bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Status and Power: The Principal Inputs to Influence for Public Managers
Authors: Magee Joe C. , Frasier Clifford W.
Published: April 2014

The authors identify status and power as the principal bases of influence for public managers and describe how managers can use this conceptual distinction to increase their influence. Status is defined as the degree to which one is respected by one's colleagues, and power is defined as asymmetric control over valued resources. Different social and relational processes govern (1) how people determine who is, and who ought to be, high status versus powerful and (2) how status and power affect individual psychology and behavior. To illustrate key points, the authors provide examples of individuals from the public sector and public service organizations. The framework of interpersonal influence gives practitioners behavioral strategies for increasing their status and power as well as a way to assess and diagnose interpersonal dimensions of their own performance in their jobs and careers.
The Value of Long‐Term Assessment of Restoration: Support from a Seagrass Investigation
Authors: Bell Susan S. , Middlebrooks Michael L. , Hall Margaret O.
Published: April 2014

The importance of judging success of restoration studies over extended time periods has been repeatedly voiced but convincing information to justify increased monitoring is generally unavailable. Building on Bell et al. (2008), we investigated the development of areal coverage of the seagrass, Halodule wrightii, as a metric for assessing the outcome of a restoration effort conducted near Tampa Bay, Florida, U.S.A., over 7 years, thereby expanding the timescale over which a subtropical seagrass restoration project was evaluated for success. In each of 12 plots, 500 planting units of H. wrightii were introduced in 2002, and the seagrass cover level documented annually through 2009. Although only low‐moderate levels of H. wrightii cover were recorded after 3 years, a rapid increase to high coverage levels was evident in many plots after 2006 and sustained through 2009. Plots that supported only low levels of seagrass cover initially remained poor performers, 4–7 years post‐planting. By 2008, substantial seagrass spillover, contiguous with over 75% of plots, was recorded. When both within‐plot coverage and spillover were considered, seagrass restoration success was attained 6 years after initiation. Our findings provide an example of comparatively longer‐term monitoring of a restoration effort leading to reversal of an earlier evaluation of project success. Moreover, unique information on H. wrightii temporal dynamics emerged from the 7 year study, further illustrating the value of long‐term assessment of restoration. Extending the duration of post‐planting surveys of seagrass coverage may address multiple needs as it advances the field of seagrass restoration.
Dynamic Free Trade Networks: Some Numerical Results
Authors: Daisaka Hiroshi , Furusawa Taiji
Published: April 2014

To help predict whether the proliferation of free trade agreements (FTAs) continues until global free trade is effectively attained, this paper investigates dynamic paths of FTAs, generated by numerical simulations of a model of an FTA network formation game with many countries. The characteristics of the final FTA network naturally depend on how the proposer of an FTA is chosen in each period. The paper finds that if the country that has the largest incentive to form an FTA is chosen as a proposer in each period, the network evolution always leads to a unique final FTA network, which may or may not be the complete network of FTAs. FTA networks often evolve to a partition of the world into a small number of groups of asymmetric size owing to the negative network externality caused by preference erosion.
Learning to Export and the Timing of Entry to Export Markets
Authors: Sheard Nicholas
Published: April 2014

Exporters normally enter their first foreign markets some time after beginning to sell locally, then enter subsequent markets progressively. Standard trade models are essentially static and do not explain these elementary facts about exporting, which can bias the estimation of trade patterns. This paper proposes a model that endogenously generates the timing of entry to new export markets. The timing results from a learning mechanism. More productive firms are less sensitive to the learning effect and therefore (1) enter markets more quickly and (2) enter larger markets earlier and smaller markets later. These predictions are confirmed using Swedish firm‐level data.
False Discovery Control in Large-Scale Spatial Multiple Testing
Authors: Sun Wenguang , Reich Brian J. , Tony Cai T. , Guindani Michele , Schwartzman Armin
Published: April 2014

The paper develops a unified theoretical and computational framework for false discovery control in multiple testing of spatial signals. We consider both pointwise and clusterwise spatial analyses, and derive oracle procedures which optimally control the false discovery rate, false discovery exceedance and false cluster rate. A data-driven finite approximation strategy is developed to mimic the oracle procedures on a continuous spatial domain. Our multiple-testing procedures are asymptotically valid and can be effectively implemented using Bayesian computational algorithms for analysis of large spatial data sets. Numerical results show that the procedures proposed lead to more accurate error control and better power performance than conventional methods. We demonstrate our methods for analysing the time trends in tropospheric ozone in eastern USA.
The education received by nursing students regarding nursing older people: a scoping literature review
Authors: Koskinen Sanna , Salminen Leena , Stolt Minna , Leino‐Kilpi Helena
Published: April 2014

The situation of an ageing population is a priority for all levels of society globally, particularly related to the subsequent increased demand for care. Nurses are often the primary source of this care; therefore, research is required to develop the curricula of nursing education, to help them meet this demand. The primary aim was to analyse empirical studies that have tackled nursing students' education concerning nursing older people. This analysis was targeted at generating an overall picture of the research in this field in order to determine the areas that require further study. A scoping literature review was conducted through systematic searches in the following electronic databases: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System (MEDLINE), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Education Resources Information Center (ERIC). These searches were limited to studies with an available abstract, in English, which were conducted between 1999 and 2012. Two researchers independently applied the same inclusion and exclusion criteria to select the studies for analysis. In total, 66 articles were included in the analyses. The results were validated by the research team. The primary research areas identified included both the learning outcomes and the implementation of nurses' education in caring for older people. Students' general attitudes towards older people and ageing dominated the studies regarding learning outcomes. There was a large variation in the description of the validity and trustworthiness of the studies, with most being only at a moderate level. A limited number of studies examining the specific learning outcomes and factors influencing the implementation of education exist. Vague reporting about the validity and trustworthiness of the studies limits the use of their findings. More well‐designed studies are needed to guide educational strategies to improve students' competence in nursing older people and to promote this field as a career choice.
Entry of human cytomegalovirus into porcine endothelial cells depends on both the cellular vascular origin and the viral strain
Authors: Taveira Aline , Ponroy Nicolas , Mueller Nicolas J. , Millard Anne‐Laure
Published: April 2014

Background

Primary infection and reactivation of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is associated with allograft rejection. Pig‐to‐human xenotransplantation is regarded as an alternative to circumvent donor organ shortage and inevitably, porcine endothelial cells (pEC) will be exposed to human pathogens, among them HCMV. Infection of pEC with HCMV induces apoptosis and entry is sufficient to induce phenotypic alterations, which have the potential to result in rejection and vasculopathy. We investigated the mechanisms used by HCMV to enter pEC from different anatomical origins and compared them with the entry mechanisms used to enter human endothelial cells (hEC).

Methods

Immortalized porcine aortic (PEDSV.15) and porcine microvascular bone marrow derived EC (2A2) as well as primary human aortic (HAEC) and microvascular EC (HMVEC) were inoculated with the endotheliotropic (TB40/E) or the fibroblast propagated (TB40/F) HCMV strains at multiplicity of infection (MOI) ranging from 0.3 to 5. EC were analyzed for receptor expression and their involvement in HCMV entry. The role of endocytosis was evaluated by treating EC with specific inhibitors, and the involvement of the endolysosomal pathway was investigated by confocal microscopy.

Results

Silencing of platelet‐derived growth factor receptor alpha resulted in a reduced expression of viral immediate early (IE) antigen only in pEC infected with either TB40/E or TB40/F whereas silencing of β1 integrins reduced expression of IE proteins in all EC except for TB40/F‐infected microvascular pEC. TB40/E enters hEC and pEC by a similar mechanism dependent on dynamin‐2, lipid rafts, actin and pH, whereas entry of TB40/F in pEC occurs mainly by a dynamin‐2‐dependent, clathrin‐, lipid rafts‐independent mechanism and in a pH‐dispensable manner. When actin polymerization was prevented, TB40/F could enter pEC in an actin‐independent fashion. Disturbance of the microtubule cytoskeleton resulted in an inhibition of infection of TB40/E‐infected EC, whereas infection of TB40/F‐infected pEC was not modified. Finally, viral particles located in vesicles of the endolysosomal pathway, suggesting that HCMV uses this pathway for intracellular trafficking following entry.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that HCMV uses a variety of entry mechanisms that are dependent on the strain and on the vascular origin of the cells. Given the profound effect of pEC infection with HCMV, prevention of such an infection will be crucial for clinical application of xenotransplantation. A potential avenue is to render porcine grafts resistant to HCMV infection by blocking viral entry and propagation.
Insulin modulates network activity in olfactory bulb slices: impact on odour processing
Authors: Kuczewski Nicola , Fourcaud‐Trocmé Nicolas , Savigner Agnès , Thevenet Marc , Aimé Pascaline , Garcia Samuel , Duchamp‐Viret Patricia , Palouzier‐Paulignan Brigitte
Published: April 2014

Key points

Olfactory function is largely under metabolic influence.

Insulin, one of the major players between food intake and energy balance, is known to act at both central and peripheral levels.

The present study assesses the action of insulin in olfactory bulb slices by using patch‐clamp recordings in young rats.

The results show that insulin can alter both spontaneous and olfactory nerve‐induced firing activities in most of the main ouput neurons, this action being differentially exerted in two opposite directions.

A mathematical model demonstrates that insulin, by acting in this way, could impact odour detection and discrimination mechanisms. Such an impact could be hypothesized as being exerted according to pertinent ecological characteristics, such as the alimentary/ethological valence of odour.

Odour perception depends closely on nutritional status, in animals as in humans. Insulin, the principal anorectic hormone, appears to be one of the major candidates for ensuring the link between olfactory abilities and nutritional status, by modifying processing in the olfactory bulb (OB), one of its main central targets. The present study investigates whether and how insulin can act in OB, by evaluating its action on the main output neurons activities, mitral cells (MCs), in acute rat OB slices. Insulin was found to act at two OB network levels: (1) on MCs, by increasing their excitability, probably by inhibiting two voltage‐gated potassium (K+) channels; (2) on interneurons by modifying the GABAergic and on glutamatergic synaptic activity impinging on MCs, mainly reducing them. Insulin also altered the olfactory nerve (ON)‐evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents in 60% of MCs. Insulin decreased or increased the ON‐evoked responses in equal proportion and the direction of its effect depended on the initial neuron ON‐evoked firing rate. Indeed, insulin tended to decrease the high and to increase the low ON‐evoked firing rates, thereby reducing inter‐MC response firing variability. Therefore, the effects of insulin on the evoked firing rates were not carried out indiscriminately in the MC population. By constructing a mathematical model, the impact of insulin complex effects on OB was assessed at the population activity level. The model shows that the reduction of variability across cells could affect MC detection and discrimination abilities, mainly by decreasing and, less frequently, increasing them, depending on odour quality. Thus, as previously proposed, this differential action of insulin on MCs across odours would allow this hormone to put the olfactory function under feeding signal control, given the discerning valence of an odour as a function of nutritional status.
Transient impairment of the axolemma following regional anaesthesia by lidocaine in humans
Authors: Moldovan Mihai , Lange Kai Henrik Wiborg , Aachmann‐Andersen Niels Jacob , Kjær Troels Wesenberg , Olsen Niels Vidiendal , Krarup Christian
Published: April 2014

Key points

We tested the recovery of motor axon conduction and multiple measures of excitability by ‘threshold‐tracking’ after ultrasound‐guided distal median nerve regional anaesthesia by lidocaine.

Lidocaine caused a transient conduction failure that recovered completely by 3 h, whereas excitability recovered only partially by 6 h and fully by 24 h.

The up to 7‐fold increase in threshold after complete recovery of conduction was associated with excitability changes that could only partially be explained by block of the voltage‐gated Na+ channel (VGSC).

Mathematical modelling indicated that, apart from a reduction in the number of functioning VGSCs, lidocaine also caused a decrease of passive membrane resistance and an increase of capacitance.

Our data suggest that lidocaine, even at clinical ‘sub‐blocking’ concentrations, could cause a reversible structural impairment of the axolemma.

The local anaesthetic lidocaine is known to block voltage‐gated Na+ channels (VGSCs), although at high concentration it was also reported to block other ion channel currents as well as to alter lipid membranes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the clinical regional anaesthetic action of lidocaine could be accounted for solely by the block of VGSCs or whether other mechanisms are also relevant. We tested the recovery of motor axon conduction and multiple measures of excitability by ‘threshold‐tracking’ after ultrasound‐guided distal median nerve regional anaesthesia in 13 healthy volunteers. Lidocaine caused rapid complete motor axon conduction block localized at the wrist. Within 3 h, the force of the abductor pollicis brevis muscle and median motor nerve conduction studies returned to normal. In contrast, the excitability of the motor axons at the wrist remained markedly impaired as indicated by a 7‐fold shift of the stimulus–response curves to higher currents with partial recovery by 6 h and full recovery by 24 h. The strength–duration properties were abnormal with markedly increased rheobase and reduced strength–duration time constant. The changes in threshold during electrotonus, especially during depolarization, were markedly reduced. The recovery cycle showed increased refractoriness and reduced superexcitability. The excitability changes were only partly similar to those previously observed after poisoning with the VGSC blocker tetrodotoxin. Assuming an unaltered ion‐channel gating, modelling indicated that, apart from up to a 4‐fold reduction in the number of functioning VGSCs, lidocaine also caused a decrease of passive membrane resistance and an increase of capacitance. Our data suggest that the lidocaine effects, even at clinical ‘sub‐blocking’ concentrations, could reflect, at least in part, a reversible structural impairment of the axolemma.
Glutamate receptor pores
Authors: Huettner James E.
Published: April 2014

Glutamate receptors are ligand‐gated ion channels that mediate fast excitatory synaptic transmission throughout the central nervous system. Functional receptors are homo‐ or heteromeric tetramers with each subunit contributing a re‐entrant pore loop that dips into the membrane from the cytoplasmic side. The pore loops form a narrow constriction near their apex with a wide vestibule toward the cytoplasm and an aqueous central cavity facing the extracellular solution. This article focuses on the pore region, reviewing how structural differences among glutamate receptor subtypes determine their distinct functional properties.
Relative Validity of 3 Accelerometer Models for Estimating Energy Expenditure During Light Activity
Authors: Wetten Alexander Allan , Batterham Marijka , Tan Sze Yen , Tapsell Linda
Published: April 2014

Background:

With physical inactivity inextricably linked to the increasing prevalence of obesity, there is a need for validated methods that measure free-living energy expenditure (EE) within sedentary environments. While accelerometers enable these measurements, few studies have compared device accuracy in such settings. The aim of this study was to investigate the relative validity of the Actigraph, RT3 and SenseWear Armband (SWA).

Methods:

Twenty-three (11 male, 12 female) participants (age: 25.3 ± 6.3 yr; BMI: 22.6 ± 2.7) wore 3 accelerometers at designated sites during a 4-hour stay in the Whole Room Calorimeter (WRC). Participants performed 2 10-minute bouts of light-intensity exercise (stepping and stationary cycling) and engaged in unstructured sedentary activities. EE estimated by accelerometers was compared with WRC EE derived from measurements of gaseous exchange.

Results:

The Actigraph and SWA both accurately estimated EE during the stepping exercise. EE estimated by the RT3 during stepping was significantly lower than the WRC value (31.2% ± 15.6%, P < .001). All accelerometers underestimated cycling and unstructured activity EE over the trial period (P < .001).

Conclusions:

The Actigraph and SWA are both valid tools for quantifying EE during light-intensity stepping. These results provide further valuable information on how accelerometer devices may be appropriately used.
Establishing Wrist-Based Cutpoints for the Actical Accelerometer in Elementary School-Aged Children
Authors: Schaefer Christine Adele , Nace Heidi , Browning Ray
Published: April 2014

Background:

The wrist has become a standard location for accelerometry (ACC) data collection, primarily to optimize compliance, yet interpretation of wrist ACC data is limited due to a lack of calibration studies. This study aimed to establish cutpoints for a wrist-mounted Actical accelerometer in 6- to 11-year-old children using 2 methods.

Methods:

Metabolic and ACC data (15-sec epoch) were collected during 8 activities in 22 children ages 6–11. Linear regression (LR) and Receiver Operator Characteristics (ROC) were used to examine the relationship between METs and ACC counts. Cutpoints were established at < 1.5, 1.5–2.99, 3–5.99, and ≥ 6 METs for sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous activity, respectively. Cutpoints were applied to a large, multiday sample of children (n = 269) to examine differences in cutpoints on minutes of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA).

Results:

LR and ROC yielded moderate cutpoints of 574 and 388, respectively. When applied to the large sample, LR and ROC cutpoints resulted in an estimated 83 and 140 minutes of daily MVPA, respectively.

Conclusions:

This study established wrist-mounted Actical cutpoints for children using 2 methods. The differences in cutpoints and their effect on estimates of MVPA in an independent sample highlight challenges associated with establishing cutpoints, suggesting that standardized calibration procedures be developed.
Physical, Policy, and Sociocultural Characteristics of the Primary School Environment are Positively Associated With Children’s Physical Activity During Class Time
Authors: Martin Karen , Bremner Alexandra , Salmon Jo , Rosenberg Michael , Giles-Corti Billie
Published: April 2014

Background:

The objective of this study was to develop a multidomain model to identify key characteristics of the primary school environment associated with children’s physical activity (PA) during class-time.

Methods:

Accelerometers were used to calculate time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during class-time (CMVPA) of 408 sixth-grade children (mean ± SD age 11.1 ± 0.43 years) attending 27 metropolitan primary schools in Perth Western Australia. Child and staff self-report instruments and a school physical environment scan administered by the research team were used to collect data about children and the class and school environments. Hierarchical modeling identified key variables associated with CMVPA.

Results:

The final multilevel model explained 49% of CMVPA. A physically active physical education (PE) coordinator, fitness sessions incorporated into PE sessions and either a trained PE specialist, classroom teacher or nobody coordinating PE in the school, rather than the deputy principal, were associated with higher CMVPA. The amount of grassed area per student and sporting apparatus on grass were also associated with higher CMVPA.

Conclusion:

These results highlight the relevance of the school’s sociocultural, policy and physical environments in supporting class-based PA. Interventions testing optimization of the school physical, sociocultural and policy environments to support physical activity are warranted.
Is There a Sex Difference in Accelerometer Counts During Walking in Older Adults?
Authors: Van Domelen Dane R. , Caserotti Paolo , Brychta Robert J. , Harris Tamara B. , Patel Kushang V. , Chen Kong Y. , Arnardóttir Nanna Ýr , Eirikdottir Gudny , Launer Lenore J. , Gudnason Vilmundur , Sveinsson Thórarinn , Jóhannsson Erlingur , Koster Annemarie
Published: April 2014

Background:

Accelerometers have emerged as a useful tool for measuring free-living physical activity in epidemiological studies. Validity of activity estimates depends on the assumption that measurements are equivalent for males and females while performing activities of the same intensity. The primary purpose of this study was to compare accelerometer count values in males and females undergoing a standardized 6-minute walk test.

Methods:

The study population was older adults (78.6 ± 4.1 years) from the AGES-Reykjavik Study (N = 319). Participants performed a 6-minute walk test at a self-selected fast pace while wearing an ActiGraph GT3X at the hip. Vertical axis counts·s−1 was the primary outcome. Covariates included walking speed, height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, femur length, and step length.

Results:

On average, males walked 7.2% faster than females (1.31 vs. 1.22 m·s−1, P < .001) and had 32.3% greater vertical axis counts·s−1 (54.6 vs. 39.4 counts·s−1, P < .001). Accounting for walking speed reduced the sex difference to 19.2% and accounting for step length further reduced the difference to 13.4% (P < .001).

Conclusion:

Vertical axis counts·s−1 were disproportionally greater in males even after adjustment for walking speed. This difference could confound free-living activity estimates.
Does Activity-Related Social Support Differ by Characteristics of the Adolescent?
Authors: Edwardson Charlotte Louise , Gorely Trish , Musson Hayley , Duncombe Rebecca , Sandford Rachel
Published: April 2014

Background:

Previous research has shown a positive relationship between activity-related social support provided by parents and peers and adolescents’ physical activity. However, more information is needed on whether activity-related social support differs by sociodemographic characteristics. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in activity-related social support in a sample of adolescents, by characteristics such as age, gender, socioeconomic status (SES), ethnicity, and physical activity level and to determine which characteristics are the most important predictors of activity-related social support.

Methods:

Information was provided by 578 boys and 588 girls (11–14 years) on demographic factors, physical activity, and activity-related support. ANOVA, correlations, and multiple regression were performed to address the purposes of the study.

Results:

Boys, White British, younger, more physically active, and high-SES adolescents perceived more support for physical activity. Age predicted all types of support excluding peer support; ethnicity predicted mother logistic support and sibling support; gender predicted peer support, father explicit modeling, and father logistic support; and SES predicted mother and father logistic support.

Conclusions:

Families and peers of adolescents who are female, from Black and minority ethnic groups, older, of low-SES, and less active should be targeted for intervention.
How Many Steps Are Enough? Dose–Response Curves for Pedometer Steps and Multiple Health Markers in a Community-Based Sample of Older Australians
Authors: Ewald Ben , Attia John , McElduff Patrick
Published: April 2014

Background:

Although an overall public health target of 10,000 steps per day has been advocated, the dose–response relationship for each health benefit of physical activity may differ.

Methods:

A representative community sample of 2458 Australian residents aged 55–85 wore a pedometer for a week in 2005–2007 and completed a health assessment. Age-standardized steps per day were compared with multiple markers of health using locally weighted regression to produce smoothed dose–response curves and then to select the steps per day matching 60% or 80% of the range in each health marker.

Results:

There is a linear relationship between activity level and markers of inflammation throughout the range of steps per day; this is also true for BMI in women and high density lipoprotein in men. For other markers, including waist:hip ratio, fasting glucose, depression, and SF-36 scores, the benefit of physical activity is mostly in the lower half of the distribution.

Conclusions:

Older adults have no plateau in the curve for some health outcomes, even beyond 12,000 steps per day. For other markers, however, there is a threshold effect, indicating that most of the benefit is achieved by 8000 steps per day, supporting this as a suitable public health target for older adults.
The Effectiveness of Self-Guided Web-Based Physical Activity Interventions Among Patients With a Chronic Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bossen Daniël , Veenhof Cindy , Dekker Joost , de Bakker Dinny
Published: April 2014

Background:

Despite well-documented health benefits, adults with a physical chronic condition do not meet the recommended physical activity (PA) guidelines. Therefore, secondary prevention programs focusing on PA are needed. Web-based interventions have shown promise in the promotion of PA behavior change. We conducted a systematic review to summarize the evidence about the effectiveness of web-based PA interventions in adults with chronic disease.

Methods:

Articles were included if they evaluated a web-based PA intervention and used a randomized design. Moreover, studies were eligible for inclusion if they used a non- or minimal-treatment control group and if PA outcomes measures were applied. Seven articles were included.

Results:

Three high-quality studies were statistically significant to the control group, whereas 2 high- and 2 low-quality studies reported nonsignificant findings.

Conclusion:

Our best evidence synthesis revealed that there is conflicting evidence on the effectiveness of web-based PA interventions in patients with a chronic disease.
Awareness and Knowledge of the Youth 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
Authors: DeBastiani Summer Dawn , Carroll Dianna D. , Cunningham Melissa , Lee Sarah , Fulton Janet
Published: April 2014

Background:

To measure parental awareness of government physical activity guidelines and knowledge of the amount of physical activity recommended for youth (ie, 60 minutes per day, 7 days per week) as specified in the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

Methods:

A cross-sectional national sample of adults responded to physical activity guideline questions added to the HealthStyles survey in 2009 (n = 1552). The prevalence of parents aware of government physical activity guidelines and knowledgeable of the youth physical activity guideline, specifically, was estimated overall and by parental demographic characteristics (sex, education, income level, race/ethnicity, age group, marital status) and body mass index.

Results:

In 2009, 34.8% of parents reported being aware of physical activity guidelines, and 9.7% were knowledgeable of the amount of physical activity recommended for youth.

Conclusions:

Many parents lack awareness and knowledge of the youth physical activity guidelines. The low prevalence estimates suggest the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans has not been effectively disseminated. These results may also indicate a need for effective communication strategies to educate and inform parents, an important influencer of children’s health behaviors.
Local Adaptation of the National Physical Activity Plan: Creation of the Active Living Plan for a Healthier San Antonio
Authors: Esparza Laura A. , Velasquez Katherine S. , Zaharoff Annette M.
Published: April 2014

Background:

Physical inactivity and related health consequences are serious public health threats. Effective strategies to facilitate and support active-living opportunities must be implemented at national, state, and local levels. San Antonio, Texas, health department officials launched the Active Living Council of San Antonio (ALCSA) to engage the community in developing a 3- to 5-year plan to promote active living.

Methods:

A steering committee set preliminary ALCSA aims and established a multisector membership structure modeled after the US National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP). ALCSA adopted governance standards, increased knowledge of physical activity and health, and engaged in an 18-month collaborative master plan writing process.

Results:

ALCSA selected overarching strategies and evidence-based strategies for each societal sector and adapted strategies to the local context, including tactics, measures of success, and timelines. Community and expert engagement led to a localized plan reflecting national recommendations, the Active Living Plan for a Healthier San Antonio.

Conclusion:

Multisector collaborations among governmental agencies and community organizations, which were successfully developed in this case to produce the first-ever local adaptation of the NPAP, require clearly defined expectations. Lessons learned in ALCSA’s organizational and plan development can serve as a model for future community-driven efforts to increase active living.
Development of a National Physical Activity Plan for the United States
Authors: Bornstein Daniel B. , Pate Russell R. , Buchner David M.
Published: April 2014

Background:

Efforts to increase population levels of physical activity are increasingly taking the form of strategic plans at national, state/regional, and local levels. The processes employed for developing such plans have not been described previously. The purpose of this article is to chronicle the processes employed in and lessons learned from developing the US National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP).

Methods:

The Coordinating Committee oversaw development of the NPAP. Key steps in the process included creating a private–public coalition based in the private sector, organizing the NPAP around 8 societal sectors, reviewing the evidence base for promotion of physical activity in each sector, conducting a national conference to initiate development of the NPAP’s core content, ensuring broad participation in developing and refining the NPAP, and launching the NPAP through a press event that attracted national attention.

Results and Conclusion:

The 3-year effort to develop the NPAP was guided by a private–public collaborative partnership involving private sector organizations and government agencies. Launched in May 2010, the NPAP included more than 250 evidence-based recommendations for changes to policy and practice at the national, state, and local levels across 8 societal sectors.
Psychosocial Predictors of Well-Being in Collegiate Dancers
Authors: Draugelis Sarah , Martin Jeffrey , Garn Alex
Published: April 2014

Although many researchers have examined ill-being (e.g., injury and illness) in dancers, few researchers have examined well-being. In the current study, dancer’s perceptions of the dance motivational climate, dance performance anxiety, dance self-concept, and their relationships to dance well-being were examined. A total of 182 university dance students from five universities completed surveys and a series of multiregression analyses were undertaken to predict well-being. Both dance self-concept and perceptions of a task climate were moderately related to well-being and contributed significantly to elements of well-being: vigor, enthusiasm, confidence, and dedication. An ego climate was unrelated to any of the four dimensions of well-being. Substantial variance was predicted in the various elements of engagement, ranging from 15% to 55%. In particular, two significant interactions indicated that a task climate may have protective effects against anxiety in terms of reducing the detrimental influence that anxiety may have on two forms of well-being: confidence and dedication.
Using Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy With Athletes
Authors: Turner Martin J. , Barker Jamie B.
Published: April 2014

The use of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) in sport psychology has received scant research attention. Therefore, little is known about how REBT can be adopted by sport psychology practitioners. This paper principally outlines how practitioners can use REBT on a one-to-one basis to reduce irrational beliefs in athletes. Guidance is offered on the introduction of REBT to applied contexts, the REBT process through which an athlete is guided, and offers an assessment of the effectiveness of REBT with athletes. It is hoped that this paper will encourage other practitioners to adopt REBT in their work and to report their experiences.
Specificity of the CheR2 Methyltransferase in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Is Directed by a C-Terminal Pentapeptide in the McpB Chemoreceptor
Authors: García-Fontana Cristina , Corral Lugo Andrés , Krell Tino
Published: April 2014

Pentapeptide sequences in a bacterial chemoreceptor mediate adaptation by recruiting a methyltransferase.
Completing the Set
Authors: Vinson Valda
Published: April 2014

Insight is provided into the activation mechanism of a human neuronal G protein–coupled receptor.
Heterologous Expression of Thuricin CD Immunity Genes in Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Mathur Harsh , O'Connor Paula M. , Cotter Paul D. , Hill Colin , Ross R. Paul
Published: April 2014

Bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesized peptides that can have a narrow or broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Bacteriocin producers typically possess dedicated immunity systems that often consist of an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter system and/or a dedicated immunity protein. Here we investigated the genes responsible for immunity to thuricin CD, a narrow-spectrum two-peptide sactibiotic produced by
Bacillus thuringiensis
DPC6431. Heterologous expression of putative thuricin CD immunity determinants allowed us to identify and investigate the relative importance of the individual genes and gene products that contribute to thuricin CD immunity. We established that TrnF and TrnG are the individual components of an ABC transporter system that provides immunity to thuricin CD. We also identified a hitherto overlooked open reading frame located upstream of
trnF
predicted to encode a 79-amino-acid transmembrane protein. We designated this newly discovered gene
trnI
and established that TrnI alone can provide protection against thuricin CD.
Bactericidal Activity of the Human Skin Fatty Acid
cis
-6-Hexadecanoic Acid on Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Cartron Michaël L. , England Simon R. , Chiriac Alina Iulia , Josten Michaele , Turner Robert , Rauter Yvonne , Hurd Alexander , Sahl Hans-Georg , Jones Simon , Foster Simon J.
Published: April 2014

Human skin fatty acids are a potent aspect of our innate defenses, giving surface protection against potentially invasive organisms. They provide an important parameter in determining the ecology of the skin microflora, and alterations can lead to increased colonization by pathogens such as
Staphylococcus aureus
. Harnessing skin fatty acids may also give a new avenue of exploration in the generation of control measures against drug-resistant organisms. Despite their importance, the mechanism(s) whereby skin fatty acids kill bacteria has remained largely elusive. Here, we describe an analysis of the bactericidal effects of the major human skin fatty acid
cis
-6-hexadecenoic acid (C6H) on the human commensal and pathogen
S. aureus
. Several C6H concentration-dependent mechanisms were found. At high concentrations, C6H swiftly kills cells associated with a general loss of membrane integrity. However, C6H still kills at lower concentrations, acting through disruption of the proton motive force, an increase in membrane fluidity, and its effects on electron transfer. The design of analogues with altered bactericidal effects has begun to determine the structural constraints on activity and paves the way for the rational design of new antistaphylococcal agents.
SILEN-C3, a Phase 2 Randomized Trial with Faldaprevir plus Pegylated Interferon α-2a and Ribavirin in Treatment-Naive Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1-Infected Patients
Authors: Dieterich Douglas , Asselah Tarik , Guyader Dominique , Berg Thomas , Schuchmann Marcus , Mauss Stefan , Ratziu Vlad , Ferenci Peter , Larrey Dominique , Maieron Andreas , Stern Jerry O. , Ozan Melek , Datsenko Yakov , Böcher Wulf Otto , Steinmann Gerhard
Published: April 2014

Faldaprevir is an investigational hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3/4A protease inhibitor which, when administered for 24 weeks in combination with pegylated interferon α-2a and ribavirin (PegIFN/RBV) in treatment-naive patients in a prior study (SILEN-C1; M. S. Sulkowski et al., Hepatology 57:2143–2154, 2013, doi:10.1002/hep.26276), achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) rates of 72 to 84%. The current randomized, open-label, parallel-group study compared the efficacy and safety of 12 versus 24 weeks of 120 mg faldaprevir administered once daily, combined with 24 or 48 weeks of PegIFN/RBV, in 160 treatment-naive HCV genotype 1 patients. Patients with maintained rapid virologic response (HCV RNA of <25 IU/ml at week 4 and undetectable at weeks 8 and 12) stopped all treatment at week 24, otherwise they continued PegIFN/RBV to week 48. SVR was achieved by 67% and 74% of patients in the 12-week and 24-week groups, respectively. Virologic response rates were lower in the 12-week group from weeks 2 to 12, during which both groups received identical treatment. SVR rates were similar in both groups for patients achieving undetectable HCV RNA. Most adverse events were mild or moderate, and 6% of patients in each treatment group discontinued treatment due to adverse events. Once-daily faldaprevir at 120 mg for 12 or 24 weeks with PegIFN/RBV resulted in high SVR rates, and the regimen was well tolerated. Differences in the overall SVR rates between the 12-week and 24-week groups were not statistically significant and possibly were due to
IL28B
genotype imbalances;
IL28B
genotype was not tested, as its significance was not known at the time of the study. These results supported phase 3 evaluation. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT00984620).
Safety and Efficacy of Long-Term Outpatient Ertapenem Therapy
Authors: Qureshi Zubair A. , Syed Alveena , Doi Yohei
Published: April 2014

Ertapenem is increasingly utilized in outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT), but data regarding the efficacy and safety of long-term ertapenem therapy have been limited. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult patients who received outpatient ertapenem therapy at our center between 2010 and 2013. Among 306 unique patients who were discharged on ertapenem therapy, the most common indications were intra-abdominal infections (38%), followed by pneumonia (12%), bone and joint infections (11%), bloodstream infections (10%), urinary tract infections (10%), surgical site infections (5%), and skin and soft-tissue infections (4%). Of these 306 patients, 68 received regular outpatient follow-up visits at our infectious disease clinic, where the majority of patients (91%) were successfully treated with ertapenem by the end of therapy. Of the 6 patients who experienced clinical failure, 2 had adverse events leading to discontinuation of therapy and 4 required additional source control for clinical success. In addition, 2 patients had recurrent infection at 6 months.
Two Novel Functions of Hyaluronidase from Streptococcus agalactiae Are Enhanced Intracellular Survival and Inhibition of Proinflammatory Cytokine Expression
Authors: Wang Zhaofei , Guo Changming , Xu Yannan , Liu Guangjin , Lu Chengping , Liu Yongjie
Published: April 2014

Streptococcus agalactiae
is the causative agent of septicemia and meningitis in fish. Previous studies have shown that hyaluronidase (Hyl) is an important virulence factor in many Gram-positive bacteria. To investigate the role of
S. agalactiae
Hyl during interaction with macrophages, we inactivated the gene encoding extracellular hyaluronidase,
hylB
, in a clinical Hyl
+
isolate. The isogenic
hylb
mutant (Δ
hylb
) displayed reduced survival in macrophages compared to the wild type and stimulated a significantly higher release of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), than the wild type in macrophages as well as in mice. Furthermore, only Hyl
+
strains could grow utilizing hyaluronic acid (HA) as the sole carbon source, suggesting that Hyl permits the organism to utilize host HA as an energy source. Fifty percent lethal dose (LD
50
) determinations in zebrafish demonstrated that the
hylb
mutant was highly attenuated relative to the wild-type strain. Experimental infection of BALB/c mice revealed that bacterial loads in the blood, spleen, and brain at 16 h postinfection were significantly reduced in the Δ
hylB
mutant compared to those in wild-type-infected mice. In conclusion, hyaluronidase has a strong influence on the intracellular survival of
S. agalactiae
and proinflammatory cytokine expression, suggesting that it plays a key role in
S. agalactiae
pathogenicity.
Lack of Long-Lasting Hydrosalpinx in A/J Mice Correlates with Rapid but Transient Chlamydial Ascension and Neutrophil Recruitment in the Oviduct following Intravaginal Inoculation with Chlamydia muridarum
Authors: Zhang Hongbo , Zhou Zhou , Chen Jianlin , Wu Ganqiu , Yang Zhangsheng , Zhou Zhiguang , Baseman Joel , Zhang Jin , Reddick Robert Lee , Zhong Guangming
Published: April 2014

Lower genital tract infection with
Chlamydia trachomatis
and
C. muridarum
can induce long-lasting hydrosalpinx in the upper genital tract of women and female mice, respectively. However, A/J mice were highly resistant to induction of long-lasting hydrosalpinx by
C. muridarum
. We further compared host inflammatory responses and chlamydial infection courses between the hydrosalpinx-resistant A/J mice and CBA/J mice known to be susceptible to hydrosalpinx induction. Both mouse strains developed robust pyosalpinx during the acute phase followed by hydrosalpinx during the chronic phase. However, the hydrosalpinges disappeared in A/J mice by day 60 after infection, suggesting that some early hydrosalpinges are reversible. Although the overall inflammatory responses were indistinguishable between CBA/J and A/J mice, we found significantly more neutrophils in oviduct lumen of A/J mice on days 7 and 10, which correlated with a rapid but transient oviduct invasion by
C. muridarum
with a peak infection on day 7. In contrast, CBA/J mice developed a delayed and extensive oviduct infection. These comparisons have revealed an important role of the interactions of oviduct infection with inflammatory responses in chlamydial induction of long-lasting hydrosalpinx, suggesting that a rapid but transient invasion of oviduct by chlamydial organisms can prevent the development of the long-lasting hydrosalpinges.
GRA25 Is a Novel Virulence Factor of Toxoplasma gondii and Influences the Host Immune Response
Authors: Shastri Anjali J. , Marino Nicole D. , Franco Magdalena , Lodoen Melissa B. , Boothroyd John C.
Published: April 2014

The obligate intracellular parasiteToxoplasma gondiiis able to infect a broad range of hosts and cell types due, in part, to the diverse arsenal of effectors it secretes into the host cell. Here, using genetic crosses between type II and type IIIToxoplasmastrains and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping of the changes they induce in macrophage gene expression, we identify a novel dense granule protein, GRA25. Encoded on chromosome IX, GRA25 is a phosphoprotein that is secreted outside the parasites and is found within the parasitophorous vacuole.In vitroexperiments with a type II Δgra25strain showed that macrophages infected with this strain secrete lower levels of CCL2 and CXCL1 than those infected with the wild-type or complemented control parasites.In vivoexperiments showed that mice infected with a type II Δgra25strain are able to survive an otherwise lethal dose ofToxoplasmatachyzoites and that complementation of the mutant with an ectopic copy ofGRA25largely rescues this phenotype. Interestingly, the type II and type III versions of GRA25 differ in endogenous expression levels; however, both are able to promote parasite expansionin vivowhen expressed in a type II Δgra25strain. These data establish GRA25 as a novel virulence factor and immune modulator.