bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teacher learning communities: the landscape of subject leadership
Authors: chow alice w.k.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Teacher learning communities (TLCs) formed within subject departments are conceptualized as reform platform for facilitating school improvement and teacher development. The purpose of this paper is to examine the ways in which three TLCs were structured and managed for generating change capability in secondary schools in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

– A review of the literature on the contribution of learning communities to teacher professional development, and the functions and styles of subject leadership provides the theoretical background of the study. Participant observations and semi-structured interviews were employed as the main instruments for the investigation into the potentials of TLCs for enhancing professional renewals. Narrative accounts were obtained from a total of 21 teachers (including three subject leaders) on the nature and process of their participation in the renewal projects.

Findings

– The findings of the interview study reveal the landscape of subject leadership orientations that shaped the collaborative practices, power relations and knowledge representations within TLCs. Variability is noted in the subject leaders’ concerns for harmonious relationship, executive control, professional growth and leadership empowerment. The spectrum of knowledge structure in these communities is marked by a hierarchical relationship on one end, and a heterarchical relationship on the other.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper portrays the dynamics within three TLCs, and depicts a continuum of three leadership styles. The literature on subject leadership in TLCs could be enriched with further investigations into the contextual variables and sources of influence that affect the choice of leadership orientations of subject leaders who grapple with a balance between managerial imperative for control and accountability and a learning imperative for participative explorations that satisfy teachers’ aspirations for autonomy and creative investments in their own professional enhancement.

Practical implications

– Subject leadership training should emcompass reflective discourse on epistemological beliefs and assumptions on teacher learning and development, and leadership orientations that shape collaborative professional renewal practices.

Originality/value

– While research studies conducted in the Western world show that reflective and collaborative inquiries within professional communities have helped to improve classroom practices and teacher development (e.g. Hord, 1997), yet little is known about the management practices of subject leaders that shape the internal cultural conditions, power relations and knowledge representation within their departments in the context of Hong Kong.
New models of assessment and prescription of smart assisted living technologies for personalised support of older and disabled people
Authors: Doughty Kevin , Williams Gareth
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to introduce an end-to-end process to improve the prescription, uptake and utilisation of assisted living technologies in order to improve outcomes for older and disabled people.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approach involved consideration of the ways in which people’s support needs are considered and how a more relevant picture can be drawn using their own goals and the issues and obstacles that prevent them achieving improvement. New models of support were introduced in order to improve the suitability of prescriptions for people who lived under different circumstances, sometimes with family carers.

Findings

– It was found that the application of an enhanced assessment approach required professionals and family members to understand more about the range of available technologies and their limitations. In order to avoid rejection of the technology, there will be a need for service providers to extend the range of applications that they offer, and to consider the suitability of the home environment for introducing new systems.

Practical implications

– The new model of assessment and prescription will improve the options for independent living for many people with minor disabilities and age-related problems.

Social implications

– The correct use of assistive technologies will be improved leading to users having more confidence in the use of technologies to support independence in place of conventional and expensive care services.

Originality/value

– The new model of assessment and prescription described in this paper is novel and developed by the authors as original work. Its value is that it disrupts current assessment schemes and will encourage innovation in prescription, and a more person-centred approach to satisfying the needs of vulnerable people.
HeadBanger: controlling switchable software with head gesture
Authors: Oppenheim Matthew
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a novel non-contact method of using head movement to control software without the need for wearable devices.

Design/methodology/approach

– A webcam and software are used to track head position. When the head is moved through a virtual target, a keystroke is simulated. The system was assessed by participants with impaired mobility using Sensory Software’s Grid 2 software as a test platform.

Findings

– The target user group could effectively use this system to interact with switchable software.

Practical implications

– Physical head switches could be replaced with virtual devices, reducing fatigue and dissatisfaction.

Originality/value

– Using a webcam to control software using head gestures where the participant does not have to wear any specialised technology or a marker. This system is shown to be of benefit to motor impaired participants for operating switchable software.
The performance of cross-border acquirers from emerging economies
Authors: Ma Xiaobai , Zhu Yiying , Cai Wenyuan
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to evaluate the value creation of cross-border acquisitions conducted by Chinese firms and determinants that result in the different performance. During the recent decades, the world has witnessed multinational enterprises (MNEs) from emerging economies undertaking aggressive cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M & As). This phenomenon raises great attention in the international business community, and also challenges the traditional understanding in the extant literature.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors examine 272 cross-border M & As associated with 48 target countries during the period 1996-2012.

Findings

– Evidences show that cross-border expansions on average point to negative performance in the short term. The authors also find that prior cross-border M & A experiences, ownership structure of the acquirer (state-owned vs private) and acquirer size positively affect the performance of the acquiring firm.

Originality/value

– In addition to contributing to cross-border M & A literature, the findings also provide useful guidance to outward foreign direct investment by firms from emerging economies.
Dental students’ perception of their approaches to learning in a PBL programme
Authors: Haghparast H. , Ghorbani A. , Rohlin M.
Published: March 2016

Aim

To compare dental students’ perceptions of their learning approaches between different years of a problem‐based learning (PBL) programme. The hypothesis was that in a comparison between senior and junior students, the senior students would perceive themselves as having a higher level of deep learning approach and a lower level of surface learning approach than junior students would. This hypothesis was based on the fact that senior students have longer experience of a student‐centred educational context, which is supposed to underpin student learning.

Participants and Methods

Students of three cohorts (first year, third year and fifth year) of a PBL‐based dental programme were asked to respond to a questionnaire (R‐SPQ‐2F) developed to analyse students’ learning approaches, that is deep approach and surface approach, using four subscales including deep strategy, surface strategy, deep motive and surface motive. The results of the three cohorts were compared using a one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA). A P‐value was set at <0.05 for statistical significance.

Results

The fifth‐year students demonstrated a lower surface approach than the first‐year students (P = 0.020). There was a significant decrease in surface strategy from the first to the fifth year (P = 0.003). No differences were found concerning deep approach or its subscales (deep strategy and deep motive) between the mean scores of the three cohorts.

Conclusions

The results did not show the expected increased depth in learning approaches over the programme years.
Dental students’ self‐perceived communication skills for patient motivation
Authors: Rindlisbacher F. , Davis J. M. , Ramseier C. A.
Published: March 2016

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate dental students’ self‐perceived communication skills for patient motivation over the course of their training.

Materials and methods

Pre‐clinical and clinical dental students at the University of Bern School of Dental Medicine were surveyed annually from 2008 to 2011 utilising a written questionnaire. Self‐reported data were pooled from all classes per time‐point in the curriculum.

Results

A total of 157 students were surveyed from five classes with an overall response rate of 94.8%. A total of 393 questionnaires were available for analysis. The self‐perceived skill‐sets for general patient care and patient communication were rated at the end of the first clinical year with mean Visual Analog Scale values of 75.0 ± 1.6 and 75.1 ± 1.5, respectively. During the second clinical year, the self‐perceived skills increased in both patient care (82.5 ± 1.2, P = 0.0004) and patient communication (81.4 ± 1.4, P = 0.0034). The students rated their competence higher when providing oral hygiene instructions as opposed to motivating patients to quit tobacco use, modify their diet or employ stress‐reduction strategies (P < 0.005). At the end of the pre‐clinical year, 74.5% of the students expressed interest in receiving more extensive communication training (P < 0.004).

Conclusions

Though dental students in this study demonstrated a steady increase in their level of comfort motivating patients to utilise oral hygiene instructions, they also expressed the desire for more motivational training early in their curriculum. Therefore, these results may indicate the need to enhance communications training in patient motivation on all behavioural aspects early in the dental curriculum.
Comparison of digital scanning and polyvinyl siloxane impression techniques by dental students: instructional efficiency and attitudes towards technology
Authors: Marti A. M. , Harris B. T. , Metz M. J. , Morton D. , Scarfe W. C. , Metz C. J. , Lin W.–S.
Published: March 2016

Introduction

With increasing use of digital scanning with restorative procedures in the dental office, it becomes necessary that educational institutions adopt instructional methodology for introducing this technology together with conventional impression techniques.

Objective

To compare the time differences between instructing dental students on digital scanning (DS) (LAVA C.O.S. digital impression system) and a conventional impression technique (CI) (polyvinyl siloxane), and to compare students’ attitudes and beliefs towards both techniques.

Materials and methods

Volunteer sophomore dental students (n = 25) with no prior experience in clinical impressions were recruited and IRB consent obtained. Participants responded to a pre‐and post‐exposure questionnaire. Participants were instructed on the use of both DS and CI for a single tooth full coverage crown restoration using a consecutive sequence of video lecture, investigator‐led demonstration and independent impression exercise. The time necessary for each step (minutes) was recorded. Statistical significance was calculated using dependent t‐tests (time measurements) and 2‐sample Mann–Whitney (questionnaire responses).

Results

The time spent teaching students was greater for DS than CI for video lecture (15.95 and 10.07 min, P = 0.0000), demonstration time (9.06 and 4.70 min, P = 0.0000) and impression time (18.17 and 8.59 min, P = 0.0000). Prior to the instruction and practice, students considered themselves more familiar with CI (3.96) than DS (1.96) (P = 0.0000). After the instruction and practice, participants reported CI technique proved significantly easier than expected (pre‐instruction: 3.52 and post‐instruction: 4.08, P = 0.002). However, overall participants’ perception of ease of use for DS was not influenced by this instruction and practice experience (pre‐instruction: 3.84 and post‐instruction: 3.56, P = 0.106). Despite the results, 96% of participants expressed an expectation that DS will become their predominant impression technique during their careers.

Conclusions

Dental students with no clinical experience have high expectations for digital scanning, and despite their initial difficulty, expect it to become their primary impression technique during their professional futures. The instructional time necessary for introducing DS into the curriculum is significantly greater than CI in both classroom (lecture) and clinical simulation settings (investigator‐led demonstration).
It is important that they care – older persons’ experiences of telephone advice nursing
Authors: Holmström Inger K , Nokkoudenmäki Mai‐Britt , Zukancic Selma , Sundler Annelie J
Published: March 2016

Aims and objectives

The aim of the study was to explore older persons’ experiences of telephone advice nursing at primary healthcare centres.

Background

Telephone advice nursing is expanding worldwide, and the older population is increasing. Little is known about older persons’ experiences of telephone advice nursing provided by primary healthcare.

Design

This study has a descriptive design with a qualitative inductive approach.

Methods

Data were collected via interviews with a purposive sample of 10 older persons in 2014. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

The older persons’ experiences were described in two themes: the patient‐friendly aspects of telephone advice nursing and the patient‐unfriendly aspects of telephone advice nursing. The themes can be understood as two sides of the same coin; the differences point to both the advantages and disadvantages of the service and are further illuminated through seven subthemes.

Conclusions

This study contributes to increased awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of the telephone advice nursing system as experienced by older persons. To be the focus of attention during calls was highlighted as important; and clear communication was deemed crucial. When the communication between the nurse and the older persons was perceived as good and the perspective of the caller was the focus, an experience of safety and satisfaction was described. Older persons had great confidence in the telephone nurses’ competence and perceived their ability to access the service as mostly good, even if it was sometimes difficult to use the service.

Relevance to clinical practice

The communicative competence of telephone nurses is essential when providing telephone advice nursing to older persons. In addition, a person‐centred approach is important to provide optimal care in telephone advice nursing.
Becoming ex‐obese: narrations about identity changes before and after the experience of the bariatric surgery
Authors: Faccio Elena , Nardin Andrea , Cipolletta Sabrina
Published: March 2016

Aims and objectives

This exploratory research investigates obese patients’ beliefs and expectations before and one year after bariatric surgery. Changes and resistance to change in the identity system, in the perception of the body, in relationships and in the quality of life were of particular interest.

Background

Although bariatric surgery represents a promising treatment for obesity, nevertheless, it is still under utilised. This may be because, either the intervention is not always easily accessible or because very little is known about its psychological implications.

Design

Open answers provided by participants were analysed through discourse analysis.

Methods

A semi‐structured interview about the exchanges in self‐representations through time was administered to 30 Italian women, 15 of whom were obese before surgery and 15 were ex‐obese, one year after surgery.

Results

The research shows that those participants who have already been operated on are generally satisfied with the results obtained; however, they faced considerable difficulties in adapting their identity to their new body. Participants reported that even one year after surgery they still thought, behaved and related to others as though they were still obese, and only after a change in awareness did they become able to realise they are now ex‐obese.

Conclusions

This paper contributes to the understanding of the unrealistic expectations of patients before surgery compared with the real changes in their lives, as well the difficulties they still faced one year later. More studies in evaluating how bariatric patients live with this long‐term condition are recommended to foster patient‐centered care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Health professionals should also help people to face the difficulties of the postsurgery period, which are linked to the acceptance of the new body and of the new emerging self‐image in relationships with others.
Pharmacokinetics, efficacy prediction indexes, and residue depletion of ribavirin in Atlantic salmon's (Salmo salar) muscle after oral administration in feed
Authors: San Martín B. , Muñoz R. , Cornejo J. , Martínez M. A. , Araya‐Jordán C. , Maddaleno A. , Anadón A.
Published: March 2016

Ribavirin is an antiviral used in human medicine, but it has not been authorized for use in veterinary medicine although it is effective against infectious salmon anemia (ISA) virus, between others. In this study, we present a pharmacokinetic profile of ribavirin in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), efficacy prediction indexes, and the measure of its withdrawal time. To determine the pharmacokinetic profile, fishes were orally administered with a single ribavirin dose of 1.6 mg/kg bw, and then, plasma concentrations were measured at different times. From the time‐vs.‐concentration curve, Cmax = 413.57 ng/mL, Tmax = 6.96 h, AUC = 21394.01 μg·h/mL, t1/2 = 81.61 h, and K10 = 0.0421/h were obtained. Ribavirin reached adequate concentrations during the pharmacokinetic study, with prediction indexes of Cmax/IC50 = 20.7, AUC/IC50 = 1069.7, and T>IC50 = 71 h, where IC is the inhibitory concentration 50%. For ribavirin depletion study, fishes were orally administered with a dairy dose of 1.6 mg/kg bw during 10 days. Concentrations were measured on edible tissue on different days post‐treatment. A linear regression of the time vs. concentration was conducted, obtaining a withdrawal time of 1966 °C days. Results obtained reveal that the dose of 1.6 mg/kg bw orally administered is effective for ISA virus, originating a reasonable withdrawal period within the productive schedules of Atlantic salmon.
Northwest Africa 5958: A weakly altered CM‐related ungrouped chondrite, not a CI3
Authors: Jacquet Emmanuel , Barrat Jean‐Alix , Beck Pierre , Caste Florent , Gattacceca Jérôme , Sonzogni Corinne , Gounelle Matthieu
Published: March 2016

Northwest Africa (NWA) 5958 is a carbonaceous chondrite found in Morocco in 2009. Preliminary chemical and isotopic data leading to its initial classification as C3.0 ungrouped have prompted us to conduct a multitechnique study of this meteorite and present a general description here. The petrography and chemistry of NWA 5958 is most similar to a CM chondrite, with a low degree of aqueous alteration, apparently under oxidizing conditions, and evidence of a second, limited alteration episode manifested by alteration fronts. The oxygen isotopic composition, with ∆'17O = −4.3‰, is more 16O‐rich than all CM chondrites, indicating, along with other compositional arguments, a separate parent body of origin. We suggest that NWA 5958 be reclassified as an ungrouped carbonaceous chondrite related to the CM group.
Septic peritonitis in a dog caused by Anaerobiospirillum succiniproducens
Authors: Courtman Natalie F.
Published: March 2016

This is the first reported case of septic peritonitis caused by Anaerobiospirillum succiniproducens in a dog. The infection was associated with marked exfoliation of reactive mesothelial cells into the abdominal fluid mimicking neoplasia. The source of the infection was not determined but was presumed to be of gastrointestinal origin as A succiniproducens is part of the normal gastrointestinal flora of dogs. Anaerobiospirillum spp. have been previously reported as causing diarrhea and bacteremia in people, particularly if immunocompromised; however, there were no indicators for a compromised immune system in this dog.
Thermoelastic Damping in Asymmetric Three-Layered Microbeam Resonators
Authors: Zuo Wanli , Li Pu , Fang Yuming , Zhang Jianrun
Published: March 2016

Thermoelastic damping (TED) has been recognized as a significant mechanism of energy loss in vacuum-operated microresonators. Three-layered microbeams are common elements in many microresonators. However, only the model for TED in the three-layered microbeams with symmetric structure has been developed in the past. The first and the third layers in these beams have the same thickness and material properties. Thus, the temperature field is symmetric in these beams. In this paper, an analytical expression for TED in the asymmetric three-layered microbeams is developed in the form of an infinite series. The temperature fields in the asymmetric three-layered microbeams are asymmetric. The total damping is obtained by computing the energy dissipated in each layer. It is seen that the values for TED computed by the present model agree well with those computed by the finite-element model. The limitations of the present model are assessed. A simple model is also presented by retaining only the first term. The accuracy of the simple model is also discussed. The present model can be used to optimize the design of three-layered microbeams.
A Study on Electrical Reliability Criterion on Through Silicon Via Packaging
Authors: Lwo Ben-Je , Tseng Kuo-Hao , Tseng Kun-Fu
Published: March 2016

Three-dimensional (3D) structure with through silicon via (TSV) technology is emerging as a key issue in microelectronic packaging industry, and electrical reliability has become one of the main technical subjects for the TSV designs. However, criteria used for TSV reliability tests have not been consistent in the literature, so that the criterion itself becomes a technical argument. To this end, this paper first performed several different reliability tests on the testing packaging with TSV chains, then statistically analyzed the experimental data with different failure criteria on resistance increasing, and finally constructed the Weibull failure curves with parameter extractions. After comparing the results, it is suggested that using different criteria may lead to the same failure mode on Weibull analyses, and 65% of failed devices are recommended as a suitable termination for reliability tests.
Vacuum plasma sprayed coatings using ionic silver doped hydroxyapatite powder to prevent bacterial infection of bone implants
Authors: Guimond-Lischer Stefanie , Ren Qun , Braissant Olivier , Gruner Philipp , Wampfler Bruno , Maniura-Weber Katharina
Published: March 2016

Fast and efficient osseointegration of implants into bone is of crucial importance for their clinical success; a process that can be enhanced by coating the implant surface with hydroxyapatite (HA) using the vacuum plasma spray technology (VPS). However, bacterial infections, especially the biofilm formation on implant surfaces after a surgery, represent a serious complication. With ever-increasing numbers of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, there is great interest in silver (Ag) as an alternative to classical antibiotics due to its broad activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. In the present study, silver ions were introduced into HA spray powder by ion exchange and the HA-Ag powder was applied onto titanium samples by VPS. The Ag-containing surfaces were evaluated for the kinetics of the silver release, its antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus as well as Escherichia coli, and possible cytotoxicity against human bone cells. The HA-Ag coatings with different concentrations of Ag displayed mechanical and compositional properties that fulfill the regulatory requirements. Evaluation of the Ag release kinetic showed a high release rate in the first 24 h followed by a decreasing release rate over the four subsequent days. The HA-Ag coatings showed no cytotoxicity to primary human bone cells while exhibiting antibacterial activity to E. coli and S. aureus.
Optimizing AlF3 atomic layer deposition using trimethylaluminum and TaF5: Application to high voltage Li-ion battery cathodes
Authors: Jackson David H. K. , Laskar Masihhur R. , Fang Shuyu , Xu Shenzhen , Ellis Ryan G. , Li Xiaoqing , Dreibelbis Mark , Babcock Susan E. , Mahanthappa Mahesh K. , Morgan Dane , Hamers Robert J. , Kuech Thomas F.
Published: March 2016

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) of conformal AlF3 coatings onto both flat silicon substrates and high-voltage LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 (NMC) Li-ion battery cathode powders was investigated using a Al(CH3)3/TaF5 precursor combination. This optimized approach employs easily handled ALD precursors, while also obviating the use of highly toxic HF(g). In studies conducted on planar Si wafers, the film's growth mode was dictated by a competition between the desorption and decomposition of Ta reaction byproducts. At T ≥ 200 °C, a rapid decomposition of the Ta reaction byproducts to TaC led to continuous deposition and high concentrations of TaC in the films. A self-limited ALD growth mode was found to occur when the deposition temperature was reduced to 125 °C, and the TaF5 exposures were followed by an extended purge. The lower temperature process suppressed conversion of TaFx(CH3)5−x to nonvolatile TaC, and the long purges enabled nearly complete TaFx(CH3)5−x desorption, leaving behind the AlF3 thin films. NMC cathode powders were coated using these optimized conditions, and coin cells employing these coated cathode particles exhibited significant improvements in charge capacity fade at high discharge rates.
Uncertainties of reverberation time estimation via adaptively identified room impulse responses
Authors: Wu Lifu , Qiu Xiaojun , Burnett Ian , Guo Yecai
Published: March 2016

This paper investigates the reverberation time estimation methods which employ backward integration of adaptively identified room impulse responses (RIRs). Two kinds of conditions are considered; the first is the “ideal condition” where the anechoic and reverberant signals are both known a priori so that the RIRs can be identified using system identification methods. The second is that only the reverberant speech signal is available, and blind identification of the RIRs via dereverberation is employed for reverberation time estimation. Results show that under the “ideal condition,” the average relative errors in 7 octave bands are less than 2% for white noise and 15% for speech, respectively, when both the anechoic and reverberant signals are available. In contrast, under the second condition, the average relative errors of the blindly identified RIR-based reverberation time estimation are around 20%−30% except the 63 Hz octave band. The fluctuation of reverberation times estimated under the second condition is more severe than that under the ideal condition and the relative error for low frequency octave bands is larger than that for high octave bands under both conditions.
Plans for new research hub get critical reception
Authors: Margottini Laura
Published: March 2016

Scientists welcome new money but worry about lack of transparency.
Sizing up the evidence
Authors: Servick Kelly
Published: March 2016

Statisticians are on a mission to reverse a legacy of junk science in the courtroom.
Whose voice is that?
Authors: Rogers Nala
Published: March 2016

New research may make speaker recognition systems more accurate and more objective.
Architecture of the type IVa pilus machine
Authors: Chang Yi-Wei , Rettberg Lee A. , Treuner-Lange Anke , Iwasa Janet , Søgaard-Andersen Lotte , Jensen Grant J.
Published: March 2016

How the bacterial pilus works

Many bacteria, including important pathogens, move by projecting grappling-hook–like extensions called type IV pili from their cell bodies. After these pili attach to other cells or objects in their environment, the bacteria retract the pili to pull themselves forward. Chang
et al.
used electron cryotomography of intact cells to image the protein machines that extend and retract the pili, revealing where each protein component resides. Putting the known structures of the individual proteins in place like pieces of a three-dimensional puzzle revealed insights into how the machine works, including evidence that ATP hydrolysis by cytoplasmic motors rotates a membrane-embedded adaptor that slips pilin subunits back and forth from the membrane onto the pilus.

Science
, this issue p.
10.1126/science.aad2001
Ending hide and seek at sea
Authors: McCauley Douglas J. , Woods Paul , Sullivan Brian , Bergman Bjorn , Jablonicky Caroline , Roan Aaron , Hirshfield Michael , Boerder Kristina , Worm Boris
Published: March 2016

New technologies could revolutionize ocean observation
A bacterium that degrades and assimilates poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Yoshida Shosuke , Hiraga Kazumi , Takehana Toshihiko , Taniguchi Ikuo , Yamaji Hironao , Maeda Yasuhito , Toyohara Kiyotsuna , Miyamoto Kenji , Kimura Yoshiharu , Oda Kohei
Published: March 2016

Some bacteria think plastic is fantastic

Bacteria isolated from outside a bottle-recycling facility can break down and metabolize plastic. The proliferation of plastics in consumer products, from bottles to clothing, has resulted in the release of countless tons of plastics into the environment. Yoshida
et al.
show how the biodegradation of plastics by specialized bacteria could be a viable bioremediation strategy (see the Perspective by Bornscheuer). The new species,
Ideonella sakaiensis
, breaks down the plastic by using two enzymes to hydrolyze PET and a primary reaction intermediate, eventually yielding basic building blocks for growth.

Science
, this issue p.
1196
; see also p.
1154
Generation of multiphoton entangled quantum states by means of integrated frequency combs
Authors: Reimer Christian , Kues Michael , Roztocki Piotr , Wetzel Benjamin , Grazioso Fabio , Little Brent E. , Chu Sai T. , Johnston Tudor , Bromberg Yaron , Caspani Lucia , Moss David J. , Morandotti Roberto
Published: March 2016

Entangled frequency combs

The ability to generate optical frequency combs in which the output light is made up of millions of sharp lines precisely spaced apart has been important for optical applications and for fundamental science. Reimer
et al.
now show that frequency combs can be taken into the quantum regime. They took individual teeth of the combs and quantum-mechanically entangled them to form complex optical states. Because the method is compatible with existing fiber and semiconductor technology, the results demonstrate a possible scalable and practical platform for quantum technologies.

Science
, this issue p.
1176
Wavelike charge density fluctuations and van der Waals interactions at the nanoscale
Authors: Ambrosetti Alberto , Ferri Nicola , DiStasio Robert A. , Tkatchenko Alexandre
Published: March 2016

Describing dispersion forces

Dispersion or van der Waals interactions are attractive forces that arise from induced dipoles. They are not seen just in atoms and molecules but also in larger nanostructures and even macroscopic objects. Ambrosetti
et al.
created a qualitatively correct description of van der Waals interactions between polarizable nanostructures over a wide range of finite distances. This required delocalized electrons that have wavelike electron density fluctuations, unlike the more common approaches with dipoles fixed on atoms. Furthermore, the authors observed an enhancement in the nonlocality of the charge density response on the scale of 10 to 20 nm.

Science
, this issue p.
1171
Clinical Significance and Pathogenesis of Staphylococcal Small Colony Variants in Persistent Infections
Authors: Kahl Barbara C. , Becker Karsten , Löffler Bettina
Published: March 2016

Small colony variants (SCVs) were first described more than 100 years ago for
Staphylococcus aureus
and various coagulase-negative staphylococci. Two decades ago, an association between chronic staphylococcal infections and the presence of SCVs was observed. Since then, many clinical studies and observations have been published which tie recurrent, persistent staphylococcal infections, including device-associated infections, bone and tissue infections, and airway infections of cystic fibrosis patients, to this special phenotype. By their intracellular lifestyle, SCVs exhibit so-called phenotypic (or functional) resistance beyond the classical resistance mechanisms, and they can often be retrieved from therapy-refractory courses of infection. In this review, the various clinical infections where SCVs can be expected and isolated, diagnostic procedures for optimized species confirmation, and the pathogenesis of SCVs, including defined underlying molecular mechanisms and the phenotype switch phenomenon, are presented. Moreover, relevant animal models and suggested treatment regimens, as well as the requirements for future research areas, are highlighted.
Phylogenetic Analysis of Invasive Serotype 1 Pneumococcus in South Africa, 1989 to 2013
Authors: du Plessis Mignon , Allam Mushal , Tempia Stefano , Wolter Nicole , de Gouveia Linda , von Mollendorf Claire , Jolley Keith A. , Mbelle Nontombi , Wadula Jeannette , Cornick Jennifer E. , Everett Dean B. , McGee Lesley , Breiman Robert F. , Gladstone Rebecca A. , Bentley Stephen D. , Klugman Keith P. , von Gottberg Anne
Published: March 2016

Serotype 1 is an important cause of invasive pneumococcal disease in South Africa and has declined following the introduction of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in 2011. We genetically characterized 912 invasive serotype 1 isolates from 1989 to 2013. Simpson's diversity index (D) and recombination ratios were calculated. Factors associated with sequence types (STs) were assessed. Clonal complex 217 represented 96% (872/912) of the sampled isolates. Following the introduction of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), ST diversity increased in children <5 years (D, 0.39 to 0.63,
P
= 0.002) and individuals >14 years (D, 0.35 to 0.54,
P
< 0.001): ST-217 declined proportionately in children <5 years (153/203 [75%] versus 21/37 [57%],
P
= 0.027) and individuals >14 years (242/305 [79%] versus 96/148 [65%],
P
= 0.001), whereas ST-9067 increased (4/684 [0.6%] versus 24/228 [11%],
P
< 0.001). Three subclades were identified within ST-217: ST-217
C1
(353/382 [92%]), ST-217
C2
(15/382 [4%]), and ST-217
C3
(14/382 [4%]). ST-217
C2
, ST-217
C3
, and single-locus variant (SLV) ST-8314 (20/912 [2%]) were associated with nonsusceptibility to chloramphenicol, tetracycline, and co-trimoxazole. ST-8314 (20/912 [2%]) was also associated with increased nonsusceptibility to penicillin (
P
< 0.001). ST-217
C3
and newly reported ST-9067 had higher recombination ratios than those of ST-217
C1
(4.344 versus 0.091,
P
< 0.001; and 0.086 versus 0.013,
P
< 0.001, respectively). Increases in genetic diversity were noted post-PCV13, and lineages associated with antimicrobial nonsusceptibility were identified.
Commentary: Complicated Urinary Tract Infections: What's a Lab To Do?
Authors: Brecher Stephen M.
Published: March 2016

The article by Price et al. in this issue (T. K. Price et al., J Clin Microbiol 54:1216–1222, 2016,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/JCM.00044-16
) advocates for the use of a larger inoculum when culturing urine obtained by “in-and-out” catheterization in a selected female population. Their findings and the resulting challenges will afford clinical microbiologists and specialty physicians an opportunity to review what will or should be done with the additional microbiological culture data.
Multicenter Evaluation of Clinical Diagnostic Methods for Detection and Isolation of Campylobacter spp. from Stool
Authors: Fitzgerald Collette , Patrick Mary , Gonzalez Anthony , Akin Joshua , Polage Christopher R. , Wymore Kate , Gillim-Ross Laura , Xavier Karen , Sadlowski Jennifer , Monahan Jan , Hurd Sharon , Dahlberg Suzanne , Jerris Robert , Watson Renee , Santovenia Monica , Mitchell David , Harrison Cassandra , Tobin-D'Angelo Melissa , DeMartino Mary , Pentella Michael , Razeq Jafar , Leonard Celere , Jung Carrianne , Achong-Bowe Ria , Evans Yaaqobah , Jain Damini , Juni Billie , Leano Fe , Robinson Trisha , Smith Kirk , Gittelman Rachel M. , Garrigan Charles , Nachamkin Irving
Published: March 2016

The use of culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDTs), such as stool antigen tests, as standalone tests for the detection of
Campylobacter
in stool is increasing. We conducted a prospective, multicenter study to evaluate the performance of stool antigen CIDTs compared to culture and PCR for
Campylobacter
detection. Between July and October 2010, we tested 2,767 stool specimens from patients with gastrointestinal illness with the following methods: four types of
Campylobacter
selective media, four commercial stool antigen assays, and a commercial PCR assay. Illnesses from which specimens were positive by one or more culture media or at least one CIDT and PCR were designated “cases.” A total of 95 specimens (3.4%) met the case definition. The stool antigen CIDTs ranged from 79.6% to 87.6% in sensitivity, 95.9 to 99.5% in specificity, and 41.3 to 84.3% in positive predictive value. Culture alone detected 80/89 (89.9% sensitivity)
Campylobacter
jejuni/Campylobacter coli
-positive cases. Of the 209 noncases that were positive by at least one CIDT, only one (0.48%) was positive by all four stool antigen tests, and 73% were positive by just one stool antigen test. The questionable relevance of unconfirmed positive stool antigen CIDT results was supported by the finding that noncases were less likely than cases to have gastrointestinal symptoms. Thus, while the tests were convenient to use, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of
Campylobacter
stool antigen tests were highly variable. Given the relatively low incidence of
Campylobacter
disease and the generally poor diagnostic test characteristics, this study calls into question the use of commercially available stool antigen CIDTs as standalone tests for direct detection of
Campylobacter
in stool.
Functional Transplant of a Dengue Virus Serotype 3 (DENV3)-Specific Human Monoclonal Antibody Epitope into DENV1
Authors: Messer William B. , Yount Boyd L. , Royal Scott R. , de Alwis Ruklanthi , Widman Douglas G. , Smith Scott A. , Crowe James E. , Pfaff Jennifer M. , Kahle Kristen M. , Doranz Benjamin J. , Ibarra Kristie D. , Harris Eva , de Silva Aravinda M. , Baric Ralph S.
Published: March 2016

The four dengue virus (DENV) serotypes, DENV1 through 4, are endemic throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world. While first infection confers long-term protective immunity against viruses of the infecting serotype, a second infection with virus of a different serotype carries a greater risk of severe dengue disease, including dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. Recent studies demonstrate that humans exposed to DENV infections develop neutralizing antibodies that bind to quaternary epitopes formed by the viral envelope (E) protein dimers or higher-order assemblies required for the formation of the icosahedral viral envelope. Here we show that the quaternary epitope target of the human DENV3-specific neutralizing monoclonal antibody (MAb) 5J7 can be partially transplanted into a DENV1 strain by changing the core residues of the epitope contained within a single monomeric E molecule. MAb 5J7 neutralized the recombinant DENV1/3 strain in cell culture and was protective in a mouse model of infection with the DENV1/3 strain. However, the 5J7 epitope was only partially recreated by transplantation of the core residues because MAb 5J7 bound and neutralized wild-type (WT) DENV3 better than the DENV1/3 recombinant. Our studies demonstrate that it is possible to transplant a large number of discontinuous residues between DENV serotypes and partially recreate a complex antibody epitope, while retaining virus viability. Further refinement of this approach may lead to new tools for measuring epitope-specific antibody responses and new vaccine platforms.

IMPORTANCE
Dengue virus is the most important mosquito-borne pathogen of humans worldwide, with approximately one-half the world's population living in regions where dengue is endemic. Dengue immunity following infection is robust and thought to be conferred by antibodies raised against the infecting virus. However, the specific viral components that these antibodies recognize and how they neutralize the virus have been incompletely described. Here we map a region on dengue virus serotype 3 recognized by the human neutralizing antibody 5J7 and then test the functional significance of this region by transplanting it into a serotype 1 virus. Our studies demonstrate a region on dengue virus necessary for 5J7 binding and neutralization. Our work also demonstrates the technical feasibility of engineering dengue viruses to display targets of protective antibodies. This technology can be used to develop new dengue vaccines and diagnostic assays.
Vaccination with Live Attenuated Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) Protects from Mucosal, but Not Necessarily Intravenous, Challenge with a Minimally Heterologous SIV
Authors: Sutton Matthew S. , Burns Charles M. , Weiler Andrea M. , Balgeman Alexis J. , Braasch Andrew , Lehrer-Brey Gabrielle , Friedrich Thomas C. , O'Connor Shelby L.
Published: March 2016

Few studies have evaluated the impact of the viral challenge route on protection against a heterologous simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) challenge. We vaccinated seven macaques with a live attenuated SIV that differed from SIVmac239Δnef by 24 amino acids, called m3KOΔnef. All animals were protected from an intrarectal SIVmac239 challenge, whereas only four animals were protected from subsequent intravenous SIVmac239 challenge. These data suggest that immune responses elicited by vaccination with live attenuated SIV in an individual animal can confer protection from intrarectal challenge while remaining insufficient for protection from intravenous challenge.

IMPORTANCE
Our study is important because we show that vaccinated animals can be protected from a mucosal challenge with a heterologous SIV, but the same animals are not necessarily protected from intravenous challenge with the same virus. This is unique because in most studies, either vaccinated animals are challenged multiple times by the same route or only a single challenge is performed. An individually vaccinated animal is rarely challenged multiple times by different routes, so protection from different challenge routes cannot be measured in the same animal. Our data imply that vaccine-elicited responses in an individual animal may be insufficient for protection from intravenous challenge but may be suitable for protection from a mucosal challenge that better approximates human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) exposure.
Zika Virus: New Clinical Syndromes and Its Emergence in the Western Hemisphere
Authors: Lazear Helen M. , Diamond Michael S.
Published: March 2016

Zika virus (ZIKV) had remained a relatively obscure flavivirus until a recent series of outbreaks accompanied by unexpectedly severe clinical complications brought this virus into the spotlight as causing an infection of global public health concern. In this review, we discuss the history and epidemiology of ZIKV infection, recent outbreaks in Oceania and the emergence of ZIKV in the Western Hemisphere, newly ascribed complications of ZIKV infection, including Guillain-Barré syndrome and microcephaly, potential interactions between ZIKV and dengue virus, and the prospects for the development of antiviral agents and vaccines.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Pulmonary Infection in Humanized Mice Induces Human Anti-RSV Immune Responses and Pathology
Authors: Sharma Anurag , Wu Wenzhu , Sung Biin , Huang Jing , Tsao Tiffany , Li Xiangming , Gomi Rika , Tsuji Moriya , Worgall Stefan
Published: March 2016

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract disease, which causes high rates of morbidity and mortality in infants and the elderly. Models of human RSV pulmonary disease are needed to better understand RSV pathogenesis and to assess the efficacy of RSV vaccines. We assessed the RSV-specific human innate, humoral, and cellular immune responses in humanized mice (mice with a human immune system [HIS mice]) with functional human CD4
+
T and B cells. These mice were generated by introduction of HLA class II genes, various human cytokines, and human B cell activation factor into immunodeficient NOD scid gamma (NSG) mice by the use of an adeno-associated virus vector, followed by engraftment of human hematopoietic stem cells. During the first 3 days of infection, HIS mice lost more weight and cleared RSV faster than NSG mice. Human chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3 (CCL3) and human interleukin-1β (IL-1β) expression was detected in the RSV-infected HIS mice. The pathological features induced by RSV infection in HIS mice included peribronchiolar inflammation, neutrophil predominance in the bronchioalveolar lavage fluid, and enhanced airway mucus production. Human anti-RSV IgG and RSV-neutralizing antibodies were detected in serum and human anti-RSV mucosal IgA was detected in bronchioalveolar lavage fluid for up to 6 weeks. RSV infection induced an RSV-specific human gamma interferon response in HIS mouse splenocytes. These results indicate that human immune cells can induce features of RSV lung disease, including mucus hyperplasia, in murine lungs and that HIS mice can be used to elicit human anti-RSV humoral and cellular immunity.

IMPORTANCE
Infections with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are common and can cause severe lung disease in infants and the elderly. The lack of a suitable animal model with disease features similar to those in humans has hampered efforts to predict the efficacy of novel anti-RSV therapies and vaccines for use in humans. A murine model consisting of mice with a human immune system (HIS mice) could be useful for assessment of RSV disease and anti-RSV responses specific to humans. This study investigates an HIS mouse model to imitate human RSV disease and immune responses. We found that RSV lung infection in HIS mice results in an RSV-specific pathology that mimics RSV disease in humans and induces human anti-RSV immune responses. This model could be useful for better understanding of human RSV disease and for the development of RSV therapies.
Factors in use of family planning services by Syrian women in a refugee camp in Jordan
Authors: West Lucy , Isotta-Day Harriet , Ba-Break Maryam , Morgan Rosemary
Published: March 2016

Background

The Syrian conflict presents the fastest growing refugee crisis in the world today, with over four million people now displaced outside the country. Existing literature suggests that family planning services are often still neglected in crisis response efforts.

Methods

A small-scale qualitative study conducted in May 2013, interviewing Syrian women residing in a Jordanian refugee camp about use and barriers to accessing family planning services.

Results

The study shows that significant barriers remain, and suggests that international attempts to address refugees’ family planning needs remain inconsistent.

Conclusions

Several practical measures are identified to address barriers to access, making the article of both practical and academic relevance.