en la interacción género X grado. Pruebas t post - hoc indicaron que las mujeres demostraron más síntomas depresivos, sin diferencias en perfeccionismo ni autopresentación perfeccionista.

El dolor crónico es un importante problema de salud que afecta al funcionamiento diario de la persona con dolor, a su bienestar psicológico y a la calidad de vida. Con el fin de prestar cuidados sanitarios adecuados, a monitorear los cambios en el dolor y en el funcionamiento y en vista a la investigación transcultural, se necessitan instrumentos válidos y fiables de evaluación de la interferencia del dolor. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la fiabilidad y validez de la versión portuguesa de la Escala de Interferencia de lo Brief Pain Inventory (P-BPI). Doscientos catorze participantes con dolor crónico músculoesquelético respondieron al P-BPI, al 0-10 NRS, al Short Form-12 Health Status Questionnaire (SF-12) y al Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). El P-BPI mostró una excelente consistencia interna (alfa de Cronbach = 0.91) y correlaciones moderadas con las medidas de critério (rs ¿ 0.30). El análisis factorial confirmatorio apoyó la solución de un factor. Los resultados apoyan la fiabilidad y validez de construto de la Escala de Interferencia del P-BPI. Es necesario que futuras investigaciónes evaluen la responsividad de la escala a los cambios en la interferencia del dolor a lo largo del tiempo.

Food availability can affect larval survival directly through starvation and indirectly through the effects on larval growth rate, swimming performance and vulnerability to predators. In the present study we evaluate the effects of starvation on growth, nutritional condition and swimming behaviour of the Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) throughout ontogeny (8 to 14 days after hatching). Biochemical analysis (RNA/DNA ratios) and behavioural experiments (critical swimming speed, Ucrit) were conducted on larvae reared under 3 feeding treatments: fed ad libitum, deprived of food for 48 hours and deprived of food for 96 hours. Growth was significantly affected by feeding treatment, while only slight decreases in RNA/DNA ratio and swimming performance were registered. Late stage larvae of the three feeding treatments had slower critical speeds than the pre-flexion and flexion stages, which is probably related to the benthic lifestyle acquired by the species at the end of the larval period. These physiological and behavioural changes are in accordance with previous results, which show that flatfish larvae are more resistant to starvation than pelagic species and that they become less active later in development.

In some routine studies of larval condition based on RNA:DNA ratios, heads and/or guts are removed for further age and feeding analysis. Also, during capture larvae are often found with their eyes missing. In this work we analysed tissues effects (muscle, head, eye, gut and the whole larvae) on RNA:DNA ratios from different species (Sardina pilchardus, Engraulis encrasicolus, Atherina presbyter and Paralichthys orbignyanus) in different developmental stages and from different locations. For all species and development phases, it was shown that RNA:DNA ratios in the head were significantly lower than in muscle or gut. The comparison of RNA:DNA ratios of head with or without eyes did not show significant differences. In a comparison of results from muscle from two tail sections, RNA:DNA ratios were higher for the anterior section in Sardina pilchardus and Engraulis encrasicolus larvae. Caution is needed when RNA:DNA ratios are compared with other studies employing different dissection protocols. For the species studied we propose conversion factors to be applied to RNA:DNA ratio data when different body sections are analysed. We discuss the most appropriate tissues for assessing nutritional condition in fish larvae, based on trends in concentrations of nucleic acids and ratios during starvation experiments.

Vibrio cholerae represents a significant threat to human health in developing countries. This pathogen forms biofilms which favors its attachment to surfaces and its survival and transmission by water or food. This work evaluated the in vitro biofilm formation of V. cholerae isolated from clinical and environmental sources on stainless steel of the type used in food processing by using the environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Results showed no cell adhesion at 4 h and scarce surface colonization at 24 h. Biofilms from the environmental strain were observed at 48 h with high cellular aggregations embedded in Vibrio exopolysaccharide (VPS), while less confluence and VPS production with microcolonies of elongated cells were observed in biofilms produced by the clinical strain. At 96 h the biofilms of the environmental strain were released from the surface leaving coccoid cells and residual structures, whereas biofilms of the clinical strain formed highly organized structures such as channels, mushroom-like and pillars. This is the first study that has shown the in vitro ability of V. cholerae to colonize and form biofilms on stainless steel used in food processing.

In this study, short-term fluctuations in bivalve larvae were compared with some triggering factors for a period of sixteen months. Data on the abundance of planktonic larvae, collected two to three times a week were related to water temperature, salinity, wind velocity, tidal amplitude and chlorophyll a. Higher densities of planktonic bivalve larvae were caught between May and August, but intense fluctuations in abundance were observed. Planktonic bivalve larvae of eighteen taxa were identified. Larvae of Mytilus galloprovincialis, Cerastoderma edule, Ruditapes decussates and Venerupis spp. were the most abundant. The seasonal fluctuations of bivalve abundance seem to be controlled by temperature, the major factor in the timing of the reproduction of bivalves. Nevertheless, advection may be also a key factor during the planktonic life of bivalve species in coastal systems, such as the Ria Formosa.

Mobile technologies, including apps, have become increasingly popular, and are being used to support daily activities among a variety of individuals. While the use of mobile technologies will not eliminate barriers often faced by individuals with disabilities, these systems have the potential to help minimize some of these barriers. As the popularity of apps is increasing, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability, internal consistency, and social validity among novice raters on two app evaluation rating scales. A total of 17 adults, with and without identified disabilities, evaluated apps using two team-designed app rating scales. Overall, findings indicated that the ratings completed during the pilot phase by the research team were more reliable than those completed by novice raters during the testing phase; that the dimension of individualization was the most reliable among team raters and novice participants without disabilities; and that the highest level of inconsistency in the reliability was among novice participants with disabilities. Practical implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.

BackgroundExtrahepatic disease progression limits clinical efficacy of Yttrium-90 (90Y) radioembolization (TARE) for patients with chemotherapy-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Trifluridine and tipiracil (TAS-102) has overall survival benefit for patients with refractory mCRC and may be a radiosensitizer.MethodsSequential lobar TARE using 90Y resin microspheres in combination with TAS-102 in 28-day cycles were used to treat adult patients with bilobar liver-dominant chemo-refractory mCRC according to 3 + 3 dose escalation design with a 12-patient dose expansion cohort. Study objectives were to establish safety and determine maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of TAS-102 in combination with TARE.ResultsA total of 21 patients (14 women, 7 men) with median age of 60 years were enrolled. No dose limiting toxicities were observed. Treatment related severe adverse events included cytopenias (10 patients, 48%) and radioembolization-induced liver disease (2 patients, 10%). Disease control rate in the liver lobes treated with TARE was 100%. Best observed radiographic responses were partial response for 4 patients (19%) and stable disease for 12 patients (57%).ConclusionsThe combination of TAS-102 and TARE for patients with liver-dominant mCRC is safe and consistently achieves disease control within the liver.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02602327 (first posted 11/11/2015).

Students with complex communication needs may require augmentative and alternative communication systems to supplement or replace their speech abilities. To effectively identify a communication system, a feature-matching process should be implemented as it considers the student's present levels of performance. Due to the unique communication characteristics of students with complex communication needs, informal assessment tools are often used to help determine the students' skills in natural contexts. A challenge often faced with informal assessment tools is the reliability among evaluators. As such, this pilot study attempted to evaluate the reliability of a feature-matching screening checklist and its corresponding matrices among potential professionals who would be part of the educational team. Results indicated that (a) pre-service and in-service special education teachers were the most reliable combination when completing the screening checklist, (b) exposure to the screening checklist was an influencing factor on reliability, and (c) in-service speech-language pathologists made the most errors while completing the screening checklist. Implications for practices and future research directions are discussed.

Cognitive biases are unreasonable ways of making decisions, often in a one-sided way. The objective of this research was to describe the level of representativeness and confirmation biases in Chilean psychology students, in order to know how this phenomenon occurs. The participants were 198 psychology students from three universities in southern Chile. The instrument was based on two cognitive tasks derived from Kanheman and Tversky. The data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and mean differences. The results indicate a high level of biases in the groups of students, in the two tasks evaluated; the representativeness bias presents differences among universities only in sub-task 1, as well as in task 2, related to confirmation bias. Likewise, there are differences in representation bias according to age and sex. The need to strengthen reasoning skills in the initial training of future psychologists, in order to improve skills related to decision making in the professional field is concluded.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is known to persist, eliciting early medical co-morbidity, and accelerated aging. Although PTSD diagnosis has been found to be associated with smaller volume in multiple brain regions, posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms and their associations with brain morphometry are rarely assessed over long periods of time. We predicted that persistent PTS symptoms across ~24 years would be inversely associated with hippocampal, amygdala, anterior cingulate volumes, and hippocampal occupancy (HOC = hippocampal volume/[hippocampal volume + inferior lateral ventricle volume]) in late middle age. Exploratory analyses examined prefrontal regions. We assessed PTS symptoms in 247 men at average ages 38 (time 1) and 62 (time 2). All were trauma-exposed prior to time 1. Brain volumes were assessed at time 2 using 3 T structural magnetic resonance imaging. Symptoms were correlated over time (r = 0.46 p

AbstractSpecial education teachers support students with complex communication needs across the day. Yet, evidence suggests that these professionals are entering the field without being fully prepared to support these students by having the knowledge and skill to implement augmentative and alternative communication practices. The lack of preparedness from these professionals creates barriers for students with complex communication needs, their families, and other team members. To gather information from special education teachers’ point of view, a nationwide survey was disseminated with the purpose of identifying the most beneficial component of their training to support students with complex communication needs. Five themes were identified from the views of 792 special education teachers, with the most beneficial components of their training consisting of ‘access to content,’ followed by ‘opportunities to practice.’ Recommendations, practical implications, and future research directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empirical evidence supports the notion of special education teachers receiving limited pre-service training in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). This lack of training is not only evident in the United States but in other countries such as United Kingdom, India, and Israel. Yet the teaching demands for the use of AAC are increasing as more students with complex communication needs are entering the school systems. As a result, this paper outlines four special education teacher competencies needed to effectively address the communication needs of these students. The four competencies consist of the needs for training in the areas of (1) communication development and communicative competencies, (2) teamwork and collaborative practices, (3) role and functions of AAC systems, and (4) AAC assessment and instructional strategies. These competencies are aligned to the standards from the Council for Exceptional Children and the literature available on AAC training. Evidence suggests there is a lack of training for special education teachers and other professionals in this area and limited research to guide teacher preparation programs.

This exploratory study identified underlying skill and ability differences among subgroups of adolescent and young adult struggling readers (N = 290) overall and in relation to a fluency-based instructional grouping method. We used principal axis factoring of participants' scores on 18 measures of reading-related skills and abilities identified in the research literature to identify a smaller set of generally uncorrelated constructs. The four underlying factors of the 18 measures explained 62.7% of the variance. We labeled these factors Encode/Decode (44.5%), Vocabulary (9.5%), Processing Speed (5.2%), and Working Memory (3.5%). Regression analysis demonstrated Working Memory, Encode/Decode, and Vocabulary collectively predicted 45.9% functional reading as measured by the "Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System." Alternatively, when measured by the "Test of Adult Basic Education," Vocabulary and Encode/Decode predicted 47.1% of variance in reading. Differences in predictive utility of the factors by fluency group suggest approaches to tailoring instruction for each group. Future research might examine the optimal mix of instructional approaches that support the identified factors.

Paraeducators are on the front lines in special education settings, providing support to teachers and students with significant disabilities and specific health-care needs. The important role they play demands efficient and cost-effective training in core skills. This study utilized a multiple-baseline across behaviors design to evaluate a module-based training program for paraeducators targeting three instructional strategies that are commonly used in the education of students with a wide range of disabilities: praise, pause, and prompts. Results demonstrated variability in accurate and consistent use of these practices across participants after completion of the modules. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

Background: Learning Progress Assessments (LPA) have been developed to help teachers individualize their curriculum. The use of LPA is facilitated by an increasing number of computerized LPA tools. However, little is known about student factors that influence the effectiveness of computerized LPA. Objectives: In this study, we explored whether a computerized LPA that focused on reading comprehension was differentially effective depending on students' initial reading comprehension abilities. Moreover, effects of the LPA implementation on underlying or related form‐based literacy skills (i.e., decoding, spelling) were explored. Methods: The development of reading and spelling skills of 668 third graders was assessed in 41 LPA and 36 control classes in a pretest–posttest design. We used multi‐level modelling to analyse effects of the LPA on reading comprehension, decoding, and spelling skills, and tested whether these effects were qualified by students' initial achievement level. Results: The LPA treatment proved beneficial for improving reading comprehension but not for improving decoding or spelling. Children with low levels of reading comprehension at the beginning of the school year benefitted particularly from LPA. Takeaways: Teachers seem to make use of the data offered by the computerized LPA to identify children with reading comprehension difficulties. For these children, an accelerated increase in reading comprehension ability was observed. Results also suggest that this effect is specific to the literacy skill measured by the LPA and does not generalize to underlying or related literacy skills (i.e., decoding, spelling). Lay Description: What do we know?: Computerized Learning Progress Assessments (LPA) help educators to individualize their teaching.An increasing number of computerized LPA tools facilitate the use in daily routines.LPAs are orientated on skills that are relevant for the current curriculum.Many studies have shown the effectiveness of the use of LPA in reading education. What does our study add?: We know little about student factors that influence the effectiveness of LPA.We studied the effects of LPA in a study with 668 third graders.Our results show that this specific LPA treatment proved beneficial for improving curricular skills like reading comprehension but not for improving underlying or related skills like decoding or spelling.Children with low levels of reading comprehension at the beginning of the school year benefitted particularly from computerized LPA. What implications does our study have for practitioners?: Our results suggest that teachers used the data offered by the Computerized LPA to identify children with reading comprehension difficulties – a curricular skill.The use of computerized LPA seems to help teachers support children who have deficits in specific curricular skills that correspond with the type of LPA assessment.However, children with other reading‐related difficulties are not necessarily detected.Maybe a combination of computerized tools could solve this issue in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nucleic acids, lipids, and other cell components can be found within different types of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which include apoptotic bodies (ABs), large extracellular vesicles (LEVs), and small extracellular vesicles (SEVs). Release of LEVs from cells can be reduced by genetic or pharmacological inhibition of the enzyme acid sphinogomyelinase (aSMase), and indeed several studies have demonstrated a role for the clinically approved aSMase inhibitor imipramine in blocking LEV release, including in response to UVB exposure. Given that exposure of keratinocytes to UVB radiation results in the generation of UVR photoproducts in DNA that can subsequently be found in association with ABs and SEVs, we examined how imipramine impacts the release of extracellular DNA containing UVR photoproducts at an early time point after UVR exposure. Using several different model systems, including cultured keratinocytes in vitro, discarded human surgical skin ex vivo, and skin biopsies obtained from treated human subjects, these pilot studies suggest that imipramine treatment stimulates the release of CPD‐containing, SEV‐associated DNA. These surprising findings indicate that LEV and SEV generation pathways could be linked in UVB‐irradiated cells and that imipramine may exacerbate the systemic effects of extracellular UVR‐damaged DNA throughout the body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When recalling autobiographical events, people not only retrieve event details but also the feelings they experienced. The current study examined whether people are able to consistently recall the intensity of past feelings associated with two consequential and negatively valenced events, i.e. the 9/11 attack (N = 769) and the COVID-19 pandemic (N = 726). By comparing experienced and recalled intensities of negative feelings, we discovered that people systematically recall a higher intensity of negative feelings than initially reported – overestimating the intensity of past negative emotional experiences. The COVID-19 dataset also revealed that individuals who experienced greater improvement in emotional well-being displayed smaller biases in recalling their feelings. Across both datasets, the intensity of remembered feelings was correlated with initial feelings and current feelings, but the impact of the current feelings was stronger in the COVID-19 dataset than in the 9/11 dataset. Our results demonstrate that when recalling negative autobiographical events, people tend to overestimate the intensity of prior negative emotional experiences with their degree of bias influenced by current feelings and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a new method for selecting cases for in situ, immediate interview research: detector-driven classroom interviewing (DDCI). Published work in educational data mining and learning analytics has yielded highly scalable measures that can detect key aspects of student interaction with computer-based learning in close to real-time. These measures detect a variety of constructs and make it possible to increase the precision and time-efficiency of this form of research. We review four examples that show how the method can be used to study why students become frustrated and how they respond, how anxiety influences how students respond to frustration, how metacognition interacts with affect, and how to improve the design of an adaptive learning system. Lastly, we compare DDCI to other mixed-methods approaches and outline opportunities for detector-driven classroom interviewing in research and practice, including research opportunities, design improvement opportunities, and pedagogical opportunities for teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Author(s): Craig Warlick [sup.1] [sup.2] , Paul B. Ingram [sup.3] , M. Alexandra Vuyk [sup.4] , Karen D. Multon [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.266515.3, 0000 0001 2106 0692, Department of [...], The M5-50 is a brief 50 item international personality item pool public-domain five-factor model personality instrument. While public-domain instruments can facilitate social justice by allowing access to instruments to those who may not have the financial resources to use a pay-to-use instrument, public-domain measures may lack the scrutiny given to pay-to-use instruments. This study provides scrutiny through examining the concurrent validity evidence of the M5-50 by correlating it to the proprietary NEO-PI-3. Additionally, to provide additional validity, this study also correlates the M5-50 domains with well-documented relationships with religious fundamentalism. Regarding the NEO-PI-3, the domains of Neuroticism and Conscientiousness appear to well represent their NEO-PI-3 domain counterparts, whereas Extraversion and Agreeableness had weak relationships with some facet-level content. Openness to Experience on the M5-50 appears able to align with both the Openness/Intellect model and a unified domain structure suggested by traditional five-factor model literature as M5-50 domains and items most strongly correlate with the Aesthetics and Ideas facets in the NEO-PI-3 Openness domain. Regarding religious fundamentalism, the M5-50 domain of Openness had an inverse relationship with fundamentalism, while extraversion had a positive relationship with fundamentalism. Interpretive recommendations for the M5-50 and recommendations for future development of brief, IPIP-based Openness to Experience domains are discussed.