bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological diversity of blastula formation and gastrulation in temnopleurid sea urchins
Authors: Kitazawa Chisato , Fujii Tsubasa , Egusa Yuji , Komatsu Miéko , Yamanaka Akira
Published: April 2016

Embryos of temnopleurid sea urchins exhibit species-specific morphologies. WhileTemnopleurus toreumaticushas a wrinkled blastula, others have a smooth blastula. Embryos ofT. toreumaticusinvaginate continuously at gastrulation, whereas in some others invagination is stepwise. We studied blastula and gastrula formation in four temnopleurids using light and scanning electron microscopy to clarify the mechanisms producing these differences. UnlikeT. toreumaticus, blastomeres of mid-blastulae inT. reevesii,T. hardwickiiandMespilia globulusformed pseudopods. Before primary mesenchyme cells ingressed, embryos developed an area of orbicular cells in the vegetal plate. The cells surrounding the orbicular cells extended pseudopods toward the orbicular cell area inT. toreumaticus,T. reevesiiandT. hardwickii. InT. toreumaticus, the extracellular matrix was well-developed and developed a hole-like structure that was not formed in others. Gastrulation ofT. reevesii,T. hardwickiiandM. globuluswas stepwise, suggesting that differences of gastrulation are caused by all or some of factors: change of cell shape, rearrangement, pushing up and towing of cells. These species-specific morphologies may be caused by the shape and surface structure of blastomeres with cell-movement.

Summary statement:

Temonopleurid embryology
Genome-wide evidence for a hybrid origin of modern polar bears
Authors: Lan Tianying , Cheng Jade , Ratan Aakrosh , Miller Webb , Schuster Stephan C , Farley Sean , Shideler Richard T , Mailund Thomas , Lindqvist Charlotte
Published: April 2016

Interspecific hybridization is recognized as a widespread phenomenon but measuring its extent, directionality, and adaptive importance in the evolution of species remain challenging. Polar bears possess unique adaptations to life on the Arctic sea ice, whereas their closest relatives -brown bears - are boreal and subarctic generalists. Despite largely non-overlapping modern distributions, genomic evidence demonstrates ancient admixture between these species. Here, we analyze new genomes from contemporary zones of species overlap as well as a previously sequenced 120,000-year old polar bear subfossil. We use explicit statistical fitting of data to admixture graphs to provide a framework for testing alternative scenarios of population relationships and gene flow directionality. Our analyses favor a single, parsimonious introgression event from relatives of extant Southeast Alaskan coastal brown bears into the ancestor of extant polar bears, which inverts the current paradigm of unidirectional gene flow from polar into brown bear. This conclusion has clear implications for our understanding of the impact of climate change: a specialist Arctic lineage may have been the recipient of generalist, boreal genetic variants at crucial times during critical phases of Northern Hemisphere glacial oscillations.
Expression of progerin does not result in an increased mutation rate
Authors: Deniaud Emmanuelle , Boyle Shelagh , Bickmore Wendy
Published: April 2016

In the premature ageing disease Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) the underlying genetic defect in thelamin Agene leads to accumulation at the nuclear lamina of progerin – a mutant form of lamin A that cannot be correctly processed. This has been reported to result in defects in the DNA damage response and in DNA repair, leading to the hypothesis that, as in normal ageing and in other progeroid syndromes caused by mutation of genes of the DNA repair and DNA damage response pathways, increased DNA damage may be responsible for the premature ageing phenotypes in HGPS patients. However, this hypothesis is based upon the study of markers of the DNA damage response, rather than measurement of DNA damage per se or the consequences of unrepaired DNA damage -mutation. Here, using a mutation reporter cell line, we directly compared the inherent and induced mutation rates in cells expressing wild-type lamin A or progerin. We find no evidence for an elevated mutation rate in progerin-expressing cells. We conclude that the cellular defect in HGPS cells does not lie in the repair of DNA damage per se.
University social responsibility and brand image of private universities in Bangkok
Authors: Plungpongpan Jirawan , Tiangsoongnern Leela , Speece Mark
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This research examines the effects of University Social Responsibility (USR) on the brand image of private universities in Thailand. Brand image is important for entry into the consideration set as prospective students evaluate options for university study.USR activities may be implicit or explicit, i.e., actively communicated to external stakeholders. We show that explicit USR can help put a university into the brand consideration set.

Design/methodology/approach

This pilot research uses qualitative interviews to explore perceptions of six private university executives, six M6 (high school) students, and the parents of the M6 students.

Findings

In Thailand, some USR elements are mandated components of quality assurance, but many universities go beyond basic requirements. The university executives talked about USR beyond simply meeting government QA requirements. USR can contribute to competitiveness and it helps produce better, more socially responsible graduates. Communication about USR is done through both online and traditional media, but public knowledge lags somewhat compared to what universities actually do.

M6 students are more aware of university USR activities than their parents because of online media and university roadshows at their schools. USR is not the major factor in choosing a university, and many activities are not well known. However, students and parents think that USR is helpful, and some activities directly impact inclusion in the brand consideration set.

Practical implications

Universities can apply these USR activities to strengthen their brand images and become part of the consideration set. However, they need more careful marketing communications to fully inform stakeholders about the whole range of USR.

Originality/value

The researchers have examined how private Thai universities use USR activities as a part of government mandated QA components. These USR activities can contribute to their brand image and help move the university into the brand consideration set.
Development of the scale for “convergence thinking” in engineering
Authors: Park Sungmi
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This study defines the concept of ‘convergence thinking’ as a trading zone for knowledge fusion in the engineering field, and develops its measuring scale.

Design/methodology/approach

- Based on results from literature review, this study clarifies a theoretical ground for ‘convergence thinking’. Initial items to measure this concept were verified by content analysis and then finalized. After a pilot test done with 448 college students, gathered data were analysed by item selection and exploratory factor analysis to verify their validity. Next, the main test implemented with 568 college students was analysed with confirmatory factor analysis, for validating the final items to measure ‘convergence thinking’.

Findings

As a result, the scale for ‘convergence thinking’ consists of 52 items to measure the following five factors: synthetic thinking, objective utilization of information, logical thinking, intuitive thinking and subjective thinking. Construct validity and criterion-related validity were performed at last to check this scale’s theoretical construct.

Research limitations/implications

Previous studies have performed limited research methods such as literature reviews and case studies in order to introduce a theoretical paradigm for convergence, convergence education and knowledge fusion. However, this study provides scientific results based on quantitative methodology on convergence motive and convergence thinking.

Practical implications

This study collects data from sophomore through senior students in college for its research purpose. It is because we believe that college education has achieved a certain level of convergence capabilities by teaching a series of convergence related subjects. However, this study did not show difference by grades, so it should be careful to standardize research results without differentiating the grade. Thus, future study should reveal the difference of convergence thinking by grades.

Originality/value

In conclusion, the ‘convergence thinking’ scale developed in this study can be standardized and stable enough to apply to other cases.
Marketing strategies of United Kingdom universities during clearing and adjustment
Authors: Mogaji Emmanuel
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Clearing system in UK enable students without a University place after exam results have been announced to find suitable vacancies, as it is important for universities to fill their vacancies as any shortfall loses them a lot of money, this research examines marketing strategies adopted by UK Universities on their websites during clearing.

Design/methodology/approach

134 universities websites was content analysed few weeks before clearing and the day before clearing starts. The categories for the analysis included membership of the three main university groups as well as clearing advertisement strategies and advertising theme presented.

Findings

110 universities indicated interest in admitting students through clearing on their websites including 18 of the 24 Russell University Group although more emphasis was laid on adjustment to attract students with better grades. The majority of websites were redesigned to reflect clearing with slides highlighting student satisfaction, guaranteed accommodation and graduate employability.

Research limitations/implications

This exploratory study examines advertising strategies adopted during clearing, it would be interesting to also seek a broader view on advertisement strategies adopted by the Universities throughout the year and extended to a comparative study of higher education marketing across different countries.

Originality/value

As websites have become an integral part of the marketing tools of universities, they should present information relevant to different stakeholders creatively, along with images reflecting their diverse student body and extra-curricular environment. This study will be relevant to university staff dealing with marketing, recruitment and information technology, advertising practitioners and academic researchers.
Factors affecting e-business adoption in SMEs: an empirical research
Authors: Chatzoglou Prodromos , Chatzoudes Dimitrios
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– Nowadays, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are incrementally using e-business tools in order to compete in an extremely hostile market and gain global access. The importance of e-business adoption for the economic success and survival of SMEs creates a very interesting field of research. The purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically test a conceptual framework that investigates the factors affecting the e-business adoption decision in SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

– The examination of the proposed conceptual framework was made with the use of a newly developed structured questionnaire that was distributed to a group of Greek SMEs. The questionnaire was distributed to 600 companies, while 161 usable questionnaires were finally returned. exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, linear regression methods and the structural equation modelling (SEM) technique were used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

– The proposed model explains 71 per cent of the variance of e-business adoption, with firm size, firm scope, IT infrastructure and internet skills being the most important e-business adoption drivers (with firm size being the most significant). On the other hand, CEOs knowledge, adoption cost, and competitive pressure do not seem to play an important role in the e-business adoption decision.

Research limitations/implications

– A limitation stemming from the implemented methodology is the use of self report scales to measure the constructs of the proposed model. Moreover, the present paper lacks a longitudinal approach, since it is cross-sectional and provides a static picture of e-business adoption.

Practical implications

– The paper makes an effort in order to point out areas that companies should emphasise in order to successfully adopt e-business and, therefore, harvest its potential benefits. Certain practical implications are offered in the final part of the paper.

Originality/value

– First, the present study places SMEs in the centre of its attention, while the contemporary research mostly examines the implementation of e-business practices in large organisations. Second, the present study proposes a three-dimensional conceptual framework, including technological, organisational and environmental context. Such a multidimensional approach has randomly been explored in the existing literature. Third, the results of the study may be generalised in other developed countries with similar economic realities and yield interesting outcomes for practitioners in these countries.
Attitude segmentation of Indian online buyers
Authors: Mathew Priya Mary
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this research paper is to apply the ABC model and examine the attitudinal segmentation of online consumer in India in terms of internet usage, perceived risks, website attributes, intent to do online purchase in future and preference of website attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

– A structured questionnaire was administered to 600 online consumers using field and online survey mediums. The logit analysis was applied to arrive at segmentation of online users.

Findings

– Findings show how attitudes are different of online users when they were segmented based on internet usage. This segmentation showed attitudes that were paradoxical in nature. To explain this paradoxical behaviour of online buyers, this study applied the logit analysis. The online users were further examined applying the ABC model of attitude. Three distinct segments of online users emerged. They are: CAB, CBA and BCA.

Practical implications

– The findings of this paper will be useful for online retailers who want to start e-commerce business in India. The findings are also useful for designing appropriate promotion and marketing strategies to entice online users to become online buyers.

Originality/value

– The key contributions of this paper are the new insights from using the ABC model. Based on usage of internet in number of hours, online buyers could be segmented into four groups. On further analysis using ABC model, this studied showed that a better segmentation of online buyers is possible and that is called attitudinal segmentation. The BCA attitudinal segment is a finding of this study and is unique to this research. This has not been done using Indian online buyers and this adds to the originality of the study.
Strategies in managing risks in the adoption of business analytics practices
Authors: Gangotra Amrita , Shankar Ravi
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– There are various risks that can derail the adoption of business analytics (BA) practice in a telecom service provider (TSP) thereby jeopardising the possibility to increase profitability and improved customer experience. The purpose of this paper is to analyse different associated risks using situation-actor-process, learnings-actions-performance (SAP-LAP) model and build mitigation strategies for the adoption. Also the risks are ranked using the interactive ranking process (IRP) methodology and the dominating matrix provides insight to the actions and actors that need attention to improve the processes and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study of a TSP (X1) was analysed through close interactions with experts within the company and externals involved in setting up the BA practice in X1. Using the SAP-LAP framework risks were identified and then the IRP was used to rank the actors w.r.t performance and actions w.r.t processes.

Findings

– X1 has taken initiatives for setting up the BA practice in order to improve the profitability and customer experience through data insights. The suggested conceptual SAP-LAP model helps to address risk mitigation strategies for its adoption and the IRP frameworks helps in understanding the prioritisation matrix (using the ranking) to be considered to mitigate the risks.

Research limitations/implications

– The IRP framework is limited to certain relationships between actors, w.r.t processes and actions w.r.t performance for the prioritisation matrix of identified risks. This has scope to be further expanded to other relationships and therefore refining the findings. Also this approach could be used to study other industries too.

Practical implications

– SAP-LAP model identifies the risks in adopting the BA practice in a TSP. The synthesis of SAP leads to LAP, which bridges the gap by suggesting improvement actions based on the learning from the present situation, actors and processes. IRP provides the prioritisation matrix for mitigating the risks by identifying the dominating factors.

Originality/value

– BA practice plays a dominant role in a TSP. An approach to study the risks of its adoption using the SAP-LAP and IRP framework bridges the gap between the academic and corporate world. This paper is very relevant to managers involved in setting up a BA practice. For the academic, use of research model validates the identification of risks that are recognised in the corporate world and prioritising the risks that need to be addressed.
Perceived benefits and costs of intellectual capital in small family firms
Authors: Grimaldi Michele , Cricelli Livio , Greco Marco
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– Despite the flourishing literature on intellectual capital (IC), few studies explored its features in the perspective of family firms, and even fewer focussed on small family firms (SFFs). The purpose of this paper is to analyze how managers and senior employees in SFFs perceive the benefits and costs of intellectual capital assets (ICAs) and provides many insights for future researches.

Design/methodology/approach

– Taking the lead from the constructivist epistemology, this instrumental study describes the implementation of a framework for the assessment of ICAs into four SFFs in order to develop general theoretical principles.

Findings

– Among the findings, it stands out that most SFFs in the sample especially rely on their internal processes and on their human resources’ knowledge and competences. Furthermore, the authors found much internal disagreement with respect to the expected costs of investing on ICAs, especially within firms operating in more turbulent markets.

Research limitations/implications

– Being referred to a multiple case study, the results may not be generalized to other organizations. Nevertheless, they are useful to build theory, either by verification of falsification, and to encourage their future testing in empirical papers.

Practical implications

– The implementation of the framework allows identifying internal disagreement with respect to the ICAs’ costs and benefits and exploring their causes. Furthermore, it suggests which should be the ICAs deserving primary attention in order to have the best impact on value creation.

Originality/value

– The paper investigates IC in SFFs, thus contributing to fill a remarkable gap in IC literature.
Intellectual capital and performance measurement in healthcare organizations
Authors: Pirozzi Maria Grazia , Ferulano Giuseppe Paolo
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to define a new conceptual framework or model, to measure and manage organizational performance, both financial/non-financial and intellectual capital (IC), in a healthcare organization.

Design/methodology/approach

– The integrated new model is produced by integrating the common assessment framework (CAF) model with two other frameworks representing the IC and leadership. These already existing models are originated, respectively by the Health Agency of Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy) and the National Healthcare System (NHS – UK). The integration phase is operated by comparing the CAF and IC models so as to assess the determinant factors that are present in both frameworks and eliminating such redundancies. Concerning the leadership determinant factor, the relevant conceptual framework of CAF model is substituted by the new leadership model proposed by the NHS.

Findings

– A new integrated model is made available for a subsequent step of empirical implementation and validation through its application in a healthcare organization. The main advantage of this model is the ability to measure and manage IC and financial/non-financial performance. Moreover, the use of a single measurement system facilitates the interpretation and coherency assessment of measured data so originated.

Originality/value

– The added value this work provides will enrich the academic literature regarding performance measurement systems in healthcare organizations, also providing an original integrated model that is able to exhibit the advantages highlighted above.
Intellectual capital and financial performance in the Serbian ICT industry
Authors: Dženopoljac Vladimir , Janoševic Stevo , Bontis Nick
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine whether intellectual capital (IC) creates value in the Serbian information communication technology (ICT) sector. More specifically, it examines the degree to which IC and its key components affect the financial performance of selected ICT companies compared to effects on physical and financial capital.

Design/methodology/approach

– The analysis included 13,989 Serbian ICT companies during 2009-2013. Value-added intellectual coefficient (VAIC) was used to measure the level of IC contribution to value creation. Measures of financial performance used in the study were return on equity, return on assets, return on invested capital, profitability, and asset turnover.

Findings

– Results indicate that, when using firm size and leverage as control variables, only capital-employed efficiency has significant effect on financial performance. Finally, the research confirms that there were no significant differences in financial performance among different ICT subsectors.

Research limitations/implications

– Main research limitation is related to the disadvantages of VAIC as the measure of IC’s contribution to value creation.

Practical implications

– Owners and managers of Serbian ICT companies must recognize the importance of managing both the physical capital and the intangible resources embedded in their employees and processes.

Originality/value

– This is the first paper to examine comprehensively the impact of IC on financial performance in the ICT sector in a transitional economy. This study differs from prior studies in that the authors analyzed every company that operated in Serbian ICT sector.
Attachment and mentoring
Authors: Banerjee-Batist Rimjhim , Reio Thomas G.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between attachment styles, mentoring (psychosocial support and career support), organizational commitment, and turnover intent of protégés in formal faculty mentoring.

Design/methodology/approach

– An internet survey was conducted with a population of 125 protégés in a formal faculty mentoring program at a US university.

Findings

– Results from linear regression analyses revealed that protégés’ secure attachment was positively and significantly related with their organizational commitment and was negatively and significantly related to intent to turnover. Additional linear regression analyses revealed that psychosocial support and career support were positively and significantly related with protégé organizational commitment and were negatively and significantly related to intent to turnover. Hierarchical regression showed that secure attachment alone was a unique predictor of protégés’ organizational commitment and intent to turnover. Further, attachment and career support interacted to predict both organizational commitment and intent to turnover.

Research limitations/implications

– Although psychosocial support and career support in mentoring influence organizational commitment and turnover intent, protégés who are securely attached experience more support. Furthermore, career support the positive association between secure attachment and organizational commitment and the negative association between secure attachment and turnover intent.

Originality/value

– Little research has specifically addressed attachment and its links to mentoring and organizational outcomes such as organizational commitment and turnover intent in the context of faculty mentoring. Therefore, the study contributes to the understanding of how attachment and mentoring influence organizational commitment and turnover intent in academe.
In-Situ Polymerized Nylon 6/Mwnt Nanocomposite Fibers
Authors: Mhetre S.K. , Patra P.K. , Kim Y.K. , Warner S.B.
Published: April 2016

Uniform dispersion, orientation and adhesion between carbon nanotubes and polymer matrix are essential for the improved mechanical properties in the nanocomposite. We prepared multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNT)-nylon 6 nanocomposites using an in-situ polymerization technique, assisted with a few minutes (3-4 minutes) of ultrasonication. Fibers were then extruded from prepared nanocomposite using a single screw extruder and
stretched for draw ratio 3 and 4 respectively. Uniform dispersion was achieved due to the effect of ultrasonication and quick polymerization. DSC studies indicated the presence of interactions between nylon 6 polymer and MWNTs. SEM studies showed the nearly oriented carbon nanotubes inside the nanocomposite fibers. Improved mechanical properties were observed as a result of proper dispersion, orientation and interfacial interactions.
However at higher MWNT loadings (> 0.5 %), molecular weight of the synthesized nylon 6 reduced significantly, resulting in decreased mechanical properties.
Effect of Pretreatment with Low Molecular Weight Chitosan on the Dyeability of Cotton Fabrics
Authors: Huang Kuo-Shien , Wu Wei-Jang , Chao In-Chun
Published: April 2016

The aim of this research is to investigate the influence of low molecular weight chitosan (LWCS) on the dyeability of cotton fabrics. Various concentrations of hydrogen peroxide were used to degrade chitosan to LWCS, which was used to pretreat cotton fabrics under different conditions in order to determine its influence on subsequent acid dyeing of the fabrics. The results showed that the molecular weight of LWCS decreased with increasing concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, LWCS pretreatment of cotton fabric is beneficial for acid dyeing. The K/S values for fabric dyeing increased with a decrease in LWCS molecular weight and the concomitant increase in concentration; a concentration of 4% LWCS yielded the best result. The anti-bacterial properties of fabrics pretreated with LWCS were better than those pretreated with chitosan. The dye and anti-bacterial fastness after 20 washes were best for fabrics pretreated with LWCS.
Applications of Conducting Polymers in Electronic Textiles
Authors: Ala Okan , Fan Qinguo
Published: April 2016

As the textile industry increasingly engages with technical applications, interest in electronic textiles is growing. This paper reviews the research and development (R&D), and commercialization efforts in conducting polymers and electronic textile materials by using conducting polymers. A brief historical overview of conducting polymer development starts this paper. A review then documents the molecular orbitals and molecular structures of polymers, and lists some commonly used conducting polymer chemical structures, their band gap energies, corresponding dopants, and conductivity values. Then, there is a detailed discussion of the conducting mechanisms, with special attention paid to the energy band gap concept; the formation of polaron, soliton, and bipolaron. With regards to applications, the review presents conducting polymer applications, including antistatic packaging, microelectronics, rechargeable batteries, photovoltaic technology, LEDs, electrochromic devices, actuators, membranes, corrosion protection and biomedical applications, as well as applications of electric and electronic textiles (e-textiles) which include sensors, heaters, electromagnetic interference shielding, etc. Future trends in electrochromic and solar textiles conclude this paper.
A New Non-woven Material and Its Use in Functional Baby Diapers
Authors: Qian Cheng
Published: April 2016

A new non-woven material is developed by using chitosan blending fibers via a spun-lacing method, which can be used as the inner layer of baby diapers for providing good permeability, water transmission, insulation, antibiotic protection and anti-odor functions. In the trial production process, the right blending ratios of chitosan, lyocell and bicomponent fibers of 45:45:10 are chosen by experiments. Then, through a close coordination of blending, carding and spun-lacing processes, the best production parameters are filtered out. The new non-woven material is thus made uniform with many oval holes that have a thickness of 0.5 mm. Tests show permeability and absorbency properties of the non-woven material are 212.26% and 121.07% respectively higher than those of ordinary materials (through-air bonding and calendar bonding) used in present baby diapers, and its strength is just proper enough for diaper materials. Moreover, the new non-woven material is also inherently antimicrobial, with a micro-organism resistance to both staphylococcus aureus and epiphytes that is above 95%, whereas in comparison, the ordinary material falls below 70%.
A Cross-Sectional Comparison of Quality of Life Between Physically Active and Underactive Older Men With Prostate Cancer
Authors: Boisen Samara , Krägeloh Chris , Shepherd Daniel , Ryan Clare , Masters Jonathan , Osborne Sue , MacLeod Rod D. , Gray Marion , Keogh Justin W.
Published: April 2016

Men with prostate cancer experience many side effects and symptoms that may be improved by a physically active lifestyle. It was hypothesized that older men with prostate cancer who were physically active would report significantly higher levels of quality of life (QOL) as assessed by the WHOQOL-BREF and the WHOQOL-OLD. Of the 348 prostate cancer survivors who were invited to participate in the present postal survey, 137 men returned the questionnaires. Those who were physically active had significantly lower prostate specific antigen (PSA) scores and higher social participation than those insufficiently active. These findings offer some support for the benefits of physical activity (PA) within the prostate cancer population in managing the adverse side effects of their treatments on aspects of their QOL. Future research should more closely examine what types of PA best promote improvements in varying aspects of QOL and psychological well-being for prostate cancer survivors.
Game-Based Approaches, Pedagogical Principles and Tactical Constraints: Examining Games Modification
Authors: Serra-Olivares Jaime , García-López Luis M. , Calderón Antonio
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of modification strategies based on the pedagogical principles of the Teaching Games for Understanding approach on tactical constraints of four 3v3 soccer small-sided games. The Game performance of 21 U-10 players was analyzed in a game similar to the adult game; one based on keeping-the-ball; another on penetrating-the-defense; and one on attacking-the-goal. Results showed that the modification of tactical problems had a significantly different effect on tactical-context adaptation (p < .005) and for developing passing, dribbling, shooting and getting free skills (p < .005). Small-sided games focused on keeping-the-ball and attacking-the-goal revealed a tactical complexity that was significantly different to the rest of the games (p < .005). With regard to the further investigation of the quality representative task design, these findings highlight the importance of knowing the effects that modification has on tactical constraints and the tactical complexity/technical difficulty involved in developing behaviors.
The Relationship of Practice, Attitude, and Perception of Competence in Middle School Physical Education
Authors: Scrabis-Fletcher Kristin , Rasmussen Jennifer , Silverman Stephen
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Grounded in social cognitive theory this study examined attitude and perception of competence and their relationship with skill practice in middle school physical education.

Method:

Participants (N = 81) were randomly selected from nine teachers’ classes. Two lessons were videotaped and students completed a middle school perception of competence survey (Scrabis-Fletcher & Silverman, 2010), and a physical education attitude survey (Subramaniam & Silverman, 2000). Student practice trials and task time were coded during skill instruction. A series of different analyses were conducted including descriptive, correlational, and multiple regressions to allow for in-depth understanding of the relationship of student practice and the psychosocial variables of perception of competence and attitude, along with the type and amount of practice occurring in class.

Results:

Analyses revealed interesting findings about how class time was spent along with a significant correlation for the total number of tasks and appropriate trials per minute and a low correlation between the psychosocial factors and practice variables.

Discussion:

Including more tasks may increase the number of appropriate practice trials. The sociocognitive bidirectional relationship however, is not predictive in nature and needs to be examined more discreetly from the student, contextual, and teacher perspectives.
Mainstreaming and Maintaining: Perspectives of Social Justice from HBCU PETE Alumni
Authors: Clark Langston , Heaven Anthony , Shah Usman
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The primary purpose of this study was to garner the perspectives of teaching for social justice (TSJ) and teacher education for social justice from individuals who were previously or currently are affiliated with physical education teacher education (PETE) programs at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). A second purpose was to elucidate the meaning of TSJ as it pertains to PETE faculty who were once students of color at HBCUs. Participants: The participants were five Black Americans (three men and two women) alumni of HBCUs.

Method:

The research design was descriptive-qualitative using an interviewing approach for data collection, which also included artifact analysis. (Gay, 1996). Specifically, primary data were collected through semistructured in depth interviews. Data analysis occurred through the usage of immersion.

Results:

The emergent themes were: mainstreaming and maintaining, intergenerational justice, and different and divergent.

Conclusion:

Results of this study indicate that: the nature of social justice is contextual; HBCUs prepare students to teach within both the mainstream and Black communities; and that values and practices related to social justice are passed from teacher educator to teacher education student.
An unhappy peace dividend
Authors: Wade Lizzie
Published: April 2016

With business booming, Colombia is planning to dredge a new shipping lane through surprisingly resilient coral reef.
Extended Bose-Hubbard models with ultracold magnetic atoms
Authors: Baier S. , Mark M. J. , Petter D. , Aikawa K. , Chomaz L. , Cai Z. , Baranov M. , Zoller P. , Ferlaino F.
Published: April 2016

Making magnetic atoms interact

Two magnets interact with each other through a force that depends on the distance between them and on their mutual orientation. How do these long-range dipolar forces affect the behavior of a system of many magnets? Baier
et al.
used a gas of erbium atoms, which have a large magnetic moment, to answer this question. The gas—which they “housed” in an optical lattice—underwent a transition from a superfluid to an insulating state, revealing the presence of dipolar interactions through the orientation dependence of various properties.

Science
, this issue p.
201
Dissecting the multicellular ecosystem of metastatic melanoma by single-cell RNA-seq
Authors: Tirosh Itay , Izar Benjamin , Prakadan Sanjay M. , Wadsworth Marc H. , Treacy Daniel , Trombetta John J. , Rotem Asaf , Rodman Christopher , Lian Christine , Murphy George , Fallahi-Sichani Mohammad , Dutton-Regester Ken , Lin Jia-Ren , Cohen Ofir , Shah Parin , Lu Diana , Genshaft Alex S. , Hughes Travis K. , Ziegler Carly G. K. , Kazer Samuel W. , Gaillard Aleth , Kolb Kellie E. , Villani Alexandra-Chloé , Johannessen Cory M. , Andreev Aleksandr Y. , Van Allen Eliezer M. , Bertagnolli Monica , Sorger Peter K. , Sullivan Ryan J. , Flaherty Keith T. , Frederick Dennie T. , Jané-Valbuena Judit , Yoon Charles H. , Rozenblatt-Rosen Orit , Shalek Alex K. , Regev Aviv , Garraway Levi A.
Published: April 2016

Single-cell expression profiles of melanoma

Tumors harbor multiple cell types that are thought to play a role in the development of resistance to drug treatments. Tirosh
et al.
used single-cell sequencing to investigate the distribution of these differing genetic profiles within melanomas. Many cells harbored heterogeneous genetic programs that reflected two different states of genetic expression, one of which was linked to resistance development. Following drug treatment, the resistance-linked expression state was found at a much higher level. Furthermore, the environment of the melanoma cells affected their gene expression programs.

Science
, this issue p.
189
Direct observation of transition paths during the folding of proteins and nucleic acids
Authors: Neupane Krishna , Foster Daniel A. N. , Dee Derek R. , Yu Hao , Wang Feng , Woodside Michael T.
Published: April 2016

How biomolecules fold

In order to fold, biomolecules must search a conformational energy landscape to find low-energy states. There are peaks in the landscape where the molecules must occupy unstable conformations for a short time. Neupane
et al.
used optical tweezers to observe these transition paths directly for single nucleic acid and protein molecules (see the Perspective by Wolynes). They measured a distribution of times taken to cross the transition path and found that the shape of the distribution agrees well with theory that assumes one-dimensional diffusion over the landscape.

Science
, this issue p.
239
; see also p.
150
Complementation of mitochondrial electron transport chain by manipulation of the NAD
+
/NADH ratio
Authors: Titov Denis V. , Cracan Valentin , Goodman Russell P. , Peng Jun , Grabarek Zenon , Mootha Vamsi K.
Published: April 2016

Taking control of cellular NAD
+
concentrations

Cellular concentrations of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD
+
) are critical for proper metabolism and are often altered in aging and disease. To enable better understanding of these processes, Titov
et al.
altered the concentration of NAD
+
in particular cellular compartments. They did this through expression of a bacterial enzyme targeted to specific compartments of human cells in culture. Their experiments emphasize the important role of the electron transport chain in redox transfer of electrons to NADH, rather than proton pumping, in mitochondrial pathogenesis.

Science
, this issue p.
231
Observational constraints on mixed-phase clouds imply higher climate sensitivity
Authors: Tan Ivy , Storelvmo Trude , Zelinka Mark D.
Published: April 2016

A more sensitive climate system

How much global average temperature eventually will rise depends on the Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity (ECS), which relates atmospheric CO
2
concentration to atmospheric temperature. For decades, ECS has been estimated to be between 2.0° and 4.6°C, with much of that uncertainty owing to the difficulty of establishing the effects of clouds on Earth's energy budget. Tan
et al.
used satellite observations to constrain the radiative impact of mixed phase clouds. They conclude that ECS could be between 5.0° and 5.3°C—higher than suggested by most global climate models.

Science
, this issue p.
224
Hypoxic control of metastasis
Authors: Rankin Erinn B. , Giaccia Amato J.
Published: April 2016

Metastatic disease is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths and involves critical interactions between tumor cells and the microenvironment. Hypoxia is a potent microenvironmental factor promoting metastatic progression. Clinically, hypoxia and the expression of the hypoxia-inducible transcription factors HIF-1 and HIF-2 are associated with increased distant metastasis and poor survival in a variety of tumor types. Moreover, HIF signaling in malignant cells influences multiple steps within the metastatic cascade. Here we review research focused on elucidating the mechanisms by which the hypoxic tumor microenvironment promotes metastatic progression. These studies have identified potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets regulated by hypoxia that could be incorporated into strategies aimed at preventing and treating metastatic disease.
A 5′ Nuclease Genotyping Assay for Identification of Macrolide-Resistant Mycoplasma genitalium in Clinical Specimens
Authors: Kristiansen Gitte Qvist , Lisby Jan Gorm , Schønning Kristian
Published: April 2016

Rapid and sensitive detection of macrolide resistance in
Mycoplasma genitalium
is required for the guidance of adequate antimicrobial treatment. Previous studies have confirmed that single-base mutations at position 2058 or 2059 in domain V of the 23S rRNA gene of
M. genitalium
result in high-level macrolide resistance. Sequencing of PCR products remains the gold standard for the identification of mutations conferring resistance to macrolides but is laborious and time-consuming. The aim of the present study was to develop a 5′ nuclease genotyping assay to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms in the 23S rRNA gene of
Mycoplasma genitalium
that are associated with macrolide resistance by combining PCR with hydrolysis probes and subsequent endpoint genotyping analysis. The 5′ nuclease genotyping assay was used as a referral test to be used on
M. genitalium
-positive samples and was validated on 259 positive samples, of which 253 (97.7%) were successfully sequenced. With the newly developed assay, 237/259 (91.5%) investigated
M. genitalium
-positive samples were genotyped. The positive and the negative predictive values were 100% when evaluated on successfully genotyped samples. The newly developed assay discriminated macrolide-resistant
M. genitalium
in clinical specimens possessing A2058G, A2058C, A2058T, and A2059G mutations with a sensitivity of 94.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90.7% to 98.2%) and a specificity of 92.7% (95% CI, 87.8% to 97.6%) when evaluated on successfully sequenced samples. The assay can correctly guide antimicrobial treatment of
M. genitalium
infections.
Dientamoeba fragilis, One of the Neglected Intestinal Protozoa
Authors: Garcia Lynne S.
Published: April 2016

Dientamoeba fragilis
is a single-celled protozoan, closely related to the trichomonads. Reported worldwide as causing human gastrointestinal symptoms,
D. fragilis
is very common and is second only to
Blastocystis
spp. Dientamoebiasis equals or exceeds the incidence of giardiasis. This minireview includes diagnostic options, clinical relevance, therapy, an animal model, the confirmed cyst stage, and sequencing data. The development of a rodent model, fulfilling Koch's postulates, and the confirmation of a cyst stage have clarified transmission routes, including fecal-oral transmission. The prevalence of
D. fragilis
varies between 0% to over 82%; results depend on the geographic location, group studied, and diagnostic methods used.
Development of a Novel Cocktail Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and a Field-Applicable Lateral-Flow Rapid Test for Diagnosis of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia
Authors: Heller Martin , Gicheru Nimmo , Tjipura-Zaire Georgina , Muriuki Cecilia , Yu Mingyan , Botelho Ana , Naessens Jan , Jores Joerg , Liljander Anne
Published: April 2016

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is a severe respiratory disease that is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. It is caused by
Mycoplasma mycoides
subsp.
mycoides
, a bacterium belonging to the
Mycoplasma mycoides
cluster. In the absence of an efficient CBPP vaccine, improved and easy-to-use diagnostic assays for recurrent testing combined with isolation and treatment of positive animals represent an option for CBPP control in Africa. Here we describe the comprehensive screening of 17 immunogenic
Mycoplasma mycoides
subsp.
mycoides
proteins using well-characterized bovine sera for the development of a novel cocktail enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for laboratory use. Two recombinant
Mycoplasma
immunogens, MSC_0136 and MSC_0636, were used to set up a standardized cocktail ELISA protocol. According to the results from more than 100 serum samples tested, the sensitivity and specificity of the novel cocktail ELISA were 85.6% and 96.4%, respectively, with an overall diagnostic accuracy comparable to that of the Office International des Epizooties (OIE)-prescribed serological assays. In addition, we provide a proof of principle for a field-applicable, easy-to-use commercially produced prototype lateral-flow test for rapid (<30-min) diagnosis of CBPP.
Epidemiology of pertussis-related paediatric intensive care unit (ICU) admissions in Australia, 1997–2013: an observational study
Authors: Kaczmarek Marlena C , Ware Robert S , McEniery Julie A , Coulthard Mark G , Lambert Stephen B
Published: April 2016

Objective

To review the epidemiology of pertussis-related intensive care unit (ICU) admissions across Australia, over a 17-year period.

Design

Retrospective descriptive study.

Setting

Australian ICUs contributing data to the Australian and New Zealand Paediatric Intensive Care (ANZPIC) Registry. The number of contributing ICUs increased over the study period, from 8 specialist paediatric ICUs in 1997 to 8 specialist paediatric and 13 general ICUs in 2013.

Participants

All paediatric (<16 years) ICU admissions, coded as pertussis-related, between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2013.

Results

A total of 373 pertussis-coded ICU admissions were identified in the ANZPIC Registry over the study period. Of these cases, 52.8% occurred during the 4 years of the recent Australian epidemic (2009–2012). ICU admissions were most likely to occur in infants aged younger than 6 weeks (41.8%, n=156) and aged 6 weeks to 4 months (42.9%, n=160). The median length of stay for pertussis-related ICU admissions was 3.6 days, with 77.5% of cases staying in ICU for <7 days. Approximately half of all admissions (54.8%) required some form of respiratory support, with 32.7% requiring invasive respiratory support. Over the study period, 23 deaths were recorded (6.2% of pertussis-related ICU admissions), of which 20 (87.0%) were infants <4 months old.

Conclusions

Pertussis-related ICU admissions occur primarily in infants too young to be fully protected from active immunisation. More needs to be done to protect these high-risk infants, such as maternal immunisation.