bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Low Cadmium Concentration on the Removal Efficiency and Mechanisms in Microbial Electrolysis Cells
Authors: Colantonio Natalie , Guo Hui , Kim Younggy
Published: December 2016

Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) can be used to remove cadmium (Cd2+) via three removal mechanisms: electrodeposition; chemical precipitation; and biosorption. Here, we investigated how cadmium concentration affects its removal mechanisms and efficiency in lab‐scale MECs. For 10, 50, and 100 μg‐Cd/L, cadmium was removed by electrodeposition and biosorption without chemical precipitation. The total amount of cadmium removed by electrodeposition increased from 0.96 to 7.7 μg with the increasing cadmium concentration while its fractional contribution was stationary at 8–10 %. The fractional contribution of biosorption dropped from 59 % to 4 % with the increasing cadmium concentration, but the mass removed by biosorption (3‐6 μg) was relatively unaffected by the initial cadmium concentration. For the low concentrations, the cadmium removal was not sufficiently high, varying 13 to 69 %. However, at 2.5 mg‐Cd/L, effective removal of cadmium (93 % removal in 7 days) was observed and electrodeposition made the largest contribution to cadmium removal (68 %) while chemical precipitation (18 %) and biosorption (14 %) was relatively minor. These findings showed that cadmium concentration governs the removal mechanisms as well as the removal efficiency in MECs.
Soft Elastomers with Ionic Liquid‐Filled Cavities as Strain Isolating Substrates for Wearable Electronics
Authors: Ma Yinji , Pharr Matt , Wang Liang , Kim Jeonghyun , Liu Yuhao , Xue Yeguang , Ning Rui , Wang Xiufeng , Chung Ha Uk , Feng Xue , Rogers John A. , Huang Yonggang
Published: December 2016

Managing the mechanical mismatch between hard semiconductor components and soft biological tissues represents a key challenge in the development of advanced forms of wearable electronic devices. An ultralow modulus material or a liquid that surrounds the electronics and resides in a thin elastomeric shell provides a strain‐isolation effect that enhances not only the wearability but also the range of stretchability in suitably designed devices. The results presented here build on these concepts by (1) replacing traditional liquids explored in the past, which have some nonnegligible vapor pressure and finite permeability through the encapsulating elastomers, with ionic liquids to eliminate any possibility for leakage or evaporation, and (2) positioning the liquid between the electronics and the skin, within an enclosed, elastomeric microfluidic space, but not in direct contact with the active elements of the system, to avoid any negative consequences on electronic performance. Combined experimental and theoretical results establish the strain‐isolating effects of this system, and the considerations that dictate mechanical collapse of the fluid‐filled cavity. Examples in skin‐mounted wearable include wireless sensors for measuring temperature and wired systems for recording mechano‐acoustic responses.
The Electrochemical Response of Single Crystalline Copper Nanowires to Atmospheric Air and Aqueous Solution
Authors: Zhang Bowei , Chen Bensong , Wu Junsheng , Hao Shiji , Yang Guang , Cao Xun , Jing Lin , Zhu Minmin , Tsang Siu Hon , Teo Edwin Hang Tong , Huang Yizhong
Published: December 2016

In this paper, single crystalline copper nanowires (CuNWs) have been electrochemically grown through anodic aluminum oxide template. The environmental stability of the as‐obtained CuNWs in both 40% relative humidity (RH) atmosphere and 0.1 m NaOH aqueous solution has been subsequently studied. In 40% RH atmosphere, a uniform compact Cu2O layer is formed as a function of exposure time following the logarithmic law and epitaxially covers the CuNW surfaces. It is also found that the oxide layers on CuNWs are sequentially grown when subjected to the cyclic voltammetry measurement in 0.1 m NaOH solution. An epitaxially homogeneous Cu2O layer is initially formed over the surface of the CuNW substrates by solid‐state reaction (SSR). Subsequently, the conversion of Cu2O into epitaxial CuO based on the SSR takes place with the increase of applied potential. This CuO layer is partially dissolved in the solution forming Cu(OH)2, which then redeposited on the CuNW surfaces (i.e., dissolution‐redeposition (DR) process) giving rise to a mixed polycrystalline CuO/Cu(OH)2 layer. The further increase of applied potential allows the complete oxidation of Cu2O into CuO to form a dual‐layer structure (i.e., CuO inner layer and Cu(OH)2 outer layer) with random orientations through an enhanced DR process.
Activation of KLF1 Enhances the Differentiation and Maturation of Red Blood Cells from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Yang Cheng-Tao , Ma Rui , Axton Richard A. , Jackson Melany , Taylor A. Helen , Fidanza Antonella , Marenah Lamin , Frayne Jan , Mountford Joanne C. , Forrester Lesley M.
Published: December 2016

Blood transfusion is widely used in the clinic but the source of red blood cells (RBCs) is dependent on donors, procedures are susceptible to transfusion-transmitted infections and complications can arise from immunological incompatibility. Clinically-compatible and scalable protocols that allow the production of RBCs from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been described but progress to translation has been hampered by poor maturation and fragility of the resultant cells. Genetic programming using transcription factors has been used to drive lineage determination and differentiation so we used this approach to assess whether exogenous expression of the Erythroid Krüppel-like factor 1 (EKLF/KLF1) could augment the differentiation and stability of iPSC-derived RBCs. To activate KLF1 at defined time points during later stages of the differentiation process and to avoid transgene silencing that is commonly observed in differentiating pluripotent stem cells, we targeted a tamoxifen-inducible KLF1-ERT2 expression cassette into the AAVS1 locus. Activation of KLF1 at day 10 of the differentiation process when hematopoietic progenitor cells were present, enhanced erythroid commitment and differentiation. Continued culture resulted the appearance of more enucleated cells when KLF1 was activated which is possibly due to their more robust morphology. Globin profiling indicated that these conditions produced embryonic-like erythroid cells. This study demonstrates the successful use of an inducible genetic programing strategy that could be applied to the production of many other cell lineages from human induced pluripotent stem cells with the integration of programming factors into the AAVS1 locus providing a safer and more reproducible route to the clinic.
Study on viscosity and aging process of CaCO3 filled poly(vinyl chloride) plastisols
Authors: Ji Yubi , Xu Guomin , Yang Zhao , Luo Heng , Tan Hong
Published: December 2016

The viscosities and aging processes of unfilled and calcium carbonate (CaCO3)‐filled poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) plastisols were compared by using a vibrational viscometer. The morphology of the PVC resins and plastisols was observed and comprehensively analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that the viscosity of the unfilled plastisols was mainly determined by the electrostatic interactions between the plasticizer and the PVC particles. In contrast, the viscosity of the filled plastisols was affected by both the plasticizer‐resin interactions and the particle morphology. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 24:E53–E61, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Interactive effects of wood decomposer fungal activities and bryophytes on spruce seedling regeneration on coarse woody debris
Authors: Ando Yoko , Fukasawa Yu , Oishi Yoshitaka
Published: December 2016

Decaying logs are important seedbeds in boreal and subalpine forests. However, biotic and abiotic factors and their interactions related to seedling colonization patterns on logs remain unclear. In the present study, we evaluated the influence of bryophyte communities, wood decay type (white‐, brown‐, and soft‐rot) owing to decomposer fungal activities, and environmental abiotic factors on seedling establishment in an old‐growth subalpine coniferous forest in Japan. Among the tree species recorded on the conifer logs, Picea jezoensis var. hondoensis was the most dominant. Log surfaces were covered with distinctive patches of liverwort Scapania bolanderi and moss Pleurozium schreberi (approximately 33% cover for each). Redundancy analysis showed that brown‐rot in sapwood significantly affects the bryophyte and seedling community on the logs. Generalized linear models suggested that the total bryophyte cover, Scapania cover, and white‐rot in heartwood positively associate with Picea seedling density, whereas Pleurozium cover and basal area of adjacent Picea adults negatively associate with Picea seedling density. Results of structural equation modeling suggested that the brown‐rot of sapwood positively associates with Scapania cover that has a positive effect on Picea seedling density. Furthermore, brown‐rot of sapwood inhibited the Pleurozium cover, thus contributing to the Scapania dominance on the logs. These results suggest that fungal wood decomposer activities affect colonization of Picea seedlings in an indirect way via structuring bryophyte community on the logs.
The Effect of Salespersons’ Retail Service Quality and Consumers’ Mood on Impulse Buying
Authors: Pornpitakpan Chanthika , Yuan Yizhou , Han Jie Hui
Published: December 2016

This study uses an experiment with 102 Singaporean working adults to examine the effects of salespersons’ retail service quality (SRSQ) and consumers’ mood on impulse buying (IB) and store-revisit intentions. The results show that consumers receiving good SRSQ exhibit greater IB and store-revisit intentions than do those receiving poor SRSQ, and consumers in a positive mood show greater IB than do those in a negative mood. Mood fully mediates the effect of SRSQ on IB in terms of purchase quantity and partially/complementarily mediates the effect of SRSQ on IB in terms of purchase intentions and store-revisit intentions. This research offers insights into the affective and cognitive mechanisms of IB and store-revisit intentions in a specific retail context. The findings help retailers facilitate purchase behavior and improve customer satisfaction in services. Ethical consumption policies and practices could also incorporate the IB mechanism reported in this study. Future research opportunities are discussed.
Sleep changes without medial temporal lobe or brain cortical changes in community‐dwelling individuals with subjective cognitive decline
Authors: Lauriola Mariella , Esposito Roberto , Delli Pizzi Stefano , de Zambotti Massimiliano , Londrillo Francesco , Kramer Joel H. , Rabinovici Gil D. , Tartaro Armando
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is a risk factor for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although sleep has been shown to be altered in MCI and AD, little is known about sleep in SCD.

Methods

Seventy cognitively normal community‐dwelling participants were classified as SCD (32) or controls (38) using the Subjective Cognitive Decline Questionnaire. Sleep was assessed using actigraphy and diaries. FreeSurfer was used for performing medial temporal lobes (MTLs) and brain cortical parcellation of 3T magnetic resonance images. Multiple regression models were used to assess the presence of sleep, MTL, or regional cortical differences between groups.

Results

Objective sleep was disrupted in SCD participants, which showed increased nighttime wakefulness and reduced sleep efficiency. No group differences emerged in subjective sleep or magnetic resonance imaging outcomes.

Discussion

Objective sleep resulted disrupted in community‐dwelling SCD, without any subjective sleep or cortical change. Sleep assessment/intervention in SCD might help prevent/delay AD onset.
STARTING ON THE RIGHT FOOT: DOES SCHOOL CHOICE AFFECT VETERINARIAN STARTING SALARIES?
Authors: NEILL CLINTON L. , HOLCOMB RODNEY B. , BRORSEN B. WADE
Published: December 2016

Both schools and industry members are concerned about wages in the veterinary profession that are low relative to the years of schooling and tuition costs. This study examines the differences in starting salaries for the 2009–2014 graduates of the 28 schools accredited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association. Findings show relatively small (less than $4,000) but statistically significant differences in starting salaries related to school choice. A larger differential effect is present among the different practice types of veterinary medicine, with equine practitioners and private industry veterinarians (e.g., pharmaceutical researchers) representing the least and greatest average starting salaries, respectively.
Exploring five factor model personality traits as predictors of burnout dimensions among college students in the Philippines
Authors: Reyes Marc Eric S. , Davis Roger D. , San Diego Cherline A. , Tamayo Mara Carmina A. , Dela Cruz Nolein Verniz V. , Don Kathleen Kaye C. , Pallasigue Clarize V.
Published: December 2016

Burnout occurs among students when they suddenly lose interest in their studies due to feeling physically and emotionally drained. They experience further emotional depletion due to study demands, distrustfulness and detachment about their work. This study investigated the relationship between the Five-Factor Model (FFM) personality traits and burnout, as operationalised by Maslach's three dimensions of burnout, namely exhaustion, cynicism and reduced personal efficacy. Previous Western research was replicated in order to contribute to the cross-cultural literature on burnout. The Maslach Burnout Inventory – Student Survey University Form and the NEO – Personality Inventory Revised Form S were subjected to stepwise forward regression using FFM factors and facets to predict the scores on each burnout dimension. Five hundred and seventy-seven Filipino college students (age 17 to 24) from private universities and colleges within Metro Manila participated. Results revealed that neuroticism and conscientiousness predict all three burnout constructs. However, certain facets of neuroticism and conscientiousness are more important than others. At the facet level, facets of agreeableness and openness contributed to prediction of burnout as well.
A Society of Individuals
Authors: GAUTHIER DAVID
Published: December 2016

In “A Society of Individuals,” I sketch a society that has no good of its own, no social end, but exists to enable each individual member better to pursue his own good, facilitating cooperation, and resolving the basic Interaction Problem (exemplified by the Prisoner’s Dilemma): that utility-maximization and Pareto-optimization are sometimes incompatible. The orthodox defend the rationality of maximization; I defend Pareto-optimization. I argue that if (per impossible) we could determine the features of our society by prior agreement we would agree to a Society of Individuals, and that we would agree ex ante to some social practice or institution is the best possible justification of it holding for us.

I then sketch some of the main features of the Society. In doing this I assume that members of the Society are not all adherents of contractarianism, but may hold any of a number of reasonable views, which the Society must seek to accommodate. I consider how several alleged rights, such as a right to resources, fare in the Society. And I conclude with the idea that contractarianism, in arguing that each adult member of society enjoys equal citizenship, must afford each the right to participate in choosing and dismissing governments. We may then think the emergence of a Society of Individuals is democracy’s fulfillment.
Contractarianism and Moral Standing Inegalitarianism
Authors: COHEN ANDREW I.
Published: December 2016

Contractarianism is more inclusive than critics (and, indeed, David Gauthier) sometimes suggest. Contractarianism can justify equal moral standing for human persons (in some respects) and provide sufficient moral standing for many nonhuman animals to require what we commonly call ‘decent treatment.’ Moreover, contractarianism may allow that some entities have more moral standing than do others. This does not necessarily license the oppression that liberal egalitarians rightly fear. Instead, it shows that contractarianism may support a nuanced account of moral status.
‘You're not really a visitor, you're just a friend’: how older volunteers navigate home visiting
Authors: LILBURN LUCY E. R. , BREHENY MARY , POND RACHAEL
Published: December 2016

At the intersection of increasing social support needs due to population ageing and the promotion of older age as a time of contribution and social connection, volunteering is an important focus with advantages for older people. One service that addresses both these imperatives is home visiting services. Home visiting services connect home visitors with isolated older people. To examine how older people navigate volunteering for a home visiting service, six visitors were interviewed and the interviews were analysed using discourse analysis. A professionalism discourse was used to construct home visiting as a structured social support service that improved the lives of isolated older people. A personal relationship discourse constructed home visiting as an opportunity to forge long-term relationships that benefit both parties. At times these two discourses created tension for home visitors. Examining how the home visiting service is described by the service organisation online explains these tensions. The online materials construct active older volunteers as providing professional services while those they visit are constructed as receiving friendship. These discourses provide different ageing identities for visitors from those they visit, which contributes to the difficulties in navigating home visiting services. Addressing these tensions will enable service co-ordinators to better meet the needs of both visitors and clients in the context of increasing need for such services.
Stimulated Brillouin backscattering of hollow Gaussian laser beam in collisionless plasma under relativistic–ponderomotive regime
Authors: Gauniyal R. , Ahmad N. , Rawat P. , Gaur B. , Mahmoud S.T. , Purohit G.
Published: December 2016

Stimulated Brillouin backscattering of an intense hollow Gaussian laser beam (HGLB) from collisionless plasma has been investigated under relativistic–ponderomotive regime. The main feature of considered hollow Gaussian laser beam is having the same power at different beam orders with null intensity at the center. Backscattered radiation is generated due to nonlinear interaction between main beam (pump beam) with pre-excited ion acoustic wave (IAW). Modified coupled equations has been set up for the beam width parameters of the main beam, ion-acoustic wave, back-scattered wave, and back reflectivity of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) with the help of the Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin approximation, fluid equations and paraxial theory approach. These coupled equations are solved analytically and numerically to study the laser intensity in the plasma, the variation of amplitude of the excited IAW and back reflectivity of SBS. The back reflectivity of SBS is found to be highly sensitive to the order of the HGLB, intensity of main laser beam, and plasma density for typical laser and plasma parameters. The focusing of main laser beam (hollow Gaussian) and IAW significantly affected the back reflectivity of SBS. The results show that the self-focusing and back reflectivity is enhanced for higher order modes of HGLB.
Ace in the Hole or Hole in the Pocket? The Italian Mezzogiorno and the Story of a Troubled Transition from Development Model to Development Donor
Authors: LORENZINI SARA
Published: December 2016

This article studies the Italian contribution to shaping the ideas and practices of development in the 1950s and early 1960s, when Italy changed from a case study for social scientists dealing with the problems of development into a model, and finally into a reluctant donor to less developed countries. It describes Italian thinking regarding economic and social development in the underdeveloped areas of the South. It also discusses the effectiveness of expert networks in promoting the Mezzogiorno as a case study of development practices in the 1950s. It then focuses on development aid to Somalia and shows how this could hardly be construed as a replication of the Mezzogiorno model in an underdeveloped post-colonial setting. Finally, through an analysis of Italian strategy within the DAC, the Development Assistance Committee of the OECD, it argues that the Italian authorities were incapable of building on Italy's economic miracle or making any significant contribution to Western development aid, squandering the trust acquired throughout the 1950s.
Involving patients and carers in developing the radiotherapy curriculum: enhancing compassion
Authors: Hodgson Denyse , Taylor Amy , Knowles Vicki , Colley Martin
Published: December 2016

Background:

This article describes a collaborative project that aimed to develop a patient-centred curriculum in radiotherapy. In the wake of the Francis report in 2013 and a call for compassion to be a central tenet of health programmes, the project was a timely opportunity to enhance the radiotherapy curriculum.

Methods:

Collaboration between university staff and patients and carers using the service improvement model Plan-Do-Study-Act was the method employed for the curriculum project. Two key discussion forums helped shape the curriculum plan, with module and course evaluation continuing to inform developments.

Results:

The key outcome of the project is that it has shaped the 'care' theme evident in the current undergraduate programme. Co-production methods resulted in the development of a range of shared classroom activities that focus on experiences, care values and communication strategies. The new curriculum has evaluated positively and the impact of learning is demonstrated both in the classroom and clinical setting. The project team have also influenced recruitment processes and patient and carer involvement in programme approval is embedded.

Conclusion:

Working together, with patients and carers is an ideal method to enhance the curriculum and reflect the requirements in practice of current health and social care professions. Further developments in student assessment are planned.
Development and validation of the Palliative Care Knowledge Scale (PaCKS)
Authors: Kozlov Elissa , Carpenter Brian D. , Rodebaugh Thomas L.
Published: December 2016

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable and valid scale that broadly measures knowledge about palliative care among non-healthcare professionals.

Method:

An initial item pool of 38 true/false questions was developed based on extensive qualitative and quantitative pilot research. The preliminary items were tested with a community sample of 614 adults aged 18–89 years as well as 30 palliative care professionals. The factor structure, reliability, stability, internal consistency, and validity of the 13-item Palliative Care Knowledge Scale (PaCKS) were assessed.

Results:

The results of our study indicate that the PaCKS meets or exceeds the standards for psychometric scale development.

Significance of results:

Prior to this study, there were no psychometrically evaluated scales with which to assess knowledge of palliative care. Our study developed the PaCKS, which is valid for assessing knowledge about palliative services in the general population. With the successful development of this instrument, new research exploring how knowledge about palliative care influences access and utilization of the service is possible. Prior research in palliative care access and utilization has not assessed knowledge of palliative care, though many studies have suggested that knowledge deficits contribute to underutilization of these services. Creating a scale that measures knowledge about palliative care is a critical first step toward understanding and combating potential barriers to access and utilization of this life-improving service.
Structural mechanism for the arginine sensing and regulation of CASTOR1 in the mTORC1 signaling pathway
Authors: Gai Zhongchao , Wang Qian , Yang Can , Wang Lei , Deng Wei , Wu Geng
Published: December 2016

The mTOR complex I (mTORC1) signaling pathway controls many metabolic processes and is regulated by amino acid signals, especially arginine. CASTOR1 has been identified as the cytosolic arginine sensor for the mTORC1 pathway, but the molecular mechanism of how it senses arginine is elusive. Here, by determining the crystal structure of human CASTOR1 in complex with arginine, we found that an exquisitely tailored pocket, carved between the NTD and the CTD domains of CASTOR1, is employed to recognize arginine. Mutation of critical residues in this pocket abolished or diminished arginine binding. By comparison with structurally similar aspartate kinases, a surface patch of CASTOR1-NTD on the opposite side of the arginine-binding site was identified to mediate direct physical interaction with its downstream effector GATOR2, via GATOR2 subunit Mios. Mutation of this surface patch disrupted CASTOR1’s recognition and inhibition of GATOR2, revealed by in vitro pull-down assay. Normal mode (NM) analysis revealed an ‘open’-to-‘closed’ conformational change for CASTOR1, which is correlated to the switching between the exposing and concealing of its GATOR2-binding residues, and is most likely related to arginine binding. Interestingly, the GATOR2-binding sites on the two protomers of CASTOR1 dimer face the same direction, which prompted us to propose a model for how dimerization of CASTOR1 relieves the inhibition of GATOR1 by GATOR2. Our study thus provides a thorough analysis on how CASTOR1 recognizes arginine, and describes a possible mechanism of how arginine binding induces the inter-domain movement of CASTOR1 to affect its association with GATOR2.
Cryo-electron tomography investigation of serum albumin-camouflaged tobacco mosaic virus nanoparticles
Authors: Gulati Neetu M. , Pitek Andrzej S. , Steinmetz Nicole F. , Stewart Phoebe L.
Published: December 2016

Cryo-electron tomography allows visualization and characterization of a bio-inspired nanoparticle with stealth shielding.
Polymerization of α-(halomethyl)acrylates through sequential nucleophilic attack of dithiols using a combination of addition–elimination and click reactions
Authors: Kohsaka Yasuhiro , Hagiwara Keito , Ito Keiichiro
Published: December 2016

Polycondensation involving sequential nucleophilic attacks of a dithiol on an α-(bromomethyl)acrylate efficiently yielded a polysulfide.
Trimerization of enones under air enabled by NHC/NaOtBu via a SET radical pathway
Authors: Zhang Yuexia , Wu Xingxing , Hao Lin , Wong Zeng Rong , Lauw Sherman J. L. , Yang Song , Webster Richard D. , Chi Yonggui Robin
Published: December 2016

An unusual trimerization of enone is disclosed. The reaction proceeds through NHC/NaOtBu-enabled SET radical process as key steps.
Dynamic Assessment of Narrative Abilities of Children With Hearing Loss: Case Study of a Child With Moderate to Severe Hearing Loss
Authors: Asad Areej N. , Purdy Suzanne C. , Hand Linda
Published: December 2016

This paper presents a case study of the use of detailed syntactic analysis in a dynamic assessment (DA) of narrative in a child with moderate-severe hearing loss (aged 7;4). DA assesses the child's capability to learn a language skill, as opposed to the skills that the child has at a given moment in time. The purpose of the case study was to examine the way DA can demonstrate learning of the linguistic skills used in narrative. The study examined differences pre- and post-learning mediation (the teaching method of DA) in the quantity of language (number of words, number of utterances), syntactical complexity at clause and phrase level, and verb phrases used in the narratives the child produced at these two times. Positive differences in all these measures were found, indicating that this child had good language learning capacity in narrative. The findings showed that a learning experience focused on the principles of fictional narrative production affected not only the macrostructure, but also the microstructure of the child's narrative skills. This paper discusses how linguistic analysis has the potential for increasing the usefulness of DA to better assess language learning capacities, as opposed to language limitations, in children with hearing loss.
Perineal Massage Improves the Dyspareunia Caused by Tenderness of the Pelvic Floor Muscles
Authors: Silva Ana Paula Moreira da , Montenegro Mary Lourdes , Gurian Maria Beatriz Ferreira , Mitidieri Andreia Moreira de Souza , Lara Lucia Alves da Silva , Poli-Neto Omero Benedicto , Rosa e Silva Julio Cesar
Published: December 2016

Aim To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of perineal Thiele massage in the treatment of women with dyspareunia caused by tenderness of the pelvic floor muscles.

Methods A total of 18 women with diagnoses of dyspareunia caused by tenderness of the pelvic floor muscles were included in the study. The women were divided in two groups: the dyspareunia (D) group – 8 women with dyspareunia caused by tenderness of the pelvic floor muscles; and the chronic pelvic pain group (CPP) group – 10 women with dyspareunia caused by tenderness of the pelvic floor muscles associated with CPP. Each patient filled out the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the McGill Pain Index, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). After an evaluation, the women underwent transvaginal massage using the Thiele technique over a period of 5 minutes, once a week for 4 weeks.

Results All women had significant improvements in their dyspareunia according the VAS and the McGill Pain Index (p < 0,001), but the HADS scores did not show significant differences. Regarding sexual function, the D group showed improvements on all aspects of sexual function, while the CPP group showed differences only in the pain domain.

Conclusion Thiele massage is effective in the treatment of dyspareunia caused by tenderness of the pelvic floor muscles with a long-term pain relief.
Elastographic Evaluation of Indeterminate Breast Masses on Ultrasound
Authors: Graziano Luciana , Bitencourt Almir Galvão Vieira , Cohen Marcela Pecora , Guatelli Camila Souza , Poli Miriam Rosalina Brites , Souza Juliana Alves , Marques Elvira Ferreira
Published: December 2016

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of elastography for breast cancer identification in patients with indeterminate lesions on ultrasound.

Methods This prospective, descriptive study included patients with indeterminate breast lesions in the ultrasound and with indication for percutaneous or surgical biopsy. The elastography was evaluated by qualitative analysis and by two methods for the semi quantitative analysis.

Results We evaluated 125 female patients with 159 lesions, with a mean age of 47 years, and a range of 20–85 years. Ultrasound has shown to be a method with good sensitivity (98.1%), but with a lower specificity (40.6%). On the elastography qualitative analysis, the specificity and accuracy were of 80.2% and 81.8% respectively. The mean size of the lesions showed no difference in classification by elastography. For the semiquantitative elastography, the mean values ​​of the malignant lesions were statistically higher when compared with the subcutaneous tissue or the adjacent fibroglandular tissue. The analysis of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for these two semiquantitative methods showed that both are considered satisfactory, with an area under the curve above 0.75 and statistical significance (p < 0.0001). The best results were obtained when using the findings of combined conventional ultrasound and qualitative elastography, with 100% sensitivity and 63.2% specificity.

Conclusions Elastography can be a useful complementary method, increasing the specificity and diagnostic accuracy of conventional ultrasound for the diagnosis of breast cancer in patients with indeterminate breast lesions.
Influences in the Development of Children's Language Attitudes
Authors: Hansen Lynne , Robertson Linda
Published: December 2016

The study focuses on factors which influence the attitudes of children toward standard and nonstandard language varieties. In a multicultural rural community in Hawaii where communicative competence includes to varying degrees a knowledge of both standard English and Hawaii Creole English, data were collected to measure the following :

language attitudes of 68 kindergarten and first grade children,

the fluency of these children in standard English and Hawaii Creole English, and

language attitudes of the parents of the children.

Multiple regression analyses of the data indicate the following : no significant effect of parent attitudes on those of a child; the relaÂtive importance of ethnic background and length of residence in the speech community; sex as an important variable in determining language perceptions; a tendency to greater preference for a dialect as profiÂciency in it increases.
Utilization of the Hookword Method for the Learning of Polish Vocabulary
Authors: Kelly Cem
Published: December 2016

The hookword method of learning foreign language vocabulary evolved by Paivio (1978) is far less widely known than the keyword method of Pressley and his associates and has been subject to very little experimentation. Furthermore, although intended as a rehearsal and learning technique to be used by any individual learner independently of a teacher and any material constraints, virtually no attempt has been made to implement it.

Originally developed for the learning of French vocabulary, the system was adapted by the author for use with Polish. Following a description of the method, it is shown how this adaptation was accomplished. A number of positive and neutral observations are listed which were recorded over the twelve-month period in which it was employed; drawbacks of the method are then described and discussed.

The overall experience was positive in so far as it gave insights into the potential of imagery as a memory and learning aid and in that it substantially augmented and reinforced the author's Polish lexis at no cost to any other activity.
Politeness Formulas in English and Arabic
Authors: El-Sayed Ali
Published: December 2016

To be familiar with the kinds of formulaic expressions used by speakers of a language as markers of politeness, is a knowledg which is indispensable to the acquisition of communicative competence in lan-guage. Such expressions can present many pitfalls for the learner who is not fully aware of their conditions of use. A failure to grasp the often subtle differences between first language and target language formulas can lead to serious misunderstandings and misjudgements.
Extraversion et richesse lexicale dans deux styles d'interlangue française.
Authors: Dewaele Jean-Marc
Published: December 2016

Dans cet article nous cherchons dans quelle mesure certains traits de la personnalité (en l'occurrence le degré d'extraversion) permettent d'expliquer des phénomènes de variation synchronique interindividuelle dans deux styles d'interlangue de nos 21 locuteurs néerlandopho nes parlant français. Nous avons constaté que dans un contexte formel le discours oral des locuteurs introvertis est plus riche que celui des locuteurs extravertis.
Studies on ternary PbZnS films suited for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Ravishankar S. , Balu A.R.
Published: December 2016

This paper reports the deposition and characterisation of spray-deposited ternary PbZnS thin films. PbZnS thin films were prepared with different concentrations of zinc (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 wt-%). XRD studies reveal the polycrystalline nature of the films. The doped films exhibit face-centred cubic structure with a strong (2 0 0) preferential orientation similar to that of the undoped film. Lead sulphide (PbS) unit cell volume contracts with Zn doping. Transparency increases with Zn doping and optical band gap values of the PbZnS films coated with Zn concentration greater than 1 wt-% exhibit a blue shift which may be attributed to Moss–Burstein effect. Electrical studies reveal that all the films have resistivity in the order of 10−1 ohm-cm. The obtained results infer that Zn doping enhances the optical and electrical properties of pure PbS making the doped films suitable for optoelectronic applications.
Smokeless Tobacco use among United States Air Force Trainees
Authors: Linde Brittany D. , Ebbert Jon O. , Schroeder Darrell R. , Hanson Andrew C. , Talcott G. Wayne , Klesges Robert C.
Published: December 2016

Background

The prevalence of smokeless tobacco use in the United States Air Force (USAF) exceeds civilian use rates. The prevalence and correlates of smokeless tobacco use were assessed and evaluated in a sample of USAF trainees.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of USAF technical training school personnel at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland and Fort Sam Houston ( N = 14,810). Survey completion rate was 78%. Logistic regression was used to analyze the associations between demographic variables, tobacco use, and social factors for both regular and infrequent smokeless tobacco (e.g., chewing tobacco, snuff) users.

Results

Overall, 16% of Airmen had ever used smokeless tobacco and 10% regularly used smokeless tobacco. In multivariate analyses, men had greater odds than women of regular smokeless tobacco use (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 15.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.8–21.5) and infrequent smokeless tobacco use (adjusted OR = 4.2; 95% CI: 3.1–5.7). Smokeless tobacco use was associated with participation in high school sports (adjusted OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.6–2.3 for regular users; adjusted OR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1–1.7 for infrequent users), smoking cigarettes (adjusted OR = 4.3; 95% CI: 3.6–5.1 for regular users; adjusted OR = 4.0; 95% CI: 3.2–5.0 for infrequent users), or living with someone who used smokeless tobacco (adjusted OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.9–2.6 for regular users; adjusted OR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1–1.7 for infrequent users). Black or African Americans were less likely than whites to be regular (adjusted OR = 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1–0.4) or infrequent (adjusted OR = 0.3; 95% CI: 0.2–0.4) users of smokeless tobacco.

Conclusions

Smokeless tobacco use among incoming Air Force recruits is common and negatively impacts the Air Force's goal to be tobacco-free. Understanding sociodemographic characteristics perpetuating smokeless tobacco use in the Air Force population can inform the development of health promotion interventions.
Screening and Brief Intervention in High Schools: School Nurses’ Practices and Attitudes in Massachusetts
Authors: Lunstead Julie , Weitzman Elissa R. , Kaye Dylan , Levy Sharon
Published: December 2016

Background

Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is recommended as a strategy to prevent or reduce adolescent substance use. Offering SBIRT in schools may provide an opportunity to reach adolescents not accessing primary care. The objective is to assess school nurses’ attitudes and practices regarding adolescent SBIRT.

Methods

The authors administered electronically and in person a questionnaire including 29 items on SBIRT attitudes and practices to school nurses registered for the Northeastern University's School Health Institute Summer Program in Massachusetts ( N = 168). Survey questions were adapted from a questionnaire originally developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Results

One hundred and forty-four nurses completed the survey for a response rate of 85.7%. More than three quarters of the respondents (77.0%) were in favor of universal alcohol screening in schools. None of the respondents reported screening their students on a regular basis. More than half (64.4%) of nurses reported screening students; however, they did so only when they suspected alcohol use. During these instances, only 17.9% used a validated screening tool and almost all (98.2%) used face-to-face clinical interviews. When addressing alcohol use by a student, the large majority of respondents reported including the following recommended clinical strategies: asking about problems related to alcohol use (56.3%), explaining the harms of alcohol use (70.1%), and advising abstinence (73.6%). On average, respondents spend 5 to 10 minutes discussing alcohol use with their students.

Conclusion

Survey respondents were supportive of universal alcohol screening in school, although few were doing so at the time. When respondents identified students using alcohol, their interventions were closely aligned with clinical recommendations for brief intervention. Implementation of SBIRT that focuses on standardized, annual screening has the potential to deliver high-quality care in this setting.
LRCH1 interferes with DOCK8-Cdc42–induced T cell migration and ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Xu Xiaoyan , Han Lei , Zhao Guixian , Xue Shengjie , Gao Yunzhen , Xiao Jun , Zhang Shicheng , Chen Peng , Wu Zhi-ying , Ding Jianping , Hu Ronggui , Wei Bin , Wang Hongyan
Published: December 2016

Directional autoreactive CD4+ T cell migration into the central nervous system plays a critical role in multiple sclerosis. Recently, DOCK8 was identified as a guanine-nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Cdc42 activation and has been associated with human mental retardation. Little is known about whether DOCK8 is related to multiple sclerosis (MS) and how to restrict its GEF activity. Using two screening systems, we found that LRCH1 competes with Cdc42 for interaction with DOCK8 and restrains T cell migration. In response to chemokine stimulation, PKCα phosphorylates DOCK8 at its three serine sites, promoting DOCK8 separation from LRCH1 and translocation to the leading edge to guide T cell migration. Point mutations at the DOCK8 serine sites block chemokine- and PKCα-induced T cell migration. Importantly, Dock8 mutant mice or Lrch1 transgenic mice were protected from MOG (35–55) peptide–induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), whereas Lrch1-deficient mice displayed a more severe phenotype. Notably, DOCK8 expression was markedly increased in PBMCs from the acute phase of MS patients. Together, our study demonstrates LRCH1 as a novel effector to restrain PKCα–DOCK8–Cdc42 module–induced T cell migration and ameliorate EAE.
Bioaerosol Sampling in Clinical Settings: A Promising, Noninvasive Approach for Detecting Respiratory Viruses
Authors: Nguyen Tham T. , Poh Mee K. , Low Jenny , Kalimuddin Shirin , Thoon Koh C. , Ng Wai C. , Anderson Benjamin D. , Gray Gregory C.
Published: December 2016

Background

Seeking a noninvasive method to conduct surveillance for respiratory pathogens, we sought to examine the usefulness of 2 types of off-the-shelf aerosol samplers to detect respiratory viruses in Singapore.

Methods

In this pilot study, we ran the aerosol samplers several times each week with patients present in the patient waiting areas at 3 primary health clinics during the months of April and May 2016. We used a SKC BioSampler with a BioLite Air Sampling Pump (run for 60 min at 8 L/min) and SKC AirChek TOUCH personal air samplers with polytetrafluoroethylene Teflon filter cassettes (run for 180 min at 5 L/min). The aerosol specimens and controls were studied with molecular assays for influenza A virus, influenza B virus, adenoviruses, and coronaviruses.

Results

Overall, 16 (33.3%) of the 48 specimens indicated evidence of at least 1 respiratory pathogen, with 1 (2%) positive for influenza A virus, 3 (6%) positive for influenza B virus, and 12 (25%) positive for adenovirus.

Conclusions

Although we were not able to correlate molecular detection with individual patient illness, patients with common acute respiratory illnesses were present during the samplings. Combined with molecular assays, it would suggest that aerosol sampling has potential as a noninvasive method for novel respiratory virus detection in clinical settings.
Fall Armyworm-Associated Gut Bacteria Modulate Plant Defense Responses
Authors: Acevedo Flor E. , Peiffer Michelle , Tan Ching-Wen , Stanley Bruce A. , Stanley Anne , Wang Jie , Jones Asher G. , Hoover Kelli , Rosa Cristina , Luthe Dawn , Felton Gary
Published: December 2016

Mechanical damage caused by insect feeding along with components present in insect saliva and oral secretions are known to induce jasmonic acid–mediated defense responses in plants. This study investigated the effects of bacteria from oral secretions of the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda on herbivore-induced defenses in tomato and maize plants. Using culture-dependent methods, we identified seven different bacterial isolates belonging to the family Enterobacteriacea from the oral secretions of field-collected caterpillars. Two isolates, Pantoea ananatis and Enterobacteriaceae-1, downregulated the activity of the plant defensive proteins polyphenol oxidase and trypsin proteinase inhibitors (trypsin PI) but upregulated peroxidase (POX) activity in tomato. A Raoultella sp. and a Klebsiella sp. downregulated POX but upregulated trypsin PI in this plant species. Conversely, all of these bacterial isolates upregulated the expression of the herbivore-induced maize proteinase inhibitor (mpi) gene in maize. Plant treatment with P. ananatis and Enterobacteriaceae-1 enhanced caterpillar growth on tomato but diminished their growth on maize plants. Our results highlight the importance of herbivore-associated microbes and their ability to mediate insect plant interactions differently in host plants fed on by the same herbivore.
Multifaceted Roles of the Ras Guanine-Nucleotide Exchange Factor ChRgf in Development, Pathogenesis, and Stress Responses of Colletotrichum higginsianum
Authors: Gu Qiongnan , Chen Meijuan , Huang Junbin , Wei Yangdou , Hsiang Tom , Zheng Lu
Published: December 2016

The infection process of Colletotrichum higginsianum, which causes a disease of crucifers, involves several key steps: conidial germination, appressorial formation, appressorial penetration, and invasive growth in host tissues. In this study, the ChRgf gene encoding a Ras guanine-nucleotide exchange factor protein was identified by screening T-DNA insertion mutants generated from Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation that were unable to cause disease on the host Arabidopsis thaliana. Targeted gene deletion of ChRgf resulted in a null mutant (ΔChrgf-42) with defects in vegetative growth, hyphal morphology, and conidiation, and poor surface attachment and low germination on hydrophobic surfaces; however, there were no apparent differences in appressorial turgor pressure between the wild type and the mutant. The conidia of the mutant were unable to geminate on attached Arabidopsis leaves and did not cause any disease symptoms. Intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels in the ΔChrgf mutant were lower than that of the wild type. Our results suggest that ChRgf is a key regulator in response to salt and osmotic stresses in C. higginsianum, and indicate that it is involved in fungal pathogenicity. This gene seems to act as an important modulator upstream of several distinct signaling pathways that are involved in regulating vegetative growth, conidiation, infection-related structure development, and stress responses of C. higginsianum.