Search

In ecology, stable‐isotope ratios are widely used to determine diets of organisms and reconstruct food webs. This is usually done by analyzing the stable‐isotope ratios of nitrogen (δ15N), which increase with increasing trophic level, and those of carbon (δ13C), which correlate with the δ13C value of food source(s) and generally differ between terrestrial and marine food sources. Assimilation of food changes stable‐isotope ratios, resulting in different values between the food source and its consumer. These differences are known as isotope trophic discrimination factors and, if known, can be used to determine from the stable‐isotope ratios in the consumer's tissue what the consumer has been eating. What is often ignored is that discrimination factors can differ between consumer's food sources and also between tissue types. Therefore, we performed a controlled feeding study in red knots Calidris canutus to determine discrimination factors between different food sources and red knot tissues. We kept two groups of red knots in captivity on a stable diet, one group feeding on mudsnails and the other on Trouvit pellets, for several months, during which the birds molted their feathers. We analyzed δ13C and δ15N in both food sources and in five red knot tissues (blood cells, blood plasma and three feather types) and subsequently calculated the isotope discrimination factors. We confirmed that the discrimination factors differed between tissues, and also between diets. Our values deviated from general averages reported in reviews on a wide range of animals/birds, but were very similar to values from previous red knot and dunlin studies. We therefore think that our discrimination factors can be used in future stable isotope studies, not only on red knots, but also on other marine shorebird species and plea for careful consideration of using the right discrimination factors. Keywords: δ13C, δ15N, discrimination factor, red knot, shorebird, stable isotope [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present contribution illustrates the type material of the Lower Cretaceous ammonoids Ptychoceras aequicostatus Gabb, 1864 (type species of Helicancylus Gabb, 1869) and Hamiticeras pilsbryi Anderson, 1938 (type species of Hamiticeras Anderson, 1938). The typification and taxonomic validity of both genera are clarified, and the affinities with coeval Acrioceratidae are discussed. Their stratigraphic range is investigated with implications for correlation between northern Pacific and European ammonoid scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive manufacturing with stimuli‐responsive materials—4D printing—is a rapidly growing field, with direct ink writing allowing deposition of a wide variety of materials. The synthesis of a humidity‐sensitive cholesteric liquid crystal oligomer ink is reported. With the responsive cholesteric ink, demonstrator devices exhibiting the ink's "four dimensionality" are printed in disparate fashions: as a structural color change or as a preprogrammed deformation mode. After printing, the photonic ink changes color in response to atmospheric humidity, demonstrated as a hydrochromic coating precisely deposited atop a 3D‐printed beetle. After activation in aqueous acid, the beetle exhibits vibrant color shifts across the visible spectrum. Alternatively, a scallop‐inspired actuator with a 3D‐programmed structural color is selectively treated with acid, to allow reversible "opening" and "closing" when exposed to humid and dry air, respectively. The ink enables additive manufacturing of both monolithic and multimaterial stimuli‐responsive, shape‐changing, structurally colored objects, toward broad application of cholesterics in future "smart," 4D structurally colored devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cenomanian-Turonian (C/T) boundary event, also known as Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE2), is characterised by significant organic carbon preservation and a positive carbon isotope excursion that is recorded globally in sedimentary strata. In this study of the Tarfaya Basin, Morocco, three outcrop sections were logged - at Lagguing East, Tazra, and En-Naila, dated from Late Cenomanian to Early Turonian. New dating, based on ammonites and planktic foraminifera, combined with high-resolution δ13C isotope stratigraphy, yields a more precise delineation of the C/T boundary in the studied section. A total of 99 samples were collected for combined sedimentological, mineralogical, and geochemical analyses to allow a better understand of the palaeoenvironments of deposition and interpret controlling factors on organic enrichment. Five lithofacies have been identified, all indicative of a relative deep marine setting. Variations in lithofacies can be correlated with relative sea level changes, which align with the global eustatic curve. The OAE2 interval comprises black mudstones that signal anoxic conditions, leading to significant organic matter (OM) preservation, even though they appear weathered in the studied section. Notably, organic matter-rich mudstones were evident during the post-OAE2 Early Turonian maximum marine transgression. Trace element enrichment in these organic-rick mudstones indicates that organic matter accumulation was accompanied with increased sea surface productivity and associated with oxygen-depleted bottom water conditions, which facilitated organic matter preservation and enrichment. Upwelling has also been previously described as a process to deliver nutrients to the shelf, enhancing productivity. Some units with depleted organic content are the result of dilution from continental derived clastics. Others may originally have had high TOC, but were influenced by weathering or diagenetic process, changing from the typical black mudstones to yellow in colour. The identified carbon isotopic values and organic carbon enrichment in the C/T strata of the Tarfaya Basin reflect signals of global perturbations in the carbon cycles. • Improve the dating of the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary and the OAE2 interval in the Tarfaya Basin. • Investigate the driving factors of C/T organic matter deposition in the Tarfaya Basin. • Reconstruct the palaeoenvironments of mudstone deposition during the C/T interval in the Tarfaya Basin. • Enhance our understanding of the depositional response to OAE2 on a global scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored how the coaching context influences coaches' psychological needs, motivation, and reported interpersonal behaviors, using self-determination theory. In Study 1, 56 coaches identified how contextual factors influence their coaching experience. Coaches identified administration, athlete motivation, colleagues, parents, professional development, time, and work-life as having the largest impact on them. In Study 2, 424 coaches reported on their perceptions of the factors identified in Study 1 and their psychological needs, motivation, and interpersonal behaviors. Structural equation modeling analyses suggested perceptions of the coaching context supported or thwarted their psychological needs, which positively or negatively predicted their autonomous and controlled motivation. Coaches' autonomous motivation predicted their reported supportive interpersonal behaviors and controlled motivation predicted thwarting behaviors. Overall, the results provided additional support for understanding how the coaching context, coaches' psychological needs, and their motivation for coaching relate to their coaching behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perceptions of fitness trainers' need‐supportive and need‐thwarting behaviors have been shown to impact exercisers' psychological need satisfaction and frustration. Currently, it is unknown whether an agreement or disagreement between exercisers' and fitness trainers' reported perceptions of these behaviors leads to the satisfaction and/or frustration of psychological needs. Based on self‐determination theory, the present study examined the effect of congruency between fitness trainers' and exercisers' perceptions of need‐supportive and need‐thwarting interpersonal behaviors on basic psychological need satisfaction and frustration. A sample of 130 fitness trainers (43 females; Mage = 31.58 ± 7.65) and a total of 640 gym exercisers (350 females; Mage = 34.23 ± 11.59) participated in this study. Findings suggested that the majority of fitness trainers tended to over‐report their use of need‐supportive behavior and under‐report their need‐thwarting behaviors. Results showed that when there was congruency between fitness trainers' reported use and exercisers' perception of interpersonal behaviors, basic need satisfaction tended to increase. This effect was greater for exercisers that rated their respective fitness trainer high on relatedness support. Fitness trainers should be self‐aware of their interpersonal behaviors when engaging with exercisers and interventions based on self‐determination theory could serve as a promising avenue to improve the quality of exercisers' experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents the results of two studies dealing with the validation of the sports motivation scale into English. Intrinsic motivation; Extrinsic motivation; Motivational consequences; Motivational determinants; Importance of conducting research on sport motivation.

An experimental and theoretical characterization has been carried out for the thionitroxyl radical (H2NS) and its ionic counterparts (H2NS)+ and (H2NS)-. Experimentally, (H2NS)+ and (H2NS) have been detected by a combination of collisional activation and neutralization-reionization mass spectrometry. Thiourea has been used as a precursor. Theoretically, the neutral and ionic potential energy surfaces have been explored using (PU)MP4/6-311++G(3df,2p) energies based on (U)MP2/6-311++(d,p) geometries. Predictions for some spectroscopic and thermochemical properties have been made on the basis of molecular orbital calculations and empirical corrections. The rearrangements leading to the (HNSH) and (NSH2) isomeric species and the loss of hydrogen or other fragmentations have also been examined. The (HNSH) and (NSH2) species are less stable than their respective thionitroxyl isomers in all states considered. For the (H2NS)+ cation, an H loss constitutes the lowest energy fragmentation followed by an H2 elimination giving NS+ and a cleavage of the N–S bond. The thermochemical data are predicted as follows: ΔH0f,0 (H2NS)=31.2±3 kcal/mol, IEa(H2NS)=88.±0.2 eV, EAa(H2NS)=1.4±0.2 eV, PA(H2NS-)=357.5±3 kcal/mol as compared with the experimental value of 356.8±3 kcal/mol, ΔH0f,0(HNS)=52.6±3 kcal/mol and ΔH0f,0(H2NSH)=13.4±3 kcal/mol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CD8+ T cell–dependent killing of cancer cells requires efficient presentation of tumor antigens by human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) molecules. However, the extent to which patient-specific HLA-I genotype influences response to anti–programmed cell death protein 1 or anti–cytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated protein 4 is currently unknown. We determined the HLA-I genotype of 1535 advanced cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Maximal heterozygosity at HLA-I loci (“A,” “B,” and “C”) improved overall survival after ICB compared with patients who were homozygous for at least one HLA locus. In two independent melanoma cohorts, patients with the HLA-B44 supertype had extended survival, whereas the HLA-B62 supertype (including HLA-B*15:01) or somatic loss of heterozygosity at HLA-I was associated with poor outcome. Molecular dynamics simulations of HLA-B*15:01 revealed different elements that may impair CD8+ T cell recognition of neoantigens. Our results have important implications for predicting response to ICB and for the design of neoantigen-based therapeutic vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This contribution focuses on the Perisphinctoidea ammonite taxa from the Upper Tithonian at Charens (Drôme, south-east France). Emphasis is laid on five genera that belong to the families Himalayitidae and Neocomitidae. We document the precise vertical range of the index-species Micracanthoceras microcanthum, and a comparative ontogenetic-biometric analysis sheds new light on its range of variation and dimorphism as compared to the bestknown Spanish populations. As herein understood, the lower boundary of the M. microcanthum Zone (base of the Upper Tithonian) is fixed at the FAD of its index species. The faunal assemblages and species distribution of the P. andreaei Zone are rather similar to those described at the key-section of Le Chouet as confirmed by the co-occurrence of the genera Protacanthodiscus, Boughdiriella and Pratumidiscus. New palaeontological evidence supports the view that the basal Neocomitidae Busnardoiceras busnardoi was derived from Protacanthodiscus andreaei in the upper part of the P. andreaei Zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes ammonite taxa of the Perisphinctoidea in the Jurassic/Cretaceous boundary interval at Le Chouet (Drôme, France). Emphasis is placed on new and poorly known Himalayitidae, Neocomitidae and Olcostephanidae from the lower part of the Jacobi Zone auctorum. Significant results relate the introduction of Lopeziceras gen. nov., grouping himalayitid-like forms with two rows of tubercles, and Praedalmasiceras gen. nov., grouping the early Berriasian Dalmasiceras taxa. Study of the ontogenetic sequences of both genera show that they were derived from late Tithonian Himalayitidae. This supports the distinction between the subfamilies Himalayitinae and Dalmasiceratidae subfam. nov. Content, variation, dimorphism and vertical range of the Neocomitidae Berriasella, Pseudoneocomites, Elenaella and Delphinella are discussed. A conservative use of the Olcostephanidae Proniceras is followed herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation examined the psychometric properties of the Sexual Motivation Scale (SexMS), a scale measuring the different types of self-regulation proposed by SDT in the context of sexual relationships: Intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and amotivation. We analyzed the construct validity of the SexMS in two studies (Study 1: N = 1070, Study 2: N = 575). Results from a confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the SexMS can adequately reproduce the correlated six-factor structure posited by SDT. Findings from measurement invariance analyses as a function of gender and relationship type (i.e., casual and committed), tests for internal consistency, and correlational analyses all provided support for the reliability and the validity of the SexMS. Importantly, self-determined sexual regulation was associated to positive sexual health and well-being outcomes, whereas the inverse was found for non-self-determined sexual regulation. Additionally, participants who scored within the problematic range of sexual function showed a greater endorsement of non-self-determined sexual regulation and a lower endorsement of self-determined sexual regulation than those who scored in the non-problematic range. Overall, the SexMS provides a valuable tool to investigate sexuality within a SDT framework and a fine-grained measurement for the examination of the motivational processes associated with sexual health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux refractory symptoms is challenging. This monocenter retrospective study assessed the value of preoperative pH-impedance monitoring 'on' therapy to predict functional outcome after laparoscopic fundoplication in patients with refractory reflux symptoms. Methods Patients with a preoperative pH-impedance monitoring 'on' proton pump inhibitors ( PPIs) twice daily were assessed at least 6 months after a laparoscopic fundoplication for refractory reflux symptoms. Failure of fundoplication was defined by a Visick score > 2. Postoperative symptoms were assessed by the reflux disease questionnaire ( RDQ). The pH-impedance parameters analyzed were the number of reflux events (total, acid, non-acid), esophageal acid exposure time, esophageal bolus exposure time, and symptom-reflux association defined by symptom index ( SI) >50% and symptom association probability ( SAP) >95%. Key Results Thirty-three patients (18 female patients, median age 46 years) were assessed after a mean follow-up of 41.3 (range 7-102.2) months. Seven (21.2%) patients were considered as failures. Compared to patients with favorable outcome, these patients were more often 'on' PPI therapy (86% vs 23%, p < 0.05) and had higher RDQ scores in each domain: heartburn ( p < 0.05), regurgitation ( p < 0.05) and dyspepsia ( p < 0.05). A positive SAP was the only pH-impedance parameter statistically associated with successful postoperative outcome ( p = 0.004). Conclusions & Inferences On therapy, a preoperative positive symptom association probability is the only pH-impedance parameter associated with favorable outcome after laparoscopic fundoplication for refractory reflux symptoms. These results should be confirmed by prospective studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine whether parent and teacher support for basic psychological needs (i.e., autonomy, competence and relatedness), students' reciprocal friendships, and academic motivation assessed in Grade 10 ( N  = 624) could predict dropping out of high school two years later in Grade 12. Results revealed that reciprocal friendships contributed to the prediction of dropping out of high school, above and beyond the effects of academic motivation, or parent and teacher support for basic psychological needs. Although parent support for basic psychological needs appeared to be the most significant predictor of academic motivation and dropping out of high school, results suggested that reciprocal friendships represented an important factor that affect both motivation and persistence. Most specifically, our findings demonstrated that a lack of reciprocal friendships had detrimental effects on these aforementioned processes, whereas having reciprocal friendships lead to favorable outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carcinogenesis is a multistep process attributable to both gain-of-function mutations in oncogenes and loss-of-function mutations in tumor suppressor genes. Currently, most molecular targeted therapies are inhibitors of oncogenes, because inactivated tumor suppressor genes have proven harder to 'drug.' Nevertheless, in cancers, tumor suppressor genes undergo alteration more frequently than do oncogenes. In recent years, several promising strategies directed at tumor suppressor genes, or the pathways controlled by these genes, have emerged. Here, we describe advances in a number of different methodologies aimed at therapeutically targeting tumors driven by inactivated tumor suppressor genes. Cancer 2015;121:1357-1368. © 2014 American Cancer Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This contribution focuses on the late Tithonian ammonite faunas belonging to the Family Himalayitidae Spath in the key-section of Le Chouet (Drôme, France). The great majority of specimens from the Mediterranean Tethys, previously referred to Durangites Burckhardt, are now interpreted as juveniles and/or microconchs of the highly variable species Protacanthodiscus andreaei (Kilian). Moreover, comparison between specimens from France, Spain and Bulgaria formerly assigned to Durangites astillerensis Imlay and the type material of this species, supports the introduction of Boughdiriella chouetensis gen. nov. et sp. nov. Further, the revision of the type specimens of D. astillerensis and Durangites of the D. vulgaris group shows that the former species deserves a new generic status, for which Parrasiella gen. nov. is erected. Toucasiella, previously only known from Spain and Tunisia, is also reported for the first time from south east France. The revision of the 'Mediterranean Durangites' supports the rejection of a Durangites spp. Zone as part of the standard zonation for the upper Tithonian, and its replacement by the P. andreaei Zone ( = D. vulgaris Zone sensu Sarti, 1988). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fabrication of microfluidic devices is often still a time-consuming and costly process. Here we intro-duce a very simple and cheap microfabrication process based on "razor writing", also termed xurography, for the ultra-rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices. Thin poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) membranes are spin-coated on flexible plastic foil and cut into user-defined shapes with a bench-top cutter plotter. The PDMS membranes can then be assembled into desirable microdevices via plasma bonding. The plastic foil allows manipulation of exceptionally thin (30-300m) PDMS layers and can be readily peeled after fabrica-tion. This versatile technique can be used to produce a wide variety of microfluidic device prototypes within just a few hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Numerous intensive research projects to assess the effects of stepped collaborative care (SCC) for depressed patients have been reported in primary care, yet it is unclear how SCC is sustained in usual care. Objective. To assess how SCC for depression is actually being used and how it performs in usual primary care by studying medical data that are routinely collected in family practice, outside the research setting. Methods. Retrospective before and after comparison of electronic medical records (EMR) regarding the implementation of an SCC depression programme in a large primary care organization from 2003 to 2012. Depression care parameters included prevalences, minimal interventions, Beck Depression Inventory-2 (BDI-2), antidepressants, referrals to psychologists and psychiatrists and primary health care consumption. Results. After programme implementation, differentiation between levels of depression severity increased, more patients were treated with minimal interventions and more patients were monitored with BDI-2. These effects occurred in both nonseverely and severely depressed patients, although they were larger for patients registered as nonseverely depressed. Antidepressant prescription rates and referral rates seemed not to have been influenced by the SCC programme. Health care consumption of the depressed patients increased significantly. Conclusions. The depression care parameters changed to a different extent and at a different pace than after previous implementation initiatives. Future research should identify whether SCC uptake in primary care is best enhanced by intensive external guidance or by making care providers themselves responsible for the implementation. Analyses of EMR can be valuable in monitoring the implementation effects, especially after research projects are completed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Objective: The objective of the present study is to build upon the existing literature examining the coaching context and how it relates to coaches' use of autonomy-supportive interpersonal behaviours (i.e. Stebbings, Taylor, Spray, & Ntoumanis, 2012) by identifying additional environmental factors and exploring the role of coach motivation. Design: An academic model designed by Pelletier, Seguin-Levesque, and Legault (2002) to predict teacher motivation and autonomy-supportive styles in academic settings, was adapted to the coaching context. Methods: The influence of pressure from above (sport administrations) and pressure from below (athlete motivation) on coach motivation and autonomy-supportive coaching behaviours was tested using structural equation modeling. Results: Results support the fit of the model in a sport context. Conclusions: Pressure from above, pressure from below, and coach motivation predict coaches’ reported use of autonomy-supportive behaviours. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This work explores the scaling effects for FPSE (free piston Stirling engines), which are known for their simple architecture and potentially high thermodynamic performances. Scaling laws are given and their potential for miniaturization is highlighted. A simple model which allows the design of the geometrical parameters of the heat exchangers, the regenerator and the masses of the pistons is proposed. It is based on the definition of six characteristic dimensionless groups. They are derived from the physics underlying the behavior of the free piston Stirling machine and their relevancy is backed up by comparisons between documented Stirling engines from the literature. Keeping constant values for each group throughout the scaling range theoretically ensures constant performance. The main losses of Stirling engine (heat conduction loss, reheat loss in the regenerator, pressure drop and gas-spring hysteresis) can be expressed as a function of the geometrical and operating parameters. Additionally, the consequences of leakage due to the manufacturing precision of pistons architectures are underlined. From the proposed scaling laws, potential power and efficiency of Stirling cycle engines at a millimeter scale can be anticipated. It appears that the power density increases with miniaturization. It is also shown that the dynamic masses related to the engine size are increased when scaling down and that the gap leakage presents the highest detrimental effects on the efficiency. These results call for dedicated architectures for micro-engines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: Although the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS), published in 1995, has demonstrated validity and reliability in multiple studies, the scale has received some criticisms leading to revisions herein described. The objective of the present studies was to examine the construct validity and reliability of a revised scale sport motivation scale (SMS-II). Design: Two studies were conducted using distinct samples of athletes. Study 1 examined adult athletes participating in a variety of sports and Study 2 examined youth basketball players and swimmers. Method: In Study 1 the SMS-II was introduced and featured various item content changes, a reduced number of items per subscale, the addition of an integrated regulation subscale, and the introduction of a single intrinsic motivation subscale to replace the three intrinsic motivation subscales in the SMS. Relations of SMS-II subscales with each other and with expected outcomes supported the new scale''s validity. In Study 2, the structure of the SMS-II and its relations with outcomes were further examined. Results: Results of factor analyses, tests for internal consistency, and correlations among the different subscales and between the subscales and several outcomes of interest, supported the validity of the SMS-II. Conclusions: Discussion focuses on the need for measurement improvement, and potential future directions for SMS-II research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: Although the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS), published in 1995, has demonstrated validity and reliability in multiple studies, the scale has received some criticisms leading to revisions herein described. The objective of the present studies was to examine the construct validity and reliability of a revised scale sport motivation scale (SMS-II). Design: Two studies were conducted using distinct samples of athletes. Study 1 examined adult athletes participating in a variety of sports and Study 2 examined youth basketball players and swimmers. Method: In Study 1 the SMS-II was introduced and featured various item content changes, a reduced number of items per subscale, the addition of an integrated regulation subscale, and the introduction of a single intrinsic motivation subscale to replace the three intrinsic motivation subscales in the SMS. Relations of SMS-II subscales with each other and with expected outcomes supported the new scale''s validity. In Study 2, the structure of the SMS-II and its relations with outcomes were further examined. Results: Results of factor analyses, tests for internal consistency, and correlations among the different subscales and between the subscales and several outcomes of interest, supported the validity of the SMS-II. Conclusions: Discussion focuses on the need for measurement improvement, and potential future directions for SMS-II research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An experimental study has been done to define the capillary and wetting characteristics of a novel type of copper metal foam which is to be used as a wick in flat heat pipes for electronic cooling. Unlike other metal foams, a microstructure including micro scale particles and larger capillary paths can be observed in this type of copper metal foam. Due to the significant importance of the capillary properties such as permeability (K) and effective pore radius (reff ) in defining the capillary limit of heat pipes, the rate of rise method based on the measured mass was used to extract these parameters. Foams of different porosities (68–85%) were fully characterized with multiple fluids (water, acetone, and ethanol). The ratio K/reff was found to be almost 5 times larger than that reported for sintered copper powder, a common wicking material in heat pipes. The impact of evaporation and walls sintered on one side or on both sides of foam strips has been studied in open and partially saturated ambient. The evaporation rate during wicking was measured by subtracting the stored mass of liquid in the foam from the total wicked mass. It was found that the rate of evaporation while the liquid is rising is significantly lower than the evaporation rate of a saturated sample with stationary liquid. It was also observed that sintering copper walls has almost no effect on the capillary rise and on the evaporation rate. By combining measurements done with acetone and water, the internal contact angle of water in hydrogen treated copper foams was found to be lower than on a flat plate and varies from 10° to 37° depending on the foams porosity. This work therefore provides the first characterization of K, reff , and internal contact angle for these novel metal foams, but also clarifies the conditions under which the rate of rise measurements should be done for proper parameter extraction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aberrant Wnt signaling can drive cancer development. In many cancer types, the genetic basis of Wnt pathway activation remains incompletely understood. Here, we report recurrent somatic mutations of the Drosophila melanogaster tumor suppressor-related gene FAT1 in glioblastoma (20.5%), colorectal cancer (7.7%), and head and neck cancer (6.7%). FAT1 encodes a cadherin-like protein, which we found is able to potently suppress cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo by binding β-catenin and antagonizing its nuclear localization. Inactivation of FAT1 via mutation therefore promotes Wnt signaling and tumorigenesis and affects patient survival. Taken together, these data strongly point to FAT1 as a tumor suppressor gene driving loss of chromosome 4q35, a prevalent region of deletion in cancer. Loss of FAT1 function is a frequent event during oncogenesis. These findings address two outstanding issues in cancer biology: the basis of Wnt activation in non-colorectal tumors and the identity of a 4q35 tumor suppressor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activation of the PI3K and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway is able to drive oncogenesis in multiple human cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Targeted agents such as cetuximab and erlotinib are currently used in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, but, in this disease, the genomic alterations that cause pathway activation and determine response to pharmacologic inhibition remain ill-defined. Here, we present a detailed dissection of the EGFR/PI3K pathway, composed of sequencing of the core pathway components, and high-resolution genomic copy number assessment. Mutations were found in PIK3CA (6%), but no point mutations were observed in other pathway genes such as PTEN and EGFR. In contrast, we observed frequent copy number alterations of genes in the pathway, including PIK3CA, EGFR, protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor S (PTPRS), and RICTOR. In total, activating genetic pathway alterations were identified in 74% of head and neck tumors. Importantly, intragenic microdeletions of the EGFR phosphatase PTPRS were frequent (26%), identifying this gene as a target of 19p13 loss. PTPRS loss promoted EGFR/PI3K pathway activation, modulated resistance to EGFR inhibition, and strongly determined survival in lung cancer patients with activating EGFR mutations. These findings have important implications for our understanding of head and neck cancer tumorigenesis and for the use of targeted agents for this malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to report outcomes and identify factors predictive of survival and recurrence in patients undergoing lateral temporal bone resection (LTBR) as part of an extended radical parotidectomy for parotid cancer. This is a retrospective cohort study which includes all patients undergoing LTBR for parotid cancer between 1994 and 2010 at two affiliated academic centers. Survival and recurrence rates were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox multivariate regression. A total of 12 patients with median follow-up duration of 30.6 months were included: 6 de novo cases and 6 patients referred after local recurrence. Actuarial locoregional control at 2 years was 73%. Most patients (11; 92%) developed disease recurrence with distant metastases the most common site of first failure (83%). Overall and disease-specific survival rates were 80% at 2 years and 22.5% at 5 years. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 67% at 2 years and 8.3% at 5 years. On multivariate analysis, surgical margin status was an independent predictor of RFS (hazard ratio = 3.85, p = 0.045). In advanced parotid cancer, LTBR with a goal of gross total resection offers good locoregional control with an acceptable complication rate. The benefits of this surgery must be balanced with the morbidity and low likelihood of long-term survival, with most patients ultimately experiencing disease recurrence and death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autonomy is described by self-determination theory as a basic psychological need, essential for individuals' well-being. While basic needs are generally thought to induce a restorative response when thwarted, evidence for such a process is lacking for autonomy. To date, most evidence indicates that autonomy deprivation leads to disaffection of this need in favor of other motives. A temporal model based on the general adaptation syndrome was adapted to reconcile this seeming contradiction. Specifically, it is hypothesized that an early alarm response aimed at restoring the satisfaction of the need for autonomy should precede the later relinquishment and compensation of this need that would result from a prolonged deprivation. Three studies provide support for this model by showing the existence of the immediate autonomy restorative response. Using a controlling situation to manipulate autonomy deprivation, the authors demonstrate in Experiments I and 2 that a controlling context leads to enhanced accessibility and an approach bias for autonomy-related stimuli. Experiment 3 indicates that the urge to restore autonomy can also affect personal judgment, leading individuals to make more independent judgments, exercising a nonreactive form of autonomy. Integration of this model within self-determination theory is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: American Thyroid Association guidelines currently recommend the selective use of radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy in patients with well differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC). Despite these guidelines, RAI ablation has been used routinely in all but the very lowest risk patients with thyroid cancer over the last 30 years. The objective of this study was to evaluate patterns of RAI use and elevated risk of secondary primary malignancies (SPM) in patients with low-risk (T1N0) WDTC. METHODS: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was used to analyze trends in RAI use over time in the United States. To determine the excess risk of SPM, the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) and excess absolute risk (EAR) of various cancers were calculated in the 2 cohorts. Between 1973 and 2007, 37,176 patients with WDTC were followed in the SEER Program, equating to 408,750 person-years at risk (PYR). In total, 14,589 patients received RAI, and SPMs were observed in 3223 patients. RESULTS: During the study period, the rate of RAI use in patients with low-risk (T1N0) WDTC increased from 3.3% to 38.1%. For low-risk patients, the SIR of SPM was 1.21 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93-1.54), and the EAR was 4.6 excess cases per 10,000 PYR. SPM with significantly elevated risk because of RAI were salivary gland malignancies (SIR = 11.13; 95% CI, 1.35-40.2) and leukemia (SIR = 5.68; 95% CI, 2.09-12.37). The excess risk of leukemia was significantly greater in patients aged <45 years (SIR = 5.32; 95% CI, 2.75-9.30) compared with the excess risk in older patients (SIR = 2.26; 95% CI, 1.43-3.39). CONCLUSIONS: The increased risk of a SPM in patients with low-risk (T1N0) WDTC, along with a lack of data demonstrating improved survival outcomes with adjuvant RAI, provide a compelling argument in favor of rationing the use of RAI in this patient population. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) has been associated with cardiovascular risk factors and atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic value of IGF-1 concentrations with respect to occurrence of well-defined coronary syndromes. Methods: The PRIME study is a prospective cohort having included 10,600 subjects from Northern Ireland and France. Detailed information on cardiovascular risk factors, socioeconomic and behavioural variables were collected and a cardiologic examination was performed. At 5-year follow-up, 317 incident cases of coronary events were recorded according to strict protocols. They were matched to 634 age- and centre-paired controls from the same cohort, free of coronary disease. Baseline IGF-1 concentrations were measured, together with variables of lipid and glucose metabolism and markers of vascular and systemic inflammation. Results: Baseline IGF-1 concentration was lower in subjects developing an acute coronary syndrome than in unaffected controls. IGF-1 levels correlated negatively with age, waist circumference, tobacco consumption and markers of inflammation. Subjects in the highest quartile of IGF-1 distribution had a 55% reduction in the relative risk of developing myocardial infarction and a 45% decrease for all-combined acute coronary syndromes. A similar trend, although non-significant, was noted for angina pectoris. Multiple adjustments on classical risk factors and inflammation markers did not affect IGF-1 results. Elevated levels of both IGF-1 and apo A-I conferred a significantly greater risk reduction than either one alone. However, interaction between the two markers was not significant. Conclusion: Like HDL markers, high levels of IGF-1 confer protection against coronary artery disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Although water management at the cathode is known to be critical in miniature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (mPEMFCs), this study shows that control of water transport towards the anode is a determining factor to increase air-breathing mPEMFC performances. An analytical 1D model is developed to capture the water transport and water content profile in the membrane. It shows that drying at the anode and flooding at the cathode can happen simultaneously, mainly due to dominant electro-osmotic drag at low cell temperatures. Experimental results demonstrate that injecting water at the anode, at a rate of 3 times the amount produced at the cathode, increases the cell performances at high current densities. By this method, the limiting current and maximum power densities have been raised by 100% and 30% respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An adaptive energy-harvesting circuit with low power dissipation is presented and demonstrated, which is useful for efficient ac/dc voltage conversion of a piezoelectric micropower generator. The circuit operates stand-alone, and it extracts the piezoelectric strain energy independent of the load and piezoelectric parameters without using any external sensor. The circuit consists of a voltage-doubler rectifier, a step-down switching con- verter, and an analog controller operating with a single supply voltage in the range of 2.5-15 V. The controller uses the piezoelectric voltage as a feedback and regulates the rectified voltage to adaptively improve the extracted power. The nonscalable power dissipation of the controller unit is less than 0.05 mW, and the efficiency of the circuit is about 60% for output power levels above 0.5 mW. Experimental verifications of the circuit show the following: 1) the circuit notably increases the extracted power from a piezoelectric element compared to a simple full-bridge diode rectifier without control circuitry, and 2) the efficiency of the circuit is dominantly determined by its switching converter. The simplicity of the circuit facilitates the development of efficient piezoelectric energy harvesters for low-power applications such as wireless sensors and portable devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Adipokines play an important role in glucose, lipid and lipoprotein metabolisms, as well as in coagulation and inflammatory processes. So far, studies have evaluated the association of individual adipokines with future coronary heart disease (CHD) event and provided mixed results.Objectives:We sought to investigate the association of a set of adipocytokines, including total adiponectin, adipsin, resistin, leptin and plasminogen activator inihibitor-1 (PAI-1), with future CHD events in apparently healthy men.Methods:We built a nested case–control study within the PRIME Study, a multicenter prospective cohort of 9779 healthy European middle-aged men. Total adiponectin, adipsin, resistin, leptin and PAI-1 were measured in the baseline plasma sample of 617 men who developed a first CHD event (coronary death, myocardial infarction, stable or unstable angina) during 10 years of follow-up and in 1215 study-matched controls, by multiplex assays using commercial kits. HRs for CHD were estimated by conditional logistic regression analysis.Results:Median concentrations of total adiponectin, adipsin and resistin were similar in cases and in controls, whereas those of leptin and PAI-1 were higher in cases than in controls, 6.30 vs 5.40 ng ml−1, and 10.09 vs 8.48 IU ml−1, respectively. The risk of future CHD event increased with increasing quintiles of baseline leptin and PAI-1 concentrations only in unadjusted analysis (P-value for trend <0.003 and <0.0001, respectively). However, these associations were no longer significant after adjustment for usual CHD risk factors including hypertension, diabetes, smoking, total cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol. Conversely, baseline CRP and IL-6 levels remained associated with CHD risk in multivariate analysis.Conclusions:In apparently healthy men, circulating total adiponectin, adipsin, resistin, leptin and PAI-1 were not independent predictors of future CHD event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An analysis of water management in air breathing small polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is presented. Comprehensive understanding of flooding and dry-out limiting phenomena is presented through a combination of analytical modeling and experimental investigations using a small PEMFC prototype. Configurations of the fuel cell with different heat and mass transfer properties are experimentally evaluated to assess the impact of thermal resistance and mass transport resistance on water balance. Manifestation of dry-out and flooding problems, as limiting phenomena, are explained through a ratio between these two resistances. Main conclusions are that decreasing the ratio between thermal and mass transport resistance under a certain point leads to flooding problems in air breathing PEMFC. Increasing this ratio leads to dry-out of the polymer electrolyte membrane. However, too high thermal resistance or too low mass transport resistance reduces the limiting current by pushing forward the dry-out problem. This work provides a framework to achieve the proper balance between thermal rejection and mass transport to optimize the maximum current density of free convection fuel cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this article was to examine the role played by different orientations in planning for eating behaviors as mediators of the relationship between regulation styles and eating behaviors. In Study 1, a new scale was developed to assess approach food planning and avoidance food planning. Results from confirmatory analyses ( N = 241) supported the two-factor structure of the scale. In Study 2 ( N = 202), in agreement with past research on the effects of autonomous and controlled motivation for the regulation of eating behaviors, we found that approach food planning partially mediated the effects of autonomous regulation for eating behaviors on healthy eating behaviors, while avoidance food planning partially mediated the effects of controlled regulation for eating behaviors on dysfunctional eating behaviors. Implications of these results for self-determination theory and for promoting healthy eating behaviors are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: Mallett, Kawabata, Newcombe, Otero-Forero, and Jackson (2007) questioned the validity of some of the items from the SMS, the construct validity of the three types of intrinsic motivation measured by the SMS, and they proposed an integrated regulation subscale to measure the most self-determined form of extrinsic motivation proposed by SDT. In this article, we focus on the following two questions: “Does the SMS need to be revised?”, and “Is the Revised 6-factor SMS a better scale?”. Conclusion: Our review leads us to the following main conclusions: (a) the SMS has generally demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability in many previous studies, supporting its use; (b) the proposed revised version may also be problematic due to item selection, factor structure, and validity issues as well as problems with the integration scale. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: Tracheal tube cuff overinflation is a recognized risk factor for tracheal injury and stenosis. International studies report a 55% to 62% incidence of cuff overinflation among intensive care unit (ICU) patients. However, there are no data on tracheotomy tubes, and no recent data from ICUs in the United States. It is unknown whether routine cuff pressure measurement is beneficial. We sought to determine the incidence of cuff overinflation in the contemporary American ICU. Methods: We performed an Institutional Review Board-approved, prospective, observational study of endotracheal and tracheotomy tubes at 2 tertiary-care academic hospitals that monitor cuff pressure differently. At hospital A, cuff pressures are assessed by palpation; at hospital B, cuff pressures are measured via manometry. We audited cuff pressures in an unannounced fashion at these hospitals, using a handheld aneroid manometer. Cuffs were considered overinflated above 25 cm H20. Results: We enrolled 115 patients: 63 at hospital A and 52 at hospital B. Overall, 44 patients (38%) were found to have overinflated cuffs. The incidence of overinflation was identical at the 2 hospitals (38%; p = .99). Of the endotracheal tubes, 43% were overinflated, as were 32% of the tracheotomy tubes (p = .24). Conclusions: Despite increasing awareness among intensivists and respiratory therapists, the incidence of tracheal tube overinflation remains high, with both endotracheal and tracheotomy tubes. Our finding that the use of manometry to assess cuff pressures did not reduce the incidence of overinflation suggests that a more vigilant management protocol may be necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degu (Octodon degus) is a diurnal rodent, although phase inversions to nocturnal behavior have been reported under specific laboratory conditions. The reliability of this animal as a diurnal model of sleep therefore requires further characterization of intrinsic circadian pacemaker properties. A phase response curve to light has been reported in the degu, and is consistent with other diurnal animals. This study reports a phase response curve to melatonin in the degu, which is distinct in orientation from the light curve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to test a model of the regulation of eating behaviors that could help to better understand the processes by which body dissatisfaction could be either associated with dysfunctional eating behaviors or with healthy eating behaviors. Based on Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985; Ryan & Deci, 2000, it appears that women's general level of self-determination in life may help protect against pressures about body image and endorsement of society's beliefs about thinness and obesity. Findings also suggest that women's general level of self-determination is positively associated with an autonomous regulation of eating behaviors (AREB) and negatively associated with a controlled regulation of eating behaviors (CREB). In turn, the AREB is positively associated with healthy eating while CREB is positively associated with dysfunctional eating. Overall, it appears that body dissatisfaction resulting from pressures about body image and endorsement of society's beliefs about thinness and obesity may be more closely associated with a controlled regulation of eating behaviors, which may explain its relation with eating pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments were performed to study the production of broadband sound in confined pulsating jets through orifices with a time-varying area. The goal was to better understand broadband sound generation at the human glottis during voicing. The broadband component was extracted from measured sound signals by the elimination of the periodic component through ensemble averaging. Comparisons were made between the probability density functions of the broadband sound in pulsating jets and of comparable stationary jets. The results indicate that the quasi-steady approximation may be valid for the broadband component when the turbulence is well established and the turbulence kinetic energy is comparatively large. A wavelet analysis of the broadband sound showed that random sound production was modulated at the driving frequency. Two distinct sound production peaks were observed during one cycle, presumably associated firstly with jet formation and secondly with flow deceleration during orifice closing. Most high-frequency sound was produced during the closing phase. Deviations from quasi-steady behavior were observed. As the driving frequency increased, sound production during the opening phase was reduced, possibly due to the shorter time available for turbulence to develop. These results may be useful for better quality voice synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study tested a motivational model of daily hassles, physical symptoms, and future work intentions with a sample of 122 police officers. In agreement with self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985, 2002), path analyses showed that police officers who perceived their immediate supervisor as highly supportive of their autonomy were found to report higher levels of self-determined motivation toward work. In turn, higher levels of self-determined motivation were found to be associated with higher future work intentions and lower levels of reported daily hassles. Finally, daily hassles were found to be positively associated with reported physical symptoms. Contrary to our hypotheses, perception of competence support from supervisors was not found to be significantly associated with self-determined motivation, Instead, competence support was found to be negatively associated with daily hassles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single-crystal silicon micromachined air turbine supported on gas-lubricated bearings has been operated in a controlled and sustained manner at rotational speeds greater than 1 million revolutions per minute, with mechanical power levels approaching 5 W. The device is formed from a fusion bonded stack of five silicon wafers individually patterned on both sides using deep reactive ion etching (DRIE). It consists of a single stage radial inflow turbine on a 4.2-mm diameter rotor that is supported on externally pressurized hydrostatic journal and thrust bearings. This paper presents the design, fabrication, and testing of the first microfabricated rotors to operate at circumferential tip speeds up to 300 mIs, on the order of conventional high performance turbomachinery. Successful operation of this device motivates the use of silicon micromachined high-speed rotating machinery for power microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) applications such as portable energy conversion, micropropulsion, and microfluidic pumping and cooling. [1161] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 3 studies, the authors examined how autonomous and controlled forms of motivation for the regulation of eating behaviors were related to self-reported eating behaviors, and sustained dietary behavior change. Studies 1 and 2 supported the factorial structure and the psychometric properties of a scale designed to measure different forms of regulation as defined by Self-Determination Theory. A motivational model of the regulation of eating behaviors suggested that an autonomous regulation was positively associated with healthy eating behaviors whereas a controlled regulation was positively associated with dysfunctional eating behaviors and negatively associated with healthy eating behaviors. In Study 3, long-term adherence to healthier dietary behaviors in a population at risk for coronary artery disease was examined over a 26-week period. A general measure of self-determined motivation assessed at week 1 was found to be a reliable predictor of the level of self-determination for eating behaviors 13 weeks later. In turn, self-determination for eating behaviors was a significant predictor of dietary behavior changes at 26 weeks. Finally, the dietary behavior measures were related to improvements in weight and blood lipid parameters (LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides). Results are discussed in terms of their implication for the integration and maintenance of a successful healthy regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the sociocultural approach of eating pathology, the more women perceive sociocultural pressures about body image, the more they endorse society's beliefs related to thinness and obesity which in turn, is associated with greater body dissatisfaction. Also, the more dissatisfied women are about their body image, the more they report bulimic symptoms. In the present study, the same sequence of variables was tested with the addition of a Global Self-Determination variable to examine why sociocultural pressures are associated with bulimic symptomatology in only a subset of women. Participants (N = 300) consisted of female university students. Analyses revealed that the more women were globally self-determined towards the different aspects of their life, the less they perceived sociocultural pressures about body image, the less they endorsed society's beliefs related to thinness and obesity, and the less they experienced bulimic symptoms. These findings suggest that a global self-determined motivational profile in life could possibly act as a buffer against sociocultural influences about body image and decrease women's risk of experiencing bulimic symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To describe the nature and frequency of posterior fossa (PF) lesions in infants who underwent magnetic resonance (MR) brain imaging in the neonatal period and to correlate with cranial ultrasound (CUS) findings and clinical outcome. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of all neonatal MR brain imaging from 1996 to 2001 (n =558). MR images, CUS and case notes were reviewed in infants with PF abnormality. RESULTS: A total of 20 infants had abnormalities in the PF, which represents 4.7% of abnormalities seen on MR. Out of 10, six term infants had PF extra-axial hemorrhage, three had cerebellar hypoplasia, while one had cerebellar hemorrhage. In the preterm, 8/10 lesions were unilateral; focal cerebellar hemorrhage was seen in 5/10 and extensive hemorrhage with secondary atrophy in 3/10. Out of 20, 17 infants also had supratentorial lesions. Out of 20, 19 had CUS performed, of which 7/19 showed PF abnormality. CONCLUSION: Intracerebellar hemorrhage was more common in preterm infants than in term infants. These hemorrhages tended to be focal, unilateral and were associated with atrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The data for this study were collected in my first year of graduate school for a term paper for a course I was taking from Luc Pelletier. When I began graduate school, Luc also started at the University of Ottawa as a new faculty member, and he taught a course in motivation. I had worked with Richard Clément for a couple of years already as an honors student and as a research assistant and had conducted research on orientations and motivation under his supervision as part of my honors thesis project. Luc was very interested in self-determination theory (SDT) and had worked with Bob Vallerand on an instrument to assess academic motivation from this perspective. Luc and I decided to carry out a study on language learning orientations using SDT and enlisted Richard's and Bob's involvement in the project. As a bilingual institution where all students were required to demonstrate competence in their second language (L2), whether French or English, the University of Ottawa was an ideal setting for this type of research. The project was a first examination of SDT in the language learning context, and to the best of my knowledge it was the only, or at least one of the very few, empirical investigations of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in the area. It involved the development of a valid and reliable instrument to assess the different subtypes of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. It also explored the link between these motivational subtypes and various orientations to language learning that had been identified by Clément and Kruidenier (1983), including the travel, friendship, knowledge, and instrumental orientations. The results showed that the instrumental orientation and the SDT external regulation orientation were strongly correlated, and that the travel, friendship, and knowledge orientations were quite highly intercorrelated with identified regulation and intrinsic motivation. Moreover, the instrumental and external regulation orientation scales correlated in similar ways with the hypothesized antecedents of perceived autonomy and competence and the hypothesized consequences of intention to pursue L2 study and anxiety. In addition, the travel, friendship, and knowledge orientations were correlated with the hypothesized antecedents and consequences in a manner similar to intrinsic motivation and identified regulation. These results suggested that Clément and Kruidenier's 4 orientations may be tapping a similar construct as the SDT orientations. My only regret with this study is that I did not include a scale to measure the integrative orientation ( Gardner, 1985) to determine its relation with the SDT subtypes. This issue would have to wait until a later study to be addressed. The results of this initial investigation encouraged me to pursue research integrating SDT with other theoretical frameworks of language learning motivation. I believe that the SDT framework has several advantages over some other formulations of learner orientations. SDT offers a parsimonious, internally consistent framework for systematically describing many different orientations in a comprehensive manner. It also offers considerable explanatory power for understanding why certain orientations are better predictors of relevant language learning variables (e.g., effort, persistence, attitudes) than others. Also, by invoking the psychological mechanisms of perceived autonomy, competence, and relatedness, it can account for why certain orientations are evident in some learners and not in others. Moreover, the framework is empirically testable and indeed has stood up well under empirical scrutiny in our studies. Its clear predictions may also be particularly valuable in applying the theory in language teaching and program development. [The present article first appeared in Language Learning, 50 (1), 2000, 57–85]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines social-contextual conditions leading teachers to be autonomy supportive in Quebec. Use of structural equation modeling; Effect of the perception of pressure by teachers from above and below on their self-determination in teaching; Association of less self-determination with being controlling with students.

According to self-determination theory, when the social context is autonomy supportive, people are motivated to internalize the regulation of important activities, and whereas when the context is controlling, self-determined motivation is undermined. A model that incorporates perceptions of coaches' interpersonal behaviors (autonomy support vs. control), 5 forms of regulation (intrinsic motivation, identified, introjected and external regulation, and amotivation), and persistence was tested with competitive swimmers (N = 369) using a prospective 3-wave design. Analyses using structural equation modeling revealed that experiencing relationships as controlling fostered non–self-determined forms of regulation (external regulation and amotivation). Greater levels of self-determined motivation occurred when relationships were experienced as autonomy supportive. Individuals who exhibited self-determined types of regulation at Time 1 showed more persistence at both Time 2 (10 months later) and Time 3 (22 months later). Individuals who were amotivated at Time 1 had the highest rate of attrition at both Time 2 and Time 3. Introjected regulation was a significant predictor of persistence at Time 2 but became nonsignificant at Time 3. External regulation was not a significant predictor of behavior at Time 2, but became negatively associated with persistence at Time 3. The findings are discussed in light of the determinants of the internalization process and the consequences of different forms of self-regulation for psychological functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT. The authors expanded the applicability of I. Ajzen and M. Fishbein's (1980) theory of reasoned action by assessing the participants' beliefs, attitudes, and experiences related to sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and to alien abductions. The authors designed and administered a survey on UFO phenomena to 398 Canadian students. The survey contains items relating to each component of Ajzen and Fishbein's model, as well as scales that evaluate paranormal beliefs and social desirability. A majority of the sample believed in UFOs, although most had never seen one. However, only a minority believed in alien abductions--again, most without having had any reported experience. According to path analyses, UFO beliefs originated from societal forces rather than from personal experiences as the model would predict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assesses the validity and reliability of motivation for second language learning among French-English bilingual students. Discussion on the integrative and instrumental orientations as basis for language learning motivation; Comparison between intrinsic motivation (IM) and extrinsic motivation (EM); Relevance of IM and EM to theorizing on the role of orientations.