bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive parameters of the Pacific angel shark Squatina californica (Selachii: Squatinidae)
Authors: Romero‐Caicedo A. F. , Galván‐Magaña F. , Hernández‐Herrera A. , Carrera‐Fernández M.
Published: March 2016

Reproductive characteristics of the Pacific angel shark, Squatina californica, were evaluated from 420 specimens obtained from the artisanal fishery in La Paz Bay, Gulf of California, Mexico. Females (99 cm, 6000 g) were larger than males (95 cm, 5000 g) in terms of both total length (LT) and body mass (MT). The overall sex ratio was significantly different from the expected 1:1, suggesting sexual segregation of mature individuals in La Paz Bay. Males had developed reproductive organs and calcified claspers from 72 cm LT; the median size at maturity (LT50) was 75·6 cm. In females, only the left ovary was functional and mature ovarian follicles were present from 77 cm LT; the estimated LT50 was 77·7 cm. For the 10 gravid females sampled, uterine fecundity was between two and 10 embryos. Mature, non‐gravid females with small and large ovarian follicles appeared simultaneously with gravid females with follicles that did not exceed 1·9 cm diameter.
Real‐timePCRidentification of lake whitefishCoregonus clupeaformisin theLaurentianGreatLakes
Authors: Overdyk L. M. , Braid H. E. , Naaum A. M. , Crawford S. S. , Hanner R. H.
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study was to develop a real‐timePCRassay to specifically identify lake whitefishCoregonus clupeaformisin larval fish assemblages based on a 122 bp amplicon from the mitochondrial genome. The efficiency of the reaction, as calculated from the standard curve, was 90·77% with the standard curve having anr2value of 0·998. Specificity of the assay provided single melt peak in a melt‐curve analysis and amplification of only the target species. The assay successfully identified targetDNAin as low as 0·1% proportion of aDNAmixture. This assay was designed on the portable Smart CyclerIIplatform and can be used in both field and laboratory settings to successfully identifyC. clupeaformis.
Measuring Client Satisfaction and Engagement: The Role of a Mentor Parent Program in Family Drug Treatment Court
Authors: Drabble Laurie A. , Haun Lisa L. , Kushins Hilary , Cohen Edward
Published: March 2016

Parent engagement is an important intermediate outcome in Family Drug Treatment Court (FDTC) and child welfare services. This study explored the utility and reliability of a client satisfaction and engagement survey designed to measure interim outcomes of a Mentor Parent Program, operating in conjunction with aFDTC. Findings suggest the survey is a useful, parsimonious and reliable tool for measuring key dimensions of parent mentor services including client engagement; client‐centered support and empowerment; and help with systems navigation and accessing resources. The survey may be adapted for use in otherFDTCor parent mentor contexts.
Legal Recognition of Same‐Sex Relationships: New Possibilities for Research on the Role of Marriage Law in Household Labor Allocation
Authors: Widiss Deborah A.
Published: March 2016

Research comparing the relative significance of economic exchange theories and gender norms on parents' division of income‐producing and domestic responsibilities often fails to consider sufficiently the role that marriage may play. This article shows that, in the United States, numerous aspects of state and federal law relating to marriage encourage spouses to specialize in distinct breadwinning and caretaking roles. Same‐sex marriage offers new opportunities to assess the importance of marriage in household labor allocation decisions while controlling for gender. For any data gathered before June 2015, however, it may be distorting to characterize same‐sex couples as simply “married” or “unmarried”; rather, legal recognition during the past 10 years is better conceptualized as discrete bundles of rights and tracked accordingly. This article, written by a legal scholar, provides substantive legal analysis that is integral to developing a research agenda in this area.
Identity Transformation During the Transition to Parenthood Among Same‐Sex Couples: An Ecological, Stress‐Strategy‐Adaptation Perspective
Authors: Cao Hongjian , Roger Mills‐Koonce W. , Wood Claire , Fine Mark A.
Published: March 2016

This article reviews the current research on the potential stressors associated with identity transformation experienced by same‐sex couples during the transition to parenthood and the coping strategies they employ. By integrating disparate findings into an ecological, stress‐strategy‐adaptation framework, we demonstrate that the identity transformation experiences among same‐sex couples during the transition to parenthood (a) involve various adaptive processes of navigating different stressors via their human agency within multiple nested contexts; (b) are products of the intersections of individual characteristics, relational dynamics, LGBT community culture, and heterosexual sociostructural norms; and (c) are complicated by social contextual factors such as social class, race/ethnicity, family structure, and the sociocultural environment associated with geographic location. Last, several avenues for future inquiry are suggested.
Queer Theory, Intersectionality, and LGBT‐Parent Families: Transformative Critical Pedagogy in Family Theory
Authors: Few‐Demo April L. , Humble Áine M. , Curran Melissa A. , Lloyd Sally A.
Published: March 2016

We discuss how to move the family studies field and the teaching of family theories from covering the “facts” that LGBT‐parent families exist to a critical conversation that incorporates conceptual tools, language, and theoretical insights from queer and intersectionality theories. We attempt to move this conversation by presenting a model of curricular change for teaching family studies theories courses that shifts from LGBT‐parent exclusion, compensatory addition of LGBT‐parent families, and LGBT‐parent families as disadvantaged to a focus on queer and intersectional scholarship and a continuing postmodern paradigm shift. We discuss how instructors can engage in critical feminist‐oriented self‐reflexivity and transformational pedagogy.
No Matter – How?: Dealing with Matter‐less Stressors in LCA of Wind Energy Systems
Authors: Cucurachi Stefano , van der Giesen Coen C. , Heijungs Reinout , de Snoo Geert R.
Published: March 2016

The portfolio of impacts that are quantified in life cycle assessment (LCA) has grown to include rather different stressors than those that were the focus of early LCAs. Some of the newest life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) models are still in an early phase of development and have not yet been included in any LCA study. This is the case for sound emissions and noise impacts, which have been only recently modeled. Sound emissions are matter‐less, time dependent, and bound to the physical properties of waves. The way sound emissions and the relative noise impacts are modeled in LCA can show how new or existing matter‐less impacts can be addressed. In this study, we analyze, through the example of sound emissions, the specific features of a matter‐less impact that does not stem from the use of a kilogram of matter, nor is related to the emission of a kilogram of matter. We take as a case study the production of energy by means of wind turbines, contradicting the commonly held assumption that windmills have no emissions during use. We show how to account for sound emissions in the life cycle inventory phase of the life cycle of a wind turbine and then calculate the relative impacts using a noise LCIA model.
Resident Networks and Corporate Connections: Evidence from World War II Internment Camps
Authors: COHEN LAUREN , GURUN UMIT G. , MALLOY CHRISTOPHER
Published: March 2016

Using customs and port authority data, we show that firms are significantly more likely to trade with countries that have a large resident population near their firm headquarters, and that these connected trades are their most valuable international trades. Using the formation of World War II Japanese internment camps to isolate exogenous shocks to local ethnic populations, we identify a causal link between local networks and firm trade. Firms are also more likely to acquire target firms, and report increased segment sales, in connected countries. Our results point to a surprisingly large role of immigrants as economic conduits for firms.
A Statewide Profile of Frequent Users of School‐Based Health Centers: Implications for Adolescent Health Care
Authors: Koenig Kevin T. , Ramos Mary M. , Fowler Tara T. , Oreskovich Kristin , McGrath Jane , Fairbrother Gerry
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to describe patterns of care and service use among adolescent school‐based health center (SBHC) users in New Mexico and contrast patterns and services between frequent and infrequent users.

METHODS

Medical claims/encounter data were analyzed from 59 SBHCs located in secondary schools in New Mexico during the 2011–2012 school year. We used Pearson's chi‐square test to examine the differences between frequent (≥4 visits/year) and infrequent users in their patterns of SBHC care, and we conducted logistic regression to examine whether frequent use of the SBHC predicted receipt of behavioral, reproductive, and sexual health; checkup; or acute care services.

RESULTS

Most of the 26,379 adolescent SBHC visits in New Mexico were for behavioral health (42.4%) and reproductive and sexual health (22.9%). Frequent users have greater odds of receiving a behavioral, reproductive, and sexual health; and acute care visit than infrequent users (p < .001). American Indians, in particular, have higher odds of receiving behavioral health and checkup visits, compared with other races/ethnicities (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

SBHCs deliver core health care services to adolescents, including behavioral, reproductive, and checkup services, to high need populations. American‐Indian youth, more than their peers, use SBHCs for behavioral health and checkups.
“Can't We Just Have Some Sazón?” Student, Family, and Staff Perspectives on a New School Food Program at a Boston High School
Authors: Chatterjee Avik , Daftary Genevieve , Campbell Meg , Gatison Lenward , Day Liam , Ramsey Kibret , Goldman Roberta , Gillman Matthew W.
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

In September 2013, a Massachusetts high school launched a nutrition program in line with 2013 United States Department of Agriculture requirements. We sought to understand attitudes of stakeholders toward the new program.

METHODS

We employed community‐based participatory research methods in a qualitative evaluation of the food program at the school, where 98% of students are students of color and 86% qualify for free/reduced lunch. We conducted 4 student (N = 32), 2 parent (N = 10), 1 faculty/staff focus group (N = 14), and interviews with school leadership (N = 3).

RESULTS

A total of 10 themes emerged from focus groups and interviews, in 3 categories—impressions of the food (insufficient portion size, dislike of the taste, appreciation of the freshness, increased unhealthy food consumption outside school), impact on learning (learning what's healthy, the program's innovativeness, control versus choice), and concerns about stakeholder engagement (lack of student/family engagement, culturally incompatible foods). A representative comment was: “You need something to hold them from 9 to 5, because if they are hungry, McDonald's is right there.”

CONCLUSION

Stakeholders appreciated the educational value of the program but stakeholder dissatisfaction may jeopardize its success. Action steps could include incorporating culturally appropriate recipes in the school's menus and working with local restaurants to promote healthier offerings.
Pilot Investigation of the Katie Brown Educational Program: A School‐Community Partnership
Authors: Joppa Meredith C. , Rizzo Christie J. , Nieves Amethys V. , Brown Larry K.
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

Schools in the United States are increasingly being urged to address the problem of adolescent dating violence (DV) with their students. Given the limited time available to implement prevention programming during the school day, brief programs are needed. The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of a widely disseminated, brief community‐based DV prevention program in partnership with a nonprofit community agency.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized waitlist control trial of a 5‐session DV prevention program (active condition) compared to health class as usual (waitlist control condition). Participants were 225 10th‐grade students with a recent dating history in a large public school in New England. Surveys were administered at baseline, end of program, and 3 months postintervention.

RESULTS

After completing the program, students in the active condition reported significantly lower approval of aggression, healthier dating attitudes, and more DV knowledge. These effects were sustained at 3‐month follow‐up. In addition, students in the active condition reported significantly less emotional/verbal and total DV perpetration and victimization at 3‐month follow‐up.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that a brief, community‐based DV prevention curriculum can promote change in behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge among high school students.
Extreme Weight‐Control Behaviors and Suicide Risk Among High School Students
Authors: Johnson Emily R. , Weiler Robert M. , Barnett Tracey E. , Pealer Lisa N.
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for people ages 15‐19. Research has established an association across numerous risk factors and suicide, including depression, substance abuse, bullying victimization, and feelings of alienation. However, the connection between disordered eating as manifested in extreme weight‐control behaviors (EWCB), and suicidal thoughts, ideation, and attempts among adolescents is less understood. Given the prevalence of adolescent suicide, this investigation examined associations between EWCB and suicide risk among high school students.

METHODS

Data were collected from a convenience sample of 4178 students in grades 9‐12 attending 5 public high schools using the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) questionnaire. Logistic regressions were used to estimate associations between EWCB and suicide controlling for grade level and race, reported separately by sex.

RESULTS

Students who reported seriously considering suicide had higher odds of exhibiting all 3 EWCBs [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)(male) = 3.0 (confidence interval (CI): 1.4, 6.5); AOR(female) = 4.5 (CI: 2.5, 8.3)]. Moreover, students who reported they made plans about suicide were also more likely to exhibit all EWCBs [AOR(male) = 3.7 (CI: 1.7, 7.9); AOR(female) = 4.2 (CI: 2.3, 7.7)].

CONCLUSIONS

EWCBs were significantly associated with suicide risk, furthering the evidence suggesting a link between disordered eating and suicide. Findings demonstrated the need for school health services that address disordered eating in the effort to reduce adolescent suicide.
The effectiveness of low‐level laser therapy as an adjunct to non‐surgical periodontal treatment: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Ren C. , McGrath C. , Jin L. , Zhang C. , Yang Y.
Published: March 2016

Background and Objectives

Although low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) has been demonstrated to have a biomodulatory effect on periodontal tissue, no systematic review has exclusively addressed its effectiveness as an adjunct to non‐surgical periodontal treatment. This study aimed to evaluate whether an additional benefit exists for the application of LLLT compared with scaling and root planing (SRP) alone.

Material and Methods

An extensive search was conducted in the Cochrane Library (Issue 8, 2015), PubMed (1997) and EMBASE (1947) before August 2015 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The bias risk was assessed with the Cochrane tool for risk of bias evaluation. A meta‐analysis was performed using REVMAN 5.3.

Results

After independent screening of 354 initial records, eight publications (seven RCTs) were included. However, six were rated as ‘having a high risk of bias’ as a result of major methodological weakness in ‘allocation concealment’ and ‘blinding of key personnel’. Meta‐analysis showed that LLLT‐mediated SRP demonstrated significant short‐term benefits over SRP monotherapy in the improvement of the probing pocket depth (p = 0.0009 at 1 mo; p = 0.03 at 2 mo) and the level of interleukin‐1β in the gingival crevicular fluid (p = 0.01 at 1 mo). Nevertheless, LLLT failed to show significant additional intermediate‐term (3 and 6 mo) effects in terms of clinical parameters and alveolar bone density.

Conclusion

These findings indicated that LLLT showed only short‐term additional benefits after conventional SRP. Its long‐term effects remain unclear due to substantial methodological weaknesses and an insufficient number of current studies. Future RCTs with better designs and longer follow‐up periods are required to assess the effectiveness of LLLT as an adjunctive treatment strategy in patients with periodontal disease.
Obesity and oxidative stress in patients with different periodontal status: a case–control study
Authors: Atabay V. E. , Lutfioğlu M. , Avci B. , Sakallioglu E. E. , Aydoğdu A.
Published: March 2016

Background and Objective

Obesity has become an important global health concern as obesity‐associated adiposity is supposedly related to systemic immunologic and inflammatory alterations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of obesity on periodontally healthy and diseased tissue according to the changes in malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC) and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) levels in gingival crevicular fluid as biomarkers of oxidative stress (OS).

Material and Methods

The study sample comprised systemically healthy normal‐weight (n = 45) and obese (n = 48) adults. Obesity was diagnosed according to body mass index, waist circumference and waist/hip ratio. Periodontal status was evaluated according to plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth and clinical attachment level. Participants were distributed among six groups according to obesity and periodontal status, as follows: normal weight+periodontally healthy (NH); normal weight+gingivitis (NG); normal weight+generalized chronic periodontitis (NCP); obese+periodontally healthy (OH); obese+gingivitis (OG); and obese+generalized chronic periodontitis (OCP). MDA, PC and TAOC levels were measured using ELISA.

Results

The MDA and PC levels in gingival crevicular fluid varied among groups, as follows: NCP > NG > NH (p < 0.01) and OCP > OG > OH (p < 0.01). Conversely, the levels of TAOC in gingival crevicular fluid varied as follows: NCP < NG < NH (p < 0.01) and OCP < OG < OH (p < 0.01). Paired comparisons conducted according to periodontal status showed MDA and PC levels to be higher, and TAOC levels to be lower, in the OCP group than in the NCP group, in the OG group than in the NG group and in the OH group than in the NH group. However, only the differences between the OCP and NCP groups were significant (p < 0.01). In both obese and normal‐weight individuals, clinical assessments showed significant, positive correlations with MDA and PC levels and negative correlations with TAOC levels (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Obesity may influence periodontal tissue destruction and disease severity by increasing the level of oxidative stress in the presence of periodontal disease.
Extending our confidence in sustained virological response
Authors: Maan Raoel , van der Meer Adriaan J.
Published: March 2016

See Article on Page 817
The CpxRA two‐component system contributes to Legionella pneumophila virulence
Authors: Tanner Jennifer R. , Li Laam , Faucher Sébastien P. , Brassinga Ann Karen C.
Published: March 2016

The bacterium Legionella pneumophila is capable of intracellular replication within freshwater protozoa as well as human macrophages, the latter of which results in the serious pneumonia Legionnaires’ disease. A primary factor involved in these host cell interactions is the Dot/Icm Type IV secretion system responsible for translocating effector proteins needed to establish and maintain the bacterial replicative niche. Several regulatory factors have been identified to control the expression of the Dot/Icm system and effectors, one of which is the CpxRA two‐component system, suggesting essentiality for virulence. In this study, we generated cpxR, cpxA and cpxRA in‐frame null mutant strains to further delineate the role of the CpxRA system in bacterial survival and virulence. We found that cpxR is essential for intracellular replication within Acanthamoeba castellanii, but not in U937‐derived macrophages. Transcriptome analysis revealed that CpxRA regulates a large number of virulence‐associated proteins including Dot/Icm effectors as well as Type II secreted substrates. Furthermore, the cpxR and cpxRA mutant strains were more sodium resistant than the parental strain Lp02, and cpxRA expression reaches maximal levels during postexponential phase. Taken together, our findings suggest the CpxRA system is a key contributor to L. pneumophila virulence in protozoa via virulence factor regulation.
Gliosarcomas lack BRAFV600E mutation, but a subset exhibit β‐catenin nuclear localization
Authors: Schwetye Katherine E. , Joseph Nancy M. , Al‐Kateb Hussam , Rich Keith M. , Schmidt Robert E. , Perry Arie , Gutmann David H. , Dahiya Sonika
Published: March 2016

Gliosarcoma (GS) is a rare subtype of glioblastoma (GBM) characterized by both glial and mesenchymal components. Unlike GBM, there are no specific prognostic markers, and optimized treatments for patients with GS do not exist. Recent reports describe BRAFV600E mutation in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, and aberrant Wnt signaling and CTNNB1 (β‐catenin gene) mutations have been described in GBM. We sought to determine whether GS tumors harbor BRAFV600E mutations or aberrant Wnt signaling, as indicated by nuclear localization of β‐catenin, by immunohistochemical detection. Forty‐eight (48) cases of primary and secondary adult GS (including recurrent ones) were evaluated by immunohistochemical techniques for the presence of nuclear β‐catenin and the BRAFV600E mutation. A small subset (6/46, 13%) showed nuclear localization of β‐catenin. None of the cases harbored BRAFV600E mutations (0/48). These results are the first to describe the presence of Wnt signaling pathway abnormalities, manifested by nuclear β‐catenin, in a subset, as well as the lack of BRAFV600E mutation in GS. We propose a potential role for Wnt pathway alterations in the pathogenesis of a subset of GS.
Induced maize salt tolerance by rhizosphere inoculation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SQR9
Authors: Chen Lin , Liu Yunpeng , Wu Gengwei , Veronican Njeri Kimani , Shen Qirong , Zhang Nan , Zhang Ruifu
Published: March 2016

Salt stress reduces plant growth and is now becoming one of the most important factors restricting agricultural productivity. Inoculation of plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has been shown to confer plant tolerance against abiotic stress, but the detailed mechanisms of how this occurs remain unclear. In this study, hydroponic experiments indicated that the PGPR strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SQR9 could help maize plants tolerate salt stress. After exposure to salt stress for 20 days, SQR9 significantly promoted the growth of maize seedlings and enhanced the chlorophyll content compared with the control. Additional analysis showed that the involved mechanisms could be the enhanced total soluble sugar content for decreasing cell destruction, improved peroxidase/catalase activity and glutathione content for scavenging reactive oxygen species, and reduced Na+ levels in the plant to decrease Na+ toxicity. These physiological appearances were further confirmed by the upregulation of RBCS, RBCL, H+‐PPase, HKT1, NHX1, NHX2 and NHX3, as well as downregulation of NCED expression, as determined by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. However, SQR9 counteracted the increase of abscisic acid in response to salt stress. In summary, these results show that SQR9 confers plant salt tolerance by protecting the plant cells and managing Na+ homeostasis. Hence, it can be used in salt stress prone areas, thereby promoting agricultural production.
Looking Beyond “Fistula First” in the Elderly on Hemodialysis
Authors: Murea Mariana , Satko Scott
Published: March 2016

Vascular access preparation, a pervasive challenge in hemodialysis (HD), is emerging as a multidimensional subject in geriatric nephrology. Previously published guidelines declared arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) as the preferred vascular access for all patients on HD. In this article, the benefit–risk evidence for using AVF versus an alternative access (arteriovenous graft [AVG] or tunneled central venous catheter [TCVC]) in the elderly is pondered. Compared to their younger counterparts, the elderly have significantly lower survival rates independent of the vascular access used for HD. Recent studies point to comparable dialysis survival rates between AVF and AVG or TCVC in subgroups of elderly patients, as well as lower rates of access‐related infections, and lower catheter dependence after AVG compared to AVF construction in these patients. Comprehensive and longitudinal assessments that integrate comorbidities, physical function, cognitive status, and quality of life to estimate prognosis and assist with vascular access selection ought to be employed. In circumstances where patient survival is limited by comorbidities and functional status, AVF is unlikely to confer meaningful benefits compared to AVG or even TCVC in the ill elderly.
How Sentiments Organize Social Action
Authors: Shelly Robert K.
Published: March 2016

Sociological studies of affect and associated processes have a long tradition in the discipline, originating with Durkheim's interest in religious belief and practice. Contemporary interest in the area has focused on several distinct instances in which affective evaluations are learned, are expressed toward others, organize behavior in social situations, and change. Attitudes, emotions, feelings, moods, and sentiments are distinguished from one another and studied as distinct factors in the organization of social action. Affective information is socialized in families and reinforced in social institutions as the actor matures. Interaction with others and the exchange of social rewards leads to patterns of social organization in proximal and distal groups as actors identify others who share similar patterns of orientation to social objects. Status structures in groups are reflected in patterns of sentiment distribution. Similarly, sentiment and emotion structures impact status behavior in groups. Technological developments have advanced measurement of emotional reactions, expression of sentiments toward social objects, and identification of social structures in social media. Theoretical developments in the study of sentiment and emotion are highlighted in the essay.
Rentierism and Political Violence
Authors: Costello Matthew
Published: March 2016

Nations with an abundance of natural resources suffer disproportionately from internal violence, especially civil wars. State reliance on external sources of rent revenue, or rentierism, can lead to violence for several reasons. This article examines three of the primary explanations for the association. A common explanation is that rebel groups are motivated to fight in pursuit of natural resource wealth. An alternative explanation is that grievances, at times resulting in violence, can manifest if rent revenue is used by the state to repress or ignore the citizenry. A third explanation notes that rentier states are structurally weak and therefore vulnerable to violent challenges because elites frequently use rent revenue for personal or political reasons, not national interest. This article also considers where this line of study might be headed, given recent developments. I suggest that future research on rentierism and violence should examine an array of rent revenue streams, not just natural resources. In addition, scholars should take note that resource industries are increasingly privatizing, which has important implications for the classification of rents and, more generally, the study of rentierism.
Developments in Neurosociology
Authors: Kalkhoff Will , Thye Shane R. , Pollock Joshua
Published: March 2016

Neurosociology is a multilevel, integrative perspective that does not replace, but rather strengthens and is strengthened by, more established sociological traditions. It is a tract of common ground with the neurosciences and other “neuro friendly” social sciences, and so it heralds an exciting period of discovery through an unprecedented synthesis of ideas. To facilitate the continued progress of neurosociology, we address two pressing goals. First, we aim to help sociologists better understand and appreciate the unique and important benefits of thinking neurosociologically. We describe several programs of research in social psychology where the benefits of a neurosociological approach are already being delivered. We show how “interdisciplinarity” involving sociology and neuroscience can (i) contribute to answering nagging questions at the nexus of method and theory, (ii) stimulate theoretical progress by allowing us to take new angles on old problems, and (iii) help us develop useful practical applications. Second, we discuss the need to make the tools of the neurosciences more accessible to sociologists. Interdisciplinary trends are occurring that will take us part of the way, but much of the work is still left to us. We provide some suggestions to help interested colleagues access the means to conduct neurosociological research.
The 21st Century Physics Classroom: What Students, Teachers, and Classroom Observers Report
Authors: Sunal Dennis W. , Dantzler John A. , Sunal Cynthia Szymanski , Turner Donna P. , Harrell James W. , Simon Marsha , Aggarwal Mohan D.
Published: March 2016

Before we can effectively apply specific interventions through professional development, it is important to determine what is occurring in our high school physics classrooms. This study investigated common professional practices in physics teaching among a representative sample group of schools and teachers from a diverse, geographically large population. An adaptation of a convergent parallel design was utilized in this study. Three separate parallel studies were conducted to answer the overarching research question, what is the nature of the secondary physics classroom in our high schools as they exist today? The results provide a unique picture of the variables impinging on physics teachers in their current classroom setting that converges from the particular viewpoints found in each of the parallel studies.
Control and management of congenital Chagas disease in Europe and other non‐endemic countries: current policies and practices
Authors: Soriano‐Arandes Antoni , Angheben Andrea , Serre‐Delcor Nuria , Treviño‐Maruri Begoña , Gómez i Prat Jordi , Jackson Yves
Published: March 2016

Objectives

Identifying pregnant women infected with Trypanosoma cruzi is one of the major challenges for preventing and controlling Chagas disease (CD) in non‐endemic countries. The aim of this paper was to perform a policy evaluation of the current practices of congenital Chagas disease (CCD) control in non‐endemic countries and to propose specific targets for enhanced interventions to tackle this emerging health problem outside the endemic areas of Latin America.

Methods

We conducted a mixed method review of CCD policy strategies by searching the literature in the PubMed, Google Scholar and the World Health Organization (WHO) databases using the key terms ‘CCD’, ‘paediatric Chagas disease’ and ‘non‐endemic countries’; as free text and combined as one phrase to increase the search sensitivity. Reviews, recommendations, guidelines and control/surveillance programme reports were included.

Results

Of 427 CCD papers identified in non‐endemic countries, 44 matched the inclusion. Although local programmes were launched in different countries with large numbers of Latin American immigrants, there were considerable disparities in terms of the programmes' distribution, delivery, integration and appropriated CCD control strategies. Moreover, Catalonia, Spain is the only region/country with an established systematic monitoring of CCD in pregnant women from Latin American countries.

Conclusions

Given the worldwide dissemination of CD, the nature of its vertical transmission, and the gaps of the current strategies in non‐endemic countries, there is an urgent need to standardise, expand and reinforce the control measures against CCD transmission.
Multiplex detection and identification of viral, bacterial, and protozoan pathogens in human blood and plasma using a high‐density resequencing pathogen microarray platform
Authors: Kourout Moussa , Fisher Carolyn , Purkayastha Anjan , Tibbetts Clark , Winkelman Valerie , Williamson Phillip , Nakhasi Hira L. , Duncan Robert
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

The implementation of nucleic acid–based tests for blood donor screening has improved the safety of the blood supply; however, the increasing number of emerging pathogen tests is burdensome. Development of multiplex testing platforms that allow simultaneous screening for different pathogens is a potential solution.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The TessArray resequencing microarray is a platform that allows multiplex detection and identification of 97 different blood‐borne pathogens in one single test. The objective was to evaluate the lowest concentration detected in blood or plasma, species discrimination, and applicability of the TessArray microarray platform for testing blood donors. Human blood or plasma spiked with selected pathogens (10,000, 1000, or 100 cells or copies/mL), including three viral, four bacterial, and four protozoan pathogens were each tested on this platform. The nucleic acids were extracted, amplified using multiplexed sets of pooled specific primers, fragmented, labeled, and hybridized to a microarray. Finally, the detected sequences were identified using an automated genomic database alignment algorithm.

RESULTS

The performance of this platform demonstrated detection for spiked bacterial and protozoan pathogens of 100 cells/mL and viral pathogens as low as 100 copies/mL. Coded specimens, including spiked and negative controls, were identified correctly for blood specimens (31/32, 97%) and for plasma specimens (20/22, 91%) demonstrating the effectiveness of the platform.

CONCLUSION

These results indicated that the TessArray microarray platform could be employed for multiplex detection and identification, with a high level of discriminatory power for numerous blood‐borne pathogen targets with potential for use in blood safety.
FRACTURE OF THE CENTRAL TARSAL BONE IN NONRACEHORSES: FOUR CASES
Authors: Knuchell Jeannie A. , Spriet Mathieu , Galuppo Larry D. , Katzman Scott A.
Published: March 2016

Fractures of the central tarsal bone are a rarely recognized cause of acute severe hind limb lameness in nonracehorses. Diagnosis of these fractures can be challenging and little is known about their configuration or outcome. The objectives of this retrospective case series study were to describe the clinical features, imaging findings, and outcomes of fractures of the central tarsal bone in a sample of nonracehorses. Medical records from 2001 to 2014 were searched for cases of central tarsal bone fractures in nonracehorses. All available imaging findings including radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and/or nuclear scintigraphy were reviewed. History, clinical presentation, and outcome were collected from the records. Four horses met the inclusion criteria. All had a similar configuration as a simple nondisplaced slab fracture in a dorsomedial to plantarolateral orientation. Initial radiographs failed to reveal the fracture in three of four cases. When additional plantarolateral‐dorsomedial oblique radiographic views were obtained, the fracture could be identified in all cases. Fractures of the central tarsal bone seemed to occur in a consistent dorsomedial to plantarolateral orientation in this sample of nonracehorses, which is different from the configuration previously reported in racehorses. While CT can be used for detection and assessment of these fractures, authors propose that radiography can also identify these fractures with the appropriate view. Authors recommend the use of several plantarolateral to dorsomedial radiographic projections at varying degrees of obliquity for horses with a suspected central tarsal bone fracture.
A Low-Cost Mechanically Rechargeable Aluminum–Air Cell for Energy Conversion Using Low-Grade Aluminum Foil
Authors: Chen Binbin , Leung Dennis Y. C.
Published: March 2016

The performance of a mechanically rechargeable aluminum (Al)–air cell, fabricated with low-cost materials including low-grade aluminum foil and carbon paper electrodes, was evaluated. The design adopted a free gravity flow for the electrolyte to eliminate the use of an external pump. A tank for storing waste electrolyte was designed with a dedicated channel for the collection of hydrogen gas generated during the cell discharge. The cell achieved a high utilization efficiency of aluminum. Considering both the electricity and hydrogen generated, an overall utilization efficiency of around 90% or even higher could be achieved under different working voltages. Results of repeated recharging/discharging showed that the performances of the cell could be maintained for repeated refilling.
Simulation of Wide-Sense Stationary Random Time-Series With Specified Spectral Densities
Authors: Mitu Ana-Maria , Sireteanu Tudor , Giuclea Marius , Solomon Ovidiu
Published: March 2016

In this paper, an effective approach to the simulation of wide-sense stationary random time-series, defined by its power spectral density (PSD) is presented. This approach is based on approximating the sample paths of target random process by finite series of sample functions of random processes, obtained as the outputs of suitably chosen set of second-order linear filters to independent limited band Gaussian white noise inputs. Thus, the Gaussian distribution of simulated time-series is obtained without applying the central limit theorem. Also, the Fourier spectra of the simulated sample paths are not discrete functions, as in the case of the multisine random time-series representation used by most classical simulation methods. The method can be applied to any analytical or nonparametric representation of the specified PSD. The proposed approach is applied to simulation of road input sample paths, compatible with PSDs described by analytical forms that can or cannot be derived by linear shape filters. The method is validated by comparison of spectral response of a half-car model to the input induced by a measured road profile with that obtained for the simulated road input. This input is derived from the nonparametric PSD, determined by third-octave filtering of the measured profile. The advantages of the proposed approach are highlighted by its comparison with a conventional method, based on the representation of simulated road input by a sum of harmonics with random phases.
Characterization of individual free-standing nano-objects by cluster SIMS in transmission
Authors: Geng Sheng , Verkhoturov Stanislav V. , Eller Michael J. , Clubb Aaron B. , Schweikert Emile A.
Published: March 2016

The authors report the characterization of individual free-standing 5 nm gold nanoparticles deposited on ultrathin graphene film by cluster secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) in the transmission direction. For primary ions, the authors used C601,2+ and Au4004+ at impact energies of approximately ∼0.42, 0.83, and 1.3 keV/atom, respectively. The experiments were run as a sequence of single projectile impacts with each time separate recording of the secondary ions identified via time-of-flight-mass spectrometer. Graphene generates small mass secondary ions (SIs). It contributes little beyond m/z 120, facilitating the detection of moieties attached to the nanoparticles. From the SI yield of the molecular ion, it can be determined on which side of the graphene the analyte is deposited. Compared to the conventional reflection SIMS, the transmission SIMS shows a ∼4 times higher effective yield of molecular ions from dodecanethiol layer on nanoparticles. The SI yields from Au4004+ bombardment are ∼3 times higher than those from C602+ bombardment for the analysis of nanoparticles on graphene in the transmission direction.
PECVD low and ultralow dielectric constant materials: From invention and research to products
Authors: Grill Alfred
Published: March 2016

This paper is based on the 2015 AVS John A. Thornton Memorial Award Lecture. In 2015, the semiconductor industry celebrated the 50th anniversary of Moore's law, which has been followed by the semiconductor industry, resulting in continuously improved performance and increased density of the semiconductor microprocessors. For 22 years, this progress was accomplished using the same materials, comprising the elements Si, Al, O, and N, and shrinking the dimensions of the devices. However, while the performance of the active devices improved with scaling according to Dennard's law, the RC delay of the interconnect did not scale and, at the 0.25 μm technology node, the RC of the interconnect became the bottleneck to the improvement of the performance of the ultralarge scale integrated circuits. To overcome this obstacle, it was necessary to introduce new materials in the interconnect. Al was replaced with the more conductive Cu in 1997, but it took seven more years and several technology nodes to replace the SiO2 insulator of the interconnect with a material of lower dielectric constant (low-k). The paper reviews the invention, development, and implementation in products of the low-k SiCOH and ultralow-k porous SiCOH (pSiCOH) interconnect dielectrics. It will discuss integration issues related to these materials, which are characterized by reduced mechanical and chemical properties compared to SiO2, and how to address some of these issues. Finally, it will present the current status of the interconnect dielectrics, which enabled the continuation of Moore's law into the nanoscale dimensions, and the continuing efforts to further optimize the ultralow-k pSiCOH dielectrics.
Stressed-out dads can (metabolically) stress their kids
Authors: Lalazar Gadi
Published: March 2016

Paternal psychological stress induces hepatic gluconeogenesis and hyperglycemia in offspring.
Activity of Ceftazidime-Avibactam against Extended-Spectrum- and AmpC β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Collected in the INFORM Global Surveillance Study from 2012 to 2014
Authors: Karlowsky James A. , Biedenbach Douglas J. , Kazmierczak Krystyna M. , Stone Gregory G. , Sahm Daniel F.
Published: March 2016

The
in vitro
activity of ceftazidime-avibactam was evaluated against 34,062 isolates of
Enterobacteriaceae
from patients with intra-abdominal, urinary tract, skin and soft-tissue, lower respiratory tract, and blood infections collected in the INFORM (International Network For Optimal Resistance Monitoring) global surveillance study (176 medical center laboratories in 39 countries) in 2012 to 2014. Overall, 99.5% of
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates were susceptible to ceftazidime-avibactam using FDA approved breakpoints (susceptible MIC of ≤8 μg/ml; resistant MIC of ≥16 μg/ml). For individual species of the
Enterobacteriaceae
, the ceftazidime-avibactam MIC inhibiting ≥90% of isolates (MIC
90
) ranged from 0.06 μg/ml for
Proteus
species to 1 μg/ml for
Enterobacter
spp. and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
. Carbapenem-susceptible isolates of
Escherichia coli
,
K. pneumoniae
,
Klebsiella oxytoca
, and
Proteus mirabilis
with a confirmed extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) phenotype, or a ceftazidime MIC of ≥16 μg/ml if the ESBL phenotype was not confirmed by clavulanic acid inhibition, were characterized further to identify the presence of specific ESBL- and plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamase genes using a microarray-based assay and additional PCR assays. Ceftazidime-avibactam demonstrated potent activity against molecularly confirmed ESBL-producing (
n
= 5,354; MIC
90
, 0.5 μg/ml; 99.9% susceptible), plasmid-mediated AmpC-producing (
n
= 246; MIC
90
, 0.5 μg/ml; 100% susceptible), and ESBL- and AmpC-producing (
n
= 152; MIC
90
, 1 μg/ml; 100% susceptible) isolates of
E. coli
,
K. pneumoniae
,
K. oxytoca
, and
P. mirabilis
. We conclude that ceftazidime-avibactam demonstrates potent
in vitro
activity against globally collected clinical isolates of
Enterobacteriaceae
, including isolates producing ESBLs and AmpC β-lactamases.
PI4 Kinase Is a Prophylactic but Not Radical Curative Target in Plasmodium vivax-Type Malaria Parasites
Authors: Zeeman Anne-Marie , Lakshminarayana Suresh B. , van der Werff Nicole , Klooster Els J. , Voorberg-van der Wel Annemarie , Kondreddi Ravinder R. , Bodenreider Christophe , Simon Oliver , Sauerwein Robert , Yeung Bryan K. S. , Diagana Thierry T. , Kocken Clemens H. M.
Published: March 2016

Two
Plasmodium
PI4 kinase (PI4K) inhibitors, KDU691 and LMV599, were selected for
in vivo
testing as causal prophylactic and radical-cure agents for
Plasmodium cynomolgi
sporozoite-infected rhesus macaques, based on their
in vitro
activity against liver stages. Animals were infected with
P. cynomolgi
sporozoites, and compounds were dosed orally. Both the KDU691 and LMV599 compounds were fully protective when administered prophylactically, and the more potent compound LMV599 achieved protection as a single oral dose of 25 mg/kg of body weight. In contrast, when tested for radical cure, five daily doses of 20 mg/kg of KDU691 or 25 mg/kg of LMV599 did not prevent relapse, as all animals experienced a secondary infection due to the reactivation of hypnozoites in the liver. Pharmacokinetic data show that LMV599 achieved plasma exposure that was sufficient to achieve efficacy based on our
in vitro
data. These findings indicate that
Plasmodium
PI4K is a potential drug target for malaria prophylaxis but not radical cure. Longer
in vitro
culture systems will be required to assess these compounds' activity on established hypnozoites and predict radical cure
in vivo
.