bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cloning and Mutagenesis of Catechol 2,3-Dioxygenase Gene from the Gram-Positive Planococcus sp. Strain S5
Authors: Hupert-Kocurek Katarzyna , Stawicka Agnieszka , Wojcieszyńska Danuta , Guzik Urszula
Published: July 2013

In this study, the catechol 2,3-dioxygenase gene that encodes a 307- amino-acid protein was cloned from Planococcus sp. S5. The protein was identified to be a member of the superfamily I, subfamily 2A of extradiol dioxygenases. In order to study residues and regions affecting the enzyme's catalytic parameters, the c23o gene was randomly mutated by error-prone PCR. The wild-type enzyme and mutants containing substitutions within either the C-terminal or both domains were functionally produced in Escherichia coli and their activity towards catechol was characterized. The C23OB65 mutant with R296Q substitution showed significant tolerance to acidic pH with an optimum at pH 5.0. In addition, it showed activity more than 1.5 as high as that of the wild type enzyme and its Km was 2.5 times lower. It also showed altered sensitivity to substrate inhibition. The results indicate that residue at position 296 plays a role in determining pH dependence of the enzyme and its activity. Lower activity toward catechol was shown for mutants C23OB58 and C23OB81. Despite lower activity, these mutants showed higher affinity to catechol and were more sensitive to substrate concentration than nonmutated enzyme.
Reduction in Superoxide Dismutase Expression in the Epithelial Mucosa of Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Ono N. , Kusunoki T. , Miwa M. , Hirotsu M. , Shiozawa A. , Ikeda K.
Published: July 2013

Background: Eosinophils generate large amounts of oxidant species. The eosinophil-dominant type of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps is related to more extensive disease and a decreased likelihood of surgical success. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is the first-line and only antioxidant enzyme that converts superoxide to hydrogen peroxide. Methods: The patients with CRS with nasal polyps were divided into eosinophilic and noneosinophilic groups. The expression of three isoforms of SOD, intracellular copper-zinc SOD (CuZnSOD), mitochondrial manganese SOD (MnSOD) and extracellular SOD (ECSOD), were examined by enzyme activity assay, immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time RT-PCR sampled by laser capture microdissection. Results: SOD activity in the eosinophilic and noneosinophilic groups was significantly reduced compared to that of the control groups. Immunostaining of both CuZnSOD and MnSOD in the eosinophilic group was significantly decreased compared with that in the noneosinophilic and control groups. CuZnSOD mRNA of the eosinophilic group was significantly decreased compared with that of the control group, whereas MnSOD mRNA in the eosinophilic group was significantly decreased compared with that in the noneosinophilic and control groups. Neither immunoreactivity nor mRNA of ECSOD was different among the three groups. The degree of epithelial damage and disease severity were inversely correlated with CuZnSOD and MnSOD immunoreactivity. Conclusions: The reduction in SOD activity and the downregulation of the SOD message are suggested to be related to eosinophil recruitment and epithelial damage of CRS with nasal polyps.
A Note on Exact Conditional and Unconditional Tests for Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium
Authors: Shan Guogen
Published: July 2013

The exact conditional approach is frequently used for testing Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in population genetics. This approach respects the test size as compared to the traditionally used asymptotic approaches. It is a full-enumeration method and very computational. Many efficient algorithms have been successfully developed to implement this exact approach. An alternative to the conditional approach is the unconditional approach, which relaxes the restriction of the fixed number of allelic counts as in the conditional approach. The first unconditional test considered in this study is the one based on maximization, which has been shown to be more powerful than the conditional test to loci with two alleles for small sample sizes. By using the p value of the conditional approach as a test statistic in the following maximization step, the second unconditional test is uniformly more powerful than the conditional approach. We compared these exact tests based on three commonly used test statistics with regards to type I error rate and power. It is recommended to use the second unconditional approach in practice due to the power gain in the case with two alleles.
A Rare Case of Pediatric Colloid Cysts in Bilateral Ventricles
Authors: Ma Chenkai , He Xiaoguang , Li Qifeng , Jiang Feng , Ma Jie
Published: July 2013

Colloid cysts often arise in the third ventricle. It is quite rare for colloid cysts to arise from lateral ventricles. We describe a case of a patient with colloid cysts in the bilateral ventricles. The patient eventually underwent a surgical operation to alleviate the symptoms. Colloid cysts have the potential to be misdiagnosed in the clinical practice; therefore, magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy would be effective for differential diagnosis.
Percutaneous Steerable Robotic Tool Delivery Platform and Metal Microelectromechanical Systems Device for Tissue Manipulation and Approximation
Authors: Vasilyev Nikolay V. , Gosline Andrew H. , Butler Evan , Lang Nora , Codd Patrick J. , Yamauchi Haruo , Feins Eric N. , Folk Chris R. , Cohen Adam L. , Chen Richard , Zurakowski David , del Nido Pedro J. , Dupont Pierre E.
Published: July 2013

Background—

Beating-heart image-guided intracardiac interventions have been evolving rapidly. To extend the domain of catheter-based and transcardiac interventions into reconstructive surgery, a new robotic tool delivery platform and a tissue approximation device have been developed. Initial results using these tools to perform patent foramen ovale closure are described.

Methods and Results—

A robotic tool delivery platform comprising superelastic metal tubes provides the capability of delivering and manipulating tools and devices inside the beating heart. A new device technology is also presented that uses a metal-based microelectromechanical systems–manufacturing process to produce fully assembled and fully functional millimeter-scale tools. As a demonstration of both technologies, patent foramen ovale creation and closure was performed in a swine model. In the first group of animals (n=10), a preliminary study was performed. The procedural technique was validated with a transcardiac hand-held delivery platform and epicardial echocardiography, video-assisted cardioscopy, and fluoroscopy. In the second group (n=9), the procedure was performed percutaneously using the robotic tool delivery platform under epicardial echocardiography and fluoroscopy imaging. All patent foramen ovales were completely closed in the first group. In the second group, the patent foramen ovale was not successfully created in 1 animal, and the defects were completely closed in 6 of the 8 remaining animals.

Conclusions—

In contrast to existing robotic catheter technologies, the robotic tool delivery platform uses a combination of stiffness and active steerability along its length to provide the positioning accuracy and force-application capability necessary for tissue manipulation. In combination with a microelectromechanical systems tool technology, it can enable reconstructive procedures inside the beating heart.
Impact of Stent Surface on Thrombogenicity and Vascular Healing
Authors: Eppihimer Michael J. , Sushkova Natalia , Grimsby Jessica L. , Efimova Natalia , Kai Wang , Larson Steve , Forsyth Bruce , Huibregtse Barbara A. , Dawkins Keith D. , Wilson Gregory J. , Granada Juan F.
Published: July 2013

Background—

Emerging drug-eluting stent technologies are evolving toward the elimination of polymeric component used as the method for modulating drug delivery. Although this technological approach seems to be biologically appealing, the impact of durable polymers and metallic stent surfaces on vascular healing remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to compare the independent effect of a durable polymer and a metallic stent surface on thrombogenicity and endothelial cell coverage using different in vitro and in vivo experimental models.

Methods and Results—

Platinum chromium (PtCr) and polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropene (PVDF-HFP)–coated surfaces were evaluated in this study. Thrombogenicity was assessed by exposing all surfaces to human blood under shear flow conditions. The inflammatory potential of the material was evaluated by measuring cytokine release from THP-1 cells exposed to all surfaces for 24 hours. Endothelial cell coverage was evaluated by detection of CD31 after the stents were exposed to human coronary artery endothelial cells for ≤14 days. Platelet adhesion (
P
<0.01) and activation (
P
=0.03) on PVDF-HFP were greater than on PtCr. In vivo, PVDF-HFP revealed more neointimal area (
P
<0.01) and residual parastrut fibrin (
P
=0.01) at 30 days compared with PtCr. PtCr displayed higher endothelialization rates and higher vascular endothelial-cadherin expression at 7 and 14 days (
P
=0.02) compared with PVDF-HFP.

Conclusions—

Thrombogenicity and vascular healing differ among metallic and polymeric stent surfaces. PVDF-HFP exhibits higher degrees of platelet activation–adhesion and thrombus accumulation in vivo compared with PtCr. PtCr displayed higher degrees of endothelial surface coverage compared with PVDF-HFP surfaces.
Stent Revascularization Restores Cortical Blood Flow and Reverses Tissue Hypoxia in Atherosclerotic Renal Artery Stenosis but Fails to Reverse Inflammatory Pathways or Glomerular Filtration Rate
Authors: Saad Ahmed , Herrmann Sandra M.S. , Crane John , Glockner James F. , Mckusick Michael A. , Misra Sanjay , Eirin Alfonso , Ebrahimi Behzad , Lerman Lilach O. , Textor Stephen C.
Published: July 2013

Background—

Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) is known to reduce renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and amplify kidney hypoxia, but the relationships between these factors and tubulointerstitial injury in the poststenotic kidney are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of renal revascularization in ARAS on renal tissue hypoxia and renal injury.

Methods and Results—

Inpatient studies were performed in patients with ARAS (n=17; >60% occlusion) before and 3 months after stent revascularization, or in patients with essential hypertension (n=32), during fixed Na
+
intake and angiotensin converting enzyme/angiotensin receptors blockers Rx. Single kidney cortical, medullary perfusion, and renal blood flow were measured using multidetector computed tomography, and GFR by iothalamate clearance. Tissue deoxyhemoglobin levels (
R
2
*) were measured by blood oxygen level–dependent MRI at 3T, as was fractional kidney hypoxia (percentage of axial area with
R
2
*>30/s). In addition, we measured renal vein levels of neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Pre-stent single kidney renal blood flow, perfusion, and GFR were reduced in the poststenotic kidney. Renal vein neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin, tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and fractional hypoxia were higher in untreated ARAS than in essential hypertension. After stent revascularization, fractional hypoxia fell (
P
<0.002) with increased cortical perfusion and blood flow, whereas GFR and neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and tumor necrosis factor-α remained unchanged.

Conclusions—

These data demonstrate that despite reversal of renal hypoxia and partial restoration of renal blood flow after revascularization, inflammatory cytokines and injury biomarkers remained elevated and GFR failed to recover in ARAS. Restoration of vessel patency alone failed to reverse tubulointerstitial damage and partly explains the limited clinical benefit of renal stenting. These results identify potential therapeutic targets for recovery of kidney function in renovascular disease.
The Ultimate Technology: The End of Technology and the Task of Nature
Authors: Riis Søren
Published: July 2013

One of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century, Martin Heidegger (1889–1976), died prior to the remarkable cloning of the sheep Dolly and before Dr. Venter started his experiments on creating synthetic life, and he never explicitly discussed living technologies. However, by reinterpreting his notion of “modern technology,” this article shows how it is possible to philosophically assess living technologies and to recognize ways in which Heidegger anticipated this phenomenon with his notion of cybernetics. The interpretation elucidates the fundamental process of technology becoming living and simultaneously presents living technology as the ultimate technology. The thesis of this article is that living technology is not just one more technology; rather, it is the perfection of technology as understood by Aristotle. Aristotle's thinking is in this way a key example of a profound reassessment of nature and technology. Aristotle clearly separates these two domains of being in his definition, but in doing so, he also connects them to one another in a highly influential way. Following this line of thought, the article finally offers an original perspective involving renewed respect for the perpetual self-unfolding nature of living technology.
Possessor Raising
Authors: Deal Amy Rose
Published: July 2013

Various languages allow instances of external possession—possessive encoding without a possessive structure in DP. The analysis of these cases has long been a battleground of raising versus control. I provide a new argument from Nez Perce in support of possessor raising of a type thematically parallel to raising to subject. The possessor phrase moves from a possessum-DP-internal position to an athematic A-position within vP. Like raising to subject, this movement is obligatory and does not result in the assignment of a new θ-role to the moving element. A case-driven treatment of possessor raising is proposed.
The Lavish Corporate Hospitality: The Lawful and Unlawful Interaction of Public Officials and Private Sector Actors — Law and the Court Praxis in Finland
Authors: Peurala Johanna
Published: July 2013

Public officials can be offered hospitality, excursions, seminars or different kinds of benefits by the business sector. These kinds of benefits can be seen to be a customary practice or the management of public relations. Finnish law does not give any clear-cut answers when a certain benefit can be seen as lawful (as a gift) or unlawful (as a bribe). The aim of this research is to clarify, based on the Finnish Criminal Code, by Finnish case law, as well as soft law instruments, the thin line between unlawful and lawful benefits in this business–public sector interaction. The article also discusses the concept of the management of public relations which the Finnish courts have mentioned as the factor that can justify the benefits given to the public officials by business sector.
Colonial Dislocations and Incorporation of Indigenous Migrants From Mexico to the United States
Authors: Barajas Manuel
Published: July 2013

Mexican-origin indigenous migration to the United States has a long history, overlapping colonialisms contribute to it, and dialectical systems of racial, class, and gender oppression shape its magnitude and form of incorporation, as equals or nonequals. This article specifically seeks to illuminate how the continuous colonial logics and acts shape indigenous migrants’ incorporation and emergent migrant identities in a global context of social inequalities. I provide a social-historical context of Mexican-origin indigenous migration and of the melting-pot concept that obfuscates the internal diversity and indigenous makeup of this long-historical migration rooted to European colonialism and its emergent forms.
Improvement of Teacher Food Allergy Knowledge in Socioeconomically Diverse Schools After Educational Intervention
Authors: Shah Sweta S. , Parker Crystal L. , Davis Carla M.
Published: July 2013

Background. Increasingly, teachers are the first respondents to food allergic reactions in schools. Studies of food allergy in school settings have identified deficiencies in teacher recognition and treatment of reactions. We sought to determine the effect of a didactic session on teacher knowledge of the causative foods, symptoms, and treatment of reactions in diverse elementary schools. Methods. An educational intervention project using a pretest–posttest control group design was performed. Teacher knowledge about food allergy causes, symptoms, and treatment of food allergic reactions was assessed. Results. The average percentage of correctly answered questions by teachers at baseline for each school ranged from 60% to 68%. After education, teachers at the intervention schools answered 24.6% to 34.6% (confidence interval = 21.5-74.1 and 32.1-103.9, respectively) more questions correctly compared with 4.0% to 4.3% (confidence interval = 2.5-21.6 and 0.9-31.0, respectively) in control schools. Conclusions. Education significantly increased teacher knowledge of food allergy causes, symptoms, and treatment of food allergic reactions in diverse schools.
African American Homeschooling and the Quest for a Quality Education
Authors: Mazama Ama , Lundy Garvey
Published: July 2013

Academic interest in homeschooling has increased over the last decade, as what was once perceived as a marginal development, has, in fact, turned into a significant and growing phenomenon. There has been, in recent years, a noticeable surge in African American involvement in the homeschooling movement as well. However, there continues to be a general paucity of research on the motivations of homeschooling Black parents. It is the purpose of this essay (a) to present empirical evidence regarding African American motivations for homeschooling; and (b) to explore in depth one of the main reasons why African Americans increasingly choose to educate their children at home, namely, African American discontent with the poor quality of the education available in American schools, both public and private. While discontent with the quality of education is also commonly cited by other ethnic groups, the African American definition of a satisfactory education stands out, as it is articulated within the context of a racially exclusive and discriminatory society, and often includes demands for cultural and historical relevance.
Gentlemen before Ladies? A Corpus-Based Study of Conjunct Order in Personal Binomials
Authors: Motschenbacher Heiko
Published: July 2013

The present study focuses on word order patterns in English personal binomials and argues that conjunct order in this binomial type is partly subject to other factors than those shown in earlier research on binomials in general. On the theoretical level, mixed-gender personal binomials are discussed as linguistic instantiations of dominance and difference thinking in relation to gender. On the empirical level, the article presents an in-depth study of personal binomials in the written component of the BNC. The factor with the highest impact on conjunct order is found to be lexical gender. Moreover, the modifying influence of a range of other factors is tested. Among these are factors that have proven relevant in earlier research on word order in binomials (phonology, orthography, conjunct frequency) as well as factors that have so far not or only sporadically been tested (lexical field, morphology, sex of author, target audience sex). Finally, the findings are related to more recent theoretical discussions of the relationship between language and gender.
The Eastern Queendom Dispute and Grassroots Politics on the Sino-Tibetan Border
Authors: Jinba Tenzin
Published: July 2013

In a collective action to reclaim the label of the Eastern Queendom—a legendary matriarchal kingdom—the villagers in Suopo township, Danba county, Sichuan take advantage of the media and a newly founded tourism association to press their claims by highlighting their political marginality in Danba and condemning the local state for its favoritism and partisanship. In consequence, a struggle over the “ownership” of the queendom has both manifested and generated the reconfiguration of grassroots politics on this part of the Sino-Tibetan border: exacerbated society-state relations, diversified societal and state sectors, and enhanced political participation of both elites and villagers. The locals are simultaneously engaged in an identity politics to define their manifold identities along the lines of Chinese citizenship, inter-ethnic and intra-ethnic sameness and differences, regional/local ties, professional/peasant status, marginality/majority perceptions, and (other) political stances such as loyalty to the party-state.
Hybrid Management Configurations in Joint Research
Authors: Wehrens Rik , Bekker Marleen , Bal Roland
Published: July 2013

Researchers are increasingly expected to deliver “socially robust knowledge” that is not only scientifically reliable but also takes into account demands from societal actors. This article focuses on an empirical example where these additional criteria are explicitly organized into research settings. We investigate how the multiple “accountabilities” are managed in such “responsive research settings.” This article provides an empirical account of such an organizational format: the Dutch Academic Collaborative Centres for Public Health. We present a cross-case analysis of four collaborative research projects conducted within this context. We build on (and extend) Miller’s notion of “hybrid management.” The article shows that the extended concept of hybrid management is useful to study the different accountabilities encountered in such settings. We analyze how the collaboration developed and which conflicts or dilemmas arose. We then focus on the different hybrid management strategies used in the collaboration. The empirical material shows how the different aspects of hybrid management feature in various configurations in the four projects. We highlight that hybrid management strategies may be used by different groups or at different moments, may reinforce or contradict each other, and may be more or less effective at different points in time.
A study on relationship between burning rate and flame height of internal fire whirls in a vertical shaft model
Authors: Chow Wan K.
Published: July 2013

Relationship between internal fire whirls generated in a vertical shaft model was studied. A vertical shaft model of height 145 cm was constructed. Four fuels including methanol, ethanol, propanol, and gasoline of different pool sizes were used. Ventilation was provided from a sidewall for onsetting internal fire whirl. In the experiments, the flame height and mass loss rate of fuel while burning the pool fires were observed to increase at the same time. A linear correlation between flame height and mass fuel burning rate can be found for different liquid fuels. A parameter α, which describes the burning rate, calorific value, and the pool size of liquid fuel, was used to develop the correlation between the burning rate and flame height. The flame height was found to be linearly correlated with α. However, the normalized average flame height was found to be roughly constant with different values of α.
Dose-dependent enhancement of bone marrow stromal cells adhesion, spreading and osteogenic differentiation on atmospheric plasma-treated poly(l-lactic acid) nanofibers
Authors: Liu Wentao , Cai Qing , Zhang Feng , Wei Yan , Zhang Xuehui , Wang Ying , Deng Xuming , Deng Xuliang
Published: July 2013

Although poly(l-lactic acid) nanofibers are known to promote osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells, their relative hydrophobicity and surface inertia tend to hinder their biomedical application. We explored a feasible and effective technique to improve the bioactivity and biocompatibility of poly(l-lactic acid) fibers for further application in regenerative medicine. A low-temperature atmospheric plasma was used to treat poly(l-lactic acid) nanofibers for 1, 5, and 10 min, and the surface properties and dose-dependent effects on the behavior of bone marrow stromal cells were studied. Both the amino group content and surface hydrophilicity of the nanofibers increased with treatment time, whereas the spreading and proliferation of bone marrow stromal cells were greatest on nanofibers which had been treated for 5 min, followed by samples treated for 1 and 10 min. The quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis of the bone marrow stromal cells on the 5-min-treated nanofibers had the highest expression level of osteogenic marker genes including RUNX2, BMP2, ALP, COL1A1, OPN, and OCN. The nanofibers treated for 5 min also promoted the high levels of alkaline phosphatase activity. These results suggest the exertion of dose-dependent effects by atmospheric plasma treatment on the surface of poly(l-lactic acid) nanofibers, and that this treatment is a feasible and effective technique to improve biomaterial biocompatibility and promotion of osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells.
Study on extraction of electrical runout in eddy current measurement using finite element method
Authors: Chen Xiaolong , Cao Yanlong , Lin Zaiyu , Yang Jiangxin , Hu Xiaoqi
Published: July 2013

Electrical runout is a bottleneck problem of eddy current sensor, which is caused by the maldistribution/variation of material electromagnetic properties of measurement target. However, extraction methods of electrical runout in eddy current displacement measurement remain ambiguous. Here, a 2D finite element model for the influence analysis of conductivity and permeability of ferromagnetic material on coil impedance of eddy current sensor is reported, which will be beneficial for detecting material properties and guiding manufacturing process. The relationships between the real and imaginary part of coil impedance with the varied material conductivity, relative permeability and the lift-off, which indicates the detecting distance, are investigated. When the conductivity, relative permeability of ferromagnetic material and the lift-off vary within a certain range, the relationships between the real and imaginary part of coil impedance are all nearly linear. This paper further shows that the character of distribution of resistance and reactance in diagram under different material properties and same measuring distance is linear. Furthermore, these lines under different measuring distances are parallel. Also the character under different measuring distances and same material property is linear, but these lines under different material properties are diffuse with same intercept. Altogether, the study shows that this method based on redesign of signal processing and its circuit is feasible and instructive in separating electrical runout from the output of eddy current sensor.
Alcohol and community football in Australia
Authors: Nicholson Matthew , Hoye Russell , Brown Kevin M
Published: July 2013

This paper focuses on spectators’ alcohol use at a regional community football (Australian Rules) club in Victoria, Australia, in the context of a season-long trial to sell only mid-strength (and not full-strength) beer at the ground during home games. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected on spectators’ alcohol choices and preferences together with experiences and attitudes towards the trial. A minority (31%) usually drank alcohol while watching the game and 75% of all supporters agreed with the supply of alcohol at football grounds. Full-strength beer was the drink of choice for 70% of drinkers and faced with a restricted choice of alcohol for purchase (that did not include full-strength beer), 44% reported they would choose full-strength mixed drinks as an alternative. Choosing higher alcohol content drinks if the usual choice was not available was also found in the case of mid-strength beer drinkers, half of whom would choose full-strength beer if mid-strength was unavailable. In bivariate correlations, women, those aged 30–39 years, home supporters and those who did not drink alcohol while spectating were significantly more likely to support the trial. In a regression model the significant predictors were refined to being: female, a non-drinker and aged 50–59 years. Qualitative data supported the idea that the trial had been successful in terms of supporter acceptance of the move to cease the sale of full- strength beer and indicated that the club’s relatively supportive and ‘family friendly’ culture was a key in overcoming earlier opposition to the trial. While the results of this evaluation are mainly positive, the club’s particular culture and leadership suggest that its experience may not be transferred in any automatic sense to other clubs both within and without its league where more ‘traditional’ patterns associated with masculinity and alcohol use may be more persistent and prevalent.
Precision in Career Motivation Assessment
Authors: Deemer Eric D. , Smith Jessi L. , Thoman Dustin B. , Chase Justin P.
Published: July 2013

The Subjective Science Attitude Change Measures (SSACM; Stake & Mares, 2001) represent a collection of useful self-report tools for assessing change in high school students’ science attitudes as a function of a given motivational intervention. Despite the survey’s utility, little work has been done to examine this tool among other samples (i.e., college students) or to test the psychometric properties and overall construct validity of SSACM scores. Participants ( N = 1,368) consisted of undergraduate students enrolled in biology, chemistry, and physics laboratory classes. Analysis of the SSACM’s factor structure using exploratory structural equation modeling indicated support for a bifactor structure consisting of one general science motivation factor and three specific factors labeled intrinsic science interest, science career identity, and science self-efficacy. This model outperformed alternative bifactor and specific two- and three-factor models. Results largely yielded evidence of concurrent validity, as three of the four scale scores were significant positive predictors of relevant outcomes over and above the contribution of gender, parental occupation type, and mastery motivation. Implications for science career counseling and assessment are discussed.
Intercultural understanding via local and global educational citizenship: A contribution to international education via a lived-in substantiation of multilingualism and cosmopolitanism
Authors: Gunesch Konrad
Published: July 2013

This article attempts to enhance intercultural understanding, and thereby contribute to international education, by substantiating local and global educational citizenship via a critical examination of the author’s educational life against the framework of cosmopolitanism as a cultural identity form that combines local and global citizenship. Educational developmental stages across four continents and culturally diverse areas (Western Europe, Central America, East Asia and the Middle East) are examined against this framework. The purpose is twofold: first, to enrich and enlarge the development of a personal identity and mindset, namely to provide international students, teachers, interested parents and administrators with a personal identity or developmental model for their own professional or private lives. Second, to open up the institutional arena for a new type of individual aspiration, namely to let personal identity forms that are local and global in spirit enrich educational citizenship programmes that are local and global in setting. En route, a scientific background consisting of a theoretical framework and empirical evidence consisting of an in-depth investigation of young multilingual students is made even more accessible and transparent by self-critical evaluations of the author’s personal and professional educational pathways. This three-pronged approach of theory, empirical evidence, and autobiographical experience and example is open for revelation, comparison and criticism, but also for identification, imitation and inspiration.
Development of social relationships, interactions and behaviours in early education settings
Authors: Kington Alison , Gates Peter , Sammons Pam
Published: July 2013

Recent research and policy regarding the advantages of early years provision has focused largely on the enhancement and development of cognitive skills for preschoolers. This study, based in the United Kingdom, focuses on a range of cognitive and social skills and identifies beneficial characteristics of a government pilot scheme for 2-year-olds in areas of social disadvantage. Data were collected from nursery managers and parents across six early years settings using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods centred around in-depth observational techniques focused on children. Results indicate that in addition to the development of cognitive skills, children showed increased confidence and modes of communication and interaction and that these were associated with the varied activities and routines established within the early years settings. Some variations in terms of frequency and quality of interactions, activities and practice were identified in settings; however, interpersonal support for learning and development was consistent across settings.
Test–Retest Reliability of Portable Metabolic Monitoring After Disabling Stroke
Authors: Stookey Alyssa D. , McCusker Michael G. , Sorkin John D. , Katzel Leslie I. , Shaughnessy Marianne , Macko Richard F. , Ivey Frederick M.
Published: July 2013

Purpose. Impaired economy of gait, prevalent in chronic stroke secondary to residual gait deficits, is associated with intolerance for performing activities of daily living. Gait economy/efficiency is traditionally assessed by determining the rate of oxygen consumption during submaximal treadmill walking. However, the mechanics and energetics of treadmill versus overground walking are very different in stroke survivors with ambulatory deficits. Clearly, overground cardiopulmonary measures are needed to accurately profile movement economy after stroke. An obstacle to obtaining such measures after stroke has been the absence of reliable portable metabolic monitoring equipment. The purpose of this study was to establish the test–retest reliability of a portable metabolic monitoring device during overground walking in hemiparetic stroke survivors. Methods. Twenty-three chronic hemiparetic stroke survivors underwent two 6-minute walk tests while wearing a COSMED K4b2 portable metabolic measurement system. Intraclass correlations coefficients (ICC) were calculated for both cardiopulmonary parameters and distance covered to determine test–retest reliability. An ICC of ≥0.85 was considered reliable. Results. ICCs for relative Vo2 (0.90), absolute Vo2 (0.93), Vco2 (0.93), and minute ventilation (0.95) demonstrated high reliability, but not for heart rate (0.76) or respiratory exchange ratio (0.64). There was no significant difference in the distance each participant walked between the first and second tests, eliminating distance as a potential confounder of our analyses (ICC = 0.99). Conclusions. Our results strongly support the reliability of the K4b2 for quantifying overground gait efficiency after stroke. Use of this device may enable researchers to study how varying poststroke rehabilitation interventions affect this central measure of health and function.
A Concurrent Mixed Methods Approach to Examining the Quantitative and Qualitative Meaningfulness of Absolute Magnitude Estimation Scales in Survey Research
Authors: Koskey Kristin L. K. , Stewart Victoria C.
Published: July 2013

This small n observational study used a concurrent mixed methods approach to address a void in the literature with regard to the qualitative meaningfulness of the data yielded by absolute magnitude estimation scaling (MES) used to rate subjective stimuli. We investigated whether respondents’ scales progressed from less to more and provided for meaningful discriminations, similarities and differences in how they defined their scales, and whether their definitions were congruent with how they used their scales. The respondents completed a think-aloud task while using MES and a follow-up interview regarding how they used MES and defined their scales. The respondents’ scales did not yield meaningful data. Implications for survey research and the use of mixed methods in rating scale construction are discussed.
Overcoming Barriers to College Enrollment, Persistence, and Perceptions for Urban High School Students in a College Preparatory Program
Authors: Knaggs Christine M. , Sondergeld Toni A. , Schardt Becky
Published: July 2013

Although research shows college preparatory programs’ effectiveness regarding academic achievement and college awareness, much less is known about whether programs affect college attendance and persistence. GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) and other college preparatory programs claim that this is a primary outcome, yet very few studies on persistence in higher education have been done. Through the use of an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, our study found that significantly more students (including low-socioeconomic background) from a GEAR UP college preparatory program showed greater college attendance and persistence outcomes over those who did not participate and also provides potential explanations why this may be the case. Mixing quantitative and qualitative data allowed for meta-inferences about the isolation of poverty, goal setting, resilience, and program impacts on minorities to be drawn.
Managing patients for zoonotic disease in hospitals
Authors: Warwick Clifford , Corning Susan
Published: July 2013

Zoonoses involve infections and infestations transmissible from animals to humans. Zoonoses are a major global threat. Exposure to zoonotic pathogens exists in various settings including encroachment on nature; foreign travel; pet keeping; bushmeat consumption; attendance at zoological parks, petting zoos, school ‘animal contact experiences’, wildlife markets, circuses, and domesticated and exotic animal farms. Under-ascertainment is believed to be common and the frequency of some zoonotic disease appears to be increasing. Zoonoses include direct, indirect and aerosolized transmission. Improved awareness of zoonoses in the hospital environment may be important to the growing need for prevention and control. We reviewed relevant literature for the years 2000 to present and identified a significant need for the promotion of awareness and management of zoonoses in the hospital environment. This article provides a new decision-tree, as well as staff and patient guidance on the prevention and control of zoonoses associated with hospitals.
Impaired lung function and health status in adult survivors of bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Gough Aisling , Linden Mark , Spence Dale , Patterson Chris C. , Halliday Henry L. , McGarvey Lorcan P.A.
Published: July 2013

More infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) now survive to adulthood, but little is known regarding persisting respiratory impairment. We report respiratory symptoms, lung function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adult BPD survivors compared with preterm (non-BPD) and full-term controls.

Respiratory symptoms (European Community Respiratory Health Survey) and HRQoL (EuroQol (EQ)-5D) were measured in 72 adult BPD survivors (mean±sdstudy age 24.1±4.0 years; mean±sdgestational age 27.1±2.1 weeks; and mean±sdbirth weight 955±256 g) cared for in the regional neonatal intensive care unit, Royal Maternity Hospital, Belfast, UK (between 1978 and 1993). These were compared with 57 non-BPD controls (mean±sdstudy age 25.3±4.0 years; mean±sdgestational age 31.0±2.5 weeks; and mean±sdbirth weight 1238±222 g) and 78 full-term controls (mean±sdstudy age 25.7±3.8 years; mean±sdgestational age 39.7±1.4 weeks; and mean±sdbirth weight 3514±456 g) cared for at the same hospital. Spirometry was performed on 56 BPD, 40 non-BPD and 55 full-term participants.

BPD subjects were twice as likely to report wheeze and three times more likely to use asthma medication than controls. BPD adults had significantly lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced expiratory flow at 25–75% of forced vital capacity than both the preterm non-BPD and full-term controls (all p<0.01). Mean EQ-5D was 6 points lower in BPD adults compared to full-term controls (p<0.05).

BPD survivors have significant respiratory and quality of life impairment persisting into adulthood.
Reductive evolution and the loss of PDC/PAS domains from the genus Staphylococcus
Authors: Shah Neethu , Gaupp Rosmarie , Moriyama Hideaki , Eskridge Kent M , Moriyama Etsuko N , Somerville Greg A
Published: July 2013

Background

The Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain represents a ubiquitous structural fold that is involved in bacterial sensing and adaptation systems, including several virulence related functions. Although PAS domains and the subclass of PhoQ-DcuS-CitA (PDC) domains have a common structure, there is limited amino acid sequence similarity. To gain greater insight into the evolution of PDC/PAS domains present in the bacterial kingdom and staphylococci in specific, the PDC/PAS domains from the genomic sequences of 48 bacteria, representing 5 phyla, were identified using the sensitive search method based on HMM-to-HMM comparisons (HHblits).

Results

A total of 1,007 PAS domains and 686 PDC domains distributed over 1,174 proteins were identified. For 28 Gram-positive bacteria, the distribution, organization, and molecular evolution of PDC/PAS domains were analyzed in greater detail, with a special emphasis on the genus Staphylococcus. Compared to other bacteria the staphylococci have relatively fewer proteins (6–9) containing PDC/PAS domains. As a general rule, the staphylococcal genomes examined in this study contain a core group of seven PDC/PAS domain-containing proteins consisting of WalK, SrrB, PhoR, ArlS, HssS, NreB, and GdpP. The exceptions to this rule are: 1) S. saprophyticus lacks the core NreB protein; 2) S. carnosus has two additional PAS domain containing proteins; 3) S. epidermidis, S. aureus, and S. pseudintermedius have an additional protein with two PDC domains that is predicted to code for a sensor histidine kinase; 4) S. lugdunensis has an additional PDC containing protein predicted to be a sensor histidine kinase.

Conclusions

This comprehensive analysis demonstrates that variation in PDC/PAS domains among bacteria has limited correlations to the genome size or pathogenicity; however, our analysis established that bacteria having a motile phase in their life cycle have significantly more PDC/PAS-containing proteins. In addition, our analysis revealed a tremendous amount of variation in the number of PDC/PAS-containing proteins within genera. This variation extended to the Staphylococcus genus, which had between 6 and 9 PDC/PAS proteins and some of these appear to be previously undescribed signaling proteins. This latter point is important because most staphylococcal proteins that contain PDC/PAS domains regulate virulence factor synthesis or antibiotic resistance.
Perceptions of vulnerability to a future outbreak: a study of horse managers affected by the first Australian equine influenza outbreak
Authors: Schemann Kathrin , Firestone Simon M , Taylor Melanie R , Toribio Jenny-Ann LML , Ward Michael P , Dhand Navneet K
Published: July 2013

Background

A growing body of work shows the benefits of applying social cognitive behavioural theory to investigate infection control and biosecurity practices. Protection motivation theory has been used to predict protective health behaviours. The theory outlines that a perception of a lack of vulnerability to a disease contributes to a reduced threat appraisal, which results in poorer motivation, and is linked to poorer compliance with advised health protective behaviours. This study, conducted following the first-ever outbreak of equine influenza in Australia in 2007, identified factors associated with horse managers’ perceived vulnerability to a future equine influenza outbreak.

Results

Of the 200 respondents, 31.9% perceived themselves to be very vulnerable, 36.6% vulnerable and 31.4% not vulnerable to a future outbreak of equine influenza. Multivariable logistic regression modelling revealed that managers involved in horse racing and those on rural horse premises perceived themselves to have low levels of vulnerability. Managers of horse premises that experienced infection in their horses in 2007 and those seeking infection control information from specific sources reported increased levels of perceived vulnerability to a future outbreak.

Conclusion

Different groups across the horse industry perceived differing levels of vulnerability to a future outbreak. Increased vulnerability contributes to favourable infection control behaviour and hence these findings are important for understanding uptake of recommended infection control measures. Future biosecurity communication strategies should be delivered through information sources suitable for the horse racing and rural sectors.
Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Portuguese version of the DYMUS questionnaire for the assessment of dysphagia in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sales Déborah S , Alvarenga Regina MP , Vasconcelos Claudia CF , Silva Roberta G , Thuler Luiz CS
Published: July 2013

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the DYMUS questionnaire for the assessment of dysphagia in multiple sclerosis. The original English version of the DYMUS was translated using the forward-backward technique, cross-culturally adaptated, pilot-tested in 40 patients, and then applied to 100 multiple sclerosis patients to assess the reliability and construct validity. Construct validity was assessed by Mann–Whitney test and Spearman’s correlation coefficient (rs). The internal consistency of the questionnaire was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and inter-item correlation. DYMUS-BR internal consistency was high (Cronbach’s alpha= 0.72); Cronbach’s alpha was 0.65 for the ‘dysphagia for solids’ subscale and 0.67 for the ‘dysphagia for liquids’ subscale and positive inter-item correlations was found between all items, except for weight loss question. Significant association (p<0.001) and correlation (rs = 0,357; p = 0.01) was found between DYMUS-BR and dysphagia self-assessment. The DYMUS-BR questionnaire maintained the characteristics of that originally described, demonstrating to be a reliable, valid, easy and consistent tool to be used by health professionals for preliminary selection of Brazilian MS patients who need more specific instrumental analyses of swallowing.
Law on the Land: Contesting Ethical Authority in the Western Arctic
Authors: Demuth Bathsheba
Published: July 2013

This article addresses the relationship between the Vuntut Gwitchin and the Canadian state during the early twentieth century. Although this was a moment of increasing contact with nonindigenous people, the Gwitchin refer to this period in their oral histories as being particularly harmonious, even “the best time to be Gwitchin.” Accounts of daily life emphasize the selective incorporation of European goods in ways that meshed with traditional ethics. The article contrasts these stories with Gwitchin descriptions of the Alfred Johnson manhunt, an event that brought the Canadian state into Gwitchin space to hunt a fugitive. In the early twentieth century, such direct contact with Western legal norms was rare; oral histories describe this extension of the law into Gwitchin space as corrosive, capable of changing patterns of life and ethics. Unlike European trade goods, these technologies of rule were harder to participate in selectively. Thus this article argues that 1900–1940 was a unique period in Gwitchin history not because there was little contact with Euro-Canadians but rather because contact rarely involved disciplinary forms of power with the potential to make Gwitchin society subject to new legal norms and ideas.