bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement through Small Cycles of Change: Lessons from an Academic Medical Center Emergency Department
Authors: Arbune Amit , Wackerbarth Sarah , Allison Penne , Conigliaro Joseph
Published: August 2014

This article describes the experiences of a quality improvement team that used small cycles of change to improve the emergency department (ED) of an academic medical center. The role of EDs in the provision of healthcare continues to increase in importance. ED bottlenecks contribute to long waits and diminished outcomes for ED patients as well as more system-wide issues, such as inefficiencies in inpatient admission processes. The purpose of this “ED Operational Efficiency Project” was to reduce lengths of stay (LOS) for low-acuity patients. The team used lean management techniques to both improve services and shift the ED culture to prioritize continuous quality improvement. The goal to reduce LOS by 30% was met as the result of several inter=related projects (or small cycles of change). Key lessons include monitoring metrics, communicating with teams and target populations, learning from initial failures, using small wins to increase momentum, and anchoring changes.
Condoms and Connection: Parents, Gay and Bisexual Youth, andHIVRisk
Authors: LaSala Michael C.
Published: August 2014

The family has long been considered a powerful influence on youth's high‐risk behaviors. However, little is known about preventive family influences for gay and bisexual youth, a group at high risk forHIVinfection. For this study, qualitative interviews from a sample of 38 gay and bisexual youth and their parents/guardians underwent a thematic analysis. Youth described parent–child closeness, parental warnings, and urgings to use condoms as influences. Youth denying family influence came from families in which parent–child relationships were disrupted orHIV‐related discussion was lacking. Most families reported discomfort discussingHIVrisk. These findings, along with a case example, suggest how family therapists can enhance parental influence by helping these families strengthen their relationships and discuss this important topic.

Video Abstract
Are the fabellae bisected by the femoral cortices in a true craniocaudal pelvic limb radiograph?
Authors: Aiken M. , Barnes D.
Published: August 2014

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether the bisection of the fabellae by their respective femoral cortices is a useful criterion for assessing positioning of craniocaudal pelvic limb radiographs, and whether this is consistent in limbs affected or unaffected by medial patella luxation.

METHODS

Computed tomography multi‐planar reconstructions were used to determine the relative positions of the fabellae with respect to the femoral cortices.

RESULTS

Only 36% of fabellae overall were bisected by the femoral cortex. There was no significant difference between limbs affected or unaffected by medial patella luxation.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The accurate measurement of femoral varus angle is important in pre‐surgical planning of distal femoral ostectomy. Radiography is normally used to obtain the femoral varus angle, and femoral rotational malpositioning will induce errors in the femoral varus angle measured. Bisection of the fabellae by the femoral cortices is commonly cited as a criterion by which to assess whether a radiographic projection is truly craniocaudal, yet this study has shown this not to be valid.
Final year veterinary students’ attitudes towards small animal dentistry: a questionnaire‐based survey
Authors: Perry R.
Published: August 2014

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the attitudes of final year veterinary students towards small animal dentistry and to examine the teaching received in this subject, both at university and during extra‐mural studies.

METHODS

A cross‐sectional study of allUKfinal year veterinary students in 2012 was designed and used by a self‐administered Internet‐based questionnaire.

RESULTS

Six of seven universities participated with 188 student responses. All students felt that it was important or very important for a small animal practitioner to have a broad understanding of dentistry, and that orodental problems were common or very common in small animals. Almost all (99 · 5%) students perceived small animal dentistry as an important or very important subject. Less than 40% of students felt that the teaching had prepared them for entering practice. Over 50% reported that they neither felt confident in discussing orodental problems with clients nor in performing a detailed examination of the oral cavity.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Dental problems are perceived by students as frequently encountered in small animal practice. The veterinary surgeon should be adequately trained to detect, diagnose and treat dental disease in small animals and many students feel that their current teaching is inadequate.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Sexual Problems and Sexual Distress in a Sample of Women Suffering from Chronic Widespread Pain
Authors: Burri Andrea , Lachance Genevieve , Williams Frances M.K.
Published: August 2014

Introduction

Chronic widespread pain (CWP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal problem and a cardinal symptom of fibromyalgia, affecting up to 15% of the population. CWP is associated with substantial physical and psychological impairment and reduced quality of life.

Aim

To describe sexual problems in women having CWP. To compare the sexual function between patients with CWP and healthy women, and to explore potential predictors of sexual problems in women suffering from CWP.

Methods

A descriptive, cross sectional study involving a total of 853 individuals, including 166 with CWP and 687 healthy counterparts. For the screening of sexual problems and distress, the original and amended lifelong version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale were applied. A set of standardized questionnaires to assess potential risk factors for sexual problems was further used.

Main Outcome Measures

The levels of sexual function and distress in women with CWP was compared with those of healthy women. Univariate and multivariate linear regression was used to determine the potential predictors for sexual problems in women with CWP and healthy counterparts.

Results

Women with CWP reported more difficulties with lubrication, more sexual pain, and higher levels of sexual distress. Potential predictors of sexual problems in women with CWP were heterogeneous, with relationship dissatisfaction being associated with lower levels of sexual function in all the FSFI domains. Significant, domain-specific effects were further detected for anxiety sensitivity, emotional intelligence, obsessive compulsive behavior, and the big five personality traits. In general, factors influencing recent sexual problems were different from those influencing lifelong sexual function.

Conclusions

CWP patients report more sexual pain and sexual distress compared with controls. Assessment of sexual problems should therefore be added to routine care of patients with CWP.
Minimum Wages as a Barrier to Entry: Evidence from Germany
Authors: Bachmann Ronald , Bauer Thomas K. , Frings Hanna
Published: August 2014

This study analyses employers' support for the introduction of industry‐specific minimum wages as a cost‐raising strategy in order to deter market entry. Using a unique data set consisting of 800 firms in the German service sector, we show that high‐productivity employers support minimum wages. We further find some evidence that minimum wage support is higher in industries and regions with low barriers to entry. This is particularly the case in East Germany, where the perceived threat of low‐wage competition from Central and Eastern European countries is relatively high. In addition, firms paying collectively agreed wages are more strongly in favour of minimum wages.
Widespread hydrothermal alteration minerals in the fine‐grained matrices of the Tieschitz unequilibrated ordinary chondrite
Authors: Dobrică E. , Brearley A. J.
Published: August 2014

Mineralogic, textural, and compositional studies of black and white matrices in the unequilibrated ordinary chondrite Tieschitz (H/L, 3.6) show, for the first time in an ordinary chondrite, the presence of widespread, randomly distributed geode‐like voids and veins. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) studies show that these voids and veins are partially or completely filled by sodic–calcic amphiboles (winchite and barroisite). The occurrence of amphiboles provides unequivocal evidence of the involvement of fluids in the metamorphic evolution of the parent body of Tieschitz. The presence of amphiboles as the main hydrous phases, rather than phyllosilicates, indicates that aqueous fluids were present at or close to the peak of thermal metamorphism, rather than during the waning stages of the cooling history of the parent body. In addition, ferrous olivine crystals, in association with the amphibole, also establish an important link between thermal metamorphism and hydrous phases formed at high temperatures. Mineralogic and textural evidence suggests that the white matrix and amphibole formed contemporaneously from the same hydrous fluid, prior to the formation of ferrous olivine crystals. Additionally, a dark inclusion identified in the host chondrite has mineralogic, petrologic, and bulk chemical characteristics that are similar to the black matrix of host Tieschitz, suggesting that this dark inclusion was emplaced before or during parent body metamorphism.
Identification and functional analysis of Penicillium digitatum genes putatively involved in virulence towards citrus fruit
Authors: López‐Pérez Mario , Ballester Ana‐Rosa , González‐Candelas Luis
Published: August 2014

The fungus Penicillium digitatum, the causal agent of green mould rot, is the most destructive post‐harvest pathogen of citrus fruit in Mediterranean regions. In order to identify P. digitatum genes up‐regulated during the infection of oranges that may constitute putative virulence factors, we followed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based suppression subtractive hybridization and cDNA macroarray hybridization approach. The origin of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) was determined by comparison against the available genome sequences of both organisms. Genes coding for fungal proteases and plant cell wall‐degrading enzymes represent the largest categories in the subtracted cDNA library. Northern blot analysis of a selection of P. digitatum genes, including those coding for proteases, cell wall‐related enzymes, redox homoeostasis and detoxification processes, confirmed their up‐regulation at varying time points during the infection process. Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated transformation was used to generate knockout mutants for two genes encoding a pectin lyase (Pnl1) and a naphthalene dioxygenase (Ndo1). Two independent P. digitatum Δndo1 mutants were as virulent as the wild‐type. However, the two Δpnl1 mutants analysed were less virulent than the parental strain or an ectopic transformant. Together, these results provide a significant advance in our understanding of the putative determinants of the virulence mechanisms of P. digitatum.
To grow or defend? Low red : far‐red ratios reduce jasmonate sensitivity in Arabidopsis seedlings by promoting DELLA degradation and increasing JAZ10 stability
Authors: Leone Melisa , Keller Mercedes M. , Cerrudo Ignacio , Ballaré Carlos L.
Published: August 2014

How plants balance resource allocation between growth and defense under conditions of competitive stress is a key question in plant biology. Low red : far‐red (R : FR) ratios, which signal a high risk of competition in plant canopies, repress jasmonate‐induced defense responses. The mechanism of this repression is not well understood. We addressed this problem in Arabidopsis by investigating the role of DELLA and JASMONATE ZIM domain (JAZ) proteins.

We showed that a quintuple della mutant and a phyB mutant were insensitive to jasmonate for several physiological readouts. Inactivation of the photoreceptor phyB by low R : FR ratios rapidly reduced DELLA protein abundance, and the inhibitory effect of FR on jasmonate signaling was missing in the gai‐1 mutant, which encodes a stable version of the GAI DELLA protein.

We also demonstrated that low R : FR ratios and the phyB mutation stabilized the protein JAZ10. Furthermore, we demonstrated that JAZ10 was required for the inhibitory effect of low R : FR on jasmonate responses, and that the jaz10 mutation restored jasmonate sensitivity to the phyB mutant.

We conclude that, under conditions of competition for light, plants redirect resource allocation from defense to rapid elongation by promoting DELLA degradation and enhancing JAZ10 stability.
Identification and functional assay of the interaction motifs in the partner protein OsNAR2.1 of the two‐component system for high‐affinity nitrate transport
Authors: Liu Xiaoqin , Huang Daimin , Tao Jinyuan , Miller Anthony J. , Fan Xiaorong , Xu Guohua
Published: August 2014

A partner protein, NAR2, is essential for high‐affinity nitrate transport of the NRT2 protein in plants. However, the NAR2 motifs that interact with NRT2s for their plasma membrane (PM) localization and nitrate transporter activity have not been functionally characterized.

In this study, OsNAR2.1 mutations with different carbon (C)‐terminal deletions and nine different point mutations in the conserved regions of NAR2 homologs in plants were generated to explore the essential motifs involved in the interaction with OsNRT2.3a.

Screening using the membrane yeast two‐hybrid system and Xenopus oocytes for nitrogen‐15 (15N) uptake demonstrated that either R100G or D109N point mutations impaired the OsNAR2.1 interaction with OsNRT2.3a. Western blotting and visualization using green fluorescent protein fused to either the N‐ or C‐terminus of OsNAR2.1 indicated that OsNAR2.1 is expressed in both the PM and cytoplasm. The split‐yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)/BiFC analyses indicated that OsNRT2.3a was targeted to the PM in the presence of OsNAR2.1, while either R100G or D109N mutation resulted in the loss of OsNRT2.3a‐YFP signal in the PM.

Based on these results, arginine 100 and aspartic acid 109 of the OsNAR2.1 protein are key amino acids in the interaction with OsNRT2.3a, and their interaction occurs in the PM but not cytoplasm.
Independent allopolyploidization events preceded speciation in the temperate and tropical woody bamboos
Authors: Triplett Jimmy K. , Clark Lynn G. , Fisher Amanda E. , Wen Jun
Published: August 2014

The objectives of the current study were to investigate the origin of polyploidy in the woody bamboos and examine putative hybrid relationships in one major lineage (the temperate woody bamboos, tribeArundinarieae).

Phylogenetic analyses were based on sequence data from three nuclear loci and 38 species in 27 genera.

We identify six ancestral genome donors for contemporary bamboo lineages: temperate woody bamboos (tribeArundinarieae) contain genomes A and B, tropical woody bamboos (tribeBambuseae) contain genomesCandD, and herbaceous bamboos (tribeOlyreae) contain genomeH; some hexaploid paleotropical bamboos contain genomeEin addition toCandD. Molecular data indicate that allopolyploidy arose independently in temperate (AABB) and tropical woody lineages (CCDDandCCDDEE), and speciation occurred subsequent to polyploidization. Moreover, hybridization has played a surprising and recurrent role in bamboo evolution, generating allohexaploid species in the paleotropical clade and intergeneric hybrids among the allotetraploid temperate bamboos.

We suggest this complex history of reticulate evolution is at least partially responsible for the taxonomic difficulty associated with the woody bamboos. This newly‐resolved phylogenetic framework reflects a major step forward in our understanding of bamboo biodiversity and has important implications for the interpretation of bamboo phylogenomics.
COMMITTEE SCRUTINY WITHIN A CONSOCIATIONAL CONTEXT: A NORTHERN IRELAND CASE STUDY
Authors: COLE MICHAEL
Published: August 2014

This article considers non‐legislative committee scrutiny at the Northern Ireland Assembly. The core question is: How is such committee scrutiny diminished through the consociational/power‐sharing context? The question is assessed in terms of three phases – selection, obtaining evidence, and evaluative – and through eight specific claims. Consideration is also given to the context of the absence of a formal opposition, ways in which politicians can circumvent consociational constraints, and connections to the current reform agenda at the Assembly. Overall, the study identifies significant support for the claims in terms of practice at the Assembly and suggests that these findings offer opportunities for other scholars to develop further the literature on consociational governance. There is also a clear association with wider issues of the balance of power between legislatures and executives more generally.
Pluralistic ignorance and misperception of social norms concerning cheating in dating relationships
Authors: BOON SUSAN D. , WATKINS SARAH J. , SCIBAN ROWAN A.
Published: August 2014

Two studies tested the hypothesis that beliefs about infidelity in dating relationships reflect pluralistic ignorance, a misperception in which people mistakenly believe that their own personal attitudes and behavior differ from others' when they do not. Consistent with pluralistic ignorance findings in other domains, undergraduates reported that the average university student (a) saw dating infidelity as more acceptable and (b) engaged in unfaithful acts more frequently than they themselves did. Neither type of infidelity (sexual, emotional, both sexual and emotional, or unspecified; Study 1, N = 176) nor motivated reasoning (i.e., defensiveness; Study 2, N = 359) moderated this pattern of results. Possible sources of misperceived norms concerning fidelity in dating relationships and the implications of such misperceptions are discussed.
Antecedents of open innovation at the project level: empirical analysis ofKorean firms
Authors: Kim Namkuk , Kim Dong‐Jae , Lee Sungjoo
Published: August 2014

The concept of open innovation has recently gained wide academic attention, as it seems to have significant impact for company performance. Most empirical investigations about this emerging concept have been case studies of successful early adopters of open innovation, and their analyses have largely been at the company level. Although case studies at that level provide meaningful implications, the new phenomena merit a more in‐depth examination: that is, we need to collect and analyze data on multiple companies to explore more systematic findings about open innovations across companies. Moreover, analyses may need to go down to the individual project rather than the whole company level because innovation activities are often conducted as part of research and development (R&D) projects.

To meet these needs, this study examines companies' open innovation efforts at the level of the individualR&Dproject. Specifically, the present study focuses on project‐level openness to better understand the mechanisms of open innovation. It explores systematic relationships between various antecedent factors and the degree of openness. Project‐level openness could be affected by team and task characteristics, such as team size, learning distance, strategic importance, technology and market uncertainty, and relevance to the main business. Relevant data collected from 303 companies inKorea were used to identify the antecedents that affect inbound and outbound openness. The research findings are expected to help provide a concrete theoretical framework suited for more generalized application and further practical development of open innovation strategy.
Validating the three‐step return‐to‐play decision model
Authors: Shrier I. , Matheson G. O. , Boudier‐Revéret M. , Steele R. J.
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this study was to validate a recently proposed return‐to‐play (RTP) decision model that simplifies the complex process into three underlying constructs: injury type and severity, sport injury risk, and factors unrelated to injury risk (decision modifiers). We used a cross‐over design and provided clinical vignettes to clinicians involved in RTP decision making through an online survey. Each vignette included examples changing injury severity, sport risk (e.g. different positions), and non‐injury risk factors (e.g. financial considerations). As the three‐step model suggests, clinicians increased restrictions as injury severity increased, and also changed RTP decisions when factors related to sport risk and factors unrelated to sport risk were changed. The effect was different for different injury severities and clinical cases, suggesting context dependency. The model was also consistent with recommendations made by subgroups of clinicians: sport medicine physicians, non‐sport medicine physicians, and allied health care workers.
‘This restless enemy of all fertility’: exploring paradigms of coastal dune management in Western Europe over the last 700 years
Authors: L Clarke Michèle , Rendell Helen M
Published: August 2014

Drifting sand has inundated settlements and damaged agricultural land along the coasts of Western Europe for the last 700 years. The need to control sand migration has been an important driver of the management of coastal sand dunes and here we analyse original archival materials to provide new insights into historically changing coastal dune management practices. Records of coastal sand movement in Denmark, The Netherlands, Britain, Ireland and France were reviewed and three distinct management approaches were identified. The ways in which these approaches have played out in space and time were examined with particular reference to records from landed estates in Britain and Ireland. We demonstrate how historical evidence can be used to inform contemporary debates on dune management strategy and practice. We propose a new place‐based approach to the future management of coastal dunes that can incorporate both expert and locally produced ‘knowledges’ and that is underpinned by an understanding of how both natural forces and human interventions have shaped these dune landscapes over time.
Paradoxical findings in direct antiglobulin test and classification of agglutinating autoantibodies using eluates and monospecific anti‐human globulin sera
Authors: Bartolmäs T. , Mayer B. , Yürek S. , Genth R. , Salama A.
Published: August 2014

Background and Objectives

Agglutinating autoantibodies are rarely the cause of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) of warm type. These antibodies can be difficult to classify, and serological testing may result in confusion. Here, we describe the occurrence of paradoxical results in direct antiglobulin test (DAT) and a simple technique for the characterization of such antibodies.

Materials and Methods

Seven patients with AIHA were included in this study. Serological testing was performed using standard techniques. Classification of autoantibodies was performed by preincubation of the eluates from patients' red blood cells (RBCs) with monospecific anti‐human globulin sera (mAHG).

Results

Strong autoagglutination of patients' RBCs was observed in six of seven cases, with the identification of panagglutinating serum antibodies in three patients. Initially, cold agglutinins with high thermal amplitude were suggested in four patients, and IgM warm autoantibodies were suggested in the remaining three patients. However, inhibition of the eluates revealed autoantibodies of IgA class in two patients, of IgM class in three other cases and of IgG class in two patients. The results of DAT were confusing due to paradoxical effects of mAHG and/or strong autoagglutination.

Conclusion

Strongly agglutinating autoantibodies can be a source of confusion and can be classified by inhibition experiments using eluates and monospecific antibodies.
Trichinellosis Outbreak Caused by Meat from a Wild Boar Hunted in an Italian Region Considered to be at Negligible Risk for Trichinella
Authors: Fichi G. , Stefanelli S. , Pagani A. , Luchi S. , De Gennaro M. , Gómez‐Morales M. A. , Selmi M. , Rovai D. , Mari M. , Fischetti R. , Pozio E.
Published: August 2014

The wild boar is an important source of trichinellosis for people in European countries as a large number of hunted animals escape veterinary control. In November 2012, uncooked sausages made with meat from wild boar were consumed by 38 persons in a village of the Lucca province (Tuscany region, Italy). Of them, 34 were serologically positive, 32 developed clinical signs and symptoms of trichinellosis, and two were asymptomatic. Trichinella britovi larvae were detected in vacuum‐packed sausages made with the same batch of sausages consumed raw which had been prepared with meat from wild boar hunted in the Lucca province. As no case of trichinellosis had been reported in this region during the last 20 years, the regional public health authority considered the risk for this zoonosis to be negligible and put in place a surveillance programme on Trichinella spp. in indicator animals (mainly foxes and including wild boar for private consumption), by testing only a percentage of heads. The experience from this outbreak shows that the definition of a region with a negligible risk for Trichinella infection is not applicable to wild boar and stresses the need to test all Trichinella‐susceptible wild animals intended for human consumption and to implement risk communication to consumers and hunters.
Physical Understanding and Sensitivities of Low Pressure Turbine Flutter
Authors: Waite Joshua J. , Kielb Robert E.
Published: August 2014

Successful, efficient turbine design requires a thorough understanding of the underlying physical phenomena. This paper investigates the flutter phenomenon of low pressure turbine (LPT) blades seen in aircraft engines and power turbines. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis will be conducted in a two-dimensional (2D) sense using a frequency domain Reynolds-averaged Navier—Stokes (RANS) solver on a publicly available LPT airfoil geometry: École Polytechnique Fédérale De Lausanne (EPFL's) Standard Configuration 4. An emphasis is placed on revealing the underlying physics behind the threatening LPT flutter mechanism. To this end, flutter sensitivity analysis is conducted on three key parameters: reduced frequency, mode shape, and Mach number. Additionally, exact 2D acoustic resonance interblade phase angles (IBPAs) are analytically predicted as a function of reduced frequency. Made evident via damping versus IBPA plots, the CFD model successfully captures the theoretical acoustic resonance predictions. Studies of the decay of unsteady aerodynamic influence coefficients away from a reference blade are also presented. The influence coefficients provide key insights to the harmonic content of the unsteady pressure field. Finally, this work explores methods of normalizing the work per cycle by the exit dynamic pressure.
Research on the Interior Noise Reduction of an Elastic Cavity by the Multipoint Panel Acoustic Contribution Method Based on Moore–Glasberg Loudness Model
Authors: Fan Rongping , Meng Guang , Su Zhongqing
Published: August 2014

More and more attention has been paid to reduce the low frequency interior noise of the elastic cavity, such as automobiles, ships, airplanes, and railway vehicles, to provide the more comfortable riding environment for passengers. Identification of the interior acoustical sources in the low frequency range is vitally important for the sound quality design inside the elastic cavity. By transformation of the sound pressure level into the specific loudness, a multipoint panel acoustic contribution method based on Moore–Glasberg loudness model is proposed to identify the acoustic contribution of local structural panels of an elastic cavity. The finite element (FE) equation of vibro-acoustic coupling structure with the visco-elastic damping is formulated to evaluate the acoustic panel contribution. Two parameters of acoustic contribution sum and total sound field contribution are derived to measure the acoustic contribution of each panel at the important peak frequencies for the multiple evaluation points. A carriage of high-speed train is modeled as the elastic cavity to demonstrate the application of the developed algorithm. The bottom panel of the carriage is identified to make the most significant contribution to the loudness of evaluation points. The reduction effect of the various design parameters of visco-elastic damping layer on the bottom panel is investigated. The proposed method can efficiently arrange the visco-elastic damping layer on the bottom panel to reduce the interior loudness.
Frequency Control of Beams and Cylindrical Shells With Light-Activated Shape Memory Polymers
Authors: Li Huiyu , Li Hua , Tzou Hornsen
Published: August 2014

Light activated shape memory polymer (LaSMP) is a novel smart material. It realizes the shape memory function under the exposure of laser lights with two different wavelengths. During the exposure process, the stiffness of LaSMPs also changes. With this noncontact actuation feature, this study presents a new technique to manipulate frequencies of beams and cylindrical shells. Fundamental LaSMP mechanism and its stiffness manipulation are presented first. The LaSMP/elastic coupled dynamic equations of cylindrical shells coupled with LaSMPs are established first and then simplified to the governing equation of beams. In case studies, the natural frequency of a cantilever beam laminated with LaSMP patches is studied. Furthermore, the length of LaSMP patches is varied to broaden its frequency variation range. Results show that the maximum frequency change ratio reaches to about 24.5% on beams. A simply supported cylindrical shell laminated with LaSMPs on both the inner and outer surfaces is also analyzed and its frequency varies about 6% for the lowest (1,4) mode. Thus, adopting LaSMPs to manipulate the structural frequencies is a new noncontact actuation technique in vibration controls.
Waist Circumference, Physical Activity, and Functional Impairments in Older U.S. Adults: Results from the NHANES 2005–2010
Authors: Batsis John A. , Germain Cassandra M. , Vásquez Elizabeth , Lopez-Jimenez Francisco , Bartels Stephen J.
Published: August 2014

Physical activity (PA) improves function in older obese adults. However, body mass index is an unreliable adiposity indicator better reflected by waist circumference (WC). The impact of PA on physical impairment and mobility with high WC is unclear. We performed a secondary data analysis of 4,976 adults ≥ 60 years of age using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2010. Physical limitations (PL), activities of daily living (ADL) impairments, and PA (low = < 1 day/week or high = > 1 day/week) were self-reported. WC was dichotomized (females: 88 cm; males: 102 cm). Mean age was 70.1 years and 55.1% were female. Prevalence of PL and ADL impairment in the high WC group were 57.7% and 18.8%, respectively, and high PA was present in 53.9%. Among those with high WC, high PA vs. low PA participants were at lower risk of PL (OR 0.58 [0.48−0.70]) and ADL impairment (OR 0.46 [0.32−0.65]). Those with high WC had higher odds of PL irrespective of PA (high PA: OR 1.57 [1.30−1.88]; low PA: OR 1.52 [1.29−1.79]) and ADL impairment (high PA: OR 1.27 [1.02−1.57] and low PA: OR 1.24 [0.99−1.54]). High PA in viscerally obese individuals is associated with impairments.
The Use of Text Messaging to Promote Physical Activity in Working Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gell Nancy M. , Wadsworth Danielle D.
Published: August 2014

Background:

The study evaluated the effects of a text message intervention on physical activity in adult working women.

Methods:

Eightyseven participants were randomized to an intervention (n = 41) or control group (n = 46). Pedometer step counts and measures of self-efficacy were collected at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Intervention participants received approximately 3 text messages per week that were motivational, informational, and specific to performing physical activity.

Results:

ANCOVA results showed a significant difference between groups for mean steps per day at 12 weeks (6540.0 vs. 5685.0, P = .01) and no significant difference at 24 weeks (6867.7 vs. 6189.0, P = .06). There was no change in mean step counts during or after the intervention compared with baseline. There was a significant difference between groups for mean self-efficacy scores at 12 weeks (68.5 vs. 60.3, P = .02) and at 24 weeks (67.3 vs. 59.0, P = .03).

Conclusion:

Intervention participants had higher step counts after 12 and 24 weeks compared with a control group; however, the difference was significant only at the midpoint of the intervention and was attributable to a decrease in steps for the control group. Text messaging did not increase step counts but may be a cost-effective tool for maintenance of physical activity behavior.
Gender-Associated Perceptions of Barriers and Motivators to Physical Activity Participation in South Asian Punjabis Living in Western Canada
Authors: Caperchione Cristina M. , Chau Shirley , Walker Gordon J. , Mummery W. Kerry , Jennings Cally
Published: August 2014

Background:

Gender is a sociocultural factor known to impact the physical activity (PA) behaviors of South Asians. The purpose of this research was to examine gender-associated perceptions of barriers and motivators for PA in a South Asian population living Canada.

Methods:

A random sample (N = 204) of South Asian Punjabi adults (18yrs+) completed a computer assisted telephone interview concerning their perceptions to PA participation. Content analysis was used to identify relevant main themes and chi-square analysis was used to calculate gender differences.

Results:

Results indicated that women more often reported a lack of time due to work and family (χ2 = 7.284, df = 1, P = .007) and a lack of motivation (χ2 = 4.982, df = 1, P = .026), yet men more often reported climate (χ2 = 7.045, df = 1, P = .008) as a barrier. Regarding motivators, men more often reported prevention and reduction of disease (χ2 = 4.451, df = 1, P = .034) and watching others perform (χ2 = 10.827, df = 1, P = .001); however, reducing weight gain (χ2 = 4.806, df = 1, P = .028) and looking like others (χ2 = 4.730, df = 1, P = .029) were reported more often by women.

Conclusions:

Gender-associated differences concerning PA are present in this population and must be considered in the design and implementation of effective interventions.
Relationships Among Meeting Physical-Activity Guidelines and Health Risk Behaviors
Authors: Walker Ashley , Langdon Jody , Johnson Krystina
Published: August 2014

Background:

Young adults have the highest participation in physical activity but also have the highest incidence rates of binge drinking, cigarette smoking, and smokeless tobacco use. We examined these factors to determine whether there are relationships among physical activity and health risk behaviors.

Methods:

We conducted correlation and χ2 analyses using the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment fall 2009 data set (N = 34,208) to examine the relationship among meeting physical-activity guidelines, binge drinking, and tobacco use among survey participants.

Results:

The data suggest a positive relationship between meeting physical-activity guidelines and binge drinking, with the strongest relationship between those reporting binge drinking 4 times in a 2-week period. Meeting physical-activity guidelines was negatively associated with cigarette use but positively associated with all other types of tobacco use.

Conclusion:

Associations between physical activity and binge-drinking episodes indicate a need to address the relationship between heavy drinking and alcohol dependence and physical-activity behavior patterns. Further studies should examine relationships between physical activity and binge drinking in other age groups. Results also suggest the need to examine differing associations between physical activity and types of tobacco use.
Physical Activities of U.S. High School Students—2010 National Youth Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey
Authors: Song MinKyoung , Carroll Dianna D. , Lee Sarah M. , Fulton Janet E.
Published: August 2014

Background:

The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines recommend youth participate in a variety of physical activities; however, few nationally representative studies describe the types and variety of youth activity. This study assessed the most frequently reported types and variety of activities among U.S. high school students, and examined the association between variety and meeting the 2008 Guidelines for aerobic activity (aerobic guideline).

Methods:

We analyzed data on 8628 U.S. high school students in grades 9–12 from the 2010 National Youth Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey. Types of physical activity were assessed by identifying which activities each student reported in the past 7 days. Variety was assessed by the total number of different activities each student reported. Percentage (95% CI) of students who reported engaging in each activity was assessed. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between variety and meeting the aerobic guideline.

Results:

Walking was the most frequently reported activity among U.S. high school students. On average, students reported participating in 6 different activities. Variety was positively associated with meeting the aerobic guideline.

Conclusions:

These findings support encouraging youth to participate in many physical activities and may be useful for developing interventions that focus on the most prevalent activities.
Using origami design principles to fold reprogrammable mechanical metamaterials
Authors: Silverberg Jesse L. , Evans Arthur A. , McLeod Lauren , Hayward Ryan C. , Hull Thomas , Santangelo Christian D. , Cohen Itai
Published: August 2014

Folding robots and metamaterials

The same principles used to make origami art can make self-assembling robots and tunable metamaterials—artificial materials engineered to have properties that may not be found in nature (see the Perspective by You). Felton
et al.
made complex self-folding robots from flat templates. Such robots could potentially be sent through a collapsed building or tunnels and then assemble themselves autonomously into their final functional form. Silverberg
et al.
created a mechanical metamaterial that was folded into a tessellated pattern of unit cells. These cells reversibly switched between soft and stiff states, causing large, controllable changes to the way the material responded to being squashed.

Science
, this issue p.
644
, p.
647
; see also p.
623
Lattice energy, nailed?
Authors: Price Sarah L.
Published: August 2014

A quantum mechanical calculation of the lattice energy of benzene represents a milestone in accuracy

[Also see Report by

Yang
et al.

]
Disputed islands
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: August 2014

Biologists debate whether “genomic islands” are real and mark a first step in the formation of new species.
Specific Argonautes Selectively Bind Small RNAs Derived from Potato Spindle Tuber Viroid and Attenuate Viroid Accumulation
In Vivo
Authors: Minoia Sofia , Carbonell Alberto , Di Serio Francesco , Gisel Andreas , Carrington James C. , Navarro Beatriz , Flores Ricardo
Published: August 2014

The identification of viroid-derived small RNAs (vd-sRNAs) of 21 to 24 nucleotides (nt) in plants infected by viroids (infectious non-protein-coding RNAs of just 250 to 400 nt) supports their targeting by Dicer-like enzymes, the first host RNA-silencing barrier. However, whether viroids, like RNA viruses, are also targeted by the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) remains controversial. At the RISC core is one Argonaute (AGO) protein that, guided by endogenous or viral sRNAs, targets complementary RNAs. To examine whether AGO proteins also load vd-sRNAs, leaves of
Nicotiana benthamiana
infected by potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) were agroinfiltrated with plasmids expressing epitope-tagged versions of AGO1, AGO2, AGO3, AGO4, AGO5, AGO6, AGO7, AGO9, and AGO10 from
Arabidopsis thaliana
. Immunoprecipitation analyses of the agroinfiltrated halos revealed that all AGOs except AGO6, AGO7, and AGO10 associated with vd-sRNAs: AGO1, AGO2, and AGO3 preferentially with those of 21 and 22 nt, while AGO4, AGO5, and AGO9 additionally bound those of 24 nt. Deep-sequencing analyses showed that sorting of vd-sRNAs into AGO1, AGO2, AGO4, and AGO5 depended essentially on their 5′-terminal nucleotides, with the profiles of the corresponding AGO-loaded vd-sRNAs adopting specific hot spot distributions along the viroid genome. Furthermore, agroexpression of AGO1, AGO2, AGO4, and AGO5 on PSTVd-infected tissue attenuated the level of the genomic RNAs, suggesting that they, or their precursors, are RISC targeted. In contrast to RNA viruses, PSTVd infection of
N. benthamiana
did not affect miR168-mediated regulation of the endogenous AGO1, which loaded vd-sRNAs with specificity similar to that of its
A. thaliana
counterpart.

IMPORTANCE
To contain invaders, particularly RNA viruses, plants have evolved an RNA-silencing mechanism relying on the generation by Dicer-like (DCL) enzymes of virus-derived small RNAs of 21 to 24 nucleotides (nt) that load and guide Argonaute (AGO) proteins to target and repress viral RNA. Viroids, despite their minimal genomes (non-protein-coding RNAs of only 250 to 400 nt), infect and incite disease in plants. The accumulation in these plants of 21- to 24-nt viroid-derived small RNAs (vd-sRNAs) supports the notion that DCLs also target viroids but does not clarify whether vd-sRNAs activate one or more AGOs. Here, we show that in leaves of
Nicotiana benthamiana
infected by potato spindle tuber viroid, the endogenous AGO1 and distinct AGOs from
Arabidopsis thaliana
that were overexpressed were associated with vd-sRNAs displaying the same properties (5′-terminal nucleotide and size) previously established for endogenous and viral small RNAs. Overexpression of AGO1, AGO2, AGO4, and AGO5 attenuated viroid accumulation, supporting their role in antiviroid defense.
Characterization of the Polyproline Region of the Hepatitis E Virus in Immunocompromised Patients
Authors: Lhomme Sebastien , Abravanel Florence , Dubois Martine , Sandres-Saune Karine , Mansuy Jean-Michel , Rostaing Lionel , Kamar Nassim , Izopet Jacques
Published: August 2014

Little is known about virus adaptation in immunocompromised patients with chronic genotype 3 hepatitis E virus (HEV3) infections. Virus-host recombinant strains have been isolated recently from chronically infected patients. The nature and incidence of such recombinant events occurring during infections of solid-organ transplant (SOT) recipients are essentially unknown. The polyproline region (PPR) of strains isolated from SOT patients was sequenced during the acute-infection phase (
n
= 59) and during follow-up of patients whose infections became chronic (
n
= 27). These 27 HEV strains included 3 (11%) that showed recombinant events 12, 34, 48, or 88 months after infection. In one strain, parts of the PPR and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase were concomitantly inserted. In the second, a fragment of a human tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) gene was inserted first, followed by a fragment of PPR. A fragment of the human inter-α-trypsin inhibitor (ITI) gene was inserted in the third. All the inserted sequences were rich in aliphatic and basic amino acids.
In vitro
growth experiments suggest that the ITI insertion promoted more vigorous virus growth.
In silico
studies showed that the inserted sequences could provide potential acetylation, ubiquitination, and phosphorylation sites. We found that recombinant events had occurred in the HEV PPR in approximately 11% of the strains isolated from chronically infected transplant patients followed up in Toulouse University Hospital. These inserted fragments came from the HEV genome or a human gene and could enhance virus replication.

IMPORTANCE
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) can cause chronic infections in immunocompromised patients, including solid-organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Two strains that had undergone recombination with human ribosomal genes were described recently. The strains with inserted sequences replicated better
in vitro
. Little is known about the frequency of such recombinant events or how such an insertion enhances replication. We therefore investigated 59 SOT patients infected with HEV and found 3 strains with 4 recombinant events in 27 of these patients whose infection became chronic. The 4 inserted sequences were of different origins (human gene or HEV genome), but all were enriched in aliphatic and basic amino acids and provided potential regulation sites. Our data indicate that recombinant events occur in approximately 11% of strains isolated from chronically infected patients. The structures of the inserted sequences provide new clues as to how the inserted sequences could foster virus replication.
Induction of CD8 T Cell Heterologous Protection by a Single Dose of Single-Cycle Infectious Influenza Virus
Authors: Guo Hailong , Baker Steven F. , Martínez-Sobrido Luis , Topham David J.
Published: August 2014

The effector functions of specific CD8 T cells are crucial in mediating influenza heterologous protection. However, new approaches for influenza vaccines that can trigger effective CD8 T cell responses have not been extensively explored. We report here the generation of single-cycle infectious influenza virus that lacks a functional hemagglutinin (HA) gene on an X31 genetic background and demonstrate its potential for triggering protective CD8 T cell immunity against heterologous influenza virus challenge.In vitro, X31-sciIV can infect MDCK cells, but infectious virions are not produced unless HA is transcomplemented.In vivo, intranasal immunization with X31-sciIV does not cause any clinical symptoms in mice but generates influenza-specific CD8 T cells in lymphoid (mediastinal lymph nodes and spleen) and nonlymphoid tissues, including lung and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, as measured by H2-Db NP366 and PA224 tetramer staining. In addition, a significant proportion of X31-sciIV-induced antigen-specific respiratory CD8 T cells expressed VLA-1, a marker that is associated with heterologous influenza protection. Further, these influenza-specific CD8 T cells produce antiviral cytokines when stimulated with NP366 and PA224 peptides, indicating that CD8 T cells triggered by X31-sciIV are functional. When challenged with a lethal dose of heterologous PR8 virus, X31-sciIV-primed mice were fully protected from death. However, when CD8 T cells were depleted after priming or before priming, mice could not effectively control virus replication or survive the lethal challenge, indicating that X31-sciIV-induced memory CD8 T cells mediate the heterologous protection. Thus, our results demonstrate the potential for sciIV as a CD8 T cell-inducing vaccine.

IMPORTANCEOne of the challenges for influenza prevention is the existence of multiple influenza virus subtypes and variants and the fact that new strains can emerge yearly. Numerous studies have indicated that the effector functions of specific CD8 T cells are crucial in mediating influenza heterologous protection. However, influenza vaccines that can trigger effective CD8 T cell responses for heterologous protection have not been developed. We report here the generation of an X31 (H3N2) virus-derived single-cycle infectious influenza virus, X31-sciIV. A one-dose immunization with X31-sciIV is capable of inducing functional influenza virus-specific CD8 T cells that can be recruited into respiratory tissues and provide protection against lethal heterologous challenge. Without these cells, protection against lethal challenge was essentially lost. Our data indicate that an influenza vaccine that primarily relies on CD8 T cells for protection could be developed.