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After identifying a linguistic difference between the English quantifier most and the Japanese quantifier hotondo ‘most’ we set out to find if the semantic difference between the two would constitute a learning problem for Japanese second language (L2) learners of English. The difference we hypothesized between the two is that English most is considered “more than half,” while hotondo is “nearly all.” As this semantic difference is not explicitly taught in a classroom environment, acquisition by learners would need to take place through experiencing most in contexts where they might receive contextual clues. An examination of a corpus indicated that contextual clues towards such a semantic difference would be unavailable or rarely available. Two sets of experiments (Experiments 1 and 2) were conducted using the Truth Value Judgment Task methodology. The results of Experiment 1 showed that L2 speakers treated most as meaning “nearly all” but that the level of learner proficiency has an effect. The upper intermediate L2 learner group (Experiment 1a) behaved more like the L1 English speaker group (Experiment 1b) than the lower proficiency L2 group (Experiment 1c). Experiment 2, testing Japanese L1 speakers on their interpretation of Japanese hotondo ‘most,’ revealed that while a majority of participants treated hotondo as “almost all,” there was, somewhat unexpectedly, a group of speakers who interpreted hotondo to mean “more than half.” Therefore, although the possibility cannot completely be eliminated that the result of Experiment 1a is due to L1 transfer, if some Japanese learners of English can unlearn the incorrect meaning, then some prior, if not innate, knowledge that makes the process possible must be available to them.

Recently, two genes involved in amoebic liver abscess formation in a mouse model were identified by their differential expression of non-pathogenic (A1np) and pathogenic (B2p) clones of the Entamoeba histolytica isolate HM:1-IMSS. While overexpression of a gene encoding the metallopeptidase EhMP8-2 reduces the virulence of the pathogenic clone B2p, overexpression of the gene ehi_127670 (ehhp127), encoding a hypothetical protein, increases the virulence of the non-pathogenic clone A1np, while silencing this gene in the pathogenic B2p reduces virulence. To understand the role of both molecules in determining the pathogenicity of E. histolytica, silencing, and overexpression transfectants were characterized in detail. Silencing of ehmp8-2, of the homologous gene ehmp8-1, or both in non-pathogenic A1np trophozoites significantly altered the transcript levels of 347, 216, and 58 genes, respectively. This strong change in the expression profiles caused by the silencing of ehmp8-1 and ehmp8-2 implies that these peptidases regulate the expression of numerous genes. Consequently, numerous phenotypic characteristics, including cytopathic, hemolytic, and cysteine peptidase activity, were altered in response to their silencing. Silencing of ehhp127 in pathogenic B2p trophozoites did not affect the expression of other genes, whereas its overexpression in non-pathogenic A1np trophozoites results in an altered expression of approximately 140 genes. EhHP127 is important for trophozoite motility, as its silencing reduces, while its overexpression enhances movement activity. Interestingly, the specific silencing of ehhp127 also significantly affects cytopathic, cysteine peptidase, and hemolytic activities. All three molecules characterized in this study, namely EhMP8-1, EhMP8-2, and EhHP127, are present in amoeba vesicles. The results show that ehmp8-2 and ehhp127 are not only differentially expressed between pathogenic and non-pathogenic amoebae, but that they also significantly affect amoeba pathogenicity-associated phenotypes by completely different mechanisms. This observation suggests that the regulation of amoeba pathogenicity is achieved by a complex network of molecular mechanisms rather than by single factors.

Abstract Background Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is safe and effective, evidence-based and implemented in national and international cardiac rehabilitation guidelines. Recent data show a decrease in cardiovascular mortality, reduced hospital admissions and an overall improvement in quality of life. To maintain positive effects and to prevent further cardiovascular events a major goal of cardiac rehabilitation is to induce a long-term health behaviour change and the integration of regular physical activity and exercise training in everyday life. The aim of this study is to evaluate the adherence of cardiac patients to exercise-based programs following rehabilitation phase III. Methods A nationwide online cross-sectional survey was conducted. All outpatient aftercare providers who offer sports rehabilitation programs (heart groups) for cardiac patients in Germany were contacted. The questionnaire comprised 15 questions in five subcategories (general information regarding the outpatient aftercare provider, structure of rehabilitation sport programs, membership structure, content of heart groups, adherence to exercise-based programs). Results 560 of 2447 outpatient aftercare providers participated in the survey (response rate: 23%). On average, rehabilitation sport facilities hosted 2 (IQR 2) heart groups per week, and 23 patients (IQR 30) (61% males; 31% females) per facility completed rehabilitation sport prescription in 2018. Almost all providers offer follow-up programs on a self-payer basis after rehabilitation sport prescription ends. Adherence to follow-up programs was at 54% (IQR 65; 55% males and 50% females). With 60% (IQR 71), patients with a statutory health insurance (mainly pensioners) adhere slightly more often to a follow-up program compared to privately insured persons (mainly population with a high income or civil servants) with 50% and significantly more often compared to persons who were insured by the German pension fund (covering working population) with only 9% (IQR 89) adherence. Conclusion Almost all outpatient aftercare providers offer follow-up programs for cardiac rehabilitation patients but only half of them actually participate. Younger people (working population) do not adhere sufficiently to sport and exercise programs following rehabilitation phase III. This seems critical to address in terms of achieving long-term rehabilitation goals.

It is widely assumed that teachers play a key role in providing high-quality learning opportunities to students and fostering students' learning. Yet it is still unclear how specific teacher knowledge facets as part of their professional competence contribute to classroom processes and learning outcomes. Focusing on mathematics education at the secondary level, this study investigates the links between teachers' pedagogical competence (i.e., cognitive pedagogical facets of their professional competence), instructional quality, and students' mathematics achievement. The sample comprises mathematics teacher and student data from 59 classrooms in Germany. "Student mathematics achievement" was measured across two time points (grade 7 and 8). Teachers' pedagogical competence was tested using two tests measuring their general pedagogical knowledge (GPK) and situation-specific classroom management expertise (CME). Instructional quality was measured using observational rating data from in vivo rating in mathematics classrooms. Research questions on the relation of teachers' competence and students' mathematics achievement were answered using multilevel models. Results from multilevel regression analyses indicate that both GPK and CME predict instructional quality. Direct statistical effects on students' mathematical progress were identified, whereas no indirect statistical effects via instructional quality could be identified. Although teachers' measured pedagogical competence is not subject-specific, it serves as a significant predictor for cognitive activation as an indispensable part of quality-oriented mathematical teaching and learning processes in the lower secondary mathematics classroom, and it contributes to students' mathematical progress.

The viscoelastic properties of cells subjected to external strain are assessed, showing that cells become stiffer but preserve fluidity by sacrificing their excess surface area.

The aim of the research described in this paper was to identify qualitatively different profiles of teachers' general pedagogical knowledge (GPK) as a central component of their competence. We applied a mixed Rasch model to a sample of 462 mathematics and non-mathematics teachers who were tested using a short version of the TEDS-M test for GPK. The analysis revealed two profiles that were characterized by (quantitative) differences in their overall GPK level as well as (qualitative) differences in how well these groups did on specific items. The profiles differed mainly on items dealing with adaptivity, notably on a set related to Bruner's modes of representation. A person-focused comparison of the profiles showed that teachers who had undergone training for teaching mathematics had a higher chance of belonging to the profile with strength on these and other adaptivity items. The profiles were validated against teachers' beliefs and their instructional quality. The results showed that the two groups differed significantly in their epistemological as well as teaching and learning beliefs. Moreover, they differed significantly in the cognitive activation level of their instruction.

Abstract Background Histone acetylation and deacetylation seem processes involved in the pathogenesis of Ewing sarcoma (EwS). Here histone deacetylases (HDAC) class I were investigated. Methods Their role was determined using different inhibitors including TSA, Romidepsin, Entinostat and PCI-34051 as well as CRISPR/Cas9 class I HDAC knockouts and HDAC RNAi. To analyze resulting changes microarray analysis, qRT-PCR, western blotting, Co-IP, proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, invasion assays and xenograft-mouse models were used. Results Class I HDACs are constitutively expressed in EwS. Patients with high levels of individual class I HDAC expression show decreased overall survival. CRISPR/Cas9 class I HDAC knockout of individual HDACs such as HDAC1 and HDAC2 inhibited invasiveness, and blocked local tumor growth in xenograft mice. Microarray analysis demonstrated that treatment with individual HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) blocked an EWS-FLI1 specific expression profile, while Entinostat in addition suppressed metastasis relevant genes. EwS cells demonstrated increased susceptibility to treatment with chemotherapeutics including Doxorubicin in the presence of HDACi. Furthermore, HDACi treatment mimicked RNAi of EZH2 in EwS. Treated cells showed diminished growth capacity, but an increased endothelial as well as neuronal differentiation ability. HDACi synergizes with EED inhibitor (EEDi) in vitro and together inhibited tumor growth in xenograft mice. Co-IP experiments identified HDAC class I family members as part of a regulatory complex together with PRC2. Conclusions Class I HDAC proteins seem to be important mediators of the pathognomonic EWS-ETS-mediated transcription program in EwS and in combination therapy, co-treatment with HDACi is an interesting new treatment opportunity for this malignant disease.

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to examine the development of past tense counterfactual (PTCF) sentences ("If the dog had stayed in the house, he would not have bitten the police officer") in young adolescents and young adults, addressing both production and comprehension. The goal was to determine if growth occurs during the years between early adolescence and early adulthood and when or if mastery of these sentences occurs. We also examined the development of past tense irregular verbs to determine growth and mastery. Method: The participants included one group of young adolescents (M[subscript age] = 12.44 years, n = 80) and one group of young adults (M[subscript age] = 21.30 years, n = 80). All were monolingual speakers of Mainstream American English. Using a written language task, each participant completed a set of 40 sentences. For each sentence, the missing element affected the main clause (present perfect verb omitted), the subordinate clause (past perfect verb omitted), or either the main or the subordinate clause (past tense irregular verb omitted). To examine differences in production versus comprehension, half the participants in each group used a fill-in response format (production task), and half used a multiple-choice response format (comprehension task). Results: On the PTCF sentences, the adults outperformed the adolescents, comprehension exceeded production, both groups experienced greater difficulty with the past perfect compared to the present perfect verb form, and the adults were more likely to show mastery of PTCF sentences than were the adolescents. Similarly, on the past irregular verbs, the adults outperformed the adolescents, and the adults were more likely to show mastery of these verbs. Implications: The findings of this study contribute to the knowledge base in later syntactic development and suggest that some adolescents and adults may require formal instruction in subtle aspects of English grammar used in literate contexts, such as PTCF sentences.

This chapter uses feminist and empowerment theories as a framework to examine how women in mid-level professional leadership perceive their level of influence and define leadership. Results indicate that empowerment behaviors are central when these women engage in opportunities to influence institutional decision-making, in the ways they identify individuals with power and influence and use their positionality to "move things along."

The purpose of this research note is to suggest photovoice as a methodology to enhance and vivify marginalized voices in marketing research. Specifically, the focus is on LGBTQ+ consumer perspectives during one of the most visible times for this marketing segment: Pride Month. Photovoice is an opportunity for researchers to ask for viewpoints and incorporate consumer perspectives into social marketing research. It puts the researcher in the role of a guide through the research process, while participants lead the data collection, definitions, and analysis through their own images so new voices and perspectives are centered. It is the intention of this article to be a catalyst for encouraging both scholars and practitioners to conduct future photovoice studies in international market research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION Are there neurobiological changes induced by endometriosis? SUMMARY ANSWER Women with endometriosis demonstrate specific neurobiological changes distinct from those in patients with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in the absence of endometriosis. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Endometriosis is a chronic disease affecting women of reproductive age that presents with pain and infertility often accompanied by comorbid mental disorders. Only one study with a number of limitations has investigated changes in gray matter volumes and functional connectivity in a small group of patients with endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This prospective study recruited 53 women undergoing a laparoscopy due to suspicion of symptomatic endometriosis and 25 healthy, pain-free women. Clinical and psychological characteristics, thermal pain perception, and voxel- and surface-based morphology were assessed in all study participants. Thereafter, the patients underwent a laparoscopy, where endometriosis was either histologically confirmed and removed, or ruled out. Correspondingly, patients were assigned into the group with endometriosis (n = 27) or with endometriosis-independent CPP (n = 26) and compared to the pain-free controls. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The study groups were generally representative for the population of women with endometriosis. Sociodemographic, medical, clinical, and psychological characteristics were collected using various questionnaires and a structured clinical interview. Thermal pain perception and voxel- and surface-based morphometry were assessed using thermode and MRI, respectively. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Despite comparable pain intensity and burden of mental disorders, both patient groups demonstrated distinct neurobiological patterns. Women with endometriosis exhibited increased gray matter volume (GMV) in the left cerebellum, lingual gyrus and calcarine gyrus, compared to those with endometriosis-independent CPP. Patients with CPP had decreased GMV in the right cerebellum as compared to controls. Dysmenorrhoea severity correlated positively with GMV in the left inferior parietal lobule, whereas depressive symptoms were associated with decreased GMV in the right superior medial gyrus across patient groups. Dyspareunia correlated negatively with cortical thickness in the left inferior temporal gyrus and left middle temporal gyrus. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The study groups differed in a few baseline-characteristics, including educational levels, smoking and BMI. While measuring pain perception thresholds, we did not attempt to mimic CPP by placement of the thermode on the abdominal wall. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Changes in gray matter volume associated with endometriosis differ from those observed in women with endometriosis-independent CPP. Our results underline an involvement of the cerebellum in pain perception and the pathogenesis of pain associated with endometriosis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded by the START Program of the Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen, Germany, and supported by the International Research Training Group (IRTG 2150) of the German Research Foundation (DFG)—269953372/GRK2150, Germany. S.T. was supported by postdoctoral fellowship of the Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen, Germany. There are no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER DRKS00021236 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying factors that cause interindividual variability of carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) activity is currently difficult due to limited methods. Here, fluorogenic tools for measuring CES1 activity are developed and demonstrated to report on these factors in living cells. These tools enable experiments that will develop a deeper understanding of CES1 metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent times, there has been an increase in drug abuse in not only the general population, but in women of reproductive age. Our objectives were to identify, classify, and describe the spectrum of complications, the average number of admissions, and length of hospital stay that occur among pregnant women with substance abuse. The aim was to obtain better understanding of complication prevalence to improve management in this ever-growing population. A retrospective chart review was conducted of pregnant women ages 18-45 with a history of substance abuse from 2013-2018 in the tri-state area of West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky. We collected the following data: demographics, medical history, specific substances abused, inpatient admission dates and diagnoses, and delivery information. A total of 411 patients met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 525 pregnancies. Out of 525 pregnancies, 71.6 % used buprenorphine (i.e., Subutex), 43.4% used opiates, excluding heroin, and 35% of patients used heroin. Out of the 525 pregnancies, there were 714 inpatient antepartum admissions. Of these, 376 were admissions due to withdrawal symptoms (52.7%). A total of 263 pregnancies had at least one admission for withdrawal, drug abuse, overdose, or buprenorphine/methadone conversion (50%). The average length of hospital stay for withdrawal admissions was 3.4 days (SD). There were 62 admissions for infectious causes, 24 of these being due to pyelonephritis (38.7%). The findings highlight multiple areas for future studies as well as areas for quality improvement in the management of this population.