bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Variability of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris Population Affecting Chickpea in the Sudan
Authors: Mohamed Omyma Elmahi , Hamwieh Aladdin , Ahmed Seid , Ahmed Nafisa Elmahi
Published: May 2015

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris (Foc) is the most important soilborne disease of chickpea in the Sudan and many other countries. A total of 76 Foc isolates from six different chickpea‐growing states in the Sudan have been collected in this study to investigate the genetic diversity of Sudanese Foc isolates. Additional 14 Foc isolates from Syria and Lebanon were included in this study. All isolates were characterized using four random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), three simple sequence repeats (SSR), five sequence‐characterized amplified region (SCAR) primers and three specific Foc genome primers. Based on the similarity coefficient, the results indicated two major clusters included seven subclusters. The isolates from the Sudan were grouped as identified as races 0, 2 and unknown races. The isolates from Syria and Lebanon were grouped together as they identified as races 1B/C and 6, respectively. This study identified a new race Foc (race 0) in the Sudan. The results of this study will be useful for breeders to design effective resistance breeding program in chickpea in the Sudan.
Peers experience of delivering a problem‐solving programme to enhance antipsychotic medication adherence for individuals with schizophrenia
Authors: Boardman G. , Kerr D. , McCann T.
Published: May 2015

Accessible summary

No research has been conducted into the experience of peer support in improving adherence with oral antipsychotic medication for consumers with schizophrenia.

Altruism influences peers to participate in peer support.

Engagement in peer support can be challenging and rewarding for peers, and helps improve their own confidence and well‐being.

Many consumers with schizophrenia are reluctant to take their prescribed antipsychotic medications; however, non‐adherence can lead to relapse. The aim of this study was to evaluate peers' perspectives of their participation in a problem‐solving peer support programme to enhance adherence in consumers who are reluctant to take antipsychotic medication. Peers contacted consumers by a weekly telephone call for 8 weeks, and used a problem‐solving approach to inform their discussion about medication adherence. Semi‐structured qualitative interviews were used to evaluate peers' perspectives of their involvement in the programme. Three main themes were abstracted from the data: motivation to participate in the study, experience of peer support programme, and rewards and challenges of the peer experience. Helping others was an important motivator for peers in agreeing to participate in the study. Telephone delivery was a convenient way to deliver the peer support programme. However, at times, it was difficult to contact consumers by telephone and this caused some frustration. Despite these difficulties, peers recognized that being involved in the programme increased their confidence and made them feel worthwhile. The findings have implications for the use of peer support as an adjunct intervention to promote medication adherence in consumers with schizophrenia.
Sprint performance of a generalist lizard running on different substrates: grip matters
Authors: Brandt R. , Galvani F. , Kohlsdorf T.
Published: May 2015

The relationships between locomotor performance and major features of environmental structure, such as incline and diameter, have been consistently identified in several vertebrate groups. The effects of variation in characteristics such as texture and structural complexity, in contrast, remain neglected, and associations between sprint speeds achieved during steady‐level locomotion and the way an animal grips the surface are particularly obscure. In the present study, we have used the habitat generalist lizard Tropidurus torquatus to test the hypothesis that animals run faster on the substrates where gripping performance is higher. We ran 18 individuals on seven different substrates (wood, thin and coarse sand, coarse gravel, rock, leaf litter and grass) and recorded their maximum speeds using high‐speed cameras. Surfaces were characterized for height variation and grip, the last given by average grip performance achieved by lizards of different sizes. Maximum sprint speeds were highest on rock and grass and lowest on thin and coarse sand, and variation in performance among substrates was explained by grip: substrates in which lizards gripped stronger are those that enhanced average maximum sprint speed. This study is the first report providing evidence for variation in maximum sprint speeds achieved by a generalist lizard running on different substrates, and demonstrates how friction resulting from the interaction of the lizard with the substrate may be critically important for sprint speed.
Developing Self‐Directed Executive Functioning: Recent Findings and Future Directions
Authors: Barker Jane E. , Munakata Yuko
Published: May 2015

How do children become increasingly self‐directed across development, achieving their goals without help from others? How might such developments be impacted by societal changes in how children spend their time? Children's abilities to achieve their goals are supported by developing executive functions (EFs), cognitive processes that predict important life outcomes. Efforts to improve children's EFs have benefitted their externally driven executive functioning, where goals and instructions are provided by others. Less is known about self‐directed EF, when children must decide independently what to do and when. We present recent findings demonstrating that children are better at engaging self‐directed EF when they have good understanding of options to choose among, and if they spend time in activities that they play a large role in directing. Within this context, we discuss the potential role of opportunities to plan, mind‐wander, and play, and present the critical next steps in investigating the influence of changing environments on self‐directed EF.
A Complexity Approach Toward Mind–Brain–Education (MBE); Challenges and Opportunities in Educational Intervention and Research
Authors: Steenbeek Henderien W. , van Geert Paul L. C.
Published: May 2015

In the context of an educational or clinical intervention, we often ask questions such as “How does this intervention influence the task behavior of autistic children?” or “How does working memory influence inhibition of immediate responses?” What do we mean by the word influence here? In this article, we introduce the framework of complex dynamic systems (CDS) to disentangle the meaning of words such as influence, and to discuss the issue of education and intervention as something that takes place in the form of complex, real‐time, situated processes. What are the applied implications of such a CDS framework? Can we use it to improve education? Five general principles—process laws—are introduced, which can be used to guide the way we formulate research questions and methods, and the way we use the results of such research. In addition, we briefly discuss a project in progress, in which we ourselves attempt to apply the process laws that govern educational activities. Finally, we report about a discussion about the usability of the process laws, both in educational research and in the classroom, as was held during our workshop at the Mind, Brain, and Education Conference, November 2014.
Reintroduction of locally extinct vertebrates impacts arid soil fungal communities
Authors: Clarke Laurence J. , Weyrich Laura S. , Cooper Alan
Published: May 2015

Introduced species have contributed to extinction of native vertebrates in many parts of the world. Changes to vertebrate assemblages are also likely to alter microbial communities through coextinction of some taxa and the introduction of others. Many attempts to restore degraded habitats involve removal of exotic vertebrates (livestock and feral animals) and reintroduction of locally extinct species, but the impact of such reintroductions on microbial communities is largely unknown. We used high‐throughput DNA sequencing of the fungal internal transcribed spacer I (ITS1) region to examine whether replacing exotic vertebrates with reintroduced native vertebrates led to changes in soil fungal communities at a reserve in arid central Australia. Soil fungal diversity was significantly different between dune and swale (interdune) habitats. Fungal communities also differed significantly between sites with exotic or reintroduced native vertebrates after controlling for the effect of habitat. Several fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) found exclusively inside the reserve were present in scats from reintroduced native vertebrates, providing a direct link between the vertebrate assemblage and soil microbial communities. Our results show that changes to vertebrate assemblages through local extinctions and the invasion of exotic species can alter soil fungal communities. If local extinction of one or several species results in the coextinction of microbial taxa, the full complement of ecological interactions may never be restored.
A cis‐acting antitoxin domain within the chromosomal toxin–antitoxin module EzeT of Escherichia coli quenches toxin activity
Authors: Rocker Andrea , Meinhart Anton
Published: May 2015

Toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems are widespread genetic modules in the genomes of bacteria and archaea emerging as key players that modulate bacterial physiology. They consist of two parts, a toxic component that blocks an essential cellular process and an antitoxin that inhibits this toxic activity during normal growth. According to the nature of the antitoxin and the mode of inhibition, TA systems are subdivided into different types. Here, we describe the characterization of a type II‐like TA system in Escherichia coli called EzeT. While in conventional type II systems the antitoxin is expressed in trans to form an inactive protein–protein complex, EzeT consists of two domains combining toxin and cis‐acting antitoxin functionalities in a single polypeptide chain. We show that the C‐terminal domain of EzeT is homologous to zeta toxins and is toxic in vivo. The lytic phenotype could be attributed to UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine phosphorylation, so far only described for type II epsilon/zeta systems from Gram‐positive streptococci. Presence of the N‐terminal domain inhibits toxicity in vivo and strongly attenuates kinase activity. Autoinhibition by a cis‐acting antitoxin as described here for EzeT‐type TA systems can explain the occurrence of single or unusually large toxins, further expanding our understanding of the TA system network.
Estimating maximal force output of cetaceans using axial locomotor muscle morphology
Authors: Arthur Logan H. , Mclellan William A. , Piscitelli Marina A. , Rommel Sentiel A. , Woodward Becky L. , Winn Jeremy P. , Potter Charles W. , Ann Pabst D.
Published: May 2015

Cetaceans span a large range of body sizes and include species with the largest known locomotor muscles. To date, force output and thrust production have only been directly measured in the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), although thrust forces have been hydrodynamically modeled for some whales. In this study, two metrics of epaxial muscle size—cross‐sectional area (CSA) and mass—were used to estimate force output for 22 species (n = 83 specimens) ranging in size from bottlenose dolphins to blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus). Relative to total body length (TL), maximum force output estimated based upon both muscle CSA (TL1.56 ± 0.05) and mass (TL2.64 ± 0.07) scaled at rates lower than those predicted by geometric scaling, suggesting relative force output decreases with increasing body size in cetaceans. Estimated maximal force outputs were compared to both published drag forces and to the breaking strengths of commercial fishing lines known to entangle whales. The breaking strengths of these lines are within the same order of magnitude, and in some cases, exceed the estimated maximal force output of whales. These results suggest that while powerful animals, large whales may be unable to break the extremely strong fishing line used today.
Clinicopathologic study of endolymphatic sac tumor (ELST) and differential diagnosis of papillary tumors located at the cerebellopontine angle
Authors: Du Jiang , Wang Junmei , Cui Yun , Zhang Cuiping , Li Guilin , Fang Jingyi , Yue Shenglin , Xu Li
Published: May 2015

We investigated the clinicopathologic features and immunophenotypes of 10 cases of endolymphatic sac tumor (ELST) and compared them with other papillary tumors, including eight cases of choroid plexus papilloma (CPP), three cases of atypical choroid plexus papilloma (ACPP), two cases of papillary ependymoma (PE), three cases of papillary meningioma (PM) and two cases of metastatic carcinoma (MC) the at cerebellopontine angle (CPA). The age at onset of ELST ranged from 13 to 39 years. The male‐to‐female ratio was 1:1. The clinical presentations were primarily ear‐related symptoms. The temporal bones showed extensive destruction. Histologically, the important characteristics for differential diagnosis with CPP, which is most similar to ELST, include the quantity of blood vessels, the nuclei location at apical surface of the papillary, clear cytoplasm cells sometimes with visible vacuoles, psammoma bodies and dura or bone invasion. Immunohistochemistry stains for AE1/AE3, cytokeratin CK)5/6, epithelial membrane antigen, CK8/18, S‐100, and synaptophysin are helpful in diagnosis of ELST. In ELST, ultrastructure of uniform 2 μm vesicles in cytoplasm was seen, and gene analysis also showed missense mutation in exon 3. This study indicates that the above histological features combined with immunohistochemistry findings are important for making the correct diagnosis. Gene analysis should be used in patients without medical history to exclude von Hippel‐Lindau disease.
Neonatal case of novel KMT2D mutation in Kabuki syndrome with severe hypoglycemia
Authors: Gohda Yuji , Oka Shohki , Matsunaga Takamoto , Watanabe Satoshi , Yoshiura Koh‐ichiro , Kondoh Tatsuro , Matsumoto Tadashi
Published: May 2015

A newborn Japanese girl with Kabuki syndrome had neonatal persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, which seemed to be a rare complication of Kabuki syndrome. On sequence analysis she was found to have a novel heterozygous KMT2D mutation. Diazoxide therapy was effective for the hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia should be considered when Kabuki syndrome patients have convulsion or other non‐specific symptoms. Diazoxide may help to improve hypoglycemia in patients with Kabuki syndrome complicated with hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia.
The role of fluid temperature and form on endurance performance in the heat
Authors: Tan P. M. S. , Lee J. K. W.
Published: May 2015

Exercising in the heat often results in an excessive increase in body core temperature, which can be detrimental to health and endurance performance. Research in recent years has shifted toward the optimum temperature at which drinks should be ingested. The ingestion of cold drinks can reduce body core temperature before exercise but less so during exercise. Temperature of drinks does not seem to have an effect on the rate of gastric emptying and intestinal absorption. Manipulating the specific heat capacity of a solution can further induce a greater heat sink. Ingestion of ice slurry exploits the additional energy required to convert the solution from ice to water (enthalpy of fusion). Body core temperature is occasionally observed to be higher at the point of exhaustion with the ingestion of ice slurry. There is growing evidence to suggest that ingesting ice slurry is an effective and practical strategy to prevent excessive rise of body core temperature and improve endurance performance. This information is especially important when only a fixed amount of fluid is allowed to be carried, often seen in some ultra‐endurance events and military operations. Future studies should evaluate the efficacy of ice slurry in various exercise and environmental conditions.
Hyperthermia, but not muscle water deficit, increases glycogen use during intense exercise
Authors: Fernández‐Elías V. E. , Hamouti N. , Ortega J. F. , Mora‐Rodríguez R.
Published: May 2015

We determined if dehydration alone or in combination with hyperthermia accelerates muscle glycogen use during intense exercise. Seven endurance‐trained cyclists (VO2max = 54.4 ± 1.05 mL/kg/min) dehydrated 4.6% of body mass (BM) during exercise in the heat (150 min at 33 ± 1 °C, 25 ± 2% humidity). During recovery (4 h), subjects remained dehydrated (HYPO trial) or recovered all fluid losses (REH trials). Finally, subjects exercised intensely (75% VO2max) for 40 min in a neutral (25 ± 1 °C; HYPO and REH trials) or in a hot environment (36 ± 1 °C; REHHOT). Before the final exercise bout vastus lateralis glycogen concentration was similar in all three trials (434 ± 57 mmol/kg of dry muscle (dm)) but muscle water content was lower in the HYPO (357 ± 14 mL/100 g dm) than in REH trials (389 ± 25 and 386 ± 25 mL/100 g dm; P < 0.05). After 40 min of intense exercise, intestinal temperature was similar between the HYPO and REHHOT trials (39.2 ± 0.5 and 39.2 ± 0.4 °C, respectively) and glycogen use was similar (172 ± 86 and 185 ± 97 mmol/kg dm, respectively) despite large differences in muscle water content. In contrast, during REH, intestinal temperature (38.5 ± 0.4 °C) and glycogen use (117 ± 52 mmol/kg dm) were significantly lower than during HYPO and REHHOT. Our data suggest that hyperthermia stimulates glycogen use during intense exercise while muscle water deficit has a minor role.
Heat stress exacerbates the reduction in middle cerebral artery blood velocity during prolonged self‐paced exercise
Authors: Périard J. D. , Racinais S.
Published: May 2015

This study examined the influence of hyperthermia on middle cerebral artery mean blood velocity (MCA Vmean). Eleven cyclists undertook a 750 kJ self‐paced time trial in HOT (35 °C) and COOL (20 °C) conditions. Exercise time was longer in HOT (56 min) compared with COOL (49 min; P < 0.001). Power output in HOT was significantly lower from 40% of work completed onward (P < 0.01). Rectal temperature increased to 39.6 ± 0.6 °C (HOT) and 38.8 ± 0.5 °C (COOL; P < 0.01). Skin temperature, skin blood flow, and heart rate were higher throughout HOT compared with COOL (P < 0.05). A similar increase in ventilation (P < 0.05) and decrease in end‐tidal partial pressure of CO2 (PETCO2; P < 0.05) occurred in both conditions. Arterial blood pressure and oxygen uptake were lower from 50% of work completed onward in HOT compared with COOL (P < 0.01). MCA Vmean increased at 10% in both conditions (P < 0.01), decreasing thereafter (P < 0.01) and to a greater extent in HOT from 40% of work completed onward (P < 0.05). Therefore, despite a comparable ventilatory response and PETCO2 in the HOT and COOL conditions, the greater level of thermal strain developing in the heat appears to have exacerbated the reduction in MCA Vmean, in part via increases in peripheral blood flow and a decrease in arterial blood pressure.
Relieving thermal discomfort: Effects of sprayed L‐menthol on perception, performance, and time trial cycling in the heat
Authors: Barwood M. J. , Corbett J. , Thomas K. , Twentyman P.
Published: May 2015

L‐menthol stimulates cutaneous thermoreceptors and induces cool sensations improving thermal comfort, but has been linked to heat storage responses; this could increase risk of heat illness during self‐paced exercise in the heat. Therefore, L‐menthol application could lead to a discrepancy between behavioral and autonomic thermoregulatory drivers. Eight male participants volunteered. They were familiarized and then completed two trials in hot conditions (33.5 °C, 33% relative humidity) where their t‐shirt was sprayed with CONTROL‐SPRAY or MENTHOL‐SPRAY after 10 km (i.e., when they were hot and uncomfortable) of a 16.1‐km cycling time trial (TT). Thermal perception [thermal sensation (TS) and comfort (TC)], thermal responses [rectal temperature (Trec), skin temperature (Tskin)], perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate, pacing (power output), and TT completion time were measured. MENTHOL‐SPRAY made participants feel cooler and more comfortable and resulted in lower RPE (i.e., less exertion) yet performance was unchanged [TT completion: CONTROL‐SPRAY 32.4 (2.9) and MENTHOL‐SPRAY 32.7 (3.0) min]. Trec rate of increase was 1.40 (0.60) and 1.45 (0.40) °C/h after CONTROL‐SPRAY and MENTHOL‐SPRAY application, which were not different. Spraying L‐menthol toward the end of self‐paced exercise in the heat improved perception, but did not alter performance and did not increase heat illness risk.
A comparison of males and females' temporal patterning to short‐ and long‐term heat acclimation
Authors: Mee J. A. , Gibson O. R. , Doust J. , Maxwell N. S.
Published: May 2015

The current study assessed sex differences in thermoregulatory and physiological adaptation to short‐term (STHA) and long‐term heat acclimation (LTHA). Sixteen (eight males; eight females) participants performed three running heat tolerance tests (RHTT), preceding HA (RHTT1), following 5 days HA (RHTT2) and 10 days HA (RHTT3). The RHTT involved 30‐min running (9 km/h, 2% gradient) in 40 °C, 40% relative humidity. Following STHA, resting rectal temperature (Trrest) (males: −0.24 ± 0.16 °C, P ≤ 0.001; females: −0.02 ± 0.08 °C, P = 0.597), peak rectal temperature (Trpeak) (males: −0.39 ± 0.36 °C, P ≤ 0.001; females −0.07 ± 0.18 °C, P = 0.504), and peak heart rate (males: −14 ± 12 beats/min, P ≤ 0.001; females: −5 ± 3 beats/min, P = 0.164) reduced in males, but not females. Following STHA, sweat rate relative to body surface area (SRBSA) increased (428 ± 269 g/h/m2, P = 0.029) in females, but not males (−11 ± 286 g/h/m2, P = 0.029). Following LTHA, Trrest (males: −0.04 ± 0.15 °C, P = 0.459; females: −0.22 ± 0.12 °C, P ≤ 0.01) and Trpeak (males: −0.05 ± 0.26 °C, P = 0.590; females: −0.41 ± 0.24 °C, P ≤ 0.01) reduced in females, but not males. Following LTHA, SRBSA increased in males (308 ± 346 g/h/m2, P = 0.029), but not females (44 ± 373 g/h/m2, P = 0.733). Males and females responded to STHA; however, females required LTHA to establish thermoregulatory and cardiovascular stability. HA protocols should be designed to target sex differences in thermoregulation for optimal adaptation.
Effects of short‐term training and detraining on VO2 kinetics: Faster VO2 kinetics response after one training session
Authors: Murias J. M. , Edwards J. A. , Paterson D. H.
Published: May 2015

This study examined the time course of short‐term training and detraining‐induced changes in oxygen uptake () kinetics. Twelve men (24 ± 3 years) were assigned to either a 50% or a 70% of training intensity (n = 6 per group). was measured breath‐by‐breath. Changes in deoxygenated‐hemoglobin concentration (Δ[HHb]) were measured by near‐infrared spectroscopy. Moderate‐intensity exercise on‐transient and Δ[HHb] were modeled with a mono‐exponential and normalized (0–100% of response) and the ratio was calculated. Similar changes in time constant of () were observed in both groups. The combined group mean for decreased ∼14% (32.3 to 27.9 s, P < 0.05) after one training session with a further ∼11% decrease (27.9 to 24.8 s, P < 0.05) following two training sessions. The remained unchanged throughout the remaining of training and detraining. A significant “overshoot” in the ratio was decreased (albeit not significant) after one training session, and abolished (P < 0.05) after the second one, with no overshoot observed thereafter. Speeding of kinetics was remarkably quick with no further changes being observed with continuous training or during detraining. Improve matching of local O2 delivery to O2 utilization is a mechanism proposed to influence this response.
Dimerization of 4-cyano-4′-n-pentylbiphenyl in vacuum and under constant electric field
Authors: Andreeva Tatiana , Bedrina Marina , Egorov Nikolay
Published: May 2015

In this work, the authors determined the equilibrium structure of 4-cyano-4′-n-pentylbiphenyl (CB5) and its dimers in vacuum using the quantum-chemical methods B3LYP/6-31G and B3LYP/6-31G**. The influence of the internal constant electric field was taken into account using the density functional theory method. Destruction of the equilibrium geometries and changes in the electronic structure of CB5 dimers under the external electrostatic field also were determined. If the vector of the external field is directed along the dipole moment of the dimer in vacuum, the molecules are oriented parallel to each other, demonstrating the phenomenon of self-organization.
Suboxide/subnitride formation on Ta masks during magnetic material etching by reactive plasmas
Authors: Li Hu , Muraki Yu , Karahashi Kazuhiro , Hamaguchi Satoshi
Published: May 2015

Etching characteristics of tantalum (Ta) masks used in magnetoresistive random-access memory etching processes by carbon monoxide and ammonium (CO/NH3) or methanol (CH3OH) plasmas have been examined by mass-selected ion beam experiments with in-situ surface analyses. It has been suggested in earlier studies that etching of magnetic materials, i.e., Fe, Ni, Co, and their alloys, by such plasmas is mostly due to physical sputtering and etch selectivity of the process arises from etch resistance (i.e., low-sputtering yield) of the hard mask materials such as Ta. In this study, it is shown that, during Ta etching by energetic CO+ or N+ ions, suboxides or subnitrides are formed on the Ta surface, which reduces the apparent sputtering yield of Ta. It is also shown that the sputtering yield of Ta by energetic CO+ or N+ ions has a strong dependence on the angle of ion incidence, which suggests a correlation between the sputtering yield and the oxidation states of Ta in the suboxide or subnitride; the higher the oxidation state of Ta, the lower is the sputtering yield. These data account for the observed etch selectivity by CO/NH3 and CH3OH plasmas.
Fine-resolution maps of acoustic properties at 250 MHz of unstained fixed murine retinal layers
Authors: Rohrbach Daniel , Lloyd Harriet O. , Silverman Ronald H. , Mamou Jonathan
Published: May 2015

Ex vivo assessment of microscale tissue biomechanical properties of the mammalian retina could offer insights into diseases such as keratoconus, and macular degeneration. A 250-MHz scanning acoustic microscope (7-μm resolution) has been constructed to derive two-dimensional quantitative maps of attenuation (α), speed of sound (c), acoustic impedance (Z), bulk modulus (B), and mass density (ρ). The two-dimensional maps were compared to coregistered hematoxylin-and-eosin stained sections. This study is the first to quantitatively assess  α, c, Z, B, and ρ of individual retinal layers of mammalian animals at high ultrasound frequencies. Significant differences in these parameters between the layers were demonstrated.
The Effects of Sport-Specific Maximal Strength and Conditioning Training on Critical Velocity, Anaerobic Running Distance, and 5-km Race Performance
Authors: Karsten Bettina , Stevens Liesbeth , Colpus Mark , Larumbe-Zabala Eneko , Naclerio Fernando
Published: May 2015

Purpose:

To investigate the effects of a sport-specific maximal 6-wk strength and conditioning program on critical velocity (CV), anaerobic running distance (ARD), and 5-km time-trial performance (TT).

Methods:

16 moderately trained recreational endurance runners were tested for CV, ARD, and TT performances on 3 separate occasions (baseline, midstudy, and poststudy).

Design:

Participants were randomly allocated into a strength and conditioning group (S&C; n = 8) and a comparison endurance-trainingonly group (EO; n = 8). During the first phase of the study (6 wk), the S&C group performed concurrent maximal strength and endurance training, while the EO group performed endurance-only training. After the retest of all variables (midstudy), both groups subsequently, during phase 2, performed another 6 wk of endurance-only training that was followed by poststudy tests.

Results:

No significant change for CV was identified in either group. The S&C group demonstrated a significant decrease for ARD values after phases 1 and 2 of the study. TT performances were significantly different in the S&C group after the intervention, with a performance improvement of 3.62%. This performance increase returned close to baseline after the 6-wk endurance-only training.

Conclusion:

Combining a 6-wk resistance-training program with endurance training significantly improves 5-km TT performance. Removing strength training results in some loss of those performance improvements.
The Lower-Extremity Functional Test and Lower-Quadrant Injury in NCAA Division III Athletes: A Descriptive and Epidemiologic Report
Authors: Brumitt Jason , Heiderscheit Bryan C. , Manske Robert C. , Niemuth Paul , Mattocks Alma , Rauh Mitchell J.
Published: May 2015

Context:

The Lower-Extremity Functional Test (LEFT) has been used to assess readiness to return to sport after a lowerextremity injury. Current recommendations suggest that women should complete the LEFT in 135 s (average; range 120–150 s) and men should complete the test in 100 s (average; range 90–125 s). However, these estimates are based on limited data and may not be reflective of college athletes. Thus, additional assessment, including normative data, of the LEFT in sport populations is warranted.

Objective:

To examine LEFT times based on descriptive information and off-season training habits in NCAA Division III (DIII) athletes. In addition, this study prospectively examined the LEFT’s ability to discriminate sport-related injury occurrence.

Design:

Descriptive epidemiology.

Setting:

DIII university.

Subjects:

189 DIII college athletes (106 women, 83 men) from 15 teams.

Main Outcome Measures:

LEFT times, preseason questionnaire, and time-loss injuries during the sport season.

Results:

Men completed the LEFT (105 ± 9 s) significantly faster than their female counterparts (117 ± 10 s) (P < .0001). Female athletes who reported >3–5 h/wk of plyometric training during the off-season had significantly slower LEFT scores than those who performed ≤3 h/wk of plyometric training (P = .03). The overall incidence of a lower-quadrant (LQ) time-loss injury for female athletes was 4.5/1000 athletic exposures (AEs) and 3.7/1000 AEs for male athletes. Female athletes with slower LEFT scores (≥118 s) experienced a higher rate of LQ time-loss injuries than those with faster LEFT scores (≤117 s) (P = .03).

Conclusion:

Only off-season plyometric training practices seem to affect LEFT score times among female athletes. Women with slower LEFT scores are more likely to be injured than those with faster LEFT scores. Injury rates in men were not influenced by performance on the LEFT.
Dysregulation of astrocyte extracellular signaling in Costello syndrome
Authors: Krencik Robert , Hokanson Kenton C. , Narayan Aditi R. , Dvornik Jill , Rooney Gemma E. , Rauen Katherine A. , Weiss Lauren A. , Rowitch David H. , Ullian Erik M.
Published: May 2015

Excessive HRAS signaling in Costello syndrome accelerates Ras-specific astroglial development and extracellular matrix accumulation, resulting in premature cortical circuit maturation.
Basic science: Stingy support stalls innovation
Authors: LaMarco Kelly
Published: May 2015

A compilation of case studies suggests that the decline in investment in U.S. basic science research threatens innovation and thus the U.S. economy.
Exploring Metagenomics in the Laboratory of an Introductory Biology Course
Authors: Gibbens Brian B. , Scott Cheryl L. , Hoff Courtney D. , Schottel Janet L.
Published: May 2015

Four laboratory modules were designed for introductory biology students to explore the field of metagenomics. Students collected microbes from environmental samples, extracted the DNA, and amplified 16S rRNA gene sequences using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Students designed functional metagenomics screens to determine and compare antibiotic resistance profiles among the samples. Bioinformatics tools were used to generate and interpret phylogenetic trees and identify homologous genes. A pretest and posttest were used to assess learning gains, and the results indicated that these modules increased student performance by an average of 22%. Here we describe ways to engage students in metagenomics-related research and provide readers with ideas for how they can start developing metagenomics exercises for their own classrooms.
Practical Bioremediation Course – Laboratory Exercises on Biodegradation of Cationic Surfactant
Authors: Ivankovic Tomislav , Mejdandzic Maja , Postic Sandra , Malesevic Nikola , Hrenovic Jasna
Published: May 2015

From the perspective of the lab exercises leader and teaching assistant for the Bioremediation course, it was very difficult to design and conduct a set of exercises that would fit the course curriculum and satisfactorily demonstrate bioremediation basics through practical laboratory work. Thus, Bioremediation course students designed the experiment with the help of the teaching assistant; a simulation of possible bioremediation of “Jarun” lake in Zagreb, Croatia, if contaminated with cationic surfactant. The experiment nicely showed how natural bioremediation differs from engineered bioremediation and the levels of success between different types of engineered bioremediation. The laboratory exercises were designed to be interesting and the results perceivable to the students.

Editor's Note:

The ASM advocates that students must successfully demonstrate the ability to explain and practice safe laboratory techniques. For more information, read the laboratory safety section of the ASM Curriculum Recommendations: Introductory Course in Microbiology and the Guidelines for Biosafety in Teaching Laboratories, available at www.asm.org. The Editors of JMBE recommend that adopters of the protocols included in this article follow a minimum of Biosafety Level 2 practices.
Letter to the Editor
Authors: Karikari Thomas K.
Published: May 2015

This article is a reaction to a previously published article in the Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education, “Gamification of the Laboratory Experience to Encourage Student Engagement” by Kevin Drace (JMBE 14(2):273–274, 2013).
Guided Inquiry and Consensus-Building Used to Construct Cellular Models
Authors: Cohen Joel I.
Published: May 2015

Using models helps students learn from a “whole systems” perspective when studying the cell. This paper describes a model that employs guided inquiry and requires consensus building among students for its completion. The model is interactive, meaning that it expands upon a static model which, once completed, cannot be altered and additionally relates various levels of biological organization (molecular, organelle, and cellular) to define cell and organelle function and interaction. Learning goals are assessed using data summed from final grades and from images of the student’s final cell model (plant, bacteria, and yeast) taken from diverse seventh grade classes. Instructional figures showing consensus-building pathways and seating arrangements are discussed. Results suggest that the model leads to a high rate of participation, facilitates guided inquiry, and fosters group and individual exploration by challenging student understanding of the living cell.
Do You Kiss Your Mother with That Mouth? An Authentic Large-Scale Undergraduate Research Experience in Mapping the Human Oral Microbiome
Authors: Wang Jack T. H. , Daly Joshua N. , Willner Dana L. , Patil Jayee , Hall Roy A. , Schembri Mark A. , Tyson Gene W. , Hugenholtz Philip
Published: May 2015

Clinical microbiology testing is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of community and hospital-acquired infections. Laboratory scientists need to utilize technical and problem-solving skills to select from a wide array of microbial identification techniques. The inquiry-driven laboratory training required to prepare microbiology graduates for this professional environment can be difficult to replicate within undergraduate curricula, especially in courses that accommodate large student cohorts. We aimed to improve undergraduate scientific training by engaging hundreds of introductory microbiology students in an Authentic Large-Scale Undergraduate Research Experience (ALURE). The ALURE aimed to characterize the microorganisms that reside in the healthy human oral cavity—the oral microbiome—by analyzing hundreds of samples obtained from student volunteers within the course. Students were able to choose from selective and differential culture media, Gram-staining, microscopy, as well as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing techniques, in order to collect, analyze, and interpret novel data to determine the collective oral microbiome of the student cohort. Pre- and postsurvey analysis of student learning gains across two iterations of the course (2012–2013) revealed significantly higher student confidence in laboratory skills following the completion of the ALURE (
p
< 0.05 using the Mann-Whitney U-test). Learning objectives on effective scientific communication were also met through effective student performance in laboratory reports describing the research outcomes of the project. The integration of undergraduate research in clinical microbiology has the capacity to deliver authentic research experiences and improve scientific training for large cohorts of undergraduate students.
Debating the Role of Higher Education in SocietyReview of: Beyond the University: In Defense of Liberal Education, RothMichael S.; (2014). Yale University Press, New Haven, CT. 228 pages
Authors: Dewsbury Bryan M.
Published: May 2015

Review of
:
Beyond the University: In Defense of Liberal Education
, Michael S. Roth; (2014). Yale University Press, New Haven, CT. 228 pages.
Comprehensive Cyanobacteria Review for Both the Classroom and LaboratoryReview of: Cyanobacteria: An Economic Perspective; SharmaNaveen K., RaiAshwani K., and StalLucas J. (ed.); (2014). Wiley Blackwell; West Sussex, United Kingdom. 345 pages.
Authors: Gyure Ruth A.
Published: May 2015

Review of
:
Cyanobacteria: An Economic Perspective
; Naveen K. Sharma, Ashwani K. Rai, and Lucas J. Stal (ed.); (2014). Wiley Blackwell; West Sussex, United Kingdom. 345 pages.
Technology is Here to Stay in (Online) Higher EducationReview of: Minds Online; MillerMichelle D.; (2014). Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA. 279 pages.
Authors: Herzog Jennifer A.
Published: May 2015

Review of
:
Minds Online
; Michelle D. Miller; (2014). Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA. 279 pages.

A review of the new book "Minds Online" by Michelle D. Miller, a cognitive psychologist, in which she analyzes the history of attention, memory, and thinking research and how new studies can enhance technology-driven education. A low-tech approach makes this book very readable to faculty and administrators thinking of diving into the online teacing format, yet its up to date research and practical examples are a rich resource for even veteran distance learning educators.
Microbial Diversity:
A Journey through Carl Woese’s Tree of LifeReview of: Microbial Diversity; BrownJames W.; (2015). American Society for Microbiology Press, Washington, DC. 416 pages.
Authors: Westenberg David
Published: May 2015

Review of
:
Microbial Diversity
; James W. Brown; (2015). American Society for Microbiology Press, Washington, DC. 416 pages.
Headache in a young woman: leptomeningeal metastasis as the first presentation of underlying breast malignancy
Authors: Mohan Poornima , Antonelou Marilina , Dadzie Ophelia , Dubrey Simon
Published: May 2015

A 37-year-old woman presented with a 2-week history of persistent headache in an occipitotemporal distribution. The patient had experienced prior headaches and migraines, but this presentation was characterised by its intensity and duration. There was associated dizziness and blurring of vision in episodes occurring up to 4–5 times per day. Whole body cross-sectional CT imaging and MRI of neuronal axes were normal. Cerebrospinal fluid cytology demonstrated large abnormal pleomorphic cells expressing the tumour marker CA125. Positron emission tomography-fluorodeoxyglucose revealed bilateral axillary and cervical lymphadenopathy as well as increased uptake in the lateral regions of both breasts. These results correlated with MRI breast and mammography findings. Axillary lymph node biopsy showed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma making the diagnosis of breast malignancy, the most likely primary site of metastatic leptomeningeal disease. In the 6-week interval between initial presentation and diagnosis, the patient deteriorated significantly with the new onset of facial nerve palsy and partial seizures. The treatment intent was palliative, focusing on symptom control with systemic chemotherapy and whole brain radiotherapy.
Pseudoseptic arthritis resulting in joint destruction
Authors: Page Felicity , Chadwick Sarah , Banerjee Brian
Published: May 2015

Pseudoseptic arthritis is an increasingly recognised entity. It is an inflammatory arthritis that mimics septic arthritis; however, Gram stain and cultures are persistently negative. It is a diagnosis of exclusion. We present the first case, to date, in which pseudoseptic arthritis led to such severe joint degeneration that joint replacement surgery was required. A 54-year-old truck driver with rheumatoid arthritis, on immunosuppressive therapy, presented with acute onset severe left hip pain. He was given a clinical diagnosis of septic arthritis and treated with two prolonged courses of antibiotics despite persistently negative synovial fluid cultures. He experienced progressive joint destruction necessitating a two-stage total hip replacement. A retrospective diagnosis of pseudoseptic arthritis was made. This case demonstrates the difficulties inherent in differentiating between septic and pseudoseptic arthritis. This case also highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment for pseudoseptic arthritis to avoid accelerated joint destruction.
Fenestration of the supraclinoid internal carotid artery in a patient with a concomitant intracranial arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Orru Emanuele , Wyse Emily , Pearl Monica Smith
Published: May 2015

Accurately recognising a supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) fenestration, despite its rare location, is important as it can mimic an intracranial aneurysm, intraluminal thrombus or focal dissection on non-invasive imaging. The overwhelming majority of reported supraclinoid ICA fenestrations are associated with intracranial aneurysms; however, a concomitant arteriovenous malformation (AVM) remote from the fenestration site should also be considered. We present the case of a 26-year-old woman with a Spetzler-Martin grade I right frontal AVM in whom a left supraclinoid ICA fenestration was incidentally discovered during cerebral angiography. She underwent n-N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate glue embolisation of two dominant middle cerebral artery feeders followed by neurosurgical resection. She tolerated procedures well without complications and has remained neurologically intact.
Regular- and postseason comparisons of playing time and measures of running performance in NCAA Division I women soccer players
Authors: Wells Adam J. , Hoffman Jay R. , Beyer Kyle S. , Hoffman Mattan W. , Jajtner Adam R. , Fukuda David H. , Stout Jeffrey R.
Published: May 2015

The management of playing time in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) soccer athletes may be a key factor affecting running performance during competition. This study compared playing time and running performance between regular-season and postseason competitions during a competitive women’s soccer season. Nine NCAA Division I women soccer players (age, 21.3 ± 0.9 years; height, 170.3 ± 5.7 cm; body mass, 64.0 ± 5.8 kg) were tracked using portable GPS devices across 21 games during a competitive season (regular season (n = 17); postseason (n = 4)). Movements on the field were divided into operationally distinct thresholds defined as standing/transient motion, walking, jogging, low-speed running, moderate-speed running, high-speed running, sprinting, low-intensity running, and high-intensity running. A significant increase in minutes played (+17%, p = 0.010) was observed at postseason compared with the regular season. Concomitant increases in time spent engaged in low-intensity running (LIR: +18%, p = 0.011), standing/transient motion (+35%, p = 0.004), walking (+17%, p = 0.022), distance covered while walking (+14%, p = 0.036), and at low intensity (+11%, p = 0.048) were observed. Performance comparisons between the first and second half within games revealed a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in high-speed and high-intensity runs during the second half of the postseason compared with the regular season. Changes in minutes played correlated significantly with changes in absolute time spent engaged in LIR (r = 0.999, p < 0.001), standing/transient motion (r = 0.791, p = 0.011), walking (r = 0.975, p = 0.001), jogging (r = 0.733, p = 0.025), distance covered while walking (r = 0.898, p < 0.001) and low-intensity activity (r = 0.945, p < 0.001). Negative correlations were observed between minutes played and absolute time sprinting (r = −0.698, p = 0.037) and distance covered sprinting (r = −0.689, p = 0.040). Results indicate that additional minutes played during the postseason were primarily performed at lower intensity thresholds, suggesting running performance during postseason competitions may be compromised with greater playing time in intercollegiate women’s soccer.
Viability and stability ofEscherichiacoliand enterococci populations in fecal samples upon freezing
Authors: Masters N. , Christie M. , Stratton H. , Katouli M.
Published: May 2015

We studied the survival of Escherichia coli and enterococci populations in fecal samples of 7 host species after storage at –20 and –80 °C for 30 days. Composite fecal samples were collected from cows, chickens, horses, pigs, dogs, birds, and humans, and bacteria were enumerated before and after storage. Twenty-eight colonies of each bacterial species were typed before and after storage and the strains were assigned to different biochemical phenotypes (BPTs). A significant reduction in the number of E. coli was observed in all samples stored at –20 °C but in only 3 of those samples stored at –80 °C. However, the numbers of enterococci were similar in most stored samples (except cow and birds). The number and the distribution of E. coli and enterococci BPTs in fresh samples did not vary significantly from those stored at either temperature. Furthermore, the population structure of E. coli and enterococci did not change significantly after storage at –80 °C, this was always the case for those samples stored at –20 °C. We conclude that for those studies investigating E. coli or enterococci population structure, short-term storage (≤30 days) of fecal samples in a glycerol broth at –80 °C is a preferable option.
Progesterone secretion by ovine granulosa cells: effects of nitric oxide and plane of nutrition
Authors: Grazul-Bilska Anna T. , Bass Casie S. , Kaminski Samantha L. , Perry George A. , Redmer Dale A.
Published: May 2015

The aim was to evaluate the effects of nutritional plane on in vitro progesterone (P4) secretion by granulosa (G) cells cultured in the presence or absence of effectors of the nitric oxide (NO) system. Ewes were randomly assigned into three nutritional groups: control (C), overfed (O; 2 × C), or underfed (U; 0.6 × C). Follicular development was induced by FSH injections. On day 15 of the estrous cycle, G cells were isolated and cultured with or without DETA-NONOate (NO donor), L-NAME (NO synthase [S] inhibitor), Arg and (or) LH for 8 h. DETA-NONOate decreased basal and LH-stimulated P4 secretion, and L-NAME increased basal P4 secretion in all groups. In U, Arg decreased LH-stimulated P4 secretion. These data demonstrate that (i) plane of nutrition affects basal P4 secretion by G cells, (ii) the NO donor decreases, NOS inhibitor increases but Arg does not affect basal P4 secretion, and (iii) effects of Arg on LH-stimulated P4 secretion are affected by plane of nutrition in FSH-treated sheep. Thus, plane of nutrition affects G cell function, and the NO system is involved in the regulation of basal and LH-stimulated P4 secretion. The mechanism of the NO system effects on secretory activity of G cells remains to be elucidated.