bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Library instruction and information literacy 2014
Authors: Detmering Robert , Johnson Anna Marie , Sproles Claudene , McClellan Samantha , Linares Rosalinda Hernandez
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to provide an introductory overview and selected annotated bibliography of recent resources on library instruction and information literacy across all library types.

Design/methodology/approach

– It introduces and annotates English-language periodical articles, monographs, dissertations and other materials on library instruction and information literacy published in 2014.

Findings

– It provides information about each source, discusses the characteristics of current scholarship and highlights sources that contain unique or significant scholarly contributions.

Originality/value

– The information may be used by librarians and interested parties as a quick reference to literature on library instruction and information literacy.
Gendered responses to the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Whittaker Joshua , Eriksen Christine , Haynes Katharine
Published: November 2015

This paper presents findings from a gendered analysis of resident responses to the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires (wildfires) in Victoria, Australia. One hundred and seventy‐three people lost their lives in the bushfires and more than 2000 houses were destroyed. Previous research on Black Saturday has largely focused on issues of resident preparedness and response, with limited consideration of the role of gender in household decisions and actions. This paper examines the gendered dimensions of risk awareness, preparedness and response among households affected by the bushfires. Data were collected through in‐depth interviews with over 600 survivors and a questionnaire of 1314 households in fire‐affected areas. Analysis revealed that women more often wanted to leave than men, who more often wanted to stay and defend property against the bushfires. Nevertheless, findings suggest that broad‐brush characterisations of staying to defend as a masculine response and leaving as a feminine response are misguided. Although some women expressed a strong desire to leave, others were resolute on staying to defend. Equally, while some men were determined to stay and defend, others had never considered it an option. Despite this, the research identified numerous instances where disagreement had arisen as a result of differing intentions. Conflict most often stemmed from men's reluctance to leave, and was most apparent where households had not adequately planned or discussed their intended responses. The paper concludes by considering the degree to which the findings are consistent with other research on gender and bushfire, and the implications for bushfire safety policy and practice.
Mitochondrial DNA Fragmentation to Monitor Processing Parameters in High Acid, Plant‐Derived Foods
Authors: Caldwell Jane M. , Pérez‐Díaz Ilenys M. , Harris Keith , Hassan Hosni M. , Simunovic Josip , Sandeep K.P.
Published: November 2015

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) fragmentation was assessed in acidified foods. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Ct values measured from fresh, fermented, pasteurized, and stored cucumber mtDNA were determined to be significantly different (P > 0.05) based on processing and shelf‐life. This indicated that the combination of lower temperature thermal processes (hot‐fill at 75 °C for 15 min) and acidified conditions (pH = 3.8) was sufficient to cause mtDNA fragmentation. In studies modeling high acid juices, pasteurization (96 °C, 0 to 24 min) of tomato serum produced Ct values which had high correlation to time‐temperature treatment. Primers producing longer amplicons (approximately 1 kb) targeting the same mitochondrial gene gave greater sensitivity in correlating time‐temperature treatments to Ct values. Lab‐scale pasteurization studies using Ct values derived from the longer amplicon differentiated between heat treatments of tomato serum (95 °C for <2 min). MtDNA fragmentation was shown to be a potential new tool to characterize low temperature (<100 °C) high acid processes (pH < 4.6), nonthermal processes such as vegetable fermentation and holding times of acidified, plant‐derived products.
Enhancement of the catalytic efficiency and thermostability of Stenotrophomonas sp. keratinase KerSMD by domain exchange with KerSMF
Authors: Fang Zhen , Zhang Juan , Liu Baihong , Du Guocheng , Chen Jian
Published: November 2015

In this study, we enhanced the catalytic efficiency and thermostability of keratinase KerSMD by replacing its N/C‐terminal domains with those from a homologous protease, KerSMF, to degrade feather waste. Replacement of the N‐terminal domain generated a mutant protein with more than twofold increased catalytic activity towards casein. Replacement of the C‐terminal domain obviously improved keratinolytic activity and increased the kcat/Km value on a synthetic peptide, succinyl‐Ala‐Ala‐Pro‐Phe‐p‐nitroanilide, by 54.5%. Replacement of both the N‐ and C‐terminal domains generated a more stable mutant protein, with a Tm value of 64.60 ± 0.65°C and a half‐life of 244.6 ± 2 min at 60°C, while deletion of the C‐terminal domain from KerSMD or KerSMF resulted in mutant proteins exhibiting high activity under mesophilic conditions. These findings indicate that the pre‐peptidase C‐terminal domain and N‐propeptide are not only important for substrate specificity, correct folding and thermostability but also support the ability of the enzyme to convert feather waste into feed additives.
Two cases of amoxycillin‐induced follicular acute localised exanthematous pustulosis
Authors: Rajgopal Bala Harini , Jalilian Chris , Goh Michelle S. , Williams Richard , Tan Guan , Chong Alvin H.
Published: November 2015

We report two cases of Caucasian women who developed folliculocentric pustulosis after exposure to amoxycillin. A literature review found that most amoxycillin‐related pustular eruptions were reported as acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) or acute localised exanthematous pustulosis (ALEP). Histopathology from both our cases showed sterile suppurative folliculitis, which resolved on the cessation of amoxycillin.
Relevance to Psychology of Beliefs about Socialism: Some New Research Questions
Authors: Lott Bernice
Published: November 2015

This article aims to stimulate discussion about the potential relevance of the concept of socialism for what we study and the questions we ask. The economic systems of capitalism and socialism are seldom considered subjects of interest in psychology. At this particular time, however, especially in the United States, the relevance of these systems for our theories and research on human behavior, health, and human welfare seem particularly relevant and potentially significant. I argue that discussions of socialism should be helpful in expanding the context of our concerns in psychology and the identification of important new variables. The growing crisis of inequality in the United States is the major impetus for this argument.
Reconciling Development and Conservation under Coastal Squeeze from Rising Sea Level
Authors: Mills Morena , Leon Javier X. , Saunders Megan I. , Bell Justine , Liu Yan , O'Mara Julian , Lovelock Catherine E. , Mumby Peter J. , Phinn Stuart , Possingham Hugh P. , Tulloch Vivitskaia J. D. , Mutafoglu Konar , Morrison Tiffany , Callaghan David P. , Baldock Tom , Klein Carissa J. , Hoegh‐Guldberg Ove
Published: November 2015

Among the biggest global challenges for policymakers is the development of land use policies robust to climate change impacts. While diverse fields can inform adaptation, integrated social‐ecological assessment of the multiple adaptation options are rare and cannot be easily applied. Here, we build on past studies by undertaking an integrated fine scale and strategic allocation of sea level rise (SLR) adaptation options that can direct policy making. We use models of probabilistic SLR inundation, urban growth, and sub‐ and intertidal ecosystem migration, to investigate the impacts of different SLR adaptation strategies, and how these can be allocated to best achieve both development and conservation goals. Coastal adaptation will involve trade‐offs among development and conservation objectives and these will vary based on the extent to which sea levels rise. There will be trade‐offs between conservation objectives regardless of the adaptation options chosen, however, retreat does provide opportunities for enabling the expansion of coastal ecosystems inland. Local governments can save billions of dollars and minimize political conflict between conservation and development goals through integrated strategic spatial planning. Our planning approach both informs policy and is transferable to other coastal regions faced with a rising sea.
Palaeoendemic plants provide evidence for persistence of open, well‐watered vegetation since the Cretaceous
Authors: Jordan Gregory J. , Harrison Peter A. , Worth James R. P. , Williamson Grant J. , Kirkpatrick James B.
Published: November 2015

Aim

Palaeoendemics are clades that are ancient but geographically restricted, often because they have been selected against in other areas. Ecological similarities among palaeoendemics may be indicators of ancient environments. We determine the environmental ranges of the remarkable palaeoendemic plants of Tasmania to deduce whether they indicate the long‐term persistence of particular environmental conditions.

Location

Tasmania, Australia, a global centre of plant palaeoendemism, containing some of the world's most relictual plant lineages.

Methods

Palaeoendemic clades in Tasmania were identified using a scoring system of clade age divided by the square root of the number of 10 km × 10 km grid cells occupied globally. Total palaeoendemism scores for 1199 30″ grid cells were calculated by summing scores for individual clades, and modelled against climate, topography, geology and vegetation type using Random Forest models. Palaeoendemic and non‐palaeoendemic species richness in climate space was measured. The global distribution of climates favoured by palaeoendemics was assessed.

Results

Twenty‐nine phylogenetically and ecologically diverse palaeoendemic clades (51 species) were identified. High levels of palaeoendemism occurred widely in western Tasmania, but the highest scoring areas were at or slightly above the tree line in relatively undisturbed vegetation. Palaeoendemism scores were strongly predicted by constantly moist climates lacking extreme temperatures, and by open vegetation types with rare or no fire. The palaeoendemics occupied a climate space that is globally rare and very different from that of non‐palaeoendemics.

Main conclusions

These patterns suggest the persistence since the Cretaceous of open vegetation in constantly moist areas with equable temperatures and few or no fires. This conclusion is consistent with an increasing body of fossil and phylogenetic evidence for the antiquity of open vegetation. The methods here produce quantitative values of palaeoendemism that can be compared among regions.
Creating a high‐skills society during recession: issues for policy makers
Authors: Panagiotakopoulos Antonios
Published: November 2015

The present study looks at the skill formation policies adopted by policy makers in Greece in order to create a high‐skills society. It examines empirically the demand side of the skill creation process within 300 small enterprises in order to understand how far supply‐side measures have influenced the demand for well‐trained staff within small businesses. The article draws on empirical data from 650 interviews with workers and small firm owners that explored owner demand for higher level skills and training. The study questions the effectiveness of the measures put forward by policy makers in order to encourage an up‐skilling strategy in the country. The analysis reveals that this policy agenda has been supported predominantly by various skills supply‐side initiatives including investments in higher education and subsidized accredited company training. Yet the empirical evidence indicates that such initiatives have not so far influenced owner demand for higher level skills and training, suggesting a new agenda for policy intervention may be necessary. The study provides valuable lessons for policy makers across the advanced capitalist world on the development of a high‐skills society.
Debriefing to learn from extreme events: the case of Utøya
Authors: Firing Kristian , Moen Alexander , Skarsvåg Kåre Inge
Published: November 2015

The objective of this study was to discover potential ways to enhance debriefing so that more can be learned from the experience of extreme events. In order to reach this aim, we explored how personnel in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from the Norwegian Armed Forces experienced debriefing after an extreme event. That event was a terror attack on the Norwegian island of Utøya on 22 July, 2011, in which 69 people were killed and 66 were wounded. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was sent to the island to search for and disarm potential bombs. We explored how personnel in the team experienced their debriefing after this event. Reports of interviewees' experiences identified two relevant dimensions: content (technical and personal) and form (formal and informal), leading to the development of four categories. The main learning points were that although personnel experienced room to share technical issues during debriefing and hence learn from the situation, there were fewer opportunities to share personal issues, and this seemed to limit the debriefing as a learning process.
Periodical measurement of urine volume in the bladder during sleep: Temporary volume reduction suggestive of absorption
Authors: Watanabe Hiroki , Azuma Yuji
Published: November 2015

Objectives

To clarify the variance of urine volume in the urinary bladder during sleep.

Methods

Overnight measurements of urinary bladder capacity during sleep were carried out using transabdominal real‐time 3‐D ultrasound or an automatic capacity recorder, Yuririn, in 24 volunteers of various ages.

Results

Two types of patterns were observed in the increasing curve of capacity; namely, gradual elevation pattern when overnight urine production was less than functional bladder capacity and steep‐flat pattern when it was more than functional bladder capacity. During steep‐flat pattern, bladder capacity reached levels of the functional bladder capacity quickly, then maintained steadily at that level until morning without awakening. Temporary volume reduction, which might be suggestive of water absorption from urine in the bladder, occurred occasionally, when the volumes of urine reached functional bladder capacity.

Conclusions

A considerable amount of urine in the bladder diminishes without micturition during sleep to maintain a good level of sleep. This is the first report suggesting the possibility of water absorption from urine within the human urinary bladder in a fully physiological situation.
Predictive value of urinary interleukin‐6 for symptomatic urinary tract infections in a nursing home population
Authors: Sundén Fredrik , Wullt Björn
Published: November 2015

Objectives

To study urinary interleukin‐6, interleukin‐8 and pyuria during episodes of asymptomatic bacteriuria and symptomatic urinary tract infection in the institutionalized elderly, and to investigate the role of interleukin‐6 as a biomarker for differential diagnosis.

Methods

Levels of interleukin‐6, interleukin‐8 and pyuria were assessed in 35 older adults with asymptomatic bacteriuria and symptomatic urinary tract infection to define possible diagnostic thresholds. In a two‐phase intervention study, the antibiotic treatment for urinary tract infection before and after introduction of urinary interleukin‐6 as a biomarker was then assessed.

Results

Asymptomatic bacteriuria patients had no or low levels of interleukin‐6, and low levels of interleukin‐8 and pyuria. Women had lower interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐8 than men (P = 0.05). Interleukin‐6 was the only marker showing significant increases during urinary tract infection episodes in patients with both asymptomatic bacteriuria and urinary tract infection, in pooled (P = 0.042) and in paired intra‐individual (P = 0.017) comparisons. In the intervention study lectures, the increased use of urine cultures and the introduction of interleukin‐6 as a biomarker reduced antibiotic treatments by 20%. Antibiotic‐treated urinary tract infection episodes had increased interleukin‐6 as compared with urinary tract infection episodes not treated (P = 0.02), and as compared with asymptomatic bacteriuria patients (P < 0.0001). The sensitivity and specificity of interleukin‐6 (cut‐off 25 pg/mL) differentiating asymptomatic bacteriuria from urinary tract infection was 57% and 80%, respectively.

Conclusions

Urinary interleukin‐6 shows promise as a biomarker to detect the transition from asymptomatic bacteriuria to symptomatic urinary tract infection in older adults. Further larger studies with robust methodology are warranted to determine whether development for near to patient testing would be worthwhile.
Net Zero Fort Carson: Integrating Energy, Water, and Waste Strategies to Lower the Environmental Impact of a Military Base
Authors: Procter Andrew C. , Kaplan P. Özge , Araujo Rochelle
Published: November 2015

Military bases resemble small cities and face similar sustainability challenges. As pilot studies in the U.S. Army Net Zero program, 17 locations are moving to 100% renewable energy, zero depletion of water resources, and/or zero waste to landfill by 2020. Some bases target net zero in a single area, such as water, whereas two bases, including Fort Carson, Colorado, target net zero in all three areas. We investigated sustainability strategies that appear when multiple areas (energy, water, and waste) are integrated. A system dynamics model is used to simulate urban metabolism through Fort Carson's energy, water, and waste systems. Integrated scenarios reduce environmental impact up to 46% from the 2010 baseline, whereas single‐dimension scenarios (energy‐only, water‐only, and waste‐only) reduce impact, at most, 20%. Energy conserving technologies offer mutual gains, reducing annual energy use 18% and water use 15%. Renewable energy sources present trade‐offs: Concentrating solar power could supply 11% of energy demand, but increase water demand 2%. Waste to energy could supply 40% of energy demand and reduce waste to landfill >80%, but increase water demand between 1% and 22% depending on cooling system and waste tonnage. Outcomes depend on how the Fort Carson system is defined, because some components represent multiple net zero areas (food represents waste and energy), and some actions require embodied resources (energy generation potentially requires water and off‐base feedstock). We suggest that integrating multiple net zero goals can lead to lower environmental impact for military bases.
Structure and function of the septum nasi and the underlying tension chord in crocodylians
Authors: Klenner Sebastian , Witzel Ulrich , Paris Frank , Distler Claudia
Published: November 2015

A long rostrum has distinct advantages for prey capture in an aquatic or semi‐aquatic environment but at the same time poses severe problems concerning stability during biting. We here investigate the role of the septum nasi of brevirostrine crocodilians for load‐absorption during mastication. Histologically, both the septum nasi and the septum interorbitale consist of hyaline cartilage and therefore mainly resist compression. However, we identified a strand of tissue extending longitudinally below the septum nasi that is characterized by a high content of collagenous and elastic fibers and could therefore resist tensile stresses. This strand of tissue is connected with the m. pterygoideus anterior. Two‐dimensional finite element modeling shows that minimization of bending in the crocodilian skull can only be achieved if tensile stresses are counteracted by a strand of tissue. We propose that the newly identified strand of tissue acts as an active tension chord necessary for stabilizing the long rostrum of crocodilians during biting by transforming the high bending stress of the rostrum into moderate compressive stress.
Psychological Support, Puberty Suppression, and Psychosocial Functioning in Adolescents with Gender Dysphoria
Authors: Costa Rosalia , Dunsford Michael , Skagerberg Elin , Holt Victoria , Carmichael Polly , Colizzi Marco
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Puberty suppression by gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRHa) is prescribed to relieve the distress associated with pubertal development in adolescents with gender dysphoria (GD) and thereby to provide space for further exploration. However, there are limited longitudinal studies on puberty suppression outcome in GD. Also, studies on the effects of psychological support on its own on GD adolescents' well-being have not been reported.

Aim

This study aimed to assess GD adolescents' global functioning after psychological support and puberty suppression.

Methods

Two hundred one GD adolescents were included in this study. In a longitudinal design we evaluated adolescents' global functioning every 6 months from the first visit.

Main Outcome Measures

All adolescents completed the Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale (UGDS), a self-report measure of GD-related discomfort. We used the Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS) to assess the psychosocial functioning of adolescents.

Results

At baseline, GD adolescents showed poor functioning with a CGAS mean score of 57.7 ± 12.3. GD adolescents' global functioning improved significantly after 6 months of psychological support (CGAS mean score: 60.7 ± 12.5; P < 0.001). Moreover, GD adolescents receiving also puberty suppression had significantly better psychosocial functioning after 12 months of GnRHa (67.4 ± 13.9) compared with when they had received only psychological support (60.9 ± 12.2, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Psychological support and puberty suppression were both associated with an improved global psychosocial functioning in GD adolescents. Both these interventions may be considered effective in the clinical management of psychosocial functioning difficulties in GD adolescents.
Brain Types and Wages
Authors: Drydakis Nick
Published: November 2015

We examine the association between brain types and wages using the UK Behavioural Study data set for the period 2011–13. By applying empathizing–systemizing theory, the estimations suggest that, for men and women, systemizing traits are associated with higher wage returns than empathizing traits and that a Type S brain (entailing greater skills in directing systems) is associated with higher wage rewards than a Type E brain (entailing more social skills). Interestingly, the estimations suggest that the wage returns of empathizing and systemizing traits vary by occupation and that each trait might provide an absolute wage return advantage in certain occupations.
Distal esophageal spasm and the Chicago classification: is timing everything?
Authors: De Schepper H. U. , Ponds F. A. M. , Oors J. M. , Smout A. J. P. M. , Bredenoord A. J.
Published: November 2015

Background

According to the Chicago classification of esophageal motility disorders, distal esophageal spasm (DES) is defined as premature esophageal contractions (distal latency [DL] <4.5 s) for ≥20% of swallows, in the presence of a normal mean integral relaxation pressure (IRP). However, some patients with symptoms of DES have rapid contractions with a normal DL. The aim of this study was to characterize these patients and compare their clinical characteristics to those of patients classified as DES.

Methods

We retrospectively compared clinical characteristics and high‐resolution manometry findings of patients with rapid contractions with normal latency to those meeting the Chicago classification criteria for DES.

Key Results

Over a 3‐year period, nine patients were diagnosed with DES and 14 showed rapid contractions in the distal esophagus with normal latency. The latter were younger than DES patients (60 ± 4 vs 72 ± 3 years, p < 0.05). Dysphagia and retrosternal pain occurred to a similar degree in both groups. Weight loss and abnormal barium esophagogram tended to be more frequent in DES patients. There was no difference in contractile front velocity (CFV) and in distal contractile integral (DCI) between patients with DES and rapid contractions with normal latency. Lower esophageal sphincter pressures were not different between groups. However, IRP was significantly higher in DES compared to rapid contractions with normal latency (11.7 ± 0.6 mmHg vs 7.6 ± 1.2 mmHg, p < 0.05), albeit still within the normal range.

Conclusions & Inferences

These data suggest that patients with simultaneous contractions with normal latency represent a group of patients with many features similar to DES.
The one and the many: the search for unity in nature
Authors: Gleiser Marcelo
Published: November 2015

The essence of physical reality—what the world consists of—has been a heated focus of contention for millennia. First with philosophers and then with physicists, the debate has been polarized since the beginning: while those loosely known as Platonists search for an underlying unity in nature, others caution that such unity is unachievable in practice and in principle. In this essay, we review both positions, arguing strongly for the latter in anticipation of experimental results from the Large Hadron Collider, the particle accelerator from the European Center for Nuclear Research. We further argue that, for the first time in history, the material essence of reality could be determined from an empirical standpoint as opposed to a purely dialectic one, settling the age‐old debate.
Citizens' Blame of Politicians for Public Service Failure: Experimental Evidence about Blame Reduction through Delegation and Contracting
Authors: James Oliver , Jilke Sebastian , Petersen Carolyn , Van de Walle Steven
Published: November 2015

Theories of blame suggest that contracting out public service delivery reduces citizens’ blame of politicians for service failure. The authors use an online experiment with 1,000 citizen participants to estimate the effects of information cues summarizing service delivery arrangements on citizens’ blame of English local government politicians for poor street maintenance. Participants were randomized to one of four cues: no information about service delivery arrangements, politicians’ involvement in managing delivery, delegation to a unit inside government managing delivery, and delegation through a contract with a private firm managing delivery. The politicians managing delivery cue raises blame compared to citizens having no information. However, the contract with a private firm cue does not reduce blame compared to either no information or the politicians managing delivery cue. Instead, the delegation to a unit inside government cue reduces blame compared to politicians managing delivery, suggesting that delegation to public managers, not contracting, reduces blame in this context.
Assessment of family functioning: evaluation of the General Functioning Scale in a Swedish Bariatric Sample
Authors: Bylund Ami , Årestedt Kristofer , Benzein Eva , Thorell Anders , Persson Carina
Published: November 2015

Background

The General Functioning Scale (GFS) was developed to assess self‐perceived overall family functioning. The scale has satisfactory psychometric properties, is internationally recognised and has been used in different contexts. However, no validated Swedish version is available. Healthy family functioning can support patients and help them adhere to treatment regimens. Moreover, it maintains the physical and emotional health and that of the family as a unit. Yet, there is limited information regarding family functioning postgastric bypass surgery. Thus, it is important to use validated instruments to understand family functioning in bariatric contexts.

Aim

To evaluate aspects of reliability and validity in GFS in a Swedish bariatric sample, focusing on factor structure.

Method

The Swedish version of the GFS (S‐GFS) was administered on two occasions to 163 participants who had undergone gastric bypass surgery 6–8 weeks prior to testing. Internal consistency, temporal stability and construct validity were assessed.

Results

Data were positively skewed. The S‐GFS showed good internal consistency (ordinal α = 0.92) with a sufficient overall mean interitem correlation (0.500) and adequate temporal stability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.833). After modifying response alternatives, confirmatory factor analysis indicated acceptable fit for a one‐factor model.

Conclusion

The scale is a promising tool for assessing family functioning in bariatric settings. The S‐GFS showed satisfactory reliability – consistent with prior research – and acceptable validity in the study sample. This study contributes to the limited research on the scale's validity. However, the S‐GFS needs to be evaluated in different cultural and clinical contexts, focusing on various aspects of validity and responsiveness (sensitivity to detect significant change over time) in different samples.
Media Coverage of State Legislatures: Negative, Neutral, or Positive?*
Authors: Rosenson Beth A.
Published: November 2015

Objective

To evaluate how neutral newspapers are in their coverage of state legislatures and whether the tone of this coverage is affected by the partisan orientation of the newspaper's owners and by the focus of the stories.

Methods

I examine hard news stories in four newspapers from two states, during April 2005, to assess the tone of coverage (positive, neutral, or negative) of their state legislatures and test whether tone varies with owner partisanship and focus of the particular news story on the whole legislature or individual legislators.

Results

The majority of coverage (81 percent) is neutral in tone. There is no difference in tone when the newspaper's owners share the same partisan orientation as the state legislature compared to when they have a different partisan orientation. There is no difference in tone when the focus of the story is on the whole legislature instead of on individual legislators.

Conclusion

Contrary to scholarship that suggests the media is negative toward political institutions (including legislatures), or partisan in its coverage, tone is largely neutral. When covering state legislatures, newspaper reporters adhere for the most part to the professional standard of objectivity or neutrality.
Effects of Student‐Teacher Congruence on Students’ Learning Performance: A Dyadic Approach*
Authors: Lai Tzu‐Ling
Published: November 2015

Objective

The concept of person‐environment fit and how it influences performance have received increasing interest in the education field. In this study, a teacher's values orientation represents the environment and, therefore, we employed a dyadic fit relationship approach to examine whether the congruence of student‐teacher values influences students’ learning performance.

Methods

The research data were retrieved from a large database, the Taiwan Education Panel Survey. A dyadic profile similarity index method was conducted to measure student‐teacher congruence.

Results

The results indicate that (a) students and teachers share a common education values structure; and (b) the values congruence between students and their teachers may influence students’ learning performance.

Conclusions

The research findings imply that similarities in values between students and teachers could affect student learning. However, intrinsic education values fit and extrinsic education values fit seems to function differently in this relationship.
Spouse's Religious Commitment and Marital Quality: Clarifying the Role of Gender*
Authors: Perry Samuel L.
Published: November 2015

Objective

Research on religion and marriage consistently finds a positive association between spousal religious commitment and more positive marital outcomes. But findings regarding the moderating influence of gender on this relationship have been mixed. This article clarifies whether returns to marital quality from having a devout spouse are greater for married women or men.

Method

Drawing on data from the nationally representative 2006 Portraits of American Life Study, and utilizing 12 different measures of marital quality, I estimate ordinary least squares (OLS) and logistic regression models to test my hypotheses.

Results

In analyses of the full sample, spouse's religious commitment generally predicts positive marital outcomes, net of controls for respondents’ gender as well as their religious and sociodemographic characteristics. However, when models are estimated for women and men separately, the returns to marital quality from having a religiously committed spouse are much stronger and more consistent for women than for men.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that, ceteris paribus, having a spouse who is more religious predicts positive marriage outcomes, but women benefit from having a religiously committed spouse more than men do. Possible explanations are discussed.
Questionable expression of unstable DQ heterodimer containing HLA‐DQA1*01:07
Authors: Miyadera H. , Bungener L. B. , Kusano S. , Yokoyama S. , Tokunaga K. , Hepkema B. G.
Published: November 2015

Human leukocyte antigens (HLA)‐DQA1*01:07 was identified as an HLA‐DQ blank specificity that segregated with the serological HLA‐A2, ‐B7, ‐DR14, ‐DR52 haplotype, which carried DQB1*05:03. The blank specificity of DQA1*01:07‐DQB1*05:03 may be because of lack of reactivity of available typing sera, or disruption of proper assembly of DQ heterodimer. The cDNA sequence of DQA1*01:07 is nearly identical to DQA1*01:04 except for a variant at position 304, which results in the replacement of an arginine with a cysteine at 79α. To determine whether the DQA1*01:07 product can be expressed on cell‐surface, we co‐expressed DQA1*01:07 with various DQB1*05 or *06 alleles in fibroblast cells. Cell‐surface expression of DQ was detectable when DQA1*01:07 was co‐expressed with DQB1*06:04 but undetectable with other DQB1*05 and DQB1*06 alleles, including DQB1*05:03, to which DQA1*01:07 was encoded in cis. These data suggest that DQA1*01:07 may act as a phenotypically null allele in the DQA1*01:07‐DQB1*05:03 haplotype, while it can be expressed at a low level in the presences of certain DQB1*06 alleles, such as DQB1*06:04, in trans. Based on the null or low expression of DQA1*01:07 as shown in the previous and present studies, DQA1*01:07 has recently been renamed to DQA1*01:07Q, indicating its questionable expression.
The Fusion of Public Health into Kinesiology
Authors: Ainsworth Barbara E. , Hooker Steven P.
Published: November 2015

The health-enhancing benefits of regular physical activity have been theorized for thousands of years. Within the past 25 years, public health agencies, health-related organizations, and health-focused foundations have recognized regular physical activity as a major factor in preventing premature morbidity and mortality. Colleges and universities have experienced a paradigm shift in applying public health strategies to prepare graduates in understanding how to reduce the impact of sedentary lifestyles on health outcomes. For nearly 20 years, some kinesiology departments have expanded from traditional curricula to new courses and degrees in promoting physical activity in the community, the application of epidemiology concepts to physical activity, and the study of policy and environmental approaches to promoting physical activity. Given the high prevalence of physical activity insufficient to prevent premature morbidity and mortality, continuing educational efforts are needed to assure kinesiology students have the skills and information needed to promote physical activity in communities to people of all ages and abilities.
Historical Context and Current Status of the Intersection of Physical Activity and Public Health: Results of the 2015 American Kinesiology Association’s Opportunities for Kinesiology Survey
Authors: Cardinal Bradley J. , Kang Minsoo , Farnsworth James L. , Welk Gregory J.
Published: November 2015

Kinesiology leaders were surveyed regarding their views of the (re)emergence of physical activity and public health. Their views were captured via a 25-item, online survey conducted in 2014. The survey focused on four areas: (a) types of affiliation with public health; (b) program options and course coverage; (c) outreach programming; and (d) perspectives on integration. Member and nonmember institutions of the American Kinesiology Association received the survey. Responses were received from 139 institutional leaders, resulting in an overall response rate of 21.4%. Key findings included that the combination of physical activity and public health was seen as both a stand-alone subdisciplinary area within kinesiology and also an area that has a great deal of potential for collaboration, the acquisition of external funding, and further strengthening of community outreach and engagement. The survey results are placed in historical context and interpreted with various caveats and limitations in mind.
Implementing Service-Learning Through a Community-Based Fitness Program
Authors: Johnson Lisa G. , Baker Birgitta L.
Published: November 2015

Louisiana State University’s School of Kinesiology has partnered with the Dr. Leo S. Butler Community Fitness Center in Baton Rouge, LA since 2003 offering our fitness studies concentration majors a unique service-learning experience. The center is located in a community with citizens battling many health issues, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, with limited access and resources that promote a heathy lifestyle. Students enrolled in a senior capstone course work with the community members in the Sensational Seniors fitness program. This fitness program addresses some of those needs by providing a variety of group exercise sessions promoting overall health and longevity for the participants. Our students are able to apply theoretical concepts learned in lectures and laboratories to address public health concerns in a real-life setting. The students lead group fitness activities, monitor blood pressures, and disseminate appropriate and updated health and exercise information for the seniors.
Integrating a Clinical Exercise Gerontology Experience into a Kinesiology Curriculum
Authors: Gilson Todd A. , Deldin Anthony
Published: November 2015

In the next 45 years it is estimated that individuals aged 65 and older will increase by 93% in the United States. This population will require a reexamination in thinking related to what retirement is and how seniors desire to maintain their quality of life. Thus, with this demographic shift, new career opportunities will be available for students in older adult fitness, and kinesiology graduates can be at the forefront of providing physical activity to promote public health. Through the exploration of an off-campus clinical exercise gerontology experience at Northern Illinois University, specifics of the program and potential barriers are discussed, with an eye toward assisting other institutions that wish to begin/enhance a similar program. Finally, benefits and future opportunities are highlighted showing how this partnership has led to an improved quality of life for seniors and strengthened relationships with the larger community.
A Doctoral Degree in Physical Education and Health: A Next Generation Perspective
Authors: Todorovich John R. , Drost Daniel K. , Bridges F. Stephen , Wirth Christopher K.
Published: November 2015

Disciplinary isolation has facilitated health education, public health, and physical education professionals to sometimes pursue common goals without the benefit of interdisciplinary collaboration and perspectives. Recognizing the potential benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration efforts to solve complex problems, faculty members at the University of West Florida developed an innovative doctoral program combining the disciplines of physical education, health education, and health promotion. Beginning with the salient common ground of issues related to engagement in physical activity, the program is designed to explore, compare, and contrast best practices in research and practice from each discipline. Benefits include synergistic solutions to common problems, graduates who transcend traditional professional silos to be more impactful, and the creation of innovative research endeavors. Graduates also find that they meet contemporary workforce needs outside of academia and are more marketable as faculty in kinesiology and health-related departments because of their rich, multidisciplinary knowledge base. Challenges to program implementation include prior student socialization from traditional studies in their disciplines and faculty working to move beyond their professional comfort zones to collaboratively mentor students in the program.
Instructive roles for cytokine-receptor binding parameters in determining signaling and functional potency
Authors: Moraga Ignacio , Richter David , Wilmes Stephan , Winkelmann Hauke , Jude Kevin , Thomas Christoph , Suhoski Megan M. , Engleman Edgar G. , Piehler Jacob , Garcia K. Christopher
Published: November 2015

Mathematical modeling of the cellular responses to cytokine variants of differing binding affinities may help design better therapies.
Pharmacodynamics of Ceftolozane plus Tazobactam Studied in an
In Vitro
Pharmacokinetic Model of Infection
Authors: MacGowan Alasdair P. , Noel Alan R. , Tomaselli Sharon G. , Nicholls Donna , Bowker Karen E.
Published: November 2015

Ceftolozane plus tazobactam is an antipseudomonal cephalosporin combined with tazobactam, an established beta-lactamase inhibitor, and has
in vitro
potency against a range of clinically important β-lactamase-producing bacteria, including most extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL)-positive
Enterobacteriaceae
. The pharmacodynamics of β-lactam–β-lactamase inhibitor combinations presents a number of theoretical and practical challenges, including modeling different half-lives of the compounds. In this study, we studied the pharmacodynamics of ceftolozane plus tazobactam against
Escherichia coli
and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
using an
in vitro
pharmacokinetic model of infection. Five strains of
E. coli
, including three clinical strains plus two CTX-M-15 (one high and one moderate) producers, and five strains of
P. aeruginosa
, including two with OprD overexpression and AmpC β-lactamases, were employed. Ceftolozane MICs (
E. coli
, 0.12 to 0.25 mg/liter, and
P. aeruginosa
, 0.38 to 8 mg/liter) were determined in the presence of 4 mg/liter tazobactam. Dose ranging of ceftolozane (percentage of time in which the free-drug concentration exceeds the MIC [
fT
>MIC], 0 to 100%) plus tazobactam (human pharmacokinetics) was simulated every 8 hours, with half-lives (
t
1/2
) of 2.5 and 1 h, respectively. Ceftolozane and tazobactam concentrations were confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The ceftolozane-plus-tazobactam
fT
>MIC values at 24 h for a static effect and a 1-log and 2-log drop in initial inoculum for
E. coli
were 27.8% ± 5.6%, 33.0% ± 5.6%, and 39.6% ± 8.5%, respectively. CTX-M-15 production did not affect the 24-h
fT
>MIC for
E. coli
strains. The ceftolozane-plus-tazobactam
fT
>MIC values for a 24-h static effect and a 1-log and 2-log drop for
P. aeruginosa
were 24.9% ± 3.0%, 26.6% ± 3.9%, and 31.2% ± 3.6%. Despite a wide range of absolute MICs, the killing remained predictable as long as the MICs were normalized to the corresponding
fT
>MIC. Emergence of resistance on 4× MIC plates and 8× MIC plates occurred maximally at an
f
T
>MIC of 10 to 30% and increased as time of exposure increased. The
fT
>MIC for a static effect for ceftolozane plus tazobactam is less than that observed with other cephalosporins against
E. coli
and
P. aeruginosa
and is more similar to the
fT
>MIC reported for carbapenems.
Extracellular DNA Acidifies Biofilms and Induces Aminoglycoside Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Wilton Mike , Charron-Mazenod Laetitia , Moore Richard , Lewenza Shawn
Published: November 2015

Biofilms consist of surface-adhered bacterial communities encased in an extracellular matrix composed of DNA, exopolysaccharides, and proteins. Extracellular DNA (eDNA) has a structural role in the formation of biofilms, can bind and shield biofilms from aminoglycosides, and induces antimicrobial peptide resistance mechanisms. Here, we provide evidence that eDNA is responsible for the acidification ofPseudomonas aeruginosaplanktonic cultures and biofilms. Further, we show that acidic pH and acidification via eDNA constitute a signal that is perceived byP. aeruginosato induce the expression of genes regulated by the PhoPQ and PmrAB two-component regulatory systems. PlanktonicP. aeruginosacultured in exogenous 0.2% DNA or under acidic conditions demonstrates a 2- to 8-fold increase in aminoglycoside resistance. This resistance phenotype requires the aminoarabinose modification of lipid A and the production of spermidine on the bacterial outer membrane, which likely reduce the entry of aminoglycosides. Interestingly, the additions of the basic amino acidl-arginine and sodium bicarbonate neutralize the pH and restoreP. aeruginosasusceptibility to aminoglycosides, even in the presence of eDNA. These data illustrate that the accumulation of eDNA in biofilms and infection sites can acidify the local environment and that acidic pH promotes theP. aeruginosaantibiotic resistance phenotype.
Model-Based Evaluation of Higher Doses of Rifampin Using a Semimechanistic Model Incorporating Autoinduction and Saturation of Hepatic Extraction
Authors: Chirehwa Maxwell T. , Rustomjee Roxana , Mthiyane Thuli , Onyebujoh Philip , Smith Peter , McIlleron Helen , Denti Paolo
Published: November 2015

Rifampin is a key sterilizing drug in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). It induces its own metabolism, but neither the onset nor the extent of autoinduction has been adequately described. Currently, the World Health Organization recommends a rifampin dose of 8 to 12 mg/kg of body weight, which is believed to be suboptimal, and higher doses may potentially improve treatment outcomes. However, a nonlinear increase in exposure may be observed because of saturation of hepatic extraction and hence this should be taken into consideration when a dose increase is implemented. Intensive pharmacokinetic (PK) data from 61 HIV-TB-coinfected patients in South Africa were collected at four visits, on days 1, 8, 15, and 29, after initiation of treatment. Data were analyzed by population nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. Rifampin PKs were best described by using a transit compartment absorption and a well-stirred liver model with saturation of hepatic extraction, including a first-pass effect. Autoinduction was characterized by using an exponential-maturation model: hepatic clearance almost doubled from the baseline to steady state, with a half-life of around 4.5 days. The model predicts that increases in the dose of rifampin result in more-than-linear drug exposure increases as measured by the 24-h area under the concentration-time curve. Simulations with doses of up to 35 mg/kg produced results closely in line with those of clinical trials.