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Solving mathematical story problems has proven to be a challenge for primary school students with and without developmental disabilities. The present study replicates a behavior analytic study (Neef et al.) by teaching three autistic Chinese students in inclusive education classes to solve addition/subtraction story problems by acquiring an overt precurrent behavior chain. The intervention was effective for all participants by employing a multiple baseline design across behaviors. Additionally, the study extends Neef et al. by conducting maintenance, generalization, and social validity assessments, and expands the teaching format to distance learning (telehealth). The results and limitations are discussed based on Skinner's conceptualization of problem‐solving and its clinical application in teaching complex mathematical skills to students with developmental disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a cause of chronic headaches that are probably driven by raised intracranial pressure (ICP). Cerebral venous sinus pressure is thought to play a role in the underlying pathology, but its relation with intracranial pressure requires further investigation. We aimed to evaluate the concordance between lumbar puncture opening pressure (LPOP) as indicator of the ICP and cerebral venous sinus pressure in patients investigated for IIH. Methods: In this case-series replication study, all patients with IIH suspicion and who underwent cerebral venous sinus pressure measurement followed immediately by LP opening pressure (LPOP) measurement were retrospectively included. Pearson's correlation and measurement agreement (Bland-Altman plots) between venous pressure and LPOP were analyzed. Results: 52 consecutive patients (46 women; median age, 31 years [IQR = 25–42]) were included. The mean pressure in the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) and in the torcular were 20.9mmHg (SD ± 7.3) and 20.8 mmHg (SD ± 6.8), respectively. The mean LPOP was 22mmHg (SD ± 6.4). Pressure measured in the transverse venous sinus, the torcular, and the SSS correlated with LPOP (p < 0.001). Bland-Altman plots showed that torcular pressure strongly agreed with LPOP (mean difference of 1.7mmHg). The limit of agreement (LOA) (mean difference ± 1.96SD) contained 98.1% of the differences between the two methods, confirming the concordance between the two measures. Torcular pressure and LPOP were consistent in patients with a trans-stenotic pressure gradient ≥ or < to 8 mmHg (mean difference: 1mmHg and 2.4mmHg, respectively), and for those with a LP OP ≥ or < to 18mmHg (mean difference: 1.8mmHg and 1.95mmHg, respectively). Conclusions: In patients investigated for IIH, the ICP measured at the LP is correlated and concordant with the torcular pressure. These results confirm previous findings and further corroborate the hypothesis that cerebral venous system plays a major role in CSF dynamics and ICP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health disparities among African Americans have been reported for decades. This is especially true for cardiovascular disease (CVD) even when compared with other minority groups in America. Such disparities have been tied to perceived discrimination. A previous study found that perceived racism accounted for a substantial percentage of the variance in resting heart rate variability (HRV), an independent biomarker of cardiac health. The present study attempts to replicate such findings. This study includes 57 healthy African American individuals who met inclusion criteria. Participants were given the Perceived Ethnic Discrimination Questionnaire–Community Version (PEDQ-CV) and the Perceived Racism Scale (PRS) and had their resting HRV and blood pressure measured. After accounting for breathing rate and age, the lifetime score on the PRS uniquely accounted for up to 45% of the variability of HRV metrics. The PEDQ-CV was not found to be a statistically significant predictor of HRV. Within this sample, blood pressure was not significantly predicted by either scale. The findings suggest that lifetime perceived racism may directly affect HRV indices, which may indicate an increased risk for CVD. Further research should continue to investigate this association and potential avenues for related intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data-based decision-making (DBDM) using curriculum-based measurement (CBM) data has demonstrated effectiveness in improving academic achievement for students with or at risk for learning disability. Despite substantial evidence supporting DBDM, its use is not common practice for many educators, even those who regularly collect CBM data. One explanation for its lack of widespread use is that educators may not receive adequate training in the DBDM aspects of CBM. Espin et al. examined the extent to which DBDM is represented in CBM professional development (PD) materials and found that the topic was significantly underrepresented (12% to 14% of CBM PD material content) compared with other CBM topics. The purpose of this study was to conduct a conceptual replication of the Espin et al. systematic review through an analysis of CBM content in practitioner journal articles. The present review includes 29 practitioner articles coded to the four CBM categories used in the Espin et al. study: (a) general CBM information, (b) conducting CBM, (c) data-based decision-making, and (d) other. Results revealed a pattern similar to the one found by Espin et al. with approximately 18% of the content of practitioner articles on CBM devoted to the topic of decision-making. These findings strengthen the recommendation from Espin et al. for increased attention to DBDM in CBM training materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Oropharyngeal swallowing exercise-based interventions are frequently utilized to target physiologic mechanisms with the goal of improving swallowing function. However, study replicability and evidence synthesis regarding effects of interventions are limited due to inconsistent reporting on factors known to influence treatment delivery. In order to promote consistency of reporting factors associated with replicability, the authors constructed a set of preferred parameters focused on dysphagia as part of the initial version of the larger tool (Framework for RigOr aNd Transparency In REseaRch on Swallowing or FRONTIERS). Method: Thirty-eight initial questions were assembled by the authors as part of the treatment subsection. Questions were then reviewed by individuals in the FRONTIERS collaborative who have expertise in research, clinical practice, or both. Result: Twenty-four questions were removed following review, reducing the final set of treatment-focused questions to 14 questions. Conclusions: The revised set of questions provides users of the exercisebased treatment section of the FRONTIERS checklist with an initial checklist to promote transparency and rigor to improve study replicability and evidence synthesis. We intend for this treatment section of FRONTIERS to undergo further refinement following commentary and feedback. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the prevalence of physical morbidities between older aged patients with bipolar disorder (OABD) and non-psychiatric comparisons (NC), and to analyze sex differences in prevalence. OABD was defined as bipolar disorder among adults aged ≥50 years. Outcomes analyzed were the prevalence of diseases affecting the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, renal, musculoskeletal, and endocrine systems. The analysis used cross-sectional data of OABD participants (n = 878; mean age 60.9 ± 8.0 years, n = 496 (56%) women) from the collaborative Global Aging & Geriatric Experiments in Bipolar Disorder (GAGE-BD) dataset and NC participants recruited at the same sites (n = 355; mean age 64.4 ± 9.7 years, n = 215 (61%) women). After controlling for sex, age, education, and smoking history, the OABD group had more cardiovascular (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 2.12 [1.38–3.30]), renal (5.97 [1.31–43.16]), musculoskeletal (2.09 [1.30–3.43]) and endocrine (1.90 [1.20–3.05]) diseases than NC. Women with OABD had more gastrointestinal (1.56 [0.99–2.49]), genitourinary (1.72 [1.02–2.92]), musculoskeletal (2.64 [1.66–4.37]) and endocrine (1.71 [1.08–2.73]) comorbidities than men with OABD, when age, education, smoking history, and study site were controlled. This replication GAGE-BD study confirms previous findings indicating that OABD present more physical morbidities than matched comparison participants, and that this health burden is significantly greater among women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism is heterogeneous, which complicates providing tailored support and future prospects. We aim to identify subgroups in autistic adults with average to high intelligence, to clarify if certain subgroups might need support. We included 14 questionnaire variables related to aging and/or autism (e.g., demographic, psychological, and lifestyle). Community detection analysis was used for subgroup identification in an original sample of 114 autistic adults with an adulthood diagnosis (autism) and 58 non-autistic adults as comparison group (COMP), and a replication sample (NAutism = 261; NCOMP = 287), both aged 30–89 years. Next, we identified subgroups and assessed external validity (for cognitive and psychological difficulties, and quality of life [QoL]) in the autism samples. To test specificity, we repeated the analysis after adding 123 adults with ADHD, aged 30–80 years. As expected, the autism and COMP groups formed distinct subgroups. Among autistic adults, we identified three subgroups of which two were replicated. One of these subgroups seemed most vulnerable on the cluster variables; this subgroup also reported the most cognitive and psychological difficulties, and lowest QoL. Adding the ADHD group did not alter results. Within autistic adults, one subgroup could especially benefit from support and specialized care, although this must be tested in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To predict the ecological consequences of expected global change, we need to understand the independent and combined effects of multiple stressors. Multiple experimental treatments are required to simultaneously test for effects of multiple stressors at different levels of intensity, independently and combined, and at different levels of biological organization. Most marine multiple stressors studies to date are conducted on assembled communities in mesocosms with a low number of treatments or low replication of treatments or both. These limitations prevent (1) robust data analyses, (2) characterization of single and combined effects of multiple stressors, and (3) identification of mechanisms underpinning biological responses. We present a new mesocosm‐based experimental platform for benthic communities: Quantifying the Impacts of Multiple Stressors (QIMS). Here, 96 independent mesocosms facilitate multifactorial and multilevel experimental designs with the high replication required for robust tests of multiple stressors and biological interactions. For example, three distinct pH levels are achieved by manipulating CO2 concentrations in the air supply, and three water temperature levels are provided by a cooling system in a fully crossed design that is required to identify all potential interactions, from which all combinations can be replicated 10 times (i.e., 90 experimental units). We demonstrate clearly how different levels of temperature and pCO2/pH can be manipulated precisely and maintained for at least 7 weeks. QIMS complements the limited number of permanently installed marine mesocosm facilities worldwide that simulate ocean warming and/or acidification and expedites multiple stressor research by providing an unprecedented level of replication for statistical robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Following consumption of a meal, circulating glucose concentrations can rise and then fall briefly below the basal/fasting concentrations. This phenomenon is known as reactive hypoglycaemia but to date no researcher has explored potential inter-individual differences in response to meal consumption. Objective: We conducted a secondary analysis of existing data to examine inter-individual variability of reactive hypoglycaemia in response to breakfast consumption. Methods: Using a replicate crossover design, 12 healthy, physically active men (age: 18–30 y, body mass index: 22.1 to 28.0 kg⋅m− 2) completed two identical control (continued overnight fasting) and two breakfast (444 kcal; 60% carbohydrate, 17% protein, 23% fat) conditions in randomised sequences. Blood glucose and lactate concentrations, serum insulin and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations, whole-body energy expenditure, carbohydrate and fat oxidation rates, and appetite ratings were determined before and 2 h after the interventions. Inter-individual differences were explored using Pearson's product-moment correlations between the first and second replicates of the fasting-adjusted breakfast response. Within-participant covariate-adjusted linear mixed models and a random-effects meta-analytical approach were used to quantify participant-by-condition interactions. Results: Breakfast consumption lowered 2-h blood glucose by 0.44 mmol/L (95%CI: 0.76 to 0.12 mmol/L) and serum NEFA concentrations, whilst increasing blood lactate and serum insulin concentrations (all p < 0.01). Large, positive correlations were observed between the first and second replicates of the fasting-adjusted insulin, lactate, hunger, and satisfaction responses to breakfast consumption (all r > 0.5, 90%CI ranged from 0.03 to 0.91). The participant-by-condition interaction response variability (SD) for serum insulin concentration was 11 pmol/L (95%CI: 5 to 16 pmol/L), which was consistent with the τ-statistic from the random-effects meta-analysis (11.7 pmol/L, 95%CI 7.0 to 22.2 pmol/L) whereas effects were unclear for other outcome variables (e.g., τ-statistic value for glucose: 0 mmol/L, 95%CI 0.0 to 0.5 mmol/L). Conclusions: Despite observing reactive hypoglycaemia at the group level, we were unable to detect any meaningful inter-individual variability of the reactive hypoglycaemia response to breakfast. There was, however, evidence that 2-h insulin responses to breakfast display meaningful inter-individual variability, which may be explained by relative carbohydrate dose ingested and variation in insulin sensitivity of participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the High Valleys of Central Mexico, improved white-grained and free-pollinated corn varieties are needed for medium-productivity conditions. This research aimed to determine the productive capacity and the stability of grain yield of a group of free-pollinated corn varieties using the AMMI procedure. Nine varieties of conical race of intermediate cycle corn were evaluated, four experimental from the Cuautitlán Faculty of Higher Studies of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, two experimental from the National Institute of Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research-Valle de México Experimental Field and three commercial control varieties from the National Institute of Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research- Valle de México Experimental Field, in the spring-summer cycle of 2016 to 2019, in two locations, the Cuautitlán Faculty of Higher Studies of the National Autonomous University of Mexico and the National Institute of Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research-Valle de México Experimental Field. A randomized complete block experimental design with four replications was used. Yield data and other variables were analyzed in a factorial arrangement, considering environments, genotypes, and their interactions as sources of variation. The AMMI procedure was used to evaluate the varieties for their stability in grain yield. The combined analysis of variance detected highly significant differences for all variables between environments, genotypes, and the genotype-by-environment interaction. The overall mean yield was 5 090 kg ha-1. In the comparison of means between environments, in 2017, the Cuautitlán Faculty of Higher Studies of the National Autonomous University of Mexico had the best yield, with 9 163 kg ha-1. The Maíz Texotli Puma variety expressed the best yield with 6 491 kg ha-1. The free-pollinated corn varieties with the best stability in grain yield were V 80 Turrent and V 23 Huamantla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there has been a large body of research conducted on girl and young women victims of commercial sexual exploitation, boy and young men victims do not receive the same attention. The scant research that exists demonstrates mixed findings on the prevalence of boys and young men as victims of commercial sexual exploitation. For example, some studies find they are not as likely to be victims and others find they are victimized equally, or in some cases, potentially even more so than girls and young women, depending on location. ECPAT published a study in 2013 that revealed a lack of awareness and misclassification of boys as victims and the lack of services available to help them. The purpose of this study is to replicate the ECPAT study and determine what changes might have occurred over the past decade. We consulted with key individuals involved in serving boys and young men and conducted a survey of anti-trafficking service agencies to gather current information on the boys/young men being referred to them for care, the dynamics of their victimization, their most pressing needs, the services/programs being offered, and gaps in service in their respective locations. Among other relevant findings, one commonality among the boys and young men served by the responding agencies was a history of sexual abuse. Findings inform service providers and contribute to advocacy efforts and policy recommendations at the local, state, and federal levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conceptual replications are part and parcel of education science. Methodologically rigorous conceptual replication studies permit researchers to test and strengthen the generalizability of a study's initial findings. The current conceptual replication sought to replicate the efficacy of a small-group, first-grade mathematics intervention with 240 first-grade students with mathematics difficulties in a new geographical region. Participating students were randomized into one of three conditions: (a) 2:1 mathematics intervention group, (b) 5:1 mathematics intervention group, or (c) business-as-usual instruction. Relative to the original study, findings from the replication varied. When comparing the treatment groups to the control, results suggested positive effects on all outcome measures, including a follow-up assessment administered one year later. However, differences between the two treatment groups based on group size were not found in the mathematics outcome measures. Both groups also received commensurate levels of observed instructional interactions. Implications for unpacking contextual differences between original research and their replications as well as using future research to explore the quantity and quality of instructional interactions as ways to explain variation in findings of group size are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental studies show that vividness and emotionality of aversive memories decrease after recall with eye movements. We aimed at replicating this finding. Relatedly, consistent with Conway's view that memory retrieval is constructive, we examined changes in the content of the memories. If eye movements render a memory less aversive, it may be avoided less, stimulating recall and increasing the opportunity to infer (contextual) details. Two experiments (N = 97 and N = 250) examined whether eye movements affect the number of central and peripheral memory details and characteristics. Female undergraduate students were randomly allocated to either eye movements with recall (EM) or recall only (RO). Before and after the experimental task, participants rated the vividness and emotionality, provided a detailed description and evaluated other memory characteristics. We replicated earlier findings that vividness (both experiments) and emotionality (experiment 2) were reduced more after EM compared to RO. However, conditions did not statistically significantly differ with respect to content details and other memory characteristics. Overall, findings support the idea that eye movements decrease the experience of the memory as vivid and emotional. Results are inconclusive regarding the idea that eye movements alter the number of recalled central and peripheral memory details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In synchronous‐reinforcement schedules, the duration of behavior directly controls the duration of reinforcement on a moment‐to‐moment basis. We replicated and extended Diaz de Villegas et al. (2020) by comparing the effects of synchronous reinforcement with two accumulated‐reinforcement schedules for increasing on‐task behavior for seven preschoolers. One accumulated schedule was the same as the one used in Diaz de Villegas et al. and did not include tokens, whereas the other accumulated schedule included the delivery of tokens within session. Furthermore, we assessed preference for the three reinforcement schedules. The results showed that synchronous reinforcement was effective for increasing on‐task behavior for all seven participants. Furthermore, it was most effective for increasing on‐task behavior for three out of seven participants and preferred by all participants. For some participants, other schedules were also similarly effective. The results are discussed with respect to implications for application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the effects of a discrimination training procedure for establishing praise as a reinforcer for three children with autism spectrum disorder. After establishing two praise words as discriminative stimuli and two nonsense words as S‐deltas, we evaluated whether the stimuli then functioned as reinforcers by presenting each stimulus as a consequence for a new response. The results demonstrated that previously neutral praise words functioned as reinforcers and nonsense words did not. As in previous studies on establishing reinforcers, the effects were transitory, and praise words did not continue to function as reinforcers after repeated exposure without discrimination training. Recommendations are provided for future research and maintaining reinforcement effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The speech-language-hearing sciences (SLHS) field relies on rigorous research to inform clinical practice and improve outcomes for individuals with communication, swallowing, and hearing needs. However, a significant challenge in our field is the lack of accessibility, transparency, and reproducibility of this research. Such insufficiencies limit the generalizability and impact of study findings, particularly intervention research, as it becomes difficult to replicate and use the interventions in both clinical practice and research. In this tutorial, we highlight one particularly useful tool, the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR; Hoffmann et al., 2014) checklist, which researchers can follow to improve reproducibility practices in SLHS. Conclusions: We provide an overview and guide on using the TIDieR checklist with a practical example of its implementation. Additionally, we discuss the potential benefits of increased transparency and reproducibility for SLHS, including improved clinical outcomes and increased confidence in the effectiveness of interventions. We also provide specific recommendations for scientists, journal reviewers, editors, and editorial boards as they seek to adopt, implement, and encourage using the TIDieR checklist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various plant species can be selected for environmental testing, including pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br), a globally significant cereal crop. This study aims to assess millet's suitability as a species for ecotoxicological tests, examining (1) germination and initial development dynamics, (2) the minimum seed quantity for reliable sampling, (3) optimal experimental design with replication numbers, (4) suitability of positive control, and (5) the effectiveness of the protocol in evaluating toxic effects of environmental pollutants. Millet exhibited rapid and uniform germination as well as consistent initial seedling development. To establish the minimum number of seeds required for reliable experimentation, germination, and seedling growth were compared across plots containing 10, 25, and 50 seeds. Consequently, 10 seeds per plot were chosen for subsequent experiments to reduce labor and costs while maintaining reliability. To validate the selected experimental design, and to establish a positive control for assays, aluminum was used as a toxic element at concentrations ranging from 10-2 to 10-6 M. While aluminum did not affect the final percentage of germinated seeds, it did exhibit an impact on the Germination Speed Index (GSI). Significant differences in root and aerial growth, and with fresh weight, were observed. The 10-3M concentration was chosen as the positive control as the 10-2 concentration showed extreme toxicity. To assess the applicability of the established protocol in determining the toxic effects of environmental pollutants, millet roots were exposed to the toxic agents atrazine, cadmium, methyl methane sulfonate (MMS), and Spent pot liner (SPL). Millet demonstrated sensitivity and efficiency in response to these tests. In conclusion, millet proves to be an effective species for the toxicological risk assessment of environmental pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The observational association between cathepsin and Parkinson's disease (PD) has been partially explored in previous research. However, the causal relationship remains unclear. In this study, our objective is to investigate the causal link between cathepsin and PD using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and elucidate the underlying mechanisms governing their interaction. Methods: Utilizing bidirectional two-sample MR and multivariable MR, we systematically investigates the causal relationship between nine cathepsins and PD. The data pertaining to cathepsins were obtained from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) Open GWAS Project, while data related to PD were sourced from versions R9 and R10 of the FinnGen database. The primary analytical method utilized was the inverse variance weighted (IVW), with MR analysis initially conducted using PD data from R9, complemented by a series of sensitivity analyses. Subsequently, replication analysis was performed on the R10 dataset, and meta-analysis were employed to merge the findings from both datasets. To explore potential mechanisms by which Cathepsins may impact PD, MR analyses were performed on significant Cathepsins with alpha-synuclein. MR analysis and colocalization analysis were conducted on expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data of gene related to alpha-synuclein with PD data. Result: Forward MR analyses revealed more cathepsin B (CTSB) associated with less PD risk (OR = 0.898, 95%CI: 0.834-0.966, p = 0.004), while more cathepsin H (CTSH) (OR = 1.076, 95%CI: 1.007-1.149, p = 0.029) and more cathepsin S (CTSS) (OR = 1.076, 95%CI: 1.007-1.150, p = 0.030) associated with increasing PD risk. Meta-analyses validated these associations. Multivariate MR Results were consistent with those before adjustment. No significant results were observed in bidirectional MR analysis. In the investigation of the underlying mechanism, our findings demonstrate that CTSB significantly reduces the levels of alpha-synuclein (OR = 0.909, 95%CI: 0.841-0.983, p = 0.017). Concurrently, a genetically determined positive correlation between alpha-synuclein and PD is illuminated by both eQTL MR and colocalization analysis. Conclusion: In conclusion, this MR study yields robust evidence suggesting an association between elevated levels of CTSB and reduced PD risk, mediated by the downregulation of alpha-synuclein levels. Conversely, higher levels of CTSH and CTSS are associated with an increased risk of PD. These findings offer novel insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of PD and identify potential drug targets for disease prevention and treatment warranting further clinical investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over recent decades, optimal experimental design has surged in popularity due to affordable computing and efficient algorithms. However, some researchers highlight that this focus has often side‐lined the importance of including pure experimental replication in designs, as many optimality criteria do not inherently suggest designs with replicates. In this study, we introduce an approach that allows the designer to input a desired replication structure into the optimal design search. We list all potential replication structures, indicate the corresponding budget for pure‐error (PE) and lack‐of‐fit (LOF) degrees‐of‐freedom, and use particle swarm optimization to search for the optimal design in each scenario. We demonstrate our approach on various unexplored I$I$‐optimal design scenarios and several scenarios recently discussed in literature. Our findings reveal the existence of highly‐efficient I$I$‐optimal designs with unique replication structures, offering designers informed choices on allocating a limited budget for PE and LOF degrees‐of‐freedom. This method is versatile and compatible with other optimizers, such as the coordinate exchange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grainger et al. examined flanker effects in an experiment where target words could be morphologically complex (e.g. farmer), have a pseudo-morphological structure (e.g. corner), or have no morphological structure (e.g. cashew). Target words were flanked on both sides by the left-aligned embedded word in the related flanker condition (e.g. farm farmer farm; corn corner corn; cash cashew cash). Effects of related flankers were compared with matched unrelated flankers (e.g. book farmer book). Significantly greater effects of flanker relatedness were found with morphologically related flankers compared with both pseudo-morphological flankers and non-morphological embedded word flankers. However, more recent work in Spanish has failed to replicate this specific pattern. We therefore sought to replicate our findings in French, while increasing experimental power and modifying the nonword targets. The results of the present study successfully replicate the findings of Grainger et al. [(2021). Morphological processing in the flankers task. Language, Cognition and Neuroscience, 36(3), 288–295. ]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The modulation of brain circuits of emotion is a promising pathway to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD). Precise and scalable approaches have yet to be established. Two studies investigating the amygdala-related electrical fingerprint (Amyg-EFP) in BPD are presented: one study addressing the deep-brain correlates of Amyg-EFP, and a second study investigating neurofeedback (NF) as a means to improve brain self-regulation. Methods: Study 1 combined electroencephalography (EEG) and simultaneous functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the replicability of Amyg-EFP-related brain activation found in the reference dataset (N = 24 healthy subjects, 8 female; re-analysis of published data) in the replication dataset (N = 16 female individuals with BPD). In the replication dataset, we additionally explored how the Amyg-EFP would map to neural circuits defined by the research domain criteria. Study 2 investigated a 10-session Amyg-EFP NF training in parallel to a 12-weeks residential dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) program. Fifteen patients with BPD completed the training, N = 15 matched patients served as DBT-only controls. Results: Study 1 replicated previous findings and showed significant amygdala blood oxygenation level dependent activation in a whole-brain regression analysis with the Amyg-EFP. Neurocircuitry activation (negative affect, salience, and cognitive control) was correlated with the Amyg-EFP signal. Study 2 showed Amyg-EFP modulation with NF training, but patients received reversed feedback for technical reasons, which limited interpretation of results. Conclusions: Recorded via scalp EEG, the Amyg-EFP picks up brain activation of high relevance for emotion. Administering Amyg-EFP NF in addition to standardized BPD treatment was shown to be feasible. Clinical utility remains to be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2006, Marks and Fraley published research suggesting that people remembered more information that was consistent rather than inconsistent with a sexual double standard. Despite the impact of that paper on the field, there were several caveats of that research, including a small sample. The present research, therefore, aims to replicate and extend Marks and Fraley's research. Presently, 400 participants read a vignette about a sexually active man or woman for two minutes. This vignette contained an equal amount of positive and negative information. Participants then had 5 minutes to recall the information from the vignette. In the extension portion of the research, some participants experienced an experimentally varied delay, which was used to create forgetting curves in an effort to parse apart whether any differences in recall were due to differences in the encoding process, retrieval process, or both. Recall results replicated the pattern of results from Marks and Fraley (2006), in that participants remembered more negative information about the woman than the man, and more negative than positive information about the woman. Analyses of forgetting curves were inconclusive, as the predictors explained less than 0.5% of the variance in recalled information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We responded to the need for replication in psychotherapy research by extending a prior naturalistic study documenting the effectiveness of long‐term psychodynamic treatment. We employed three novel analytic strategies and evaluated their influence on substantive interpretations offered in the prior study. The sample consisted of clients (N = 387; Mage = 31.61; SD = 11.13; 58.9% female; 79.1% Caucasian/White) receiving outpatient treatment at a psychodynamic training clinic. Results replicated the original two‐class solutions for social functioning, depression and life satisfaction. Novel to the replication analyses, each trajectory for social functioning and depression exhibited nonlinear change and results advanced research on a theorised mechanism of effective psychodynamic treatment. Results showed that change in experiential avoidance was a possible mechanism between early‐treatment change in social functioning and later‐treatment changes in depression symptoms and life satisfaction. Clinical implications focus on the influence that initial levels of symptoms and well‐being may have on early and later phases of treatment, monitoring progress throughout treatment, and how to promote symptom and well‐being improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Replicating the studies of Gibson et al and Brownstein et al to assess performance, and physiological, and perceived variables during a repeated sprint protocol (RSP) with standardized versus self-selected recovery in youth soccer players. Methods: Nineteen male soccer players (age 13.1 [1.3] y) completed 2 separate RSPs. RSP1: 10 × 30-m sprints with 30-second recovery and RSP2: 10 × 30-m sprints interspersed with self-selected recovery periods. Mean time of both 10 × 30-m RSPs and self-selected recovery periods of RSP2 were assessed. Heart rate, blood lactate concentration, and rates of perceived exertion were measured following RSPs. Results: RSP2 revealed longer recovery periods (RSP1: 30.0 [0.0] s; RSP2: 39.0 [7.7] s; P <.001; effect size d = 1.648) with shorter repeated sprint time (mean 30-m sprint time: RSP1: 4.965 [0.256] s; RSP2: 4.865 [0.227] s; P =.014; d = 0.414). Blood lactate concentration (P =.002–.005; d = 0.730–0.958), heart rate (P <.001; d = 1.353), and rates of perceived exertion (RSP1: 14.9 [1.9]; RSP2: 12.9 [2.1]; P =.016; d = 1.046) were higher following RSP1. Conclusion: In contrast to the original studies, the present replication study demonstrated that self-selected recovery periods during a RSP leads to better repeated sprint performance compared with standardized recovery periods in youth soccer players. The better repeated sprint performance with individual recovery durations in RSP2 was achieved with less physiological and perceived effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice length and shape are the important quality traits in rice that affect consumer acceptance and price. Rice length and shape can be improved through crosses followed by selection. Genetic parameters influence effective selection. The research objectives are to estimate genetic parameters for rice length and shape in the F2 population of Basmati Delta 9 x Koshihikari and Basmati Pakistan x Inpago Unsoed 1. F2 rice population from crosses of Basmati Delta 9 (extra-long, slender) x Koshihikari (short, round), Basmati Pakistan (extra-long, slender) x Inpago Unsoed 1 (medium, medium), and the parents are used for research material. The genotype is planted using an experimental design with no replication. Rice length and shape data were collected from each plant. The collected data is used to estimate the genetic parameters of rice length and shape. The results show that polygenes control rice length and shape. Transgressive segregation is obtained in the F2 population of Pakistan Basmati x Inpago Unsoed 1. The genetic diversity of rice length and shape is low, so reducing the selection intensity of these traits is suggested. The estimate of broad sense heritability and genetic gain of rice length and shape was high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study takes on the challenge of quantifying a complex causal loop diagram describing how poverty and health affect each other, and does so using longitudinal data from The Netherlands. Furthermore, this paper elaborates on its methodological approach in order to facilitate replication and methodological advancement. Methods: After adapting a causal loop diagram that was built by stakeholders, a longitudinal structural equation modelling approach was used. A cross-lagged panel model with nine endogenous variables, of which two latent variables, and three time-invariant exogenous variables was constructed. With this model, directional effects are estimated in a Granger-causal manner, using data from 2015 to 2019. Both the direct effects (with a one-year lag) and total effects over multiple (up to eight) years were calculated. Five sensitivity analyses were conducted. Two of these focus on lower-income and lower-wealth individuals. The other three each added one exogenous variable: work status, level of education, and home ownership. Results: The effects of income and financial wealth on health are present, but are relatively weak for the overall population. Sensitivity analyses show that these effects are stronger for those with lower incomes or wealth. Physical capability does seem to have strong positive effects on both income and financial wealth. There are a number of other results as well, as the estimated models are extensive. Many of the estimated effects only become substantial after several years. Conclusions: Income and financial wealth appear to have limited effects on the health of the overall population of The Netherlands. However, there are indications that these effects may be stronger for individuals who are closer to the poverty threshold. Since the estimated effects of physical capability on income and financial wealth are more substantial, a broad recommendation would be that including physical capability in efforts that are aimed at improving income and financial wealth could be useful and effective. The methodological approach described in this paper could also be applied to other research settings or topics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies have reported that metabolic disturbance exhibits in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Still, the presence of definitive evidence concerning the genetic effect of metabolites on AD risk remains insufficient. A systematic exploration of the genetic association between blood metabolites and AD would contribute to the identification of new targets for AD screening and prevention. Methods: We conducted an exploratory two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study aiming to preliminarily identify the potential metabolites involved in AD development. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving 7,824 participants provided information on 486 human blood metabolites. Outcome information was obtained from a large-scale GWAS meta-analysis of AD, encompassing 21,982 cases and 41,944 controls of Europeans. The primary twosample MR analysis utilized the inverse variance weighted (IVW) model while supplementary analyses used Weighted median (WM), MR Egger, Simple mode, and Weighted mode, followed by sensitivity analyses such as the heterogeneity test, horizontal pleiotropy test, and leave-one-out analysis. For the further identification of metabolites, replication and meta-analysis with FinnGen data, steiger test, linkage disequilibrium score regression, confounding analysis, and were conducted for further evaluation. Multivariable MR was performed to assess the direct effect of metabolites on AD. Besides, an extra replication analysis with EADB data was conducted for final evaluation of the most promising findings. Results: After rigorous genetic variant selection, IVW, complementary analysis, sensitivity analysis, replication and meta-analysis with the FinnGen data, five metabolites (epiandrosterone sulfate, X-12680, pyruvate, docosapentaenoate, and 1-stearoylglycerophosphocholine) were identified as being genetically associated with AD. MVMR analysis disclosed that genetically predicted these four known metabolites can directly influence AD independently of other metabolites. Only epiandrosterone sulfate and X-12680 remained suggestive significant associations with AD after replication analysis with the EADB data. Conclusion: By integrating genomics with metabonomics, this study furnishes evidence substantiating the genetic association of epiandrosterone sulfate and X-12680 with AD. These findings hold significance for the screening, prevention, and treatment strategies for AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corn (Zea mays L.) production in Mexico is in deficit despite generating 27 million Mg. In southern Sonora, the planted area has grown significantly over the last four years, from 544 to 680 thousand Mg produced in 2018 and 2021, respectively. Ninety-seven percent of the production corresponds to improved white-colored maize from transnational companies; however, there are no commercial plantings of colored maize. The objective of this research was to estimate grain yield and its agronomic components in improved purple corn hybrids in southern Sonora, Mexico, over three years using the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction method (AMMI). A randomized, complete-block experimental design with three replications was used. The plots were two 4 m long furrows with a stocking density of 100 000 plants ha-1. The variables recorded were: grain yield (RG), thousand-kernel weight (PMG), ear length (LM), grains per row (GH), rows per ear (HM), and hectoliter weight (PH). The results showed statistical differences among years, hybrids, and their interaction (AxH) in all variables. The AMMI model was highly effective, allowing the identification of hybrids 1, 2, 7, and 10 with greater stability in the year 2021 associated with RG, PH, and LM, obtaining outstanding averages in all variables and being more appropriate for the climatic conditions of southern Sonora. On the contrary, the most sensitive hybrid with the highest interaction was 4, associated with GH and HM; hybrids 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, and 12 were stable with negative values in 2019 and 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbicide effectiveness is affected by herbicide formulation, rainfall, and weed type. Differences in glyphosate salt formulations and 2,4 D amine mixtures may result in variations in the herbicide's ability to wash off the herbicide due to rain. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of different glyphosate herbicide formulations under varying rainfall in controlling various weeds. The experiment took place in a controlled greenhouse environment, utilizing a split-plot experimental design with four replications. The main plot was assigned to six different rainfall timings: 0 hours after application (HAA), 1 HAA, 2 HAA, 3 HAA, 4 HAA, and no rainfall. The subplots involved different herbicide formulations, namely isopropylamine glyphosate (h1), potassium glyphosate (h2), sodium glyphosate (h3) and glyphosate herbicide, IPA herbicide glyphosate + 2,4 D Amine (h4) and without any herbicide application (h0). Various parameters were observed, including weed dry weight and percentage of mortality growth. The results showed that the effectiveness of each herbicide formulation was different among weed species under simulated rainfall conditions. Ageratum conyzoides could be controlled using isopropylamine glyphosate and potassium glyphosate with rainfall at 1 HAA. Axonopus compressus could be controlled by isopropylamine glyphosate and sodium glyphosate with rainfall at 1 HAA, while Borreria alata and Cyperus rotundus were effectively controlled by isopropylamine glyphosate with rainfall at 1 HAA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social workers are at high risk of work stress and burnout, with the Covid-19 reported to have amplified this risk. The Mindfulness-based Social Work and Self-Care programme (MBSWSC) has been found to support cognitive and emotion regulation of social workers, leading to improved stress, burnout, mental health, and well-being. This randomised controlled trial (RCT) aimed to replicate and expand the findings of an earlier RCT of MBSWSC, with a wider group of social work professionals (including managers), by evaluating the effects of MBSWSC (n  = 29) versus an active control (n  = 31). Replication of RCTs acts as an important means by which findings can be confirmed, results replicated, generalisability assessed and processes and applicability improved. When compared to an online active control group, MBSWSC (which was also delivered online) was found to improve stress, emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation of service users, anxiety, depression, well-being, along with a range of mindfulness mechanisms of action which support cognitive and emotion self-regulation. The results from this study evidence the acceptability, effectiveness and durability of MBSWSC, and provide clear guidance that if MBSWSC is implemented across social work services, social workers are likely to experience improvements in these critical social work practice and self-care outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The Global Aging & Geriatric Experiments in Bipolar Disorder Database (GAGE‐BD) project pools archival datasets on older age bipolar disorder (OABD). An initial Wave 1 (W1; n = 1369) analysis found both manic and depressive symptoms reduced among older patients. To replicate this finding, we gathered an independent Wave 2 (W2; n = 1232, mean ± standard deviation age 47.2 ± 13.5, 65% women, 49% aged over 50) dataset. Design/Methods: Using mixed models with random effects for cohort, we examined associations between BD symptoms, somatic burden and age and the contribution of these to functioning in W2 and the combined W1 + W2 sample (n = 2601). Results: Compared to W1, the W2 sample was younger (p < 0.001), less educated (p < 0.001), more symptomatic (p < 0.001), lower functioning (p < 0.001) and had fewer somatic conditions (p < 0.001). In the full W2, older individuals had reduced manic symptom severity, but age was not associated with depression severity. Age was not associated with functioning in W2. More severe BD symptoms (mania p ≤ 0.001, depression p ≤ 0.001) were associated with worse functioning. Older age was significantly associated with higher somatic burden in the W2 and the W1 + W2 samples, but this burden was not associated with poorer functioning. Conclusions: In a large, independent sample, older age was associated with less severe mania and more somatic burden (consistent with previous findings), but there was no association of depression with age (different from previous findings). Similar to previous findings, worse BD symptom severity was associated with worse functioning, emphasizing the need for symptom relief in OABD to promote better functioning. Key points: With the global population of older adults increasing rapidly, it is important to understand how older adults with bipolar disorder (BD) differ from younger adults.This replication analysis using a large global dataset focused on older‐age bipolar disorder (OABD) and examined associations of older age, BD symptoms, somatic burden and functioning.Older age was associated with less severe mania and more somatic burden but there was no association of depression with age.Worse BD symptom severity was associated with worse functioning, emphasizing the need for symptom relief in OABD to promote better functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-term memory (STM) impairments are common among youth with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but not inherent to the disorder. Little is known about predictors driving heterogeneity in STM among youth with ADHD. Prior work (i.e., Ward et al., 2015) has shown that parasympathetic nervous system functioning may play a role explaining this heterogeneity. The current study sought to replicate and extend this study with a diverse sample of 285 children (N = 143 clinically recruited with ADHD) ages 6 to 12 years. Parents reported on child psychopathology and youth completed a visual spatial STM task while psychophysiological data (i.e., heart rate, respiration rate, skin conductance) were recorded, then derived to relevant parasympathetic (i.e., respiratory sinus arrhythmia [RSA]) and sympathetic (i.e., electrodermal activity [EDA]) indexes. Youth with ADHD exhibited lower STM, lower resting RSA, and task-based RSA increase from baseline compared to typically developing peers. RSA moderated the association between STM and ADHD, such that low STM was associated with ADHD in the context of RSA increase from baseline. This was in contrast to Ward and colleagues (2015), which reported that low STM was associated with ADHD in the context of RSA withdrawal from baseline. When analyses were limited to youth with ADHD only, EDA moderated the association between STM and ADHD symptoms, such that low STM performance was associated with elevated symptoms in the context of EDA augmentation from baseline. Findings are discussed in comparison to the original study, and possible explanations for discrepancies in results are explored. Future research directions are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of oven temperature (OT) and slice thickness (ST) of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) on β-carotene, carbohydrate, and moisture contents of OFSP flour was studied. A 22 full factorial experimental design with two replications was used. The washed, peeled and sliced OFSP roots were dried to constant weights in an oven. The dried slices were milled into flour using a grinder and then sieved using a 200 µm sieve to achieve particle size uniformity. The colour parameters, carbohydrate, and moisture contents of the resultant flour were determined. Statistical analyses were carried out using Design Expert 12 software at (p < 0.05) significance level. Results showed that OT had significantly negative effect while ST had significantly positive effect on the pigments, carbohydrate, and moisture contents of OFSP flour. Both OT and ST, however, had significantly positive interaction effect on the dependent variables. At the design points and their proximities, linear equations were found to be adequate. However, at the centres of the design space, the linear equations were found inadequate for predictions, which indicated the need for further studies on quadratic or cubic model development. The results mean that 10 mm thick slices oven-dried at 85oC would give properly dried (9.4% M.C.) high-protein (6.7%) flour; while 10 mm thick slices dried at 45 oC would give high carbohydrate (76%) flour with good colour retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The military family stress (MFS) model conceptualizes that wartime deployments and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms are associated with couple, parenting, and child adjustment difficulties. The aim of this study was to replicate and extend the military family stress model by examining the associations among deployment length, PTSD symptoms, marital functioning, parenting practices, and child adjustment in a replication sample of both National Guard and Reserve (NG/R) as well as active‐duty service member families. The MFS model is extended to test whether these relationships vary between mothers and fathers. The sample included 208 families enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of a parenting program for military families (94.4% of fathers and 21.6% of mothers were deployed). Replicating the MFS model, we specified parenting, marital quality, and child adjustment as latent variables and conducted multi‐group structural equation models. Parenting practices were positively associated with marital quality and child adjustment. PTSD symptoms were negatively associated with marital quality. The indirect effect from PTSD symptoms to parenting practices through marital quality was marginally significant. The indirect effect from marital quality to child adjustment through parenting practices was significant. There were no significant gender differences between the two structural models. This study provides empirical support for the MFS model. Results demonstrate that deployment‐related stressors are significantly associated with parent and family functioning. Parenting programs for military families might effectively target similar risk processes among both mothers and fathers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Despite their importance in the emergence and persistence of severe alcohol use disorder (SAUD), social cognition impairments remain understudied in this population. Hostile attributional biases (HAB), a key component of social cognition, may be involved in interpersonal problems and SAUD maintenance. However, current evidence for HAB in SAUD is highly preliminary, as it relies on a single study based on a small sample and on a task that cannot dissociate increased hostile from reduced benign attributions. We therefore used an improved methodology to further characterize this bias and disentangle underlying mechanisms. In addition, we explored potential gender differences. Method A total of 56 patients (28 women) diagnosed with SAUD and 66 (27 women) demographically matched controls completed the Word-Sentence Association Paradigm-Hostility, which provides a valid, spontaneous, and relatively implicit assessment of both hostile and benign social attributions related to ambiguous situations. They also completed self-report measures of psychopathology and interpersonal problems. Results At the group-level, patients with SAUD presented higher HAB than controls, without group differences for benign attributions. Gender analyses revealed that this effect selectively emerged in men with SAUD. Further, patients' benign attributions did not differ from their hostile attributions. Finally, HAB (not benign attributions) were associated with interpersonal problems and state anxiety in patients. Conclusions The association between SAUD and HAB at the group level is genuine and replicable across samples and tasks. This association may further selectively emerge in men. Our results also confirm the functional significance of HAB in SAUD, and point to potential mechanisms and clinical recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a growing number of studies on how prior beliefs distort citizens' interpretation of performance information for service providers, little is known about whether prior beliefs matter equally across different services and types of providers. In this study, we provide a wide replication and extension of the experimental design used in Baekgaard and Serritzlew (2016) with three types of providers (public, non‐profit, and for‐profit) across two services (nursing homes and refuse collection). Based on two large‐N nationally representative experiments (N = 3018 and N = 3020), we find that citizens' sector preference does indeed impact their interpretation of performance information, corresponding to the original study. However, public sector preference plays a substantially different role in the two services. Our findings strengthen the external validity of previous research and simultaneously identify theoretical boundaries to its application across various services and providers. This, we argue, underlines the importance of replicating and extending pivotal studies on performance information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, experimenters implemented synchronous schedules of reinforcement to increase mask wearing for up to 30 min for six children under the age of 5 years. Additionally, for a subset of children, we evaluated whether mask wearing would continue under baseline conditions in their classroom with staff during 30 min sessions (treatment extension), and later throughout the day (all‐day probes). Results showed the intervention increased mask wearing for all children for up to 30 min. Additionally, treatment‐extension sessions and all‐day probes, conducted with some children, showed mask wearing maintained in their classroom with staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late talking children are at risk of ongoing language impairment. This intervention study replicated and extended research based on cross-situational statistical learning principles. Three late talking children (age 24–32 months) were enrolled into the concurrent multiple baseline single-case experimental intervention study. The intervention consisted of 16 sessions over eight/nine weeks, including 10–11 pairs of target and control words (three per session). Children heard the target words a minimum of 64 times per session, in sentences with high linguistic variability in varied play activities. All children increased production of target words and expressive vocabulary, with statistically significant differences between word acquisition in baseline and intervention phases. One of the three children learnt statistically significantly more target words than control words. The results replicated the findings of previous research for some but not all of the participants, providing individual evidence that this approach has promise as a therapy technique for late talking children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little empirical work has examined future thinking in narcissistic grandiosity. We here extend prior work finding that people scoring high in grandiosity have self-bolstering tendencies in remembering past events, and we consider whether these tendencies extend to imagining future events. Across an initial study (N = 112) and replication (N = 169), participants wrote about remembered past events and imagined future events in which they embodied or would embody either positive or negative traits. Participants then rated those events on several subjective measures. We find that people scoring higher in grandiosity remember past events in which they embody positive traits with greater detail and ease than past events in which they embody negative traits. These same effects persist when people scoring high in grandiosity imagine possible events in their future. Those scoring higher in grandiosity endorse thinking about positive events in their past and future more frequently than negative events, and they judge positive future events as more plausible than negative future events. These tendencies did not extend to objective detail provided in their written narratives about these events. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that grandiosity is associated with self-bolstering tendencies in both remembering the past and imagining the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was developed in areas of the Base Scientific Technological Unit, Los Palacios, Pinar del Río, belonging to the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences. The objective was to evaluate the variability of the yield in bean cultivars (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), associated with growth variables in the final stage of crop development. Six bean cultivars were used (Holguin 518, Tazumal, Tomeguin 93, Bat 304, Bat 832 and Cuba Cueto 25-9), which were planted on four different sowing dates (October 2010, December 2011, January 2012 and October 2012 ), on a Hydromorphic Gley Nodular Ferruginous Petroferric soil. A randomized block experimental design with three replications was used. At the time of harvest, dry mass of pods, grains, stems and total dry mass of the aerial part were determined by adding the dry mass of organs. Harvest Index and pod harvest index were determined. It was shown that there is a positive relationship between the mass of the grains and the agricultural yield regardless of the cultivar and the sowing date, so that this variable constitutes a fundamental component in the formation of yield in the bean crop. Increases in the dry mass of the stems and pods affect the harvest index, so it is not possible that the greater amount of the total biomass production becomes part of the agricultural productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is an anxiety disorder that is believed to affect attention (Stein, M. B., & Sareen, J. (2015). Generalized anxiety disorder. New England Journal of Medicine, 373(21), 2059–2068. ; Yiend, J., Mathews, A., Burns, T., Dutton, K., Fernández-Martín, A., Georgiou, G. A., Luckie, M., Rose, A., Russo, R., & Fox, E. (2015). Mechanisms of selective attention in generalized anxiety disorder. Clinical Psychological Science, 3(5), 758–771. ). Previous literature has found that selective attention is changed when someone perceives threatening stimuli, such as an angry face, and that those with anxiety disorders, may have a heightened or delayed response to threatening stimuli (Richards, H. J., Benson, V., Donnelly, N., & Hadwin, J. A. (2014). Exploring the function of selective attention and hypervigilance for threat in anxiety. Clinical Psychology Review, 34(1), 1–13. ; Stevens, C., & Bavelier, D. (2012). The role of selective attention on academic foundations: A cognitive neuroscience perspective. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 2, S30–S48. ), which may alter how fast a presented task is completed (Yiend et al., 2015). The present study aimed to reproduce findings by Yiend et al. (2015), which identified an unexpected pattern in those with GAD: faster disengagement from angry faces compared to positive (happy, neutral) faces. The present study recruited a larger (nonclinical) sample from a student population to achieve greater statistical power. None of the findings reported by Yiend and colleagues (Experiment 1; 2015) were replicated in a student sample. The implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: To assess the value of monitoring changes in fitness in professional soccer players, using changes in heart rate at submaximal intensity (HR12km/h) over the velocity at a lactate concentration of 4 mmol/L (v4mmol/L). The authors reexamined (1) a range of threshold magnitudes, which may improve detecting substantial individual changes and (2) the agreement between changes in these 2 variables. Methods: On at least 2 occasions during different moments of the season, 97 professional soccer players from Germany (first, second, and fourth division) completed an incremental test to determine HR12km/h and v4mmol/L. Optimal thresholds for changes in HR12km/h and v4mmol/L were assessed, using various methods (eg, smallest worthwhile change + typical error [TE], successive reiterations approach). Agreement between both variable changes was examined for the whole sample (225 comparisons), 4 different subgroups (depending on the moment of the season), and in an individual over 6 years (n = 23 tests). Results: Changes of 4.5% and 6.0% for HR12km/h and v4mmol/L, respectively, were rated as optimal to indicate substantial changes in fitness. Depending on the (sub)groups analyzed, these thresholds yielded 0% to 2% full mismatches, 22% to 38% partial agreements, and 60% to 78% full agreements in terms of fitness change interpretation between both variables. Conclusions: When lactate sampling during incremental tests is not possible, practitioners willing to monitor adult professional soccer players' (Germany; first, second, and fourth division) training status can confidently implement short, 3-minute submaximal runs, with 4.5% changes in HR12km/h being indicative of true substantial fitness changes, with 60% to 78% accuracy. Future studies should investigate the potential role of confounding factors of HR12km/h to improve changes in fitness prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants of Opuntia have modified stems, which are called cladodes, and are specialized structures able to photosynthesize. This study was conducted in order to compare the anatomy of the cladodes of the fruitproducing cultivars Floreadora, Moradaza, and Solferino of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.). The thickness of cladodes, cuticle, epidermis, collenchyma, parenchyma cell walls, and xylem walls was measured; the number of cell strata of the epidermis, collenchyma, parenchyma cells, xylem vessels, and calcium oxalate crystals (druse), were counted, as well as the perimeter of parenchyma cells, xylem vessels, and mucilage cells. A completely randomized experimental design with three replications was used. Among the most outstanding results, it was determined that the cv. Solferino presented the greatest thickness of cladodes, cuticle, collenchyma, collenchyma strata, and druses, and the greatest number of parenchyma cells. Such findings may have interpretations for the adaptation of the Opuntia plants to certain extreme environments. This is because a thicker cuticle, epidermis, collenchyma, and parenchyma in these plants can improve survival and growth in arid conditions. At the same time, these characteristics can optimize the efficient use of water, while providing greater protection of the inner tissues. All of the above has applicability for the selection and cultivation of promising genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this conceptual replication of Sparks and Dale ([2023]. The prediction from MLAT to L2 achievement is largely due to MLAT asessment of underlying L1 abilities. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 1–25) utilizing a dataset previously reported by Sparks et al. ([2009]. Long-term relationships among early L1 skills, L2 aptitude, L2 affect, and later L2 proficiency. Applied Psycholinguistics, 30, 725–755.), L1 achievement scores over 1st–5th grades and L2 aptitude scores from the Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) in 9th grade were examined as predictors of L2 achievement for U.S. secondary students completing L2 courses in 9th and 10th grades. The study's focus was on the uniqueness and efficiency of MLAT with respect to measuring L1 achievement in predicting L2 achievement. All L1 measures and MLAT predicted L2 literacy and language, and L1 measures predicted MLAT scores. Word decoding was the strongest overall L1 predictor, though there was variation across the L2 measures. The unique contribution of MLAT was modest, as the majority of total prediction (77–86%) was due to L1 measures. The efficiency of MLAT in capturing predictive variance from L1 abilities was moderately high (median ∼73%) but variable across the L1 and L2 measures. Findings are generally consistent with those of Sparks and Dale (2023) showing that prediction from MLAT to L2 is largely due to MLAT's assessment of L1 abilities, even though a substantial amount of L2 prediction-relevant L1 variance is missed by MLAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides an overview of Parents and Children Together (PACT), an evidence-based neurocognitive habilitation approach to treatment for children six to 12 years of age in foster or adoptive care who meet criteria for a diagnosis within the fetal alcohol spectrum. Topics include treatment curriculum, contributing factors to the success of the PACT curriculum, and implications for the child welfare system.