bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of a psychoeducational programme in enhancing motivation to change alcohol‐addictive behaviour
Authors: Yeh Mei‐Yu , Tung Tao‐Hsin , Horng Fen‐Fang , Sung Su‐Ching
Published: January 2017

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of a psychoeducational programme in enhancing motivation to change alcohol‐addictive behaviour.

Background

The prevalence of alcohol abuse has increased over the past 10 years, and the age of initial alcohol use has decreased gradually in Taiwan. Alcohol dependence is one of the leading causes of disability and has led to increases in the incidence of crime and violence, with alcohol abuse identified as a problem in society.

Design

A quasi‐experimental design with nonequivalent pre/post‐testing was used.

Methods

Alcohol‐dependent inpatients undergoing alcohol treatment were selected from the psychiatric ward of a teaching hospital in northern Taiwan. The effectiveness of the psychoeducational programme in enhancing motivation to change alcohol‐addictive behaviour was evaluated with the Severity of Alcohol Dependence Data Questionnaire and the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale. In total, 24 and 51 participants were recruited to the experimental and control groups, respectively, for the baseline survey, and 14 and 17 were in the final survey, respectively.

Results

After adjustment for baseline survey scores, the experimental group showed significantly greater increases in recognition and ambivalence relative to those observed in the control group.

Conclusions

The results not only showed that the psychoeducational programme was effective in reinforcing addicted inpatients' motivation for changing their drinking behaviour but also provided clinical nurses with practical methods via which to enhance patient motivation.

Relevance to clinical practice

The psychoeducational programme could assist clinical nurses in helping alcohol‐dependent patients to recognise the nature of their problematic drinking; increase participants' ambivalence towards their drinking behaviour, leading to the contemplation of change; and strengthen the possibility that they will change their addictive behaviour.
Liquidity in a Market for Unique Assets: Specified Pool and To‐Be‐Announced Trading in the Mortgage‐Backed Securities Market
Authors: GAO PENGJIE , SCHULTZ PAUL , SONG ZHAOGANG
Published: January 2017

Agency mortgage‐backed securities (MBS) trade simultaneously in a market for specified pools (SPs) and in the to‐be‐announced (TBA) forward market. TBA trading creates liquidity by allowing thousands of different MBS to be traded in a handful of TBA contracts. SPs that are eligible to be traded as TBAs have significantly lower trading costs than other SPs. We present evidence that TBA eligibility, in addition to characteristics of TBA‐eligible SPs, lowers trading costs. We show that dealers hedge SP inventory with TBA trades, and they are more likely to prearrange trades in SPs that are difficult to hedge.
Morcellating uterine mesenchymal tumors: The pathologist's view
Authors: Pavlakis Kitty , Messini Irini , Yiannou Petros , Gavresea Theofani , Chrysanthakis Dimitris , Hilaris Georgios , Panoskaltsis Theodoros
Published: January 2017

Aim

The study was conducted to delineate the histological problems in diagnosing uterine mesenchymal tumors in morcellated material.

Methods

All cases of morcellated uteri performed between 2008 and 2014 were reviewed. The incidence of unexpected malignancy, defined as any neoplasm with a clear‐cut diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma (LMS) or endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS), was noted. Cases with absolute discrepancy between the diagnosis of the morcellated tumor and the subsequent diagnosis were also included in the study.

Results

Out of 631 cases, a final diagnosis of LMS or ESS was made regarding three and five tumors, respectively. Patient age ranged from 25 to 48 years. Two further cases initially diagnosed as ESS proved to be endometrial stromal nodules with smooth muscle differentiation. Two cases were diagnosed as smooth muscle tumors with uncertain malignant potential and the patients remain free of disease. One tumor was diagnosed as an endometrial stromal neoplasm and proved to be benign and finally a leiomyoma variant presented with presumed peritoneal disease.

Conclusion

Both endometrial stromal and smooth muscle tumors with malignant behavior can be encountered at a young age. Because of the limitations in histological evaluation, morcellated tumors may be overdiagnosed or underdiagnosed by pathologists.
Neutrophil‐mediated vascular barrier injury: Role of neutrophil extracellular traps
Authors: Meegan Jamie E. , Yang Xiaoyuan , Coleman Danielle C. , Jannaway Melanie , Yuan Sarah Y.
Published: January 2017

Neutrophils play an essential role in host defense against infection or injury. While neutrophil activation is necessary for pathogen clearance and tissue repair, a hyperactive response can lead to tissue damage and microcirculatory disorders, a process involving complex neutrophil–endothelium cross talk. This review highlights recent research findings about neutrophil‐mediated signaling and structural changes, including those induced by neutrophil extracellular traps, which ultimately lead to vascular barrier injury.
Real Estate Property Maintenance Optimization Based on Multiobjective Multidimensional Knapsack Problem
Authors: Taillandier Franck , Fernandez Christophe , Ndiaye Amadou
Published: January 2017

The real estate property maintenance problem (REPMP) deals with the problem of the maintenance of real estate property buildings’ components using a limited budget in a limited period to achieve multiple and often conflicting objectives. Maintenance of the components requires a multiannual maintenance action plan optimized simultaneously on different criteria relative to buildings’ maintenance objectives (the quality of service, client satisfaction, regulatory compliance, etc.) while respecting a predetermined budget. This article presents an innovative modeling of REPMP into a multiobjective multidimensional knapsack problem and its optimization using a generalization of the discrete multiobjective particle swarm optimization algorithm and the Pareto optimality. An application of this methodology using data from a real estate property of 22 buildings of a major French company is presented and discussed.
Mapping to Cells: A Simple Method to Extract Traffic Dynamics from Probe Vehicle Data
Authors: He Zhengbing , Zheng Liang , Chen Peng , Guan Wei
Published: January 2017

In the era of big data, mining data instead of collecting data are a new challenge for researchers and engineers. In the field of transportation, extracting traffic dynamics from widely existing probe vehicle data is meaningful both in theory and practice. Therefore, this article proposes a simple mapping‐to‐cells method to construct a spatiotemporal traffic diagram for a freeway network. The method partitions a network region into small square cells and represents a real network inside the region by using the cells. After determining the traffic flow direction pertaining to each cell, the spatiotemporal traffic diagram colored according to traffic speed can be well constructed. By taking the urban freeway in Beijing, China, as a case study, the mapping‐to‐cells method is validated, and the advantages of the method are demonstrated. The method is simple because it is completely based on the data themselves and without the aid of any additional tool such as Geographic Information System software or a digital map. The method is efficient because it is based on discrete space‐space and time‐space homogeneous cells that allow us to match the probe data through basic operations of arithmetic. The method helps us understand more about traffic congestion from the probe data, and then aids in carrying out various transportation researches and applications.
Confocal microscopy reveals in planta dynamic interactions between pathogenic, avirulent and non‐pathogenic Pseudomonas syringae strains
Authors: Rufián José S. , Macho Alberto P. , Corry David S. , Mansfield John W. , Ruiz‐Albert Javier , Arnold Dawn L. , Beuzón Carmen R.
Published: January 2017

Recent advances in genomics and single‐cell analysis have demonstrated the extraordinary complexity reached by microbial populations within their hosts. Communities range from complex multispecies groups to homogeneous populations differentiating into lineages through genetic or non‐genetic mechanisms. Diversity within bacterial populations is recognized as a key driver of the evolution of animal pathogens. In plants, however, little is known about how interactions between different pathogenic and non‐pathogenic variants within the host impact on defence responses, or how the presence within a mixture may affect the development or the fate of each variant. Using confocal fluorescence microscopy, we analysed the colonization of the plant apoplast by individual virulence variants of Pseudomonas syringae within mixed populations. We found that non‐pathogenic variants can proliferate and even spread beyond the inoculated area to neighbouring tissues when in close proximity to pathogenic bacteria. The high bacterial concentrations reached at natural entry points promote such interactions during the infection process. We also found that a diversity of interactions take place at a cellular level between virulent and avirulent variants, ranging from dominant negative effects on proliferation of virulent bacteria to in trans suppression of defences triggered by avirulent bacteria. Our results illustrate the spatial dynamics and complexity of the interactions found within mixed infections, and their potential impact on pathogen evolution.
Silibinin Treatment Inhibits the Growth of Hedgehog Inhibitor‐Resistant Basal Cell Carcinoma Cells via Targeting EGFR‐MAPK‐Akt and Hedgehog Signaling
Authors: Dheeraj Arpit , Rigby Cynthia M. , O'Bryant Cindy L. , Agarwal Chapla , Singh Rana P. , Deep Gagan , Agarwal Rajesh
Published: January 2017

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin malignancy. Deregulated hedgehog signaling plays a central role in BCC development; therefore, hedgehog inhibitors have been approved to treat locally advanced or metastatic BCC. However, the development of resistance to hedgehog inhibitors is the major challenge in effective treatment of this disease. Herein, we evaluated the efficacy of a natural agent silibinin to overcome resistance with hedgehog inhibitors (Sant‐1 and GDC‐0449) in BCC cells. Silibinin (25–100 μm) treatment for 48 h strongly inhibited growth and induced death in ASZ001, Sant‐1‐resistant (ASZ001‐Sant‐1) and GDC‐0449‐resistant (ASZ001‐GDC‐0449) BCC cells. Furthermore, colony‐forming ability of ASZ001, ASZ001‐Sant‐1 and ASZ001‐GDC‐0449 cells was completely inhibited by silibinin treatment. Molecular analysis showed that silibinin treatment decreased the level of phosphorylated EGFR (Tyrosine 1173) and total EGFR in ASZ001‐Sant‐1 cells, key signaling molecules responsible for BCC resistance toward hedgehog inhibitors. Further, silibinin treatment decreased the phosphorylated Akt (Serine 473), phosphorylated ERK1/2 (Threonine 202/Tyrosine 204), cyclin D1 and Gli‐1 level but increased the SUFU expression in ASZ001‐Sant‐1‐resistant cells. Silibinin treatment of ASZ001‐Sant‐1‐resistant cells also decreased bcl‐2 but increased cleaved caspase 3 and PARP cleavage, suggesting induction of apoptosis. Together, these results support silibinin use to target hedgehog inhibitor‐resistant BCC cells.
The effect of cooling to different subzero temperatures on dog sperm cryosurvival
Authors: Alcantar‐Rodriguez A , Medrano A
Published: January 2017

Contents

The objective was to assess the effect of cooling to different subzero temperatures around ice formation (−5°C) on dog sperm cryosurvival and plasma membrane fluidity. Semen was centrifuged, and sperm were resuspended in a Tris‐egg yolk medium (3% glycerol). Diluted sperm were cooled from 22 to 5°C, and then, a Tris‐egg yolk medium containing 7% glycerol was added (final concentration of 5% glycerol and 200 × 106 cells/ml). Sperm were packaged in 0.5‐ml plastic straws, and equilibration was done 16 hr at 5°C before freezing. I. Straws (n = 47) at 5°C were exposed to nitrogen vapours to determine the freezing point. II. Other straws (from different ejaculates) processed as mentioned, were further cooled to −3, −5 or −7°C and immediately rewarmed in a water bath at 37°C. Motility, plasma membrane functionality and acrosome integrity were assessed. III. Other straws (from different ejaculates) processed as mentioned were further cooled to −3 or −5°C, frozen over nitrogen vapours and stored in liquid nitrogen for one month. Straws were thawed in a water bath at 38°C for 30 s. Motility, plasma membrane functionality, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, capacitation status and plasma membrane fluidity were assessed. Ice nucleation temperature was −14.3 ± 2.05°C (mean ± SD); cooling to +5, −3, −5 and −7°C, without freezing, produces no differences on sperm quality between target temperatures; cooling to +5, −3, and −5°C produced no differences on sperm survival and plasma membrane fluidity after freeze–thawing. In conclusion, cooling of dog spermatozoa to different subzero temperatures did not improve sperm cryosurvival and had no effect on plasma membrane fluidity after thawing.
The Macroeconomics Effects of Government Spending Under Fiscal Foresight
Authors: Jooste Charl , Naraidoo Ruthira
Published: January 2017

Consumption and output responses to fiscal shocks are studied in a model with fiscal foresight. Fiscal foresight reduces both output multipliers and consumption. However, key features such as sticky wages, credit constrained households and elastic labour supply, are able to generate both sizeable output multipliers and positive consumption, in effect preserving key Keynesian effects. This model fits a developing economy like South Africa well since it is able to capture transparent communication of government as well as control for credit constrained consumption and sticky wages.
Update on radiotherapy in gynaecological malignancies
Authors: Reed Nicholas S , Sadozye Azmat H
Published: January 2017

Key content

This article reviews the changing role of adjuvant radiation therapy in gynaecological cancer, with emphasis on data from recent clinical trials.

The evolution of practice with modern technology is improving the delivery of radiation, which has the potential to escalate doses, reduce toxicity and improve outcome.

Radiation is infrequently used in ovarian cancer but in selected patients may provide good palliation.

Late toxicity and survivorship issues are now recognised as important factors and there is a need to modify treatments to improve this.

Learning objectives

To learn and understand the changing uses of adjuvant radiation therapy in gynaecological cancer.

To understand the changing practice of brachytherapy, especially with the use of imaging to allow adaptive therapy.

To understand the use of high technology to improve the delivery of radiation therapy in gynaecological cancers with potential for dose escalation with improved outcome and reduced toxicities.

To understand the developments in brachytherapy and the use of computerised technologies and adaptive treatments.
Management of diabetic ketoacidosis in pregnancy
Authors: Mohan Manoj , Baagar Khaled Ahmed Mohamed , Lindow Stephen
Published: January 2017

Key content

Diabetic ketoacidosis in pregnancy (DKP) is a serious complication that poses several challenges with respect to diagnosis, management and prevention.

This article covers the precipitating factors for DKP in pregnancy as well as diagnosis, management and prevention of the complication.

Learning objectives

To manage the acute crisis of DKP.

To increase awareness of DKP.

To reduce the perinatal morbidity and mortality associated with DKP.

Ethical issues

Despite adequate knowledge and care of patients with diabetes, is DKA a major cause for concern?

To increase awareness, and reduce the perinatal morbidity and mortality associated with DKP.
Non‐animal models of wound healing in cutaneous repair: In silico, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models of wounds and scars in human skin
Authors: Ud‐Din Sara , Bayat Ardeshir
Published: January 2017

Tissue repair models are essential to explore the pathogenesis of wound healing and scar formation, identify new drug targets/biomarkers and to test new therapeutics. However, no animal model is an exact replicate of the clinical situation in man as in addition to differences in the healing of animal skin; the response to novel therapeutics can be variable when compared to human skin. The aim of this review is to evaluate currently available non‐animal wound repair models in human skin, including: in silico, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. The appropriate use of these models is extremely relevant to wound‐healing research as it enables improved understanding of the basic mechanisms present in the wound healing cascade and aid in discovering better means to regulate them for enhanced healing or prevention of abnormal scarring. The advantage of in silico models is that they can be used as a first in virtue screening tool to predict the effect of a drug/stimulus on cells/tissues and help plan experimental research/clinical trial studies but remain theoretical until validated. In vitro models allow direct quantitative examination of an effect on specific cell types alone without incorporating other tissue‐matrix components, which limits their utility. Ex vivo models enable immediate and short‐term evaluation of a particular effect on cells and its surrounding tissue components compared with in vivo models that provide direct analysis of a stimulus in the living human subject before/during/after exposure to a stimulus. Despite clear advantages, there remains a lack of standardisation in design, evaluation and follow‐up, for acute/chronic wounds and scars in all models. In conclusion, ideal models of wound healing research are desirable and should mimic not only the structure but also the cellular and molecular interactions, of wound types in human skin. Future models may also include organ/skin‐on‐a‐chip with potential application in wound healing research.
Abnormal oxygen homeostasis in the nucleus tractus solitarii of the spontaneously hypertensive rat
Authors: Hosford Patrick S. , Millar Julian , Ramage Andrew G. , Marina Nephtali
Published: January 2017

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Arterial hypertension is associated with impaired neurovascular coupling in the somatosensory cortex. Abnormalities in activity‐dependent oxygen consumption in brainstem regions involved in the control of cardiovascular reflexes have not been explored previously.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Using fast‐cyclic voltammetry, we found that changes in local tissue in the nucleus tractus solitarii induced by electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve are significantly impaired in spontaneously hypertensive rats. This is consistent with previous observations showing that brainstem hypoxia plays an important role in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension.

The effects of arterial hypertension on cerebral blood flow remain poorly understood. Haemodynamic responses within the somatosensory cortex have been shown to be impaired in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) model. However, it is unknown whether arterial hypertension affects oxygen homeostasis in vital brainstem areas that control cardiovascular reflexes. In this study, we assessed vagus nerve stimulation‐induced changes in local tissue () in the caudal nucleus tractus solitarii (cNTS) of SHRs and normotensive Wistar rats. Measurements of were performed using a novel application of fast‐cyclic voltammetry, which allows higher temporal resolution of O2 changes than traditional optical fluorescence techniques. Electrical stimulation of the central cut end of the vagus nerve (ESVN) caused profound reductions in arterial blood pressure along with biphasic changes in in the cNTS, characterized by a rapid decrease in (‘initial dip’) followed by a post‐stimulus overshoot above baseline. The initial dip was found to be significantly smaller in SHRs compared with normotensive Wistar rats even after ganglionic blockade. The post‐ESVN overshoot was similar in both groups but was reduced in Wistar rats after ganglionic blockade. In conclusion, neural activity‐dependent changes in tissue oxygen in brainstem cardiovascular autonomic centres are significantly impaired in animals with arterial hypertension.
Diagnóstico y medicación: la práctica médica en el Hospital Psiquiátrico del Valle entre 1956-1970
Authors: Sanchez Salcedo Jose Fernando
Published: January 2017

    

A mediados del siglo XX, se lleva a cabo en Colombia un cambio institucional en el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la locura. Surgen nuevas concepciones sobre la enfermedad mental, y se crean departamentos de Psiquiatría, tanto en las antiguas como en las recién inauguradas facultades de Medicina, que implementan nuevos tratamientos, influenciados por la Psiquiatría norteamericana. Siguiendo una línea de investigación historiográfica, el presente trabajo busca describir, a través de la revisión de 308 historias clínicas como fuente principal, el tipo de diagnósticos y el tratamiento utilizado en el proceso de transición del Asilo de Cali a hospital psiquiátrico, ocurrido entre 1956 y 1970. Entre los principales hallazgos se destaca la institucionalización de un conjunto de prácticas médicas que revela una clara influencia de la Psiquiatría norteamericana. En lo que respecta al tratamiento, las historias muestran el uso recurrente de nuevos fármacos antipsicóticos, combinados con terapias de electrochoque, ergoterapia y psicoterapia.
Infancia y educación. Análisis desde la antropología
Authors: Castrillón V María Del Carmen
Published: January 2017

Infancia y educación. Análisis desde la antropología [Colección Diario de Campo]
 Maritza Díaz y Mauricio Caviedes (Eds.) Bogotá: Editorial Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, 2015. 236 pp.
Llevar La palabra. Un análisis de la relación entre las iglesias y la escolarización de niños indígenas tobas/qom y mbya-guaraní de Argentina
Authors: Enriz Noelia , García Palacios Mariana , Hecht Ana Carolina
Published: January 2017

Históricamente, la relación entre los grupos indígenas y el Estado argentino ha sido compleja. En el marco de un modelo de escolarización estatal que no recuperó los conocimientos y experiencias de las poblaciones indígenas, diversas iglesias persiguieron objetivos propios, y reemplazaron, cuestionaron y apoyaron tareas del Estado. Aquí analizaremos los vínculos entre las iglesias (católica y evangélicas) y las poblaciones indígenas, centrándonos en los ámbitos educativos y, especialmente, en el proceso de alfabetización. Sistematizaremos aquellas acciones que, con propósitos diversos, pretendieron acercar a los pueblos tobas/qom y mbyá-guaraní (norte y noroeste de Argentina) al uso oral de la lengua oficial del Estado y a su escritura, así como al desarrollo de la escritura de las lenguas indígenas. En muchoscasos y aún con contradicciones, estas acciones representan un antecedente de la educación escolar intercultural poco estudiado. Metodológicamente, se recuperarán fuentes documentales y análisis teóricos, a la luz de exploraciones de campo etnográficas realizadas en la última década con dichas poblaciones.
Problemas, actores y decisiones en las políticas públicas. Marco de análisis para el estudio de los programas de crédito educativo en Colombia
Authors: Pérez Enciso Héctor Andrés
Published: January 2017

Este artículo propone un marco de análisis para el estudio de los procesos decisionales asociados a la implementación de los créditos educativos en Colombia, como dispositivo de política pública destinado al fomento del acceso a la educación superior. El enfoque conceptual y la propuesta metodológica aquí presentados recogen elementos del paradigma de la complejidad y su pertinencia en el análisis de políticas públicas. Este marco de análisis se concentra en estudiar las relaciones existentes entre las corrientes de actores, problemas y decisiones de política, en cuya interrelación surgen elementos explicativos sobre la manera en que se dirige el proceso de making policy, desde la elaboración del problema hasta la toma de decisiones. El trabajo concluye con un esbozo acerca del modo en que la elaboración e implementación de los programas de crédito educativo en Colombia, impulsados por el Instituto Colombiano de Crédito Educativo y Estudios Técnicos en el Exterior (ICETEX), reúnen las condiciones para ser analizados desde la perspectiva conceptual y metodológica aquí propuesta.
Tipologías y topologías indígenas en el multiculturalismo colombiano
Authors: Sánchez Silva Luisa Fernanda
Published: January 2017

Tipologías y topologías indígenas en el multiculturalismo colombiano
 Diana Bocarejo Suescún. Bogotá: Instituto Colombiano de Antropología e Historia - Pontificia Universidad Javeriana - Universidad del Rosario, 2015. 276 pp.
Chaotic Motion in a Flexible Rotating Beam and Synchronization
Authors: Sandeep Reddy B. , Ghosal Ashitava
Published: January 2017

A rotating flexible beam undergoing large deformation is known to exhibit chaotic motion for certain parameter values. This work deals with an approach for control of chaos known as chaos synchronization. A nonlinear controller based on the Lyapunov stability theory is developed, and it is shown that such a controller can avoid the sensitive dependence of initial conditions seen in all chaotic systems. The proposed controller ensures that the error between the controlled and the original system, for different initial conditions, asymptotically goes to zero. A numerical example using the parameters of a rotating power generating wind turbine blade is used to illustrate the theoretical approach.
High-Speed Monitoring of Multiple Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Array Configurations and Supplementary Weather Station
Authors: Boyd Matthew T.
Published: January 2017

Three grid-connected monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic arrays have been instrumented with research-grade sensors on the Gaithersburg, MD campus of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). These arrays range from 73 kW to 271 kW and have different tilts, orientations, and configurations. Irradiance, temperature, wind, and electrical measurements at the arrays are recorded, and images are taken of the arrays to monitor shading and capture any anomalies. A weather station has also been constructed that includes research-grade instrumentation to measure all standard meteorological quantities plus additional solar irradiance spectral bands, full spectrum curves, and directional components using multiple irradiance sensor technologies. Reference photovoltaic (PV) modules are also monitored to provide comprehensive baseline measurements for the PV arrays. Images of the whole sky are captured, along with images of the instrumentation and reference modules to document any obstructions or anomalies. Nearly, all measurements at the arrays and weather station are sampled and saved every 1 s, with monitoring having started on Aug. 1, 2014. This report describes the instrumentation approach used to monitor the performance of these photovoltaic systems, measure the meteorological quantities, and acquire the images for use in PV performance and weather monitoring and computer model validation.
Comparing otoacoustic emissions evoked by chirp transients with constant absorbed sound power and constant incident pressure magnitude
Authors: Keefe Douglas H. , Feeney M. Patrick , Hunter Lisa L. , Fitzpatrick Denis F.
Published: January 2017

Human ear-canal properties of transient acoustic stimuli are contrasted that utilize measured ear-canal pressures in conjunction with measured acoustic pressure reflectance and admittance. These data are referenced to the tip of a probe snugly inserted into the ear canal. Promising procedures to calibrate across frequency include stimuli with controlled levels of incident pressure magnitude, absorbed sound power, and forward pressure magnitude. An equivalent pressure at the eardrum is calculated from these measured data using a transmission-line model of ear-canal acoustics parameterized by acoustically estimated ear-canal area at the probe tip and length between the probe tip and eardrum. Chirp stimuli with constant incident pressure magnitude and constant absorbed sound power across frequency were generated to elicit transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs), which were measured in normal-hearing adult ears from 0.7 to 8 kHz. TEOAE stimuli had similar peak-to-peak equivalent sound pressure levels across calibration conditions. Frequency-domain TEOAEs were compared using signal level, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), coherence synchrony modulus (CSM), group delay, and group spread. Time-domain TEOAEs were compared using SNR, CSM, instantaneous frequency and instantaneous bandwidth. Stimuli with constant incident pressure magnitude or constant absorbed sound power across frequency produce generally similar TEOAEs up to 8 kHz.
Reliability of a New Medicine Ball Throw Power Test
Authors: Sayers Mark G.L. , Bishop Stephen
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability of a new upper body medicine ball push-press (MBP-P) test. Twenty-three strength trained volunteers performed a series of supine MBP-P throws using loads representing 5% and10% of their 5RM bench press (5 repetitions at each load). Throws were performed on a force platform (2000 Hz), with medicine ball kinematic data collected using a high-speed motion capture (500 Hz). Testing was repeated after 7–10 days to quantify intertest reliability. Maximal force (Fmax), impulse at Fmax, time to Fmax, and maximum rate of force development (RFDmax) were all calculated from the force platform outputs, with maximum ball velocity (Velmax) and maximum ball acceleration (Accelmax) developed from the kinematic data. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation (ICC), coefficient of variation (%CV), and typical error. Medicine ball kinematic variables were more reliable (CV% = 2.6–5.3, ICC = 0.87–0.95) than the various force platform derived power variables (CV% = 7.9–26.7, ICC = 0.51–0.90). The MBP-P test produces reliable data and can be used to quantify many standard power based measures, with the key findings have implications for athletic populations requiring high velocity, light load upper body pushing power.
Improvement in Student Data Analysis Skills after Out-of-Class Assignments
Authors: Walton Kristen L.W.
Published: January 2017

The ability to understand and interpret data is a critical aspect of scientific thinking. However, although data analysis is often a focus in biology majors classes, many textbooks for allied health majors classes are primarily content-driven and do not include substantial amounts of experimental data in the form of graphs and figures. In a lower-division allied health majors microbiology class, students were exposed to data from primary journal articles as take-home assignments and their data analysis skills were assessed in a pre-/posttest format. Students were given 3 assignments that included data analysis questions. Assignments ranged from case studies that included a figure from a journal article to reading a short journal article and answering questions about multiple figures or tables. Data were represented as line or bar graphs, gel photographs, and flow charts. The pre- and posttest was designed incorporating the same types of figures to assess whether the assignments resulted in any improvement in data analysis skills. The mean class score showed a small but significant improvement from the pretest to the posttest across three semesters of testing. Scores on individual questions testing accurate conclusions and predictions improved the most. This supports the conclusion that a relatively small number of out-of-class assignments through the semester resulted in a significant improvement in data analysis abilities in this population of students.
Designing an Audiocast Assignment: A Primary-Literature-Based Approach that Promotes Student Learning of Cell and Molecular Biology through Conversations with Scientist Authors
Authors: Shorbagi Sadek , Ashok Aarthi
Published: January 2017

We believe that conversations between students and scientist authors that link recently published research to fundamental concepts taught in undergraduate biology courses can serve to engage students and enhance learning. To explore this hypothesis, we designed an assignment in a 2nd year cell and molecular biology course in which students read a scientific article, conduct an interview with the corresponding author of the publication, and then produce an audiocast (or videocast). The audiocast summarizes the paper’s findings and describes how the research advance links back to fundamental concepts discussed in the course and its implications for the field. Feedback from student surveys has been positive and suggests that students felt they developed important analytical skills and a better understanding of the process of science through participation in this assignment. Students enjoyed the interactions with scientists and reported on how their learning from primary literature was enriched by asking questions of the authors. Importantly, the assignment had a very positive influence on student attitudes towards research; this is increasingly important at a time when public involvement in debates about scientific funding cuts is critical. We hope this assignment will be of interest to other instructors that teach undergraduate foundation courses in the life sciences.
Ripped from the Headlines: Using Current Events and Deliberative Democracy to Improve Student Performance in and Perceptions of Nonmajors Biology Courses
Authors: Tinsley Heather N.
Published: January 2017

Despite the importance of scientific literacy, many foundational science courses are plagued by low student engagement and performance. In an attempt to improve student outcomes, an introductory biology course for nonscience majors was redesigned to present the course content within the framework of current events and deliberative democratic exercises. During each instructional unit of the redesigned course, students were presented with a highly publicized policy question rooted in biological principles and currently facing lawmakers. Working in diverse groups, students sought out the information that was needed to reach an educated, rationalized decision. This approach models civic engagement and demonstrates the real-life importance of science to nonscience majors. The outcomes from two semesters in which the redesign were taught were compared with sections of the course taught using traditional pedagogies. When compared with other versions of the same course, presenting the course content within a deliberative democratic framework proved to be superior for increasing students’ knowledge gains and improving students’ perceptions of biology and its relevance to their everyday lives. These findings establish deliberative democracy as an effective pedagogical strategy for nonmajors biology.
Group Active Engagements Using Quantitative Modeling of Physiology Concepts in Large-Enrollment Biology Classes
Authors: Carleton Karen L. , Rietschel Carly H. , Marbach-Ad Gili
Published: January 2017

Organismal Biology is the third introductory biology course taught at the University of Maryland. Students learn about the geometric, physical, chemical, and thermodynamic constraints that are common to all life, and their implications for the evolution of multicellular organisms based on a common genetic “toolbox.” An additional goal is helping students to improve their scientific logic and comfort with quantitative modeling. We recently developed group active engagement exercises (GAEs) for this Organismal Biology class. Currently, our class is built around twelve GAE activities implemented in an auditorium lecture hall in a large enrollment class. The GAEs examine scientific concepts using a variety of models including physical models, qualitative models, and Excel-based quantitative models. Three quantitative GAEs give students an opportunity to build their understanding of key physiological ideas. 1) The Escape from Planet Ranvier exercise reinforces student understanding that membrane permeability means that ions move through open channels in the membrane. 2) The Stressing and Straining exercise requires students to quantify the elastic modulus from data gathered either in class or from scientific literature. 3) In Leveraging Your Options exercise, students learn about lever systems and apply this knowledge to biological systems.
Journal Watch
Authors: Herzog Jennifer A.
Published: January 2017

In this section, I provide articles on recent developments and new technology used in microbiology and related fields. I also post articles that may help you bring new information or techniques into your laboratory or classroom via case studies or lab exercises.
Negative Autogenous Control of the Master Type III Secretion System Regulator HrpL inPseudomonas syringae
Authors: Waite Christopher , Schumacher Jörg , Jovanovic Milija , Bennett Mark , Buck Martin
Published: January 2017

The type III secretion system (T3SS) is a principal virulence determinant of the model bacterial plant pathogenPseudomonas syringae. T3SS effector proteins inhibit plant defense signaling pathways in susceptible hosts and elicit evolved immunity in resistant plants. The extracytoplasmic function sigma factor HrpL coordinates the expression of most T3SS genes. Transcription ofhrpLis dependent on sigma-54 and the codependent enhancer binding proteins HrpR and HrpS forhrpLpromoter activation.hrpLis oriented adjacently to and divergently from the HrpL-dependent genehrpJ, sharing an intergenic upstream regulatory region. We show that association of the RNA polymerase (RNAP)-HrpL complex with thehrpJpromoter element imposes negative autogenous control onhrpLtranscription inP. syringaepv.tomatoDC3000. ThehrpLpromoter was upregulated in a ΔhrpLmutant and was repressed by plasmid-bornehrpL. In a minimalEscherichia colibackground, the activity of HrpL was sufficient to achieve repression of reconstitutedhrpLtranscription. This repression was relieved if both the HrpL DNA-binding function and thehrp-box sequence of thehrpJpromoter were compromised, implying dependence upon thehrpJpromoter. DNA-bound RNAP-HrpL entirely occluded the HrpRS and partially occluded the integration host factor (IHF) recognition elements of thehrpLpromoterin vitro, implicating inhibition of DNA binding by these factors as a cause of negative autogenous control. A modest increase in the HrpL concentration caused hypersecretion of the HrpA1 pilus protein but intracellular accumulation of later T3SS substrates. We argue that negative feedback on HrpL activity fine-tunes expression of the T3SS regulon to minimize the elicitation of plant defenses.

IMPORTANCEThe United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has warned that agriculture will need to satisfy a 50% to 70% increase in global food demand if the human population reaches 9 billion by 2050 as predicted. However, diseases caused by microbial pathogens represent a major threat to food security, accounting for over 10% of estimated yield losses in staple wheat, rice, and maize crops. Understanding the decision-making strategies employed by pathogens to coordinate virulence and to evade plant defenses is vital for informing crop resistance traits and management strategies. Many plant-pathogenic bacteria utilize the needle-like T3SS to inject virulence factors into host plant cells to suppress defense signaling.Pseudomonas syringaeis an economically and environmentally devastating plant pathogen. We propose that the master regulator of its entire T3SS gene set, HrpL, downregulates its own expression to minimize elicitation of plant defenses. Revealing such conserved regulatory strategies will inform future antivirulence strategies targeting plant pathogens.
Pho4 Is Essential for Dissemination of Cryptococcus neoformans to the Host Brain by Promoting Phosphate Uptake and Growth at Alkaline pH
Authors: Lev Sophie , Kaufman-Francis Keren , Desmarini Desmarini , Juillard Pierre G. , Li Cecilia , Stifter Sebastian A. , Feng Carl G. , Sorrell Tania C. , Grau Georges E. R. , Bahn Yong-Sun , Djordjevic Julianne T.
Published: January 2017

Cryptococcal meningitis is fatal without treatment and responsible for more than 500,000 deaths annually. To be a successful pathogen,
C. neoformans
must obtain an adequate supply of essential nutrients, including phosphate, from various host niches. Phosphate acquisition in fungi is regulated by the PHO signaling cascade, which is activated when intracellular phosphate decreases below a critical level. Induction of phosphate acquisition genes leads to the uptake of free phosphate via transporters. By blocking the PHO pathway using a Pho4 transcription factor mutant (
pho4Δ
mutant), we demonstrate the importance of the pathway for cryptococcal dissemination and the establishment of brain infection in murine models. Specifically, we show that reduced dissemination of the
pho4Δ
mutant to the brain is due to an alkaline pH tolerance defect, as alkaline pH mimics the conditions of phosphate deprivation. The end result is inhibited proliferation in host tissues, particularly in blood.
Estimated reductions in cardiovascular and gastric cancer disease burden through salt policies in England: an IMPACTNCDmicrosimulation study
Authors: Kypridemos Chris , Guzman-Castillo Maria , Hyseni Lirije , Hickey Graeme L , Bandosz Piotr , Buchan Iain , Capewell Simon , O'Flaherty Martin
Published: January 2017

Objective

To estimate the impact and equity of existing and potential UK salt reduction policies on primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and gastric cancer (GCa) in England.

Design

A microsimulation study of a close-to-reality synthetic population. In the first period, 2003–2015, we compared the impact of current policy against a counterfactual ‘no intervention’ scenario, which assumed salt consumption persisted at 2003 levels. For 2016–2030, we assumed additional legislative policies could achieve a steeper salt decline and we compared this against the counterfactual scenario that the downward trend in salt consumption observed between 2001 and 2011 would continue up to 2030.

Setting

Synthetic population with similar characteristics to the non-institutionalised population of England.

Participants

Synthetic individuals with traits informed by the Health Survey for England.

Main measure

CVD and GCa cases and deaths prevented or postponed, stratified by fifths of socioeconomic status using the Index of Multiple Deprivation.

Results

Since 2003, current salt policies have prevented or postponed ∼52 000 CVD cases (IQR: 34 000–76 000) and 10 000 CVD deaths (IQR: 3000–17 000). In addition, the current policies have prevented ∼5000 new cases of GCa (IQR: 2000–7000) resulting in about 2000 fewer deaths (IQR: 0–4000). This policy did not reduce socioeconomic inequalities in CVD, and likely increased inequalities in GCa. Additional legislative policies from 2016 could further prevent or postpone ∼19 000 CVD cases (IQR: 8000–30 000) and 3600 deaths by 2030 (IQR: −400–8100) and may reduce inequalities. Similarly for GCa, 1200 cases (IQR: −200–3000) and 700 deaths (IQR: −900–2300) could be prevented or postponed with a neutral impact on inequalities.

Conclusions

Current salt reduction policies are powerfully effective in reducing the CVD and GCa burdens overall but fail to reduce the inequalities involved. Additional structural policies could achieve further, more equitable health benefits.
Impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions experienced in the first year following a critical illness: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Ohtake Patricia J , Coffey Scott Jacqueline , Hinman Rana S , Lee Alan Chong , Smith James M
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Critical illness requiring intensive care unit (ICU) management is a life-altering event with ∼25% of ICU survivors experiencing persistent reductions in physical functioning, impairments in mental health, cognitive dysfunction and decreased quality of life. This constellation of problems is known as ‘postintensive care syndrome’ (PICS) and may persist for months and/or years. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify the scope and magnitude of physical problems associated with PICS during the first year after discharge from ICU, using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework to elucidate the impairments of body functions and structures, activity limitations and participation restrictions.

Methods and analysis

Medline (Ovid), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Ovid), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Ovid), PubMed, CINAHL (EBSCO), Web of Science and EMBASE will be systematically searched for observational studies reporting the physical impairments of body functions and structures, activity limitations and participation restrictions associated with PICS. Two reviewers will assess the articles for eligibility according to prespecified selection criteria, after which an independent reviewer will perform data extraction which will be validated by a second independent reviewer. Quality appraisal will be performed by two independent reviewers. Outcomes of the included studies will be summarised in tables and in narrative format and meta-analyses will be conducted where appropriate.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethical approval is not required as no primary data is collected. This systematic review will identify the scope and magnitude of physical problems associated with PICS during the first year after discharge from ICU and will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and at conference meetings, to inform practice and future research on the physical problems associated with PICS.

Trial registration number

CRD42015023520.