bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating organizational core values in NCAA athletic departments
Authors: Cooper Coyte , Weight Erianne A , Fulton Nick
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to survey National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I administrators (N=437) in the USA to identify the organizational values that are deemed as having the highest priority by administrators when carrying out the mission of their athletic department.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research utilized an online survey to examine the organizational values within NCAA athletic departments. The surveys were distributed during a one-month time period.

Findings

– The data demonstrated that academic excellence, student-athlete experience, and health/safety were rated as the organizational values with the highest priority in athletic departments. In addition, the study also illustrated that that the priority level of the individual values varied when focussing on the different levels of administrators.

Originality/value

– The understanding of value systems within sport organizations and proper implementation of value-driven leadership can enhance organizational efficiency through providing guidance to practitioners in decision-making processes and strategy development, and through providing consistent organizational philosophies that can influence employee behavior. Additionally, this paper builds upon empirical research exploring values within the intercollegiate athletic industry in the USA through a variety of theoretical frameworks including Schein’s organizational culture model (2010), Fishbein and Ajzen’s theory of reasoned action (1975), and Collins and Porras’s vision framework (2000).
The relationship between bullying and burnout
Authors: Yildiz Süleyman Murat
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between bullying and burnout and its effect on professional football players. Although the effects of both bullying and burnout have been studied in different contexts, the effects of these constructs have not been fully examined among professional football players in culturally different environments.

Design/methodology/approach

– To measure bullying, the authors used a modified version of the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R) adapted to the professional football environment. To measure burnout, we used Raedeke and Smith’s (2001) “Athlete Burnout Questionnaire”. Data for the study (n=102) were collected from the professional football players in the Turkish Secondary Football League. Explatory and confirmatory analysis were performed for validity and reliability of the questionnaires. Correlations and hierarchical regression analysis were performed for data.

Findings

– Our findings showed that bullying influenced all three dimensions of burnout (reduced sense of accomplishment, emotional/physical exhaustion, and devaluation), particularly the emotional/physical exhaustion. High levels of burnout that the victims might experience because of bullying may reduce individual performance as well as team performance. Furthermore, higher levels of burnout contribute to attrition (losing a well-performing player prematurely), which could have a significant effect on team’s overall performance and competitiveness.

Originality/value

– This study utilized the “Negative Acts Questionnaire-Football (NAQ-F)” adapted from the “Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R)”. Using NAQ-F, this study tested the relationship between bullying and burnout and its effect on professional football players. The study results showed that to reduce the negative consequences of potential bullying behaviour on players and teams, high-performing professional football clubs should develop social networks and mechanisms to minimize the effects of such behaviours and/or provide the needed support to the victims, as needed.
Co-evolutionary processes and positive feedbacks in the growth of the ultimate fighting championships
Authors: Ford Simon James
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– In the late 2000s, the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) emerged to become the dominant mixed martial arts (MMA) organisation, bringing the sport to mainstream acceptance. The purpose of this paper is to draw on theories of co-evolution and positive feedbacks to provide insights into how the UFC has assumed this dominant position.

Design/methodology/approach

– A single historical case study is compiled drawing on data from a number of sources, including the UFC, US State Athletic Commissions, MMA web sites and prior UFC-related academic literature.

Findings

– A number of significant growth dynamics are identified, including interconnections between the increase in free-to-air events and the generation of new UFC fans and revenues; the increased financial rewards to successful fighters that allows them to improve the quality of their training and the improved quality of UFC content; and the accumulation of a critical mass of high-level fighters that increases the reputation of the UFC and the increased attraction of new fighters to the organisation.

Research limitations/implications

– Further in depth studies are necessary to substantiate and quantify the interconnections identified in this paper.

Practical implications

– The paper provides insights for other non-mainstream sports organisations that are attempting to grow their participation and viewership.

Originality/value

– The emergence of new sports and sports organisations such as the UFC with global appeal and significant commercial returns is infrequent. This study contributes to the need for understanding of how new sports enter the mainstream and the role that governing organisations such as the UFC play in achieving this transition.
Public Sector Reform
Authors: McTaggart Doug , O'Flynn Janine
Published: February 2015

Reform is never far from the centre of public administration practice and scholarship. In this article Doug McTaggart, the chairman of the Queensland Public Service Commission, and Janine O'Flynn, from the University of Melbourne, explore the challenges of reform and the state of play. McTaggart, who was a commissioner on the Queensland Commission of Audit, sets out the case that business as usual will no longer suffice given the range of challenges faced by governments. He sets out to explain how we ended up in our current state and what needs to happen to repair it, drawing on deep experience in the practice of reform. O'Flynn positions reform as one of the central questions in public administration and management and makes the case for rethinking reform conceptually to drive change in practice. In doing so she points to our weaknesses in determining whether reform fails or succeeds and makes the case that, until we rethink reform, business as usual might be all we end up with. McTaggart and O'Flynn bring together the expertise of practice and academia to bring new insights in this persistent challenge of public administration, and raise a series of questions for debate.
Effect sizes as result interpretation aids in single‐subject experimental research: description and application of four nonoverlap methods
Authors: Rakap Salih
Published: February 2015

Single‐subject experimental research (SSER), one of the most commonly used research methods in special education and applied behaviour analysis, is a scientific, rigorous and valid method to evaluate the effectiveness of behavioural, educational and psychological treatments. However, studies using single‐subject experimental research designs are often excluded from meta‐analyses of evidence‐based practices due to the lack of methodological consensus on the type of effect size indices to be used to determine treatment effect. To promote the use of effect size indices as an adjunct to visual analysis, this article describes four nonoverlap methods (PND, IRD, PEM‐T and Tau‐U) and demonstrates their application to data obtained from studies employing different SSER designs. Advantages and disadvantages of each method are highlighted and considerations for selecting the most appropriate method are provided for researchers and practitioners.
A comparative biochemical study of two industrially produced short‐ripened cow's milk cheeses with PDO status: Rennet‐curd Tetilla cheese and acid‐curd Cebreiro cheese
Authors: Centeno Juan Antonio , Rodríguez‐Alonso Patricia , Carballo Javier , Garabal José Ignacio
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to characterise industrial Tetilla and Cebreiro Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Spanish cheeses from a biochemical point of view and to relate some of the biochemical parameters to the cheesemaking process. Some differences in the amounts of organic acids and free amino acids between the two types of cheese were attributed to milk characteristics and the processing technology. The most abundant volatile compounds in both types of cheese were ethanol, isopropanol and diacetyl. The simple and nonspecific volatile profiles of the cheeses appear to be related to the commercial mesophilic DL‐starters used in the manufacturing process.
Microscopic Residues of Bone from Dissolving Human Remains in Acids
Authors: Vermeij Erwin , Zoon Peter , van Wijk Mayonne , Gerretsen Reza
Published: February 2015

Dissolving bodies is a current method of disposing of human remains and has been practiced throughout the years. During the last decade in the Netherlands, two cases have emerged in which human remains were treated with acid. In the first case, the remains of a cremated body were treated with hydrofluoric acid. In the second case, two complete bodies were dissolved in a mixture of hydrochloric and sulfuric acid. In both cases, a great variety of evidence was collected at the scene of crime, part of which was embedded in resin, polished, and investigated using SEM/EDX. Apart from macroscopic findings like residual bone and artificial teeth, in both cases, distinct microscopic residues of bone were found as follows: (partly) digested bone, thin‐walled structures, and recrystallized calcium phosphate. Although some may believe it is possible to dissolve a body in acid completely, at least some of these microscopic residues will always be found.
Side of pupillary mydriasis predicts the cognitive prognosis in patients with severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: DE SOUZA R. L. , THAIS M. E. , CAVALLAZZI G. , PAIM DIAZ A. , SCHWARZBOLD M. L. , NAU A. L. , RODRIGUES G. M. , SOUZA D. S. , HOHL A. , WALZ R.
Published: February 2015

Background

Pupils' abnormalities are associated to bad prognosis in traumatic brain injury. We investigated the association between the side of pupil mydriasis and the long‐term cognitive performance of patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods

We analyzed the cognitive performance of patients admitted at the intensive care unit with isochoric pupils (IP, n = 28), left mydriasis (LM, n = 10), right mydriasis (RM, n = 9) evaluated in mean 2.5 years after the severe TBI and controls (n = 26) matched for age, sex and education level.

Results

Patients and controls had similar scores in the four WAIS‐III investigated subtests. In comparison with controls, LM patients had lower scores in Letters and Category Fluency and IP patients in Category Fluency. Among the 10 evaluated memory tests, LM patients had lower scores than controls in eight, RM patients in two and IP in three memory tests. IP and RM were 3.5 to nine times more associated to significant impairment (cognitive scores under the percentile 10 of controls) in six of 16 investigated cognitive tests. LM was six to 15 times more associated to significant impairment in 10 of 16 cognitive tests. The association among the pupil abnormalities and cognitive performances remained significant after the multiple linear regression analysis controlling for age, gender, admission coma Glasgow scale and serum glucose, presence of associated trauma, and cranial computed tomography abnormalities.

Conclusion

Side of admission pupil abnormalities may be a useful variable to improve prognostic models for long‐term cognitive performance in severe TBI patients.
Examining the association between substance use disorder treatment and smoking cessation
Authors: Shu Chang , Cook Benjamin Lê
Published: February 2015

Aims

To examine rates of smoking cessation among people with last year substance use disorder (SUD) and how these rates differ among those that have ever received SUD treatment, those who have never received treatment and those who received last year out‐patient and/or in‐patient treatment.

Design

Cross‐sectional study based on 2009–12 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).

Setting and Participants

A total of 12 796 adult life‐time smokers with any last year SUD. The sample is representative of the non‐institutionalized US adult population.

Measurements

We described smoking cessation rates by type of SUD and SUD treatment. We used a logistic regression model identifying the association between smoking cessation and life‐time SUD treatment, adjusting for confounders. We also estimated models identifying the association between smoking cessation and last year out‐patient and in‐patient SUD treatment.

Findings

Multivariate models identified significantly lower odds of quitting among those with life‐time SUD treatment [odds ratio (OR) = 0.561, P‐value < 0.001] compared with those without SUD treatment. Past year in‐patient and out‐patient SUD treatment was associated with lower odds of quitting in an unadjusted comparison (OR = 0.559, P‐value = 0.043). In multivariate models, associations were suggestive of lower odds of quitting among those in treatment but there were no significant associations between smoking cessation and receiving in‐patient and out‐patient services (OR = 0.753, P‐value = 0.312), in‐patient services only (OR = 0.397, P‐value = 0.192) or out‐patient services only (OR = 0.689, P‐value = 0.214).

Conclusions

Life‐time smokers with past year substance use disorder who had ever received substance use disorder treatment appear to be less likely to quit smoking than those who have never received treatment. This pattern persists across type of substance use disorder.
Effects of Precooling with Slurry Ice on the Quality and Microstructure of Anglerfish (Lophius americanus) Liver
Authors: Lin H‐M. , Deng S‐G. , Huang S‐B. , Guo H.
Published: February 2015

The effects of precooling with slurry ice on the quality and microstructure of anglerfish liver were determined during further storage at −1.5C. The results showed that compared with the samples directly frozen at −1.5C (group B), precooling with slurry ice (group A) can significantly reduce the cooking loss (P < 0.05) from the third day, reduce the total volatile basic nitrogen and trimethylamine contents during early ice‐temperature storage and slow down the change of PH. The odor significantly changed at days 5 and 7 of storage in samples from groups B and A, respectively. The hardness, elasticity, cohesiveness and chewiness of group B samples decreased sharply with storage time, but those of group A samples slightly decreased. Scanning electron microscopy showed that precooling with slurry ice delayed samples tissue damage. The experimental results indicate that refrigeration combined with precooling with slurry ice can satisfy the demand for long‐distance transport of fresh anglerfish liver.

Practical Applications

Efficient preservation of anglerfish liver, which is nutritional and delicious, is more important for the economic viability of the aquatic foods industry. Slurry ice is the most effective technology to relevant increases in the shelf life of various chilled aquatic food products because of subzero storage temperature and fast chilling rates and less physical damage caused by microscopic spherical particles. In this study, the effects of precooling with slurry ice on the quality and microstructure of anglerfish liver were determined during further storage at −1.5C. The sensory, chemical and microstructural properties of anglerfish liver were determined by investigating the cooking loss, pH and contents of total volatile basic nitrogen and trimethylamine using electronic nose analyses, texture profile analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. This study aimed to improve the quality of fresh anglerfish liver by providing basic knowledge of precooling with slurry ice.
Evaluating Quality Indices of Pickled Garlic Based on Electrical Properties
Authors: Ma Qian , Yang Na , Jin Yamei , Zhao Juanjuan , Jin Zhengyu , Xu Xueming
Published: February 2015

The detection of quality indices of pickled garlic, including its titratable acidity content, pH value, moisture and salt content is a complex, destructive and time‐consuming endeavor. In effort to remedy this, a quality‐testing method based on measurement of electrical properties was established in this study, which uses a parallel‐plate system connected to an impedance analyzer. Electrical parameters of garlic during pickling were gathered and analyzed in nondestructive combinations of frequency points (100 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz and 1 MHz) and input voltage levels at 200 mV. Impedance (Z) and resistance (R) both showed obvious linear correlations with quality indices of pickled garlic because of ionic conductance under the action of an alternating electric field. The most favorable estimations were characterized by R2 values of 0.9883 (moisture content and R at 1 kHz) and 0.9739 (salt content and Z at 100 Hz). Results facilitate a successful, alternative application for rapid assessment of quality indices of pickled vegetable products.

Practical Applications

The parallel‐plate electrode technique is widely used to evaluate physicochemical properties of agricultural products, favored because of its high precision, convenience and nondestructiveness. In our research, electrical parameters such as impedance, equivalent capacitance, admittance, quality factors and resistance were rapidly detected by this technique for the evaluation of physicochemical properties and quality indices of pickled garlic. Obvious linear correlations between impedance, resistance and quality indices were observed, as they relate to ionic conductance on the influence of alternating electric fields over the frequency range from 100 Hz to 1 MHz at 200 mV. The results demonstrate promising potential application of this method to the general quality assessment of pickled vegetable products.
Anti‐inflammatory activity of lanoconazole, a topical antifungal agent
Authors: Uratsuji Hideya , Nakamura Aki , Yamada Yoshihito , Hashimoto Kei , Matsumoto Tatsumi , Ikeda Fumiaki , Ishii Ritsuko
Published: February 2015

Topical antifungal agents which have anti‐inflammatory effects have the potential to provide additional clinical benefits. Therefore, an anti‐inflammatory activity of lanoconazole (LCZ), a topical antifungal agent, was investigated against in vitro and in vivo models of inflammation. The release of interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) from human epidermal keratinocytes stimulated by the addition of 100 μg ml−1 β‐glucan of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was significantly inhibited by LCZ at the concentration of 10−5 mol l−1. The release of interferon‐γ and IL‐2 from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated by the addition of 30 and 100 μg ml−1 phytohemagglutinin was significantly inhibited by LCZ at the concentrations of 10−7 and 10−6 mol l−1, respectively. The increase in the ear thickness induced by topical application of 0.01% 12‐O‐tetradecanoyl phorbol‐13‐acetate and 1% 2,4,6‐trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB) after sensitisation with 3% TNCB were established as the mouse models of irritant and contact dermatitis, respectively. Application of 1% and 3% LCZ showed a significant anti‐inflammatory activity against both the irritant and contact dermatitis models. These findings suggest that LCZ possesses an anti‐inflammatory activity, which may be partially helpful in the treatment of dermatomycoses.
The effects of 5‐hydroxytryptamine1a receptor agonist, buspirone on the gastric fundus accommodation in an animal model using guinea pigs
Authors: Youn Y. H. , Choi E. J. , Lee Y. H. , Oshima T. , Miwa H. , Park H.
Published: February 2015

Background

To date, few animal experiments have been conducted to examine the effects and mechanisms of buspirone in inducing the relaxation of the gastric fundus. The aim of this study is to examine the effects and mechanisms of buspirone, 5‐HT1a receptor agonist, in the accommodation of gastric fundus muscle in an animal experimental model using guinea pigs.

Methods

In the current study, we performed an immunohistochemistry for 5‐HT1a receptors in the tissue samples collected from the stomach of guinea pig, an ex vivo experiment to examine the electrical field stimulation (EFS)‐induced relaxation of the circular muscle in the gastric fundus in guinea pigs and an in vivo experiment to measure the intragastric pressure through the insertion of the balloon catheter in the fundus.

Key Results

Immunohistochemical stains for 5‐HT1a receptor could confirm the expression of 5‐HT1a receptor in guinea pig stomach. There was a significant dose‐dependent inhibition of the EFS‐induced relaxation of fundic muscle strips following the treatment with WAY‐100635 (5‐HT1a antagonist), but this was significantly improved following the treatment with buspirone. An in vivo measurement of the gastric fundic tone showed that there was a significant decrease in the intragastric pressure at same volume by pretreatment with buspirone as compared with the vehicle control, but this could be prevented with the treatment with WAY‐100635.

Conclusions & Inferences

Based on our results, it can be concluded that buspirone is effective in relaxing the gastric fundus via 5‐HT1a receptor pathway in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models using guinea pigs.
Compromised white matter integrity in obesity
Authors: Kullmann S. , Schweizer F. , Veit R. , Fritsche A. , Preissl H.
Published: February 2015

Obesity is associated with both structural and functional changes of the central nervous system. While gray matter alterations in obesity point to a consistent reduction with increasing body mass index (BMI), volumetric changes in white matter are more complex and less conclusive. Hence, more recently, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has been employed as a highly sensitive tool to investigate microstructural changes in white matter structure. Parameters of diffusivity and anisotropy are used to evaluate white matter and fibre integrity as well as axonal and myelin degeneration. Fractional anisotropy (FA) is the most commonly used parameter as it is the best estimate of fibre integrity. The focus of this review was on the relationship between obesity and brain alterations assessed by DTI. Altogether, these studies have shown a loss of white matter integrity with obesity‐related factors, especially in tracts within the limbic system and those connecting the temporal and frontal lobe. More specifically, multiple studies found an inverse association between BMI and FA in the corpus callosum, fornix, cingulum and corona radiata in elderly and young adults as well as children. Furthermore, significant interactions were observed between BMI and age, pointing to accelerated ageing of white matter structure in obese.
Low Velocity Impact of Flat and Doubly Curved Polycarbonate Panels
Authors: Antoine G. O. , Batra R. C.
Published: February 2015

Three-dimensional finite transient deformations of polycarbonate (PC) panels impacted at low velocity by a hemispherical-nosed rigid cylinder have been studied by using the commercial finite element software ls-dyna with a thermo–elasto–viscoplastic material model for the PC incorporated in it as a user defined subroutine. The implementation of the subroutine has been verified by comparing analytical and numerical solutions of simple initial-boundary-value problems. The mathematical model of the low velocity impact problem has been validated by comparing the computed and the experimental results for the maximum deflection and time histories of the centroidal deflection. It is found that the initial slope of the reaction force between the impactor and the panel versus the indentation for a curved panel can be nearly 20 times that for the flat panel of the same thickness as the curved panel. For the impact velocities considered, it is found that the maximum effective plastic strain in the PC shell near the center of impact and the dominant deformation mode there strongly depend on the panel curvature, the panel thickness, and the impact speed. Effects of the panel curvature, the panel thickness, and the impact speed on stresses and strains developed in a panel are delineated. This information should help designers of impact resistant transparent panels such as an airplane canopy, automobile windshield, and goggles. However, damage initiation and propagation, and the final indentation induced in the clamped panels have not been computed.
The Compressive Response of Idealized Cermetlike Materials
Authors: Bele Eral , Deshpande Vikram S.
Published: February 2015

Metals reinforced with a high volume fraction of hard particles, e.g., cermets, have properties that are more akin to those of granular media than conventional composites. Here, the mechanical properties and deformation mechanisms of this class of materials are investigated through the fabrication and testing of idealized cermets, comprising steel spheres in a Sn/Pb solder matrix. These materials have a similar contrast in the properties of constituent phases compared to commercial cermets; however, the simpler microstructure allows an easier interpretation of their properties. A combination of X-ray tomography and multiaxial strain measurements revealed that deformation at large strains occurs by the development of shear bands similar to granular media, with the material dilating under hydrostatic pressure within these shear bands. Predictions of finite element models with a random arrangement of inclusions were in excellent agreement with the experimental results of idealized cermets. These calculations showed that at large inclusion volume fractions, composites with a random arrangement of inclusions are significantly stronger compared to their periodic counterparts, due to the development of a network of force chains through the percolated particles.
Thermodynamics of Nuclear Waste Reprocessing: Separation of
Lanthanides Using Liquid Metals and Alloys
Authors: Melchakov Stanislav Yu. , Yamshchikov Leonid F. , Volkovich Vladimir A. , Osipenko Alexander G.
Published: February 2015

Thermodynamics of separation of praseodymium and neodymium employing liquid low-melting metals and alloys is considered. Pr/Nd separation factors on liquid Ga, In, Bi, and Ga-In eutectic were calculated from the thermodynamic data. The obtained results are compared with the literature data on experimentally determined separation factors on “traditional” liquid metals: Bi, Zn, and Cd. It is shown that one-stage selective extraction of praseodymium or neodymium from the mixture using any of the mentioned metals is not possible. In the separation process of lanthanides from minor actinides using a chloride molten salt–liquid metal system, cerium group lanthanide fission products will be accumulated in the salt phase.
Objective function to obtain multiple representative waveforms for a novel helical CT scan protocol
Authors: Ruan Dan , Thomas David , Low Daniel A.
Published: February 2015

Purpose:

To develop objective functions for selecting multiple representative respiratory waveforms. A specific application considered is to reduce the number of swiping scans in a novel helical CT scan protocol to harvest efficiency and dose reduction benefit.

Methods:

The authors consider a general class of potential objective functions consisting of weighted norms on pointwise profile differentials. The authors utilize the Lagrangian approach and derive proper conditions on the formulation based on first and second order optimality conditions. The derived objective functions are applied to clinically acquired respiratory trajectories for swipe subset selection to verify the validity and generality of the proposed rationale. An end‐to‐end 4DCT reconstruction comparison is performed using a swipe subset of data corresponding to 3 out of the full 25 waveforms to assess the consequence in image quality and dose.

Results:

Their results show that maximizing the proposed objective function with the suggested parameters yields maximal spread of trajectories among the selected subset. 4DCT Reconstruction using the chosen subset of data indicates the potential for further dose reduction by about 5 to 10 folds without significant sacrifice in image quality. Experimental results also support further generalization to include slice prioritization.

Conclusions:

The authors have derived a formulation that is both simple and general as a metric to quantify the spread of a set of respiratory trajectories, which can be used for subset selection with potential computation and dose reduction benefit when applied to a newly developed helical 4DCT scan protocol.
Effects Of Need-Supportive Physical Activity Counseling on Well-Being: A 2-Year Follow-Up Among Sedentary Older Adults
Authors: Van Hoecke Ann-Sophie , Delecluse Christophe , Bogaerts An , Boen Filip
Published: February 2015

Background:

This study evaluated the long-term effectiveness of multiple physical activity counseling strategies on subjective health among older adults.

Methods:

Sedentary older adults (n = 442) were randomized to 3 programs: (1) a one-contact referral to locally organized physical activities, (2) a one-contact provision of a walking program, (3) a 10-week multiple-contact physical activity coaching based on the Self-Determination Theory. Self-reports on well-being, trait anxiety and physical activity were completed at baseline (pretest), and 10 weeks after (10-week follow-up), 1 year after (1-year follow-up) and 2 years after (2-year follow-up) pretests.

Results:

All 3 programs yielded improvements in well-being and trait anxiety from pretest to 10-week follow-up and to 1-year follow-up. From pretest to 2-year follow-up, no changes emerged in well-being whereas trait anxiety increased significantly. Changes over time in well-being and anxiety were not significantly different between the programs. Changes in physical activity contributed significantly to the prediction of changes in well-being and trait anxiety.

Conclusions:

The findings demonstrate the year-round effectiveness of physical activity counseling on subjective health among older adults, irrespective of counseling strategy. However, a relapse to baseline level occurred 2 years after the intervention. Physical activity appears to be an important determinant of older adults’ well-being.
Pedometer Assessed Physical Activity in Urban Pubertal Children: First Report From India
Authors: Contractor Aashish , Bhanushali Aparna , Changrani Jyotsna , Angadi Siddhartha , Das Bibhu R.
Published: February 2015

Background:

Inadequate physical activity is a risk factor for several lifestyle diseases. In the current study we have tried to evaluate the physical activity levels in urban Indian pubertal children as well as investigate the relationship between step counts and body composition.

Methods:

A total of 1032 children aged 12 to 15 years wore pedometers for 2 weekdays and 2 weekend days, the final cohort included 910 subjects with 467 boys and 443 girls.

Results:

Mean weekday steps were 11,062 ± 4741 for boys and 9619 ± 4144 for girls; weekend steps were 10,842 ± 5034 for boys and 9146 ± 5159 for girls, which were both significantly different. The weekend steps were consistently lower in both genders. Analysis of children not meeting a cut-off of 10,000 steps indicated that 45% of the boys aged 12; 54% aged 13; 43% to 48% aged 14 and 50% in the aged 15 did not meet the cut-off. In girls higher levels of inactivity were seen with 58% to 65% aged 12; 69% to 73% aged 13; 49% to 58% aged 14 and 50% to 100% in age-group 15 did not meet the cut-off on weekdays and weekends respectively.

Conclusions:

The high level of physical inactivity in the representative urban Indian children is a cause of grave concern and necessitates urgent intervention strategies to be formulated.
Body Mass Index and its Correlates in 1,212 Ultramarathon Runners: Baseline Findings From the ULTRA Study
Authors: Hoffman Martin D. , Chen Linjun , Krishnan Eswar
Published: February 2015

Background:

Little is known about the sociodemographics and lifestyle behaviors of ultramarathon runners, and the effects of these characteristics on body weight and body mass index (BMI).

Methods:

We cross-sectionally analyzed baseline data of 1212 ultramarathoners on sociodemographics, lifestyle behaviors and BMI from the initial 12-month enrollment period in a longitudinal observational study.

Results:

The ultramarathoners were mostly middle-aged men who were more educated, more likely to be in a stable relationship, and more likely to use over-the-counter vitamins/supplements than the general population. They appear to gain less body weight with advancing age than the general population. Factors with the greatest effect on current BMI were BMI at 25 years of age and sex, which explained 48% and 3% of the variance. Negligible, but statistically significant direct relationships, with BMI were observed for age, work hours per week, television watching hours per week, and composite fat consumption frequency score. Negligible, but statistically significant inverse relationships, with BMI were observed for running distance during the prior year, and composite fruit and vegetable consumption frequency score.

Conclusions:

While lifestyle decisions were found to impact BMI within this group of ultramarathoners, BMI at age 25 was the strongest predictor of current BMI.
To Focus or Not to Focus: Is Attention on the Core Components of Action Beneficial for Cycling Performance?
Authors: Bertollo Maurizio , di Fronso Selenia , Filho Edson , Lamberti Vito , Ripari Patrizio , Reis Victor Machado , Comani Silvia , Bortoli Laura , Robazza Claudio
Published: February 2015

We conducted a counterbalanced repeated measure trial to investigate the effect of different internal and external associative strategies on endurance performance. Seventeen college-aged students were randomly assigned to three experimental conditions to test the notion that different attention-performance types (optimal Type 1, functional Type 2, and dysfunctional Type 3) would influence endurance time on a cycling task. Specifically, Type 1 represented an effortless and automatic, “flow-feeling” attentional mode. Type 2 referred to an associative focus directed at core components of the task. Type 3 represented an attentional focus directed at irrelevant components of the task. Participants completed three time-to-exhaustion-tests while reporting their perceived exertion and affective states (arousal and hedonic tone). Results revealed that Type 1 and Type 2 attentional strategies, compared with Type 3 strategy, exerted functional effects on performance, whereas a Type 3 strategy was linked to lower performance, and lower levels of arousal and pleasantness. Applied implications are discussed.
Labeling of active neural circuits in vivo with designed calcium integrators
Authors: Fosque Benjamin F. , Sun Yi , Dana Hod , Yang Chao-Tsung , Ohyama Tomoko , Tadross Michael R. , Patel Ronak , Zlatic Marta , Kim Douglas S. , Ahrens Misha B. , Jayaraman Vivek , Looger Loren L. , Schreiter Eric R.
Published: February 2015

Taking a snapshot of active brain circuitry

Neuroscientists now have a method to mark active populations of neurons in vivo to study circuit activity in the behaving animal. Fosque
et al.
designed and thoroughly validated a fluorescent protein–based reagent that allows permanent marking of active cells over short time scales. This indicator, termed CaMPARI, switches from its native green to a red fluorescent state by simultaneous illumination with violet light and exposure to increased levels of intracellular calcium. CaMPARI successfully marked active nerve cells in
Drosophila
, zebrafish, and mouse brains.

Science
, this issue p.
755
A small-molecule inhibitor of the aberrant transcription factor CBFβ-SMMHC delays leukemia in mice
Authors: Illendula Anuradha , Pulikkan John A. , Zong Hongliang , Grembecka Jolanta , Xue Liting , Sen Siddhartha , Zhou Yunpeng , Boulton Adam , Kuntimaddi Aravinda , Gao Yan , Rajewski Roger A. , Guzman Monica L. , Castilla Lucio H. , Bushweller John H.
Published: February 2015

Toward drugging the undruggable in cancer

Many human cancers are characterized by inappropriate activity of transcription factors. These proteins are attractive drug targets in principle, but normalizing their function requires drugs that modulate specific protein-protein interactions, a goal that has been challenging. In acute myeloid leukemia, a chromosomal translocation creates an aberrant form of the transcription factor CBF-beta, which outcompetes “normal” CBF-beta for binding to another transcription factor called RUNX1, thereby deregulating its activity. Illendulaet al.identified and chemically optimized a small molecule that selectively disrupts the interaction between the aberrant CBF-beta and RUNX1 (see the Perspective by Koehler and Chen). This molecule restored normal gene expression patterns and delayed leukemia progression in mice. Thus, transcription factors may not be as undruggable as once thought.

Science, this issue p.779; see also p.713
Response to Comment on “Using ecological thresholds to evaluate the costs and benefits of set-asides in a biodiversity hotspot”
Authors: Banks-Leite Cristina , Pardini Renata , Tambosi Leandro R. , Pearse William D. , Bueno Adriana A. , Bruscagin Roberta T. , Condez Thais H. , Dixo Marianna , Igari Alexandre T. , Martensen Alexandre C. , Metzger Jean Paul
Published: February 2015

Finney claims that we did not include transaction costs while assessing the economic costs of a set-aside program in Brazil and that accounting for them could potentially render large payments for environmental services (PES) projects unfeasible. We agree with the need for a better understanding of transaction costs but provide evidence that they do not alter the feasibility of the set-aside scheme we proposed.
A role for Cl
–
in salt-sensitive hypertension
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: February 2015

Altered intracellular Cl
–
underlies changes in salt-sensitive neuronal signaling to produce high blood pressure.
Looking at the 99% in nature to stop drug-resistant bacteria
Authors: Dela Cruz Charles S.
Published: February 2015

New antibiotics without detectable resistance were discovered in unculturable soil bacteria.
Molecular and Biochemical Characterization of CTX-M-131, a Natural Asp240Gly Variant Derived from CTX-M-2, Produced by a Providencia rettgeri Clinical Strain in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Dropa Milena , Ghiglione Barbara , Matté Maria Helena , Balsalobre Livia Carminato , Lincopan Nilton , Matté Glavur Rogério , Gutkind Gabriel , Power Pablo
Published: February 2015

CTX-M-131 is a natural Asp240Gly variant from the CTX-M-2 group detected in a
Providencia rettgeri
clinical strain from Brazil. Molecular analysis showed that
bla
CTX-M-131
was inserted in a complex class 1 integron harbored by a 112-kb plasmid, which has not been previously described as a platform for CTX-M-encoding genes with the Asp240Gly mutation. Steady-state kinetic parameters showed that the enzyme has a typical cefotaximase catalytic profile and an enhanced activity against ceftazidime.
Efficacy and Immunogenicity of Single-Dose AdVAV Intranasal Anthrax Vaccine Compared to Anthrax Vaccine Absorbed in an Aerosolized Spore Rabbit Challenge Model
Authors: Krishnan Vyjayanthi , Andersen Bo H. , Shoemaker Christine , Sivko Gloria S. , Tordoff Kevin P. , Stark Gregory V. , Zhang Jianfeng , Feng Tsungwei , Duchars Matthew , Roberts M. Scot
Published: February 2015

AdVAV is a replication-deficient adenovirus type 5-vectored vaccine expressing the 83-kDa protective antigen (PA83) fromBacillus anthracisthat is being developed for the prevention of disease caused by inhalation of aerosolizedB. anthracisspores. A noninferiority study comparing the efficacy of AdVAV to the currently licensed Anthrax Vaccine Absorbed (AVA; BioThrax) was performed in New Zealand White rabbits using postchallenge survival as the study endpoint (20% noninferiority margin for survival). Three groups of 32 rabbits were vaccinated with a single intranasal dose of AdVAV (7.5 × 107, 1.5 × 109, or 3.5 × 1010viral particles). Three additional groups of 32 animals received two doses of either intranasal AdVAV (3.5 × 1010viral particles) or intramuscular AVA (diluted 1:16 or 1:64) 28 days apart. The placebo group of 16 rabbits received a single intranasal dose of AdVAV formulation buffer. All animals were challenged via the inhalation route with a targeted dose of 200 times the 50% lethal dose (LD50) of aerosolizedB. anthracisAmes spores 70 days after the initial vaccination and were followed for 3 weeks. PA83 immunogenicity was evaluated by validated toxin neutralizing antibody and serum anti-PA83 IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). All animals in the placebo cohort died from the challenge. Three of the four AdVAV dose cohorts tested, including two single-dose cohorts, achieved statistical noninferiority relative to the AVA comparator group, with survival rates between 97% and 100%. Vaccination with AdVAV also produced antibody titers with earlier onset and greater persistence than vaccination with AVA.
Candida Colonization as a Risk Marker for Invasive Candidiasis in Mixed Medical-Surgical Intensive Care Units: Development and Evaluation of a Simple, Standard Protocol
Authors: Lau Anna F. , Kabir Masrura , Chen Sharon C.-A. , Playford E. Geoffrey , Marriott Deborah J. , Jones Michael , Lipman Jeffrey , McBryde Emma , Gottlieb Thomas , Cheung Winston , Seppelt Ian , Iredell Jonathan , Sorrell Tania C.
Published: February 2015

Colonization with
Candida
species is an independent risk factor for invasive candidiasis (IC), but the minimum and most practicable parameters for prediction of IC have not been optimized. We evaluated
Candida
colonization in a prospective cohort of 6,015 nonneutropenic, critically ill patients. Throat, perineum, and urine were sampled 72 h post-intensive care unit (ICU) admission and twice weekly until discharge or death. Specimens were cultured onto chromogenic agar, and a subset underwent molecular characterization. Sixty-three (86%) patients who developed IC were colonized prior to infection; 61 (97%) tested positive within the first two time points. The median time from colonization to IC was 7 days (range, 0 to 35). Colonization at any site was predictive of IC, with the risk of infection highest for urine colonization (relative risk [RR] = 2.25) but with the sensitivity highest (98%) for throat and/or perineum colonization. Colonization of ≥2 sites and heavy colonization of ≥1 site were significant independent risk factors for IC (RR = 2.25 and RR = 3.7, respectively), increasing specificity to 71% to 74% but decreasing sensitivity to 48% to 58%. Molecular testing would have prompted a resistance-driven decision to switch from fluconazole treatment in only 11% of patients infected with
C. glabrata
, based upon species-level identification alone. Positive predictive values (PPVs) were low (2% to 4%) and negative predictive values (NPVs) high (99% to 100%) regardless of which parameters were applied. In the Australian ICU setting, culture of throat and perineum within the first two time points after ICU admission captures 84% (61/73 patients) of subsequent IC cases. These optimized parameters, in combination with clinical risk factors, should strengthen development of a setting-specific risk-predictive model for IC.
Competitive Fitness of Influenza B Viruses with Neuraminidase Inhibitor-Resistant Substitutions in a Coinfection Model of the Human Airway Epithelium
Authors: Burnham Andrew J. , Armstrong Jianling , Lowen Anice C. , Webster Robert G. , Govorkova Elena A.
Published: February 2015

Influenza A and B viruses are human pathogens that are regarded to cause almost equally significant disease burdens. Neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors (NAIs) are the only class of drugs available to treat influenza A and B virus infections, so the development of NAI-resistant viruses with superior fitness is a public health concern. The fitness of NAI-resistant influenza B viruses has not been widely studied. Here we examined the replicative capacity and relative fitness in normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells of recombinant influenza B/Yamanashi/166/1998 viruses containing a single amino acid substitution in NA generated by reverse genetics (rg) that is associated with NAI resistance. The replication in NHBE cells of viruses with reduced inhibition by oseltamivir (recombinant virus with the E119A mutation generated by reverse genetics [rg-E119A], rg-D198E, rg-I222T, rg-H274Y, rg-N294S, and rg-R371K, N2 numbering) or zanamivir (rg-E119A and rg-R371K) failed to be inhibited by the presence of the respective NAI. In a fluorescence-based assay, detection of rg-E119A was easily masked by the presence of NAI-susceptible virus. We coinfected NHBE cells with NAI-susceptible and -resistant viruses and used next-generation deep sequencing to reveal the order of relative fitness compared to that of recombinant wild-type (WT) virus generated by reverse genetics (rg-WT): rg-H274Y > rg-WT > rg-I222T > rg-N294S > rg-D198E > rg-E119A ≫ rg-R371K. Based on the lack of attenuated replication of rg-E119A in NHBE cells in the presence of oseltamivir or zanamivir and the fitness advantage of rg-H274Y over rg-WT, we emphasize the importance of these substitutions in the NA glycoprotein. Human infections with influenza B viruses carrying the E119A or H274Y substitution could limit the therapeutic options for those infected; the emergence of such viruses should be closely monitored.

IMPORTANCE
Influenza B viruses are important human respiratory pathogens contributing to a significant portion of seasonal influenza virus infections worldwide. The development of resistance to a single class of available antivirals, the neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors (NAIs), is a public health concern. Amino acid substitutions in the NA glycoprotein of influenza B virus not only can confer antiviral resistance but also can alter viral fitness. Here we used normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells, a model of the human upper respiratory tract, to examine the replicative capacities and fitness of NAI-resistant influenza B viruses. We show that virus with an E119A NA substitution can replicate efficiently in NHBE cells in the presence of oseltamivir or zanamivir and that virus with the H274Y NA substitution has a relative fitness greater than that of the wild-type NAI-susceptible virus. This study is the first to use NHBE cells to determine the fitness of NAI-resistant influenza B viruses.
Ebola Virus Disease in Mice with Transplanted Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Lüdtke Anja , Oestereich Lisa , Ruibal Paula , Wurr Stephanie , Pallasch Elisa , Bockholt Sabrina , Ip Wing Hang , Rieger Toni , Gómez-Medina Sergio , Stocking Carol , Rodríguez Estefanía , Günther Stephan , Muñoz-Fontela César
Published: February 2015

The development of treatments for Ebola virus disease (EVD) has been hampered by the lack of small-animal models that mimick human disease. Here we show that mice with transplanted human hematopoetic stem cells reproduce features typical of EVD. Infection with Ebola virus was associated with viremia, cell damage, liver steatosis, signs of hemorrhage, and high lethality. Our study provides a small-animal model with human components for the development of EVD therapies.