bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival, Functional Status, and Eating Ability After Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Placement for Acute Stroke
Authors: Meisel Karl , Arnold Robert M. , Stijacic Cenzer Irena , Boscardin John , Smith Alexander K.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To determine the long‐term survival and independence of individuals with stroke and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

A longitudinal nationally representative community‐based sample of older adults.

Participants

Individuals with stroke who had a PEG tube placed (N = 174, mean age 79, 51% female, 29% African American).

Measurements

Functional status before incident stroke was determined based on data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a national longitudinal survey of community‐dwelling older adults, from 1993 to 2012. Hospitalizations for stroke and PEG placement were determined according to Medicare claims. HRS participants were interviewed, and outcomes of survivors interviewed in the 2 years after hospitalization are described. Survival and functional and eating ability of the cohort were examined. Groups were compared according to age and prestroke functional disability in activities of daily living (ADLs) because it was hypothesized that ADL disability would predict worse outcomes.

Results

In the 2 years after hospitalization, overall mortality was 66%. Fifteen participants survived and regained independent ADL function (9%). Of those who survived to a follow‐up interview, 33 (56%) could not eat independently, and 31 (53%) required assistance to walk across the room. Age of 85 and older was associated with worse outcomes (10% vs 29% at 2 years, P < .001), but baseline ADL disability was not.

Conclusion

In this community‐based sample, individuals who had had a stroke and a PEG tube placed had high mortality, and survivors were unlikely to be functional or mobile or to recover eating ability after hospitalization. A palliative care discussion including goals of care should occur before PEG tube placement is considered.
Caregiving for Older Adults with Obesity in the United States
Authors: Ankuda Claire K. , Harris John , Ornstein Katherine , Levine Deborah A. , Langa Kenneth M. , Kelley Amy S.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To determine the difference in receipt of activity of daily living (ADL) assistance between obese and normal‐weight older adults.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

National Health and Aging Trends Study, 2011–2015.

Participants

U.S. adults aged 65 and older with ADL disability and a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 kg/m2 or greater (N = 5,612)

Measurements

BMI was classified as normal weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m2), or obese (≥30.0 kg/m2). Primary outcome was self‐reported receipt of help with specific ADLs. Models were adjusted for demographic characteristics (age, sex, race), degree of need (self‐reported general health, severity of disability), household resources (income, marriage, people in household, number of children), and cognitive status (dementia, proxy respondent).

Results

Obese with disabilities had lower rates of receiving assistance with walking inside (odds ratio (OR) = 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.50–0.81), walking outside (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.59–0.97), toileting (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.52–0.89), and getting in and out of bed (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.50–0.87) than normal‐weight older adults after adjustment for respondent demographic characteristics. Level of need and cognitive status partially explained the associations. In fully adjusted models, older adults with obesity still had significantly lower odds of receiving assistance in getting in and out of bed than normal weight adults (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.49–0.98).

Conclusion

Older adults with obesity are less likely to receive assistance for ADL disabilities than their normal‐weight counterparts—an important concern because of ongoing demographic changes in the United States.
Welfare Changes in the Cournot Setting with an Empirical Application to the Telecommunications Industry
Authors: Ferreira Pedro
Published: April 2017

I characterize the efficiency of the Cournot equilibrium and provide bounds for the loss in consumer surplus, producer surplus and welfare when the number of firms in the market changes. I only assume that demand is decreasing in price and costs increasing in the quantity produced as long as equilibrium exists. I show how price, demand and average cost, before and after the number of firms in the market changes, can be used to compute these bounds. I apply these bounds to the Portuguese wireline market and conclude that welfare increased significantly when the monopolist was split in 2007.
The efficacy of non‐narcotic analgesics on post‐operative endodontic pain: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shirvani A. , Shamszadeh S. , Eghbal M. J. , Asgary S.
Published: April 2017

The objective of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of non‐narcotic analgesics including non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or paracetamol in the treatment of post‐operative endodontic pain. Additionally, we aimed to examine the possible association of study covariates on the pain scores using meta‐regression analysis. An electronic search was performed in 2016. After data extraction and quality assessment of the included studies (n = 27, representing 2188 patients), meta‐analysis was performed using a random‐effect inverse variance method. Meta‐regression analysis was conducted to examine the associations between effect sizes and study‐level covariates (P < 0·05). The results showed that administration of non‐narcotic analgesic was more effective than placebo in the management of post‐operative pain, resulting in a lower pain scores with a standardised mean difference of −0·50 (95% CI= −0·70, −0·30), −0·76 (95%CI= −0·95, −0·56), −1·15 (95% CI= −1·52, −0·78), −0·65 (95% CI= −1·05, −0·26) for immediately after the procedure, 6−, 12− and 24 h post−operative follow‐ups (test for statistical heterogeneity: P = 0·000, P = 0·000, P = 0·000 and P = 0·001), respectively. Our meta‐regression analysis provided the evidence for association between some study covariates with treatment effect, each at different follow‐ups. We concluded that the clinicians can manage post‐operative endodontic pain by administration of NSAIDs and/or paracetamol. However, analgesic regimens should be considered as important determinants when prescribing a pharmacological adjuvant.
Noninferiority trial investigating the efficacy of a nonantibiotic intramammary therapy in the treatment of mild‐to‐moderate clinical mastitis in dairy cows with longer lasting udder diseases
Authors: Ziesch M. , Wente N. , Zhang Y. , Zaremba W. , Engl S. , Krömker V.
Published: April 2017

A nonblinded, positively controlled, noninferiority trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of an alternative, nonantibiotic therapy with Masti Veyxym® to reduce ineffective antibiotic usage in the treatment of nonsevere clinical mastitis (CM) in cows with longer lasting udder diseases. The solely intramammary treatment with Masti Veyxym® (three applications, 12 hr apart) and the combined treatment with Masti Veyxym® and antibiotics as usual on the farm according to label of the respective product were compared with the reference treatment of solely antibiotic therapy. The matched field study was conducted on eight free‐stall dairy farms located in Eastern Germany. Cases of mild‐to‐moderate CM in cows with longer lasting high somatic cell counts in preceding dairy herd improvement test days and with previous CM cases in current lactation were randomly allocated to one of the three treatment groups. A foremilk sample of the affected quarter was taken before treatment and again approximately 14 days and 21 days after the end of therapy for cyto‐bacteriological examination. Primary outcomes were clinical cure (CC) and no CM recurrence within 60 days after the end of treatment (no R60). Bacteriological cure (BC) and quarter somatic cell count (QSCC) cure were chosen as secondary outcomes although low probabilities of BC and QSCC cure for selected cows were expected. The study resulted in the following findings: the pathogens mostly cultured from pretreatment samples were Streptococcus uberis, followed by Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase‐negative staphylococci. There were no significant differences between the two test treatments in comparison with the reference treatment regarding all outcome variables. The sole therapy with Masti Veyxym® resulted in a numerically lower likelihood of BC without significant differences to the reference treatment. The combined therapy group showed a numerically higher nonrecurrence rate than the two other treatment groups and noninferiority compared to the reference treatment was proven. Having regard to the selection criteria of cows in this study, the findings indicated that sole treatment with Masti Veyxym® in nonsevere CM cases may constitute an alternative therapy to reduce antibiotics. However, noninferiority evaluations were mostly inconclusive. Further investigations with a larger sample size are required to confirm the results and to make a clear statement on noninferiority.
Socioeconomic determinants of growth in a longitudinal study in Nepal
Authors: Devakumar Delan , Kular Dalvir , Shrestha Bhim P. , Grijalva‐Eternod Carlos , Daniel Rhian M. , Saville Naomi M. , Manandhar Dharma S. , Costello Anthony , Osrin David , Wells Jonathan C.K.
Published: April 2017

Socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with childhood anthropometry, but little is known about how it is associated with tissue growth and body composition. To investigate this, we looked at components of SES at birth with growth in early and mid‐childhood, and body composition in a longitudinal study in Nepal. The exposure variables (material assets, land ownership, and maternal education) were quantified from questionnaire data before birth. Anthropometry data at birth, 2.5 and 8.5 years, were normalized using WHO reference ranges and conditional growth calculated. Associations with child growth and body composition were explored using multiple regression analysis. Complete anthropometry data were available for 793 children. There was a positive association between SES and height‐for‐age and weight‐for‐age, and a reduction in odds of stunting and underweight for each increase in rank of SES variable. Associations tended to be significant when moving from the lower to the upper asset score, from none to secondary education, and no land to >30 dhur (~500 m2). The strongest associations were for maternal secondary education, showing an increase of 0.6–0.7 z scores in height‐for‐age and weight‐for‐age at 2.5 and 8.5 years and 0.3 kg/m2 in fat and lean mass compared to no education. There was a positive association with conditional growth in the highest asset score group and secondary maternal education, and generally no association with land ownership. Our results show that SES at birth is important for the growth of children, with a greater association with fat mass. The greatest influence was maternal secondary education.
Effects of rare earth elements on growth rate, lipids, fatty acids and pigments in microalgae
Authors: Goecke Franz , Vítová Milada , Lukavský Jaromír , Nedbalová Linda , Řezanka Tomáš , Zachleder Vilém
Published: April 2017

The extensive exploitation of rare earth elements (REEs), particularly in electronic technologies and agriculture has concomitantly raised the environmental load. Their resulting effects on primary producers such as microalgae are, however, poorly understood. We have studied these effects on two microalgae of biotechnological interest. The yellow‐green alga Trachydiscus minutus (Eustigmatophyceae, Ochrophyta), and the green alga Parachlorella kessleri (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta) were cultivated in mineral medium supplemented with 10 μmol L−1 chlorides of REEs: cerium, gadolinium, lanthanum, lutetium, praseodymium, scandium, and with monazite, which is a mineral rich in those elements. We observed growth rates at different mean light intensities (20, 50, 150 and 300 μmol m−2 s−1). The high growth rate of P. kessleri was not affected by the presence of any lanthanide, and decreased proportionally with light intensity (from 0.2 to 0.04 doublings per hour). In contrast, the growth rate of T. minutus was about three times lower compared with P. kessleri, with an optimum at 50 μmol m−2 s−1 and decreased at higher or lower light intensities. In the presence of Ce3+, La3+ and Sc3+, the growth rate markedly increased to a value that corresponded to the growth rate in P. kessleri at the same light intensity. The composition and content of pigments and lipids were followed at the optimum light intensity for both species. The lipid content (percentage of dry weight) varied only slightly in the presence of individual rare earths. There was, however, an increase in saturated fatty acids at the expense of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The effect of REEs on pigments was variable: the presence of Ce3+, Gd3+, La3+ and Sc3+ caused an increase in the concentrations of major pigments such as lutein, violaxanthin, β‐carotene or chlorophylls, while Pr3+ and Lu3+ reduced them.
Behavioural disinhibition in the general population during the antiretroviral therapy roll‐out in Sub‐Saharan Africa: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Legemate Eva M. , Hontelez Jan A. C. , Looman Caspar W. N. , de Vlas Sake J.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Improved life expectancy and reduced transmission probabilities due to ART may result in behavioural disinhibition – that is an increase in sexual risk behaviour in response to a perceived lower risk of HIV. We examined trends in sexual risk behaviour in the general population of sub‐Saharan African countries 1999–2015.

Methods

We systematically reviewed scientific literature of sexual behaviour and reviewed trends in Demographic and Health Surveys. A meta‐analysis on four indicators of sexual risk behaviour was performed: unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, commercial sex and prevalence of sexually transmitted infections.

Results

Only two peer‐reviewed studies met our inclusion criteria, while our review of DHS data spanned 18 countries and 16 years (1999–2015). We found conflicting trends in sexual risk behaviour. Reported unprotected sex decreased consistently across the 18 countries, for both sexes. In contrast, reporting multiple partners was decreasing over the period 1999 to the mid‐2000s, yet has been consistently increasing thereafter. Similar trends were found for reported sexually transmitted infections and commercial sex (men only).

Conclusions

In conclusion, we found no clear evidence of behavioural disinhibition due to expanded access to ART in sub‐Saharan Africa. Substantial increases in condom use coincided with increases in reported multiple partners, commercial sex and sexually transmitted infections, especially during the period of ART scale‐up. Further research is needed into how these changes might affect HIV transmission.
A review of associated controversies surrounding glucocorticoid use in veterinary emergency and critical care
Authors: Aharon Maya A. , Prittie Jennifer E. , Buriko Kate
Published: April 2017

Objective

To review the literature in human and veterinary medicine regarding the indications for, efficacy of, and controversies surrounding glucocorticoid (GC) administration in the emergency and critical care (ECC) setting, and to provide an overview of the most commonly used synthetic GC formulations.

Medications

Synthetic GCs vary in GC and mineralocorticoid potency, hypothalamic pituitary axis suppression, duration of action, route of administration, and clinical indication for use. Some of the GC compounds commonly used in human and veterinary ECC include hydrocortisone, prednisone, methylprednisolone, and dexamethasone.

Indications for Use

GCs are used in human and veterinary ECC for a variety of disorders including anaphylaxis, acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, and spinal cord injury. Evidence for morbidity or mortality benefit with administration of GC within these populations exists; however, data are sparse and often conflicting.

Adverse Effects and Contraindications

Routine use of GC in some conditions such as trauma, hemorrhagic shock, and traumatic brain injury is likely contraindicated. GC use has been associated with hyperglycemia, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, gastrointestinal ulceration, or increased mortality in some populations.
Advancing the New Communications Framework for HIV/AIDS: The Communicative Constitution of HIV/AIDS Networks in Tanzania’s HIV/AIDS NGO Sector
Authors: Olufowote James O. , Aranda Johnson S. , Wang Guoyu E. , Liao Danni
Published: April 2017

Although health communication research on HIV/AIDS has acknowledged the work of HIV/AIDS non-governmental organizations (NGOs), we know little about how such NGOs are collaborating in their response to the epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). UNAIDS estimated that over two-thirds of world-wide HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths take place in SSA and normative models have highlighted organizational collaborations as an important part of the response to public health risks and crises. This study advanced the New Communications Framework for HIV/AIDS by drawing on a constitutive model of communication to develop a discursive perspective on HIV/AIDS NGO collaborations. Analyses of interviews with 36 leaders of Tanzanian HIV/AIDS NGOs resulted in (a) networks of organizations of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and (b) networks expressing the following identities: as single entities that unify PLWHA organizations in/across administrative divisions, as structures for reaching grassroots PLWHA and facilitating their participation in decision-making forums at various scales, and as vehicles for various social impacts such as advocacy for PLWHA.
Optimization and Estimation of the Thermal Energy of an Absorber With Graphite Disks by Using Direct and Inverse Neural Network
Authors: Márquez-Nolasco A. , Conde-Gutiérrez R. A. , Hernández J. A. , Huicochea A. , Siqueiros J. , Pérez O. R.
Published: April 2017

The most critical component of an absorption heat transformer (AHT) is the absorber, by which the exothermic reaction is carried out, resulting in a useful thermal energy. This article proposed a model based on improving the performance of energy for an absorber with disks of graphite during the exothermic reaction, through an optimal strategy. Two models of artificial neural networks (ANN) were developed to predict the thermal energy, through two important factors: internal heat in the absorber (QAB) and the temperature of the working solution of the absorber outlet (TAB). Confronting the simulated and real data, a satisfactory agreement was appreciated, obtaining a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) value of 0.24% to calculate QAB and of 0.17% to calculate TAB. Furthermore, from these ANN models, the inverse neural network (ANNi) allowed improves the thermal efficiency of the absorber (QAB and TAB). To find the optimal values, it was necessary to propose an objective function, where the genetic algorithms (GAs) were indicated. Finally, by applying the ANNi–GAs model, the optimized network configuration was to find an optimal value of concentrated solution of LiBr–H2O and the vapor inlet temperature to the absorber. The results obtained from the optimization allowed to reach a value of QAB from 1.77 kW to 2.44 kW, when a concentrated solution of LiBr–H2O at 59% was used and increased the value of TAB from 104.66 °C to 109.2 °C when a vapor inlet temperature of 73 °C was used.
Creative Contributions of the Methods of Inventive Principles of TRIZ and BioTRIZ to Problem Solving
Authors: Abdala Lucas N. , Fernandes Rodrigo B. , Ogliari André , Löwer Manuel , Feldhusen Jörg
Published: April 2017

This study compares the potential of the methods of inventive principles (IPR) of TRIZ (MIPT) and BioTRIZ (MIPB) in relation to stimulating creativity in problem solving. The two methods were applied to different issues by groups of undergraduate students. The solutions were evaluated in terms of creativity, which was defined by the criteria of originality and utility. Quantitative analysis provided evidence that the two methods are equal in terms of creative contributions. However, further analyses indicate that the IPs derived from biological systems tend to provide a greater creative contribution compared to those based on technical systems. In addition, it was found that repeated inventive principles (IPR), that is, those indicated more than once by the applied methods, tend to introduce a greater potential for stimulating creativity compared to inventive principles (IPs) indicated only once.
Effect of Rotation on a Gas Turbine Blade Internal Cooling System: Experimental Investigation
Authors: Massini Daniele , Burberi Emanuele , Carcasci Carlo , Cocchi Lorenzo , Facchini Bruno , Armellini Alessandro , Casarsa Luca , Furlani Luca
Published: April 2017

A detailed aerothermal characterization of an advanced leading edge (LE) cooling system has been performed by means of experimental measurements. Heat transfer coefficient distribution has been evaluated exploiting a steady-state technique using thermochromic liquid crystals (TLCs), while flow field has been investigated by means of particle image velocimetry (PIV). The geometry key features are the multiple impinging jets and the four rows of coolant extraction holes, and their mass flow rate distribution is representative of real engine working conditions. Tests have been performed in both static and rotating conditions, replicating a typical range of jet Reynolds number (Rej), from 10,000 to 40,000, and rotation number (Roj) up to 0.05. Different crossflow conditions (CR) have been used to simulate the three main blade regions (i.e., tip, mid, and hub). The aerothermal field turned out to be rather complex, but a good agreement between heat transfer coefficient and flow field measurement has been found. In particular, jet bending strongly depends on crossflow intensity, while rotation has a weak effect on both jet velocity core and area-averaged Nusselt number. Rotational effects increase for the lower crossflow tests. Heat transfer pattern shape has been found to be substantially Reynolds independent.
Impact of a Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Thermal Barrier Coating on HCCI Engine Combustion, Emissions, and Efficiency
Authors: Powell Tommy , O'Donnell Ryan , Hoffman Mark , Filipi Zoran
Published: April 2017

In-cylinder surface temperature has significant impacts on the thermo-kinetics governing the homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) process. Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) enable selective manipulation of combustion chamber surface temperature profiles throughout a fired cycle. In this way, TBCs enable a dynamic surface temperature swing, which prevents charge heating during intake while minimizing heat rejection during combustion. This preserves volumetric efficiency while fostering more complete combustion and reducing emissions. This study investigates the effect of a yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coating on low temperature combustion (LTC), efficiency, and emissions. This is an initial step in a systematic effort to engineer coatings best suited for LTC concepts. A YSZ coating was applied to the top of the aluminum piston using a powder air plasma spray (APS) process; final thickness of the YSZ was approximately 150 μm. The coated piston was subsequently evaluated in the single-cylinder HCCI engine with exhaust re-induction. Engine tests indicated significant advancement of the autoignition point and reduced combustion durations with the YSZ coating. Hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions were reduced, thereby increasing combustion efficiency. The combination of higher combustion efficiency and decreased heat loss during combustion produced tangible improvements in thermal efficiency. When the effects of combustion advance were removed, the overall improvements in emissions and efficiency were lower, but still significant. Overall, the results encourage continued efforts to devise novel coatings for LTC.
Cardiovascular Catheter With an Expandable Origami Structure
Authors: Taylor Austin J. , Chen Yue , Fok Mable , Berman Adam , Nilsson Kent , Ho Tse Zion Tsz
Published: April 2017

Interventional catheter ablation treatment is a noninvasive approach for normalizing heart rhythm in patients with arrhythmia. Catheter ablation can be assisted with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to provide high-contrast images of the heart vasculature for diagnostic and intraprocedural purposes. Typical MRI images are captured using surface imaging coils that are external to the tissue being imaged. The image quality and the scanning time required for producing an image are directly correlated to the distance between the tissue being imaged and the imaging coil. The objective of this work is to minimize the spatial distance between the target tissue and the imaging coil by placing the imaging coil directly inside the heart using an expandable origami catheter structure. In this study, geometrical analysis is utilized to optimize the size and shape of the origami structure and MRI scans are taken to confirm the MRI compatibility of the structure. The origami expandable mechanism could also be applied to other medical device designs that require expandable structures.
Retention of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) on 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane
Authors: Alghunaim Abdullah , Brink Eric T. , Newby Eli Y. , Zhang Newby Bi-min
Published: April 2017

Silane coupling agents are commonly employed to link an organic polymer to an inorganic substrate. One of the widely utilized coupling agents is 3-aminopropyltriethoxy silane (APTES). In this study, the authors investigated the ability of APTES to retain thermo-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAAm) on hydroxylated surfaces such as glass. For comparison purposes, the authors also evaluated the retention behaviors of (1) polystyrene, which likely has weaker van der Waals interactions and acid–base interactions (contributed by hydrogen-bonding) with APTES, on APTES as well as (2) pNIPAAm on two other silane coupling agents, which have similar structures to APTES, but exhibit less interaction with pNIPAAm. Under our processing conditions, the stronger interactions, particularly hydrogen bonding, between pNIPAAm and APTES were found to contribute substantially to the retention of pNIPAAm on the APTES modified surface, especially on the cured APTES layer when the interpenetration was minimal or nonexistent. On the noncured APTES layer, the formation of an APTES-pNIPAAm interpenetrating network resulted in the retention of thicker pNIPAAm films. As demonstrated by water contact angles [i.e., 7°–15° higher at 40 °C, the temperature above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of 32 °C for pNIPAAm, as compared to those at 25 °C] and cell attachment and detachment behaviors (i.e., attached/spread at 37 °C, above LCST; detached at 20 °C, below LCST), the retained pNIPAAm layer (6–15 nm), on both noncured and cured APTES, exhibited thermo-responsive behavior. The results in this study illustrate the simplicity of using the coupling/adhesion promoting ability of APTES to retain pNIPAAm films on hydroxylated substrates, which exhibit faster cell sheet detachment (≤30 min) as compared to pNIPAAm brushes (in hours) prepared using tedious and costly grafting approaches. The use of adhesion promoters to retain pNIPAAm provides an affordable alternative to current thermo-responsive supports for cell sheet engineering and stem cell therapy applications.
Teaching and Learning Sport Education: A Self-Study Exploring the Experiences of a Teacher Educator and Pre-Service Teachers
Authors: Hordvik Mats M. , MacPhail Ann , Ronglan Lars T.
Published: April 2017

Purpose:

In this study, we articulate and share our knowledge and understanding of teaching and learning Sport Education in physical education teacher education (PETE): (a) How did the PETE faculty member experience teaching about teaching Sport Education? and (b) How did the PSTs experience learning about teaching Sport Education?

Method:

One PETE faculty member (the first author) and twelve PSTs took part in a university Sport Education unit. Data were collected through the PETE faculty member’s open-ended reflective diary and focus groups with three PST teams.

Results:

The PETE faculty member and PSTs experienced various challenges such as bridging theory and practice when learning about teaching Sport Education and articulating the “what”, “how” and “why” when teaching about teaching Sport Education.

Conclusion:

Sport Education is a complex curriculum and instructional model, encouraging further interrogation of the theoretical implications of the model.
An unprecedented march for science
Authors: Appenzeller Tim ,   Science News Staff
Published: April 2017

As hundreds of thousands joined some 600 gatherings around the globe, local concerns blended with a unifying message of support for science.
Vaccines on trial
Authors: Wadman Meredith
Published: April 2017

The U.S. vaccine court weighs real versus bogus risks.
What lies beneath
Immersion: The Science and Mystery of Freshwater Mussels
Abbie Gascho Landis
Island Press, 2017. 261 pp.
Authors: Weis Judith S.
Published: April 2017

A veterinarian pens a lyrical love letter to the imperiled freshwater mussel
A crossroad of neuronal diversity to build circuitry
Authors: Yoshinaga Satoshi , Nakajima Kazunori
Published: April 2017

Clustered protocadherin genes control convergence and divergence of neurons
Evaluation of StrepB
Select
Chromogenic Medium and the Fast-Track Diagnostics Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Real-Time PCR Assay Compared to Routine Culture for Detection of GBS during Antepartum Screening
Authors: Church Deirdre L. , Baxter Heather , Lloyd Tracie , Larios Oscar , Gregson Daniel B.
Published: April 2017

Life-threatening infection in neonates due to group B
Streptococcus
(GBS) is preventable by screening of near-term pregnant women and treatment at delivery. A total of 295 vaginal-rectal swabs were collected from women attending antepartum clinics in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. GBS colonization was detected by the standard culture method (Strep B Carrot Broth subcultured to blood agar with a neomycin disk) and compared to recovery with Strep Group B Broth (Dalynn Biologicals) subcultured to StrepB
Select
chromogenic medium (CM; Bio-Rad Laboratories) and the Fast-Track Diagnostics GBS real-time PCR (quantitative PCR [qPCR]) assay (Phoenix Airmid Biomedical Corp.) performed with broth-enriched samples and the Abbott
m2000
sp/
m2000
rt system. A total of 62/295 (21%) women were colonized with GBS; 58 (19.7%) cases were detected by standard culture, while CM and qPCR each found 61 (20.7%) cases. The qPCR and CM were similar in performance, with sensitivities, specificities, and positive and negative predictive values of 98.4 and 98.4%, 99.6 and 99.6%, 98.4 and 98.4%, and 99.6 and 99.6%, respectively, compared to routine culture. Both qPCR and CM would allow more rapid reporting of routine GBS screening results than standard culture. Although the cost per test was similar for standard culture and CM, the routine use of qPCR would cost approximately four times as much as culture-based detection. Laboratories worldwide should consider implementing one of the newer methods for primary GBS testing, depending on the cost limitations of different health care jurisdictions.
Core Genome Multilocus Sequence Typing Scheme for Stable, Comparative Analyses of Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli Human Disease Isolates
Authors: Cody Alison J. , Bray James E. , Jolley Keith A. , McCarthy Noel D. , Maiden Martin C. J.
Published: April 2017

Human campylobacteriosis, caused by
Campylobacter jejuni
and
C. coli
, remains a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in many countries, but the epidemiology of campylobacteriosis outbreaks remains poorly defined, largely due to limitations in the resolution and comparability of isolate characterization methods. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data enable the improvement of sequence-based typing approaches, such as multilocus sequence typing (MLST), by substantially increasing the number of loci examined. A core genome MLST (cgMLST) scheme defines a comprehensive set of those loci present in most members of a bacterial group, balancing very high resolution with comparability across the diversity of the group. Here we propose a set of 1,343 loci as a human campylobacteriosis cgMLST scheme (v1.0), the allelic profiles of which can be assigned to core genome sequence types. The 1,343 loci chosen were a subset of the 1,643 loci identified in the reannotation of the genome sequence of
C. jejuni
isolate NCTC 11168, chosen as being present in >95% of draft genomes of 2,472 representative United Kingdom campylobacteriosis isolates, comprising 2,207 (89.3%)
C. jejuni
isolates and 265 (10.7%)
C. coli
isolates. Validation of the cgMLST scheme was undertaken with 1,478 further high-quality draft genomes, containing 150 or fewer contiguous sequences, from disease isolate collections: 99.5% of these isolates contained ≥95% of the 1,343 cgMLST loci. In addition to the rapid and effective high-resolution analysis of large numbers of diverse isolates, the cgMLST scheme enabled the efficient identification of very closely related isolates from a well-defined single-source campylobacteriosis outbreak.
Differentiated Levels of Ganciclovir Resistance Conferred by Mutations at Codons 591 to 603 of the Cytomegalovirus UL97 Kinase Gene
Authors: Chou Sunwen , Ercolani Ronald J. , Vanarsdall Adam L.
Published: April 2017

Diagnostic mutations in the cytomegalovirus UL97 kinase gene are used to assess the level of associated ganciclovir resistance and therapeutic options. The best-known mutations at codons 460, 520, or 591 to 607 individually confer 5- to 10-fold-decreased ganciclovir susceptibility, except that a 3-fold decrease occurs in the case of the amino acid substitution C592G. Less common point and in-frame deletion mutations at codons 591 to 603 remain incompletely characterized. The ganciclovir susceptibilities of 17 mutants in this codon range were evaluated by use of the same recombinant phenotyping system and extensive assay replicates in two types of cell cultures. Amino acid substitutions K599E and T601M conferred no ganciclovir resistance, while A591V conferred 3.8-fold-decreased susceptibility. In-frame deletions of three or more codons conferred at least 8-fold-increased ganciclovir resistance, while the level of resistance conferred by one- or two-codon deletions varied from 4- to 10-fold, depending on their location. Measured levels of ganciclovir resistance were closely comparable when assays were performed in either fibroblasts or modified retinal epithelial cells. The significant revision of a few previously published resistance phenotypes and the new data strengthen the interpretation of genotypic testing for cytomegalovirus drug resistance.
Broadening CD4+and CD8+T Cell Responses against Hepatitis C Virus by Vaccination with NS3 Overlapping Peptide Panels in Cross-Priming Liposomes
Authors: Filskov Jonathan , Mikkelsen Marianne , Hansen Paul R. , Christensen Jan P. , Thomsen Allan R. , Andersen Peter , Bukh Jens , Agger Else Marie
Published: April 2017

Despite the introduction of effective drugs to treat patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, a vaccine would be the only means to substantially reduce the worldwide disease burden. An incomplete understanding of how HCV interacts with its human host and evades immune surveillance has hampered vaccine development. It is generally accepted that in infected individuals, a narrow repertoire of exhausted T cells is a hallmark of persistent infection, whereas broad, vigorous CD4+and CD8+T cell responses are associated with control of acute hepatitis C. We employed a vaccine approach based on a mixture of peptides (pepmix) spanning the entire sequence of HCV nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) in cross-priming cationic liposomes (CAF09) to facilitate a versatile presentation of all possible T cell epitopes, regardless of the HLA background of the vaccine recipient. Here, we demonstrate that vaccination of mice with NS3 pepmix broadens the repertoire of epitope-specific T cells compared to the corresponding recombinant protein (rNS3). Moreover, vaccination with rNS3 induced only CD4+T cells, whereas the NS3 pepmix induced a far more vigorous CD4+T cell response and was as potent a CD8+T cell inducer as an adenovirus-vectored vaccine expressing NS3. Importantly, the cellular responses are dominated by multifunctional T cells, such as gamma interferon-positive (IFN-γ+) tumor necrosis factor alpha-positive (TNF-α+) coproducers, and displayed cytotoxic capacity in mice. In conclusion, we present a novel vaccine approach against HCV, inducing a broadened T cell response targeting both immunodominant and potential subdominant epitopes, which may be key elements to counter T cell exhaustion and prevent chronicity.

IMPORTANCEWith at least 700,000 annual deaths, development of a vaccine against hepatitis C virus (HCV) has high priority, but the tremendous ability of the virus to dodge the human immune system poses great challenges. Furthermore, many chronic infections, including HCV infection, have a remarkable ability to drive initially strong CD4+and CD8+T cell responses against dominant epitopes toward an exhausted, dysfunctional state. Thus, new and innovative vaccine approaches to control HCV should be evaluated. Here, we report on a novel peptide-based nanoparticle vaccine strategy (NS3 pepmix) aimed at generating T cell immunity against potential subdominant T cell epitopes that are not efficiently targeted by vaccination with full-length recombinant protein (rNS3) or infection with HCV. As proof of concept, we found that NS3 pepmix excels in broadening the repertoire of epitope-specific, multifunctional, and cytotoxic CD4+and CD8+T cells compared to vaccination with rNS3, which generated only CD4+T cell responses.
Toward a Cure: Does Host Immunity Play a Role?
Authors: Zhang Jielin , Crumpacker Clyde S.
Published: April 2017

The decades of research on HIV and AIDS has contributed to an explosion of knowledge on immune responses. Pivoting on it, we reveal a host genome’s immune system that is defined as epigenetic immunity, utilizing it to protect eukaryotic DNA against the HIV infection to reprogram the patient’s immunity and to develop successful vaccines toward a cure for AIDS.
New microbleed after blood–brain barrier leakage in intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: van Nieuwenhuizen Koen M , Hendrikse Jeroen , Klijn Catharina J M
Published: April 2017

Cerebral microbleeds are increasingly recognised as biomarkers of small vessel disease. Several preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that chronic disruption of the blood–brain barrier is one of the mechanisms for the development of cerebral microbleeds.

A 51-year-old man experienced two left parieto-occipital lobar intracerebral haemorrhages (ICHs) in the timespan of 2 years. Multiple microbleeds surrounding the two haemorrhages were found on MRI, but not at location distant from the haemorrhages. Ten months after the last haemorrhage, an MRI demonstrated a right occipital focus of contrast enhancement. Twenty months after the last ICH, a new cerebral microbleed had developed exactly at the location of the earlier contrast enhancement.

This case demonstrates that blood–brain barrier disruption may be an important factor preceding the development of cerebral microbleeds.
Developing an expanded vector control toolbox for malaria elimination
Authors: Killeen Gerry F , Tatarsky Allison , Diabate Abdoulaye , Chaccour Carlos J , Marshall John M , Okumu Fredros O , Brunner Shannon , Newby Gretchen , Williams Yasmin A , Malone David , Tusting Lucy S , Gosling Roland D
Published: April 2017

Vector control using long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) accounts for most of the malaria burden reductions achieved recently in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). LLINs and IRS are highly effective, but are insufficient to eliminate malaria transmission in many settings because of operational constraints, growing resistance to available insecticides and mosquitoes that behaviourally avoid contact with these interventions. However, a number of substantive opportunities now exist for rapidly developing and implementing more diverse, effective and sustainable malaria vector control strategies for LMICs. For example, mosquito control in high-income countries is predominantly achieved with a combination of mosquito-proofed housing and environmental management, supplemented with large-scale insecticide applications to larval habitats and outdoor spaces that kill off vector populations en masse, but all these interventions remain underused in LMICs. Programmatic development and evaluation of decentralised, locally managed systems for delivering these proactive mosquito population abatement practices in LMICs could therefore enable broader scale-up. Furthermore, a diverse range of emerging or repurposed technologies are becoming available for targeting mosquitoes when they enter houses, feed outdoors, attack livestock, feed on sugar or aggregate into mating swarms. Global policy must now be realigned to mobilise the political and financial support necessary to exploit these opportunities over the decade ahead, so that national malaria control and elimination programmes can access a much broader, more effective set of vector control interventions.
The use of multiple-criteria decision-making theory to measure students’ perceptions of high-fidelity simulation
Authors: Jersby Maureen Anne , Van-Schaik Paul , Green Stephen , Nacheva-Skopalik Lili
Published: April 2017

Background

High-Fidelity Simulation (HFS) has great potential to improve decision-making in clinical practice. Previous studies have found HFS promotes self-confidence, but its effectiveness in clinical practice has not been established. The aim of this research is to establish if HFS facilitates learning that informs decision-making skills in clinical practice using MultipleCriteria DecisionMaking Theory (MCDMT).

Methods

The sample was 2nd year undergraduate pre-registration adult nursing students.

MCDMT was used to measure the students’ experience of HFS and how it developed their clinical decision-making skills. MCDMT requires characteristic measurements which for the learning experience were based on five factors that underpin successful learning, and for clinical decision-making, an analytical framework was used. The study used a repeated-measures design to take two measurements: the first one after the first simulation experience and the second one after clinical placement. Baseline measurements were obtained from academics. Data were analysed using the MCDMT tool.

Results

After their initial exposure to simulation learning, students reported that HFS provides a high-quality learning experience (87%) and supports all aspects of clinical decision-making (85%). Following clinical practice, the level of support for clinical decision-making remained at 85%, suggesting that students believe HFS promotes transferability of knowledge to the practice setting.

Conclusion

Overall, students report a high level of support for learning and developing clinical decision-making skills from HFS. However, there are no comparative data available from classroom teaching of similar content so it cannot be established if these results are due to HFS alone.
Silicon-based hot electron emitting substrate with double tunneling
Authors: Chen Fei , Zhan Xinghua , Salcic Zoran , Wong Chee Cheong , Gao Wei
Published: April 2017

We propose a novel silicon structure, Hot Electron Emitting Substrate (HEES), which exhibits important effect of repeated tunneling at two different voltage ranges, which we refer to as double tunneling. In ambient atmosphere and room temperature, the [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] characteristic of HEES shows two current peaks during voltage sweep from 2 to 15 V. These two peaks are formed by the Fowler–Nordheim (FN) tunneling effect and tunneling diode mechanism, respectively.
Synthesis of formamidinium lead iodide perovskite bulk single crystal and its optical properties
Authors: Zheng Hongge , Duan Junjie , Dai Jun
Published: April 2017

Formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) is a promising hybrid perovskite material for optoelectronic devices. We synthesized bulk single crystal FAPbI3 by a rapid solution crystallization method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed to characterize the crystal structure. Temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the bulk single crystal FAPbI3 were measured from 10 to 300 K to explain PL recombination mechanism. It shows that near band edge emission blueshifts with the temperature increasing from 10 to 120 K and from 140 K to room temperature, a sudden emission band redshift demonstrates near 140 K because of the phase transition from orthorhombic phase to cubic phase. From the temperature-dependent PL spectra, the temperature coefficients of the bandgap and thermal activation energies of FAPbI3 perovskite are fitted.
Drawing the Boundaries between the Different Phases of Opportunity Processes
Authors: Kurczewska Agnieszka , Kyrö Paula , Moisala Aarni
Published: April 2017

To investigate the boundaries between the different phases of opportunity processes, we adopted an empirical phenomenology and used documentary videography with an editing method as well as a critical incidents and events technique. The analysis of cases led to three kinds of opportunity process approaches. Each had a different rationale for the actions taken and set of moderators, which are represented by the different interplay of phases. The interplay between alertness, insights and creativity was characteristic to all of the approaches, although each of these concepts present different form in the identified three approaches.
Entrepreneurial Training for Unemployed Adults: Challenges and Opportunities in Accessing Financial Services in South Africa
Authors: Mayombe Celestin
Published: April 2017

Entrepreneurship training programmes and self-employment initiatives for unemployed adults has become a new frontier for poverty reduction in South Africa. This article investigates the types of challenges graduates encounter and opportunities in accessing financial services in order to start-up and grow an own micro-enterprise in South Africa. The main findings reveal that micro-finance institutions are keen to grant loans and credits to graduates from entrepreneurial training centres. However, graduates are not eligible for credits because they fail to meet the security requirements of the lending banks due to their socio-economic situations. The author concludes that if centre managers do not involve micro-finance institutions prior to the training delivery and transition stages of the entrepreneurial training programmes, graduates will continue finding it difficult to access financial services and enter self-employment after obtaining the required entrepreneurship skills.
Synthetic Immunology: Hacking Immune Cells to Expand Their Therapeutic Capabilities
Authors: Roybal Kole T. , Lim Wendell A.
Published: April 2017

The ability of immune cells to survey tissues and sense pathologic insults and deviations makes them a unique platform for interfacing with the body and disease. With the rapid advancement of synthetic biology, we can now engineer and equip immune cells with new sensors and controllable therapeutic response programs to sense and treat diseases that our natural immune system cannot normally handle. Here we review the current state of engineered immune cell therapeutics and their unique capabilities compared to small molecules and biologics. We then discuss how engineered immune cells are being designed to combat cancer, focusing on how new synthetic biology tools are providing potential ways to overcome the major roadblocks for treatment. Finally, we give a long-term vision for the use of synthetic biology to engineer immune cells as a general sensor-response platform to precisely detect disease, to remodel disease microenvironments, and to treat a potentially wide range of challenging diseases.