Search

There is a growing popular discourse that the intellectualization of the field of language teaching has resulted in a growing divide between language teaching researchers and professionals. Some scholars have called for more holistic professionals, that is, people who embody the identities of both researcher and practitioner. To explore such positioning, this study analyzed author biographies (bios; N = 400) of research articles in leading language teaching journals that self-identified as major avenues to communicate research to language teaching practitioners. Questionnaires were then sent to authors to probe further into their professional positionality and their perspectives on the importance of teaching experience for researchers. Results of the biographical text analysis showed that authors primarily positioned themselves as researchers through their research interests, academic qualifications, and publication achievements. The questionnaire (N = 233) revealed that authors had a wealth of language teaching experience and qualifications and viewed the relationship between research and teaching as important. Comparing survey data to biographical data revealed that a majority of researchers clearly underreported teaching credentials in their author bios. We conclude that researchers with relevant teacher identities to draw upon should foreground their professional expertise in their published work, especially in journal outlets that claim to operate within a teaching–research nexus.

This study examined the influence of successors’ socio-demographic characteristics on the performance of family-owned Small and Medium Enterprises. Probability sampling technique was employed to obtain sample of 219 successors. The hierarchical regression model and independent samples t-test were employed to test the study hypotheses. The findings of this study indicate that successors’ socio-demographic characteristics, that is, education and business experience have influence on performance of family-owned Small and Medium Enterprises and there is no statistical difference in performance in terms of profit between male and female successors. It was concluded that for performance of family-owned SMEs successor’s sex should not be a factor for consideration in selecting a successor in family-owned SMEs. For good performance of family business, successors’ socio-demographic characteristics mainly education and business experience should be given priority in succession plan. The paper recommends that, to reduce the reported high failure rate, family business founders should strengthen their successors’ socio-demographic characteristics, mainly education and business experience instead of building on sex as the only criteria for successors’ selection.

British higher education institutions attract a large number of international students, especially Chinese students, to pursue degrees in the UK every year. This longitudinal mixed-methods study tracked the informal language contact and social networks of Chinese foundation program students in the UK for two terms. A Language Contact Questionnaire and a Study Abroad Social Network Survey were administered to 84 students and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 participants in the first term and the second term of study. Data revealed that the participants generally had a high percentage of L1 use, high academic L2 contact, and mainly L1 social networks during studying abroad, with little variation over the two terms. Their relationships with international friends were superficial and a vibrant international student community was not found. L2 topic multiplexity and online L2 contact frequency weakly predicted the total informal L2 contact at Term 1 and Term 2. This study underscores that degree-oriented SA participants may have different prioritization and leisure time routines compared with summer school participants or exchange students abroad. Thus, with an extra foundation year in the host country, the current sample seemed to prioritize academic preparation, rather than social integration.

Coherent control of ensembles of light emitters by means of multi-wave mixing processes is key for the realization of high capacity optical quantum memories and information processing devices. In this context, semiconductor quantum dots placed in optical microcavities represent excellent candidates to explore strong light-matter interactions beyond the limits of perturbative non-linear optics and control the unitary evolution of optically driven quantum systems. In this work, we demonstrate that a sequence of two optical picosecond pulses can be used to establish coherent control over the phase evolution of the ensemble of trions in (In,Ga)As quantum dots independent of their initial quantum state. Our approach is based on coherent transfer between degenerate multi-wave-mixing signals in the strong field limit where Rabi rotations in multi-level systems take place. In particular, we use the two-pulse photon echo sequence to uncover the coherent dynamics of the trion ensemble, whereas the areas of two additional control pulses serve as tuning knobs for adjusting the magnitude and timing of the coherent emission. Furthermore, we make use of the spin degeneracy of ground and excited state of trions to control the polarization state of the emitted signal. Surprisingly, we reveal that the use of optical control pulses, whose durations are comparable to the dephasing time of the ensemble, lifts the temporal degeneracy between wave-mixing processes of different order. This phenomenon is manifested in a significant modification of the temporal shape of the coherent optical response for strong optical fields. Lifting the temporal degeneracy allows to smoothly trace the transition from the perturbative to the regime of Rabi rotations and opens up new possibilities for the optical investigation of complex energy level structures in so far unexplored material systems.

Hatchery seed production of mussels has been identified as a sustainable method to address the problem of low production due to insufficient seed supply. We conducted the first hatchery production trials of the Asian green mussel Perna viridis spats in the Philippines to demonstrate the feasibility of producing a sufficient and reliable seed supply for grow-out operations. However, results of small-scale experiments cannot be directly rolled-out commercially unless these are verified in bigger-scale facilities approximating those of commercial hatcheries. Thus, techniques on broodstock collection, spawning, and larval rearing, developed by the project in the laboratory during the experimental trials, were applied and verified in a production run using industry-scale tank facilities. Mature broodstocks collected from traditional mussel growing areas were successfully spawned in the hatchery. Eggs were fertilized, and these developed into D-hinged larvae, pediveliger, and metamorphosed into early spat before fully developing into the spat stage. Successful larval rearing up to the spat stage required the use of appropriate algal species and rates of feeding, close monitoring of larval stages, and water quality management. The survival from eggs to D-hinged larvae, D-hinged larvae to pediveliger, pediveliger to early spat, D-hinged larvae to early spat, and early spat (1 mm) to fully grown spat was 77, 64, 6.4, 3.1, and 72%, respectively. This study has established the feasibility of producing P. viridis in commercial-scale hatchery facilities.

Ver 𝐏elícula 𝐂ompleta Vértigo Online en 𝐄spañol Latino Vértigo (2022) 𝐏elícula 𝐂ompleta Online en 𝐄spañol ... Cómo y Dónde Ver la 𝐏elícula ‘Vértigo ’ en Latinoamérica y España. Aquí Puedes Ver la 𝐏elícula Vértigo (2022) Online y Gratis en 𝐄spañol y Latino ► Clic aquí para ver Vértigo online y gratis ► Clic aquí para ver Vértigo online y gratis Vértigo Pelicula 𝐂ompleta | 4K [Blu Ray] 460p - 720p - 1080p - Flv - Mp4 Conoce cómo y dónde ver la 𝐏elícula 𝐂ompleta de Vértigo (2022) online gratis en 𝐄spañol. No te preocupes, acá te dejo opciones para ver Vértigo online. ¿Dónde Ver ‘Vértigo ’ 𝐏elícula Online 𝐄spañol y Latino? Estas plataformas para ver Vértigo gratis en casa: Revisa las opciones para ver Vértigo gratis online en toda Latinoamérica, sin necesidad de descargar y sin tener que registrarse. Además, al final encontrarás portales para ver estrenos recientes de Chile, Argentina y España, y así disfrutar en familia, solos o con amigos de las mejores 𝐏elículas de la actualidad como también de la historia del 𝐏elícula. Disfruta ver desde tu casa Vértigo pelicula 𝐂ompleta en 𝐄spañol 2022 sin registrarse. Vértigo (2022): Todo sobre la información y cómo ver la 𝐏elícula Toei Animation en 𝐄spañol 𝐏elícula sobre el joven piloto de pruebas Vértigo quién luego se convertiría en el popular juguete que todos los niños querrían tener en Toy Story. ¿Dónde está Vértigo ? ¿Dónde Ver Vértigo online, la 𝐏elícula 𝐂ompleta 𝐄spañol Latino? Vértigo 𝐏elícula 𝐂ompleta (2022) ya esta disponibles en plataforma de streaming como Crunchyroll, Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Cuevana3.today, y otros para ver 𝐏elículas. 'Vértigo ' Fecha de estreno Así puedes ver en México la nueva 𝐏elícula de Dragón Ball Súper 2022 De acuerdo con los spoilers y filtraciones sobre Dragón Ball Súper: Súper Héroes, la cinta no llegará a los cines de México, por lo que queda sólo una alternativa oficial para ver la nueva 𝐏elícula del animé más popular de todos los tiempos en la que además, se espera una nueva transformación de Gohan. Para ver la 𝐏elícula de Dragón Ball Súper: Súper Héroes en México, en éste artículo vamos a saber dónde ver la 𝐏elícula Vértigo online y gratis en calidad HD sin cortes, el servicio de streaming de animé, conocido como 'Cuevana3.today' Latinoamérica anunció que esta cinta llegará a su catálogo a partir del mes de 11 de junio de 2022. Aunque los cines de México no han anunciado si habrá una proyección de la 𝐏elícula en sus salas de todo el país, no se descarta que Dragón Ball Súper: Súper Héroes llegue en formato de pantalla grande a Latinoamérica de la mano de Toei Animation. Cómo y Dónde Ver la 𝐏elícula Vértigo (2022) en 𝐄spañol y Latino Ahora si, después de una breve reseña sobre Vértigo , te voy dejar algunas opciones para verla de manera online. ¿Cómo puedo ver la 𝐏elícula de Vértigo online gratis? o ¿Cómo descargar Vértigo desde la móvil? ¿Dónde se puede ver Vértigo en 𝐄spañol online? Conoce cómo y dónde ver Vértigo online, la 𝐏elícula 𝐂ompleta en 𝐄spañol latino y castellano o subtitulado, ver 𝐏elículas online y gratis en alta calidad. Aquí Puedes Ver la 𝐏elícula Vértigo Online en 𝐄spañol, Latino y Castellano, 𝐏elícula 𝐂ompleta HD Gratis con Audio y Subtitulada. Vértigo (2022) 𝐏elícula 𝐂ompleta sin cortes en la mejor calidad HD. Disfruta del cine online gratis. Disfruta ver desde tu casa Vértigo 𝐂ompleta gratis en 𝐄spañol sin registrarse. Ver Vértigo y descargar 𝐏elículas y Series en Latino, 𝐄spañol, Subtitulado e ingles, los últimos estrenos en la mejor calidad HD sin cortes. La Mejor Pagina de Peliculas y Series Online en Audio Latino Subtitulos 𝐄spañol y Castellano FULL HD. Las últimas peliculas online las encuentras aquí. Tenemos el mejor catálogo de peliculas totalmente GRATIS. Cuevana3.today es un sitio de 𝐏elículas gratis en 𝐄spañol latino y castellano que surge para permitir a los usuarios disfrutar y pasar un buen rato en familia. Esto es cómo ver Vértigo online, la 𝐏elícula 𝐂ompleta en 𝐄spañol y subtítulos. Existen dos grandes problemas a la hora de ver 𝐏elícula Vértigo gratis en internet: Los continuos parones en la reproducción de la 𝐏elícula y la calidad en la que se reproduce. Seguramnte en más de una ocasión has buscado en Google “¿cómo puedo ver Vértigo la 𝐏elícula 𝐂ompleta en 𝐄spañol?” o “¿dónde puedo ver Vértigo la 𝐏elícula 𝐂ompleta?”. No lo niegues. No eres el único. Todos los días, millones de personas intentan ver 𝐏elícula online desde sus computadoras, laptops, smartphones, tablets o cual sea el dispositivo móvil de su preferencia. Sin embargo, la navegación muchas veces termina en páginas web que no cumplen lo prometido, que aseguran tener los últimos estrenos, pero que solo te derivan de un site a otro, que te obligan a dar clic tras clic mientras te llenan la pantalla de publicidad, para finalmente dirigirte hasta un enlace que no funciona o que demora mucho en cargar. Esto hace que sea imposible disfrutar de verdad de una tarde/noche de 𝐏elículas. Además existe una ley no escrita y es que este tipo de cosas suelen ocurrir los mejores momentos de la 𝐏elícula y acaba frustrando. Que esto ocurra se debe a muchos factores como: la conexión a Internet, la página desde la que estés viendo la 𝐏elícula gratis o la calidad de reproducción elegida. Todos estos problemas se pueden solucionar, salvo la velocidad de tu internet, por ello en este aqui encontrarás solo páginas para ver 𝐏elículas en Internet gratis en castellano y sin cortes de gran calidad dónde estás problemas no existen o son muy poco comunes. Por supuesto esta página están libres de virus y el listado se actualiza conforme a las nuevas páginas que van apareciendo y aquellas que se van cerrando. De las páginas más conocidas, cabe duda de que cumple su objetivo a la perfección ¡Ver 𝐏elícula Vértigo online sin registrase en 𝐄spañol y otros idiomas! Se trata de una página muy bien distribuida en la que puedes encontrar casi cualquier 𝐏elículas 𝐂ompletas online, sin publicidad y en calidad Full HD y 4K. Disfrutar de la 𝐏elícula 𝐂ompleta Vértigo online, gratis y legal. Podrás ver la 𝐏elícula 𝐂ompleta de Vértigo online sin registrarse. Con sólo aterrizar ya verás la nueva 𝐏elícula agregadas recientemente gratis. Si eres un fanático de las 𝐏elículas como ‘One Piece la 𝐏elícula: Red’ y ‘Jujutsu Kaisen 0’, puedes acceder directamente a ellas desde el Menú principal en el tope de la página. Dispone incluso de la posibilidad de que solicites una 𝐏elícula en concreto si no la has encontrado en el listado de la web. Ver aqui Vértigo 𝐂ompleta gratis y sin ads. En 𝐄spañol latino y subtitulada en linea, calidad hd y 4k. Desde Cuevana3.today podrás ver y descargar la 𝐏elícula 𝐂ompleta de Vértigo en HD y Gratis con Audio y Subtitulado. Disfruta viendo gratuita y con 𝐄spañol latino subtitulado y muy buena calidad de imagen. Recuerda que ver Vértigo online en Cuevana3.today es totalmente gratis. Si tienes algún tipo de problema con la pelicula Vértigo , puedes informarlo en nuestras redes sociales. En Cuevana3.today te facilitamos los enlaces para ver peliculas online gratis y sin ningún tipo de registro o restricción. Así puedes ver Vértigo incluso miles de 𝐏elículas gratis en 𝐄spañol Más allá de las plataformas de YouTube, puedes ver 𝐏elículas gratis en Internet sin necesidad de pagar una suscripción. Y de forma totalmente legal, sin incumplir ninguna regla y pudiendo disfrutar en casa de grandes clásicos. Puedes ver la 𝐏elícula Vértigo gratis en Cuevana3.today, no necesitas pagar nada ni suscribirte nada. Este es el único lugar en el que puedes ver la 𝐏elícula Vértigo online gratis de gran calidad, grandes clásicos de todo tipo y miles de opciones diferentes: ciencia ficción, comedia, terror, cine negro… La página web Cuevana3.today ofrece miles de 𝐏elículas que puedes ver online sin ningún tipo de coste. Desde la propia web puedes comenzar el streaming gracias al reproductor incorporado, solo tienes que esperar que cargue al completo para que no se corte a medida que avanzan las escenas. O simplemente darle al play si tienes una buena conexión a internet. Además, la gran ventaja de Cuevana3.today es que no solo puedes ver la 𝐏elícula online, sino que puedes descargarla en diferentes formatos si necesitases llevarla a otro dispositivo como, por ejemplo, de tu ordenador a tu Smart TV. Eso sí, la única pega que encontrarás es que la mayoría de las 𝐏elículas (o casi todas) están en 𝐄spañol. La ventaja es que puedes descargarlo si necesitas incluir subtítulos que probablemente puedas encontrar fácilmente en él. Una vez que sepas cómo funciona, hay miles de títulos disponibles y puedes filtrar por año, por tipo e incluso por directores o “creadores” de la 𝐏elícula. Etiqueta de Google Ver Vértigo online Vértigo online en 𝐄spañol Vértigo pelicula 𝐂ompleta Ver Vértigo online gratis Ver Vértigo online latino Dónde ver Vértigo en 𝐄spañol Vértigo pelicula 𝐂ompleta en 𝐄spañol Vértigo pelicula 𝐂ompleta en 𝐄spañ

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element with exposures in various work settings. Arsenic exposure can occur environmentally, particularly through drinking contaminated water and ingestion of some foods. The most toxic forms are inorganic arsenic, iAs (trivalent, pentavalent), and its metabolites, as well as the highly toxic arsine gas, the latter causing hemolysis. There are also organic arsenicals in food, particularly seafood, of little or no known toxicity. Inorganic arsenic is well absorbed through ingestion and respiration and is quickly cleared from the blood, distributed throughout the body (including across the placenta), metabolized in the liver, and excreted in the urine with metabolites monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA). Most of it is excreted with a half-life of days. Inorganic arsenic disrupts numerous enzyme systems, causes oxidative stress and induces alterations in gene expression. Acute severe poisoning, rarely seen in occupational settings, is life-threatening, usually presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms and severe diarrhea that can progress to cardio-pulmonary collapse, requiring treatment in intensive care, with chelating medication. Chronic iAs exposure can lead to characteristic skin lesions, increased cancer risks (particularly skin, lung, bladder), and other cardiovascular, neurological, endocrine and reproductive adverse health effects. Assessment involves history, physical exam and urine arsenic (can be a spot sample corrected for creatinine), speciating the sample for inorganic species. This urine arsenic biomarker assesses current exposures. Treatment and prevention focus on identifying and eliminating or decreasing exposure, both in the workplace and environment.

This paper reports on a mixed-methods study investigating the factors that predict the severity of language challenges in EMI contexts. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups at a private university in Istanbul. Questionnaire data were collected from EMI students (n = 544) across a variety of disciplines, and interviews (n = 11) and focus groups (n = 6) were conducted with teachers with students, respectively, from a social sciences faculty of the university. Quantitative data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis, and a significant relationship was found between students' motivation, perceived competence, self-efficacy, the amount of L2 used in the classroom and students' challenges. Among these four factors, self-efficacy and motivation had the greatest predictive power in determining students' challenges in EMI courses. The analysis of qualitative data revealed complexities related to students' language learning and academic self-efficacy, as well as their motivation on EMI courses, and the findings highlight the importance of building students’ self-beliefs in EMI. Implications are discussed with respect to EMI pedagogy, language support, and future directions for research.

Mariculture of green mussel (Perna viridis) is being hindered by reliance on seed from the wild. Hatchery production helps increase seed stock, but little is known about the factors that may affect...

FeS nanoplatelets were synthesized using a surfactant-assisted hydrothermal synthesis. The product is highly crystalline and has a preferred growth direction with a [001] plate normal. The platelet...

(1) Background: Due to their high nutritional value, we aimed to characterize the frequency and amount of maternal consumption of beans during pregnancy and their associations with diet quality and nutrient intake. (2) Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis of US pregnant women (n = 1444) from the Infant Feeding Practices Study II, a longitudinal study that followed mother–infant pairs from late pregnancy to 1 year postpartum. Maternal bean intake (food types [dried beans, chili, and bean soup], frequency, serving size, and amount), diet quality (Healthy Eating Index [HEI]), and nutrient intake were estimated with a Food Frequency Questionnaire taken in the third trimester of pregnancy. Associations of bean consumption with diet quality and nutrient intake were examined with analysis of variance, Fisher’s least significant difference tests, correlation coefficients, and coefficients of determination. (3) Results: In general, maternal bean consumption was low during pregnancy: 0.31 cups/week of dried beans, 0.37 cups/week of chili, and 0.10 cups/week of bean soup. Maternal bean consumption varied by socio-demographics and geographic regions. In comparison with those who never consumed dried beans, mothers who ate dried beans ≥ 1 time per week had a higher mean HEI score (67.5 vs. 63.6), intake of total fiber (24.4 vs. 17.4 g/day), and protein (93.4 vs. 79.9 g/day), but a lower percentage of energy from added sugar (12.6 vs. 15.2%). Higher dried bean consumption had weak-to-moderate correlations with intake of total fiber (correlation coefficient, 0.320), insoluble fiber (0.316), soluble fiber (0.310), and folate (0.286). Similar but less extensive correlations were observed for chili and bean soup consumption. (4) Conclusions: In this US cohort of pregnant women, bean consumption was low. Increased intake of beans (≥1 time per week) may improve maternal diet quality during pregnancy.

Alcohol use disorders (AUD) have a strong component of heritability; however, the neurobiological mechanisms mediating the propensity to consume excessive amounts of alcohol are still not well understood. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), a highly conserved neuropeptide which exerts its effects mainly through the PAC1 receptor (PAC1R), has been suggested to be one of the mediators of the effects of drugs of abuse and alcohol. Here, we investigated the role of the PACAP/PAC1R system in excessive alcohol drinking in alcohol-preferring rats, an established animal model of AUD. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of the PAC1R antagonist PACAP(6-38) blocked excessive alcohol drinking and motivation to drink in Sardinian alcohol-preferring (Scr:sP) rats, without affecting water, saccharin, or sucrose intake. Notably, PACAP(6-38) did not affect ethanol responding in outbred Wistar rats. PACAP(6-38) also significantly reduced alcohol-seeking behavior under a second-order schedule of reinforcement. Using immunohistochemistry, a significant increase in the number of PAC1R positive cells was observed selectively in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) Core of Scr:sP rats, compared to Wistar rats, following alcohol drinking. Finally, excessive drinking in Scr:sP rats was suppressed by intra-NAcc Core, but not intra-NAcc Shell, PACAP(6-38), as well as by virally-mediated PAC1R knockdown in the NAcc Core. The present study shows that hyperactivity of the PACAP/PAC1R system specifically in the NAcc Core mediates excessive drinking of alcohol-preferring rats, and indicates that this system may represent a novel target for the treatment of AUD.

Supplemental material, sj-pdf-1-pps-10.1177_17456916211071079 for Only Human: Mental-Health Difficulties Among Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychology Faculty and Trainees by Sarah E. Victor, Andrew R. Devendorf, Stephen P. Lewis, Jonathan Rottenberg, Jennifer J. Muehlenkamp, Dese’Rae L. Stage and Rose H. Miller in Perspectives on Psychological Science

Supplemental material, sj-pdf-1-pps-10.1177_17456916211071079 for Only Human: Mental-Health Difficulties Among Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychology Faculty and Trainees by Sarah E. Victor, Andrew R. Devendorf, Stephen P. Lewis, Jonathan Rottenberg, Jennifer J. Muehlenkamp, Dese’Rae L. Stage and Rose H. Miller in Perspectives on Psychological Science

Climate change is an urgent challenge amplified by socioeconomic factors that demands thoughtful public health responses from OEM professionals. This guidance statement from the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine focuses on the different strategies that these health professionals can implement to protect workers from health impacts associated with climate change hazards, foster workplace resilience in the face of rapidly changing environments, and take the necessary steps to mitigate the effects of global climate change.

Nanostructuring inorganic solids has been effective as a tool to control the identity of the thermodynamically stable phase under ambient conditions for many systems. In addition, size effects can ...

The potential of enriched Ulva pertusa meal as feed ingredient in abalone juveniles, Haliotis asinina was evaluated. Four isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated which contain 27% protein and 5% lipid. Enriched U. pertusa meal replaced 0% (control), 10%, 20%, and 30% of protein from fish and soybean meals in the formulated diets. Thirty randomly selected abalone juveniles with average weight and shell length of 0.45 g ± 0.01 and 12.71 mm ± 0.01, respectively, were placed in each of the twelve 60-L oval fiberglass tanks equipped with a flow-through seawater system. Abalone were given diets at 3–5% body weight daily for 120 days in three replicate samples. Results showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in percent weight gain, shell length, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and protein efficiency ratio even up to 30% replacement level. Apparent dry matter digestibility of U. pertusa meal in abalone diet was 92%. Crude protein content of the abalone fed diets 1 (10% enriched U. pertusa meal) and 3 (30% enriched U. pertusa meal) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those fed on basal diet. Enriched U. pertusa meal can partially replace fish and soybean meals as protein source in formulated diets for abalone, Haliotis asinina juveniles.

Nutrition plays a critical role in the growth and development of green mussel Perna viridis larvae. In this study, three species of tropical microalgae were investigated to determine their efficacy as feed source for the pediveliger stage. Larvae (2 larvae ml−1) were given Isochrysis galbana (Iso), Chaetoceros calcitrans (Cc), and Tetraselmis tetrahele (Tt) at 100,000 cells ml−1. No statistically significant difference in survival was found among treatments. The Cc diet promoted maximum growth in terms of final shell height and shell length, as well as instantaneous growth rate. Filtration rates were high, but were not significantly different. A significantly higher ingestion rate was observed in Cc-fed compared with Iso- and Tt-fed larvae. Moreover, all diets examined were readily ingested and digested by the larvae, with faster cell digestion in Cc-fed larvae based on epifluorescence microscopy. This study demonstrated that C. calcitrans, I. galbana, and T. tetrahele were all acceptable and digestible for the animals, but in terms of growth parameters and filtration and ingestion rates, C. calcitrans performed best. Information on food digestibility and feeding habits of green mussel will provide us with a better understanding of the appropriate food to be given that will suit their feeding biology and improve their production in captivity.

Ontogenetic development hinges on the changes in gene expression in time and space within an organism, suggesting that the demands of ontogenetic growth can impose or reveal predictable pattern in the molecular evolution of genes expressed dynamically across development. Here we characterize co-expression modules of the C. elegans transcriptome, using a time series of 30 points from early-embryo to adult. By capturing the functional form of expression profiles with quantitative metrics, we find fastest evolution in the distinctive set of genes with transcript abundance that declines through development from a peak in young embryos. These genes are highly enriched for oogenic function (maternal provisioning), are non-randomly distributed in the genome, and correspond to a life stage especially prone to inviability in inter-species hybrids. These observations conflict with the “early conservation model” for the evolution of development, though expression-weighted sequence divergence analysis provides some support for the “hourglass model.” Genes in co-expression modules that peak toward adulthood also evolve fast, being hyper-enriched for roles in spermatogenesis, implicating a history of sexual selection and relaxation of selection on sperm as key factors driving rapid change to ontogenetically distinguishable co-expression modules of genes. We propose that these predictable trends of molecular evolution for dynamically-expressed genes across ontogeny predispose particular life stages, early embryogenesis in particular, to hybrid dysfunction in the speciation process.Impact SummaryThe development of an organism from a single-celled embryo to a reproductive adult depends on dynamic gene expression over developmental time, with natural selection capable of shaping the molecular evolution of those differentially-expressed genes in distinct ways. We quantitatively analyzed the dynamic transcriptome profiles across 30 timepoints in development for the nematode C. elegans. In addition to rapid evolution of adult-expressed genes with functional roles in sperm, we uncovered the unexpected result that the distinctive set of genes that evolve fastest are those with peak expression in young embryos, conflicting with some models of the evolution of development. The rapid molecular evolution of genes in early embryogenesis contrasts with the exceptional conservation of embryonic cell lineages between species, and corresponds to a developmental period that is especially sensitive to inviability in inter-species hybrid embryos. We propose that these predictable trends of molecular evolution for dynamically-expressed genes across development predispose particular life stages, early embryogenesis in particular, to hybrid dysfunction in the speciation process.

The motivated social cognition (MSC) model of conservative ideology posits there are two core facets of conservative political ideology—endorsement of hierarchies and resistance to change. The present research tested the validity and reliability of a scale developed to measure resistance to change. Five studies support the validity, reliability, and factor structure of the Resistance to Change-Beliefs (RC-B) scale. Scores on the RC-B scale correlated with social and cognitive motivations as well as self-identified conservatism. RC-B also predicted more conservative stances on political issues and factor analyses supported the predicted internal structure of the RC-B scale. This provides the field with a validated instrument that avoids problems inherent in previous measures, can be used to test predictions from the MSC model, and has potential applications beyond political psychology.

In an attempt to induce early spat settlement and improve mussel seed production, this study aims to determine the influence of water management, photoperiod, and aeration, on the growth, survival and settlement of green mussel (Perna viridis). Water in the pediveliger rearing tanks was changed every day, every 3 days and every 5 days for the water-management experiment. Pediveligers were exposed in 24L:0D h (light: dark), 12L:12D h and 0L:24D h conditions for the photoperiod experiment. Three aeration intensities were also tested—mild (10 L h−1), moderate (20 L h−1), and strong (30 L h−1). This study demonstrated that changing water every 3 days was effective in maintaining the rearing water quality and improving the growth and survival of P. viridis larvae. Highest growth and survival rates were observed in P. viridis spats grown in 0L:24D h photoperiod. There was no significant difference in the settlement rate of larvae exposed to different photoperiods. Mild aeration has shown to improve the growth of P. viridis larvae, but higher survival and settlement rates were attained in the strongly-aerated conditions. Therefore, when the larvae start to settle, it is recommended to expose them to darkness, change the water every 3 days and provide a strong aeration to be able to attain high survival and settlement rates, and bigger spats.

This article explores the relationship between course performance, Englishlanguage proficiency, motivation, and academic language skills in an Englishmedium instruction (EMI) university context. It analyses test and questionnairedata from 146 students from an EMI business program at a Japanese university,and follow-up interviews with seven students. Proficiency test and subject examscores revealed that knowledge of English language and academic English skillwere statistically significant predictors of success in EMI, suggesting that lowerproficiency students require more targeted language support in order to increasetheir likelihood of success. A motivation measure did not correlate with highergrades, contradicting research in language learning contexts. Interview datauncovered the multi-faceted nature of ‘success in EMI’ suggesting that studentssee success as a combination of final grades, lecture comprehension, Englishlanguage proficiency gains, and long-term career advancement.

This chapter describes how The Modern Classroom Project model, a blended, self-paced classroom format with mastery-based grading practices, is ideal for young middle school students. The chapter narratively outlines a case study of four middle school teachers implementing and validating The Modern Classrooms model at DC International School. The chapter will provide recommendations for blended learning, self-paced classroom, and mastery-based grading practices. The following section argues how this model is ideal in the middle school classroom because it allows teachers better to serve students with a broad range of maturity levels; rather than focusing only on instructional delivery, middle school educators can focus on developing students' self-management skills. The authors also discuss how the model benefited their teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the authors' experience implementing The Modern Classrooms Project model, they conclude that it is an effective structure for teaching and learning in middle school.

This thesis was scanned from the print manuscript for digital preservation and is copyright the author. Researchers can access this thesis by asking their local university, institution or public library to make a request on their behalf. Monash staff and postgraduate students can use the link in the References field.

The interaction between quantum light and matter is being intensively studied for systems that are enclosed in high-$Q$ cavities which strongly enhance the light-matter coupling. However, for many applications, cavities with lower $Q$-factors are preferred due to the increased spectral width of the cavity mode. Here, we investigate the interaction between quantum light and matter represented by a $Λ$-type three-level system in lossy cavities, assuming that cavity losses are the dominant loss mechanism. We demonstrate that cavity losses lead to non-trivial steady states of the electronic occupations that can be controlled by the loss rate and the initial statistics of the quantum fields. The mechanism of formation of such steady states can be understood on the basis of the equations of motion. Analytical expressions for steady states and their numerical simulations are presented and discussed.

Background. Diarrhea is a common and disabling symptom seen in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The diarrhea is chronic and results in malabsorption contributing to cachexia. Symptomatic treatment can improve the quality of life and nutritional status of these patients. The endogenous group of opiates known as enkephalins function as anti-secretory agents without affecting intestinal transit. Racecadotril (acetorphan) is an orally active enkephalinase inhibitor. Available studies have focused on the use of racecadotril in healthy adults and children with acute infectious diarrhea. Objectives. To assess the efficacy of racecadotril (acetorphan) in reducing the duration and frequency of bowel movement in adult HIV patients with chronic diarrhea. Methods. Electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials which used racecadotril for chronic diarrhea in HIV patients. Three independent reviewers assessed the quality of the two studies based on the Cochrane Infectious Disease Group prior to inclusion in study. Data extracted were analyzed using Revman Version 5. Test for heterogeneity was performed using the chi square test. Results. Results showed the standardized mean difference for the two trials comparing racecadotril to placebo and octreotide in reducing bowel movements from baseline was -1.00 (95% CI -1.16 to -0.84, Z=12.08, p

Author(s): Tsao, Hoi See; Allister, Lauren; Chiba, Takuyo; Barkley, Jonathan; Goldman, Rose H. | Abstract: Introduction: Copper is an uncommon source of metal toxicity in children that requires a high index of suspicion for diagnosis.Case Report: We describe the unique presentation of a 12-month-old girl who developed acute onset of vomiting and diarrhea after ingestion of a copper-contaminated birthday cake.Conclusion: This case highlights the presentation, evaluation, and management of the rare pediatric patient who presents with copper poisoning. This case also illuminates the public health implications of potential metal poisoning when using non-edible decorative products in homemade and commercially prepared baked goods.

BACKGROUND Smoking as a risk factor for postoperative complications is more relevant in elective plastic surgery than in urgent general surgery. From 2005 to 2014, the U.S. smoking rate decreased from 20.9 percent to 16.8 percent. This study compares smoking prevalence in plastic and general surgery patients, and postoperative complications when smoking is isolated as an independent risk factor. METHODS The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to examine smoking and 30-day postoperative complications for plastic and general surgery procedures. Patients were propensity score matched for demographics and comorbidities. RESULTS The authors examined 294,903 patients from 2005 to 2014. The smoking rates in general surgery mirrored national trends (R = -0.85), whereas those in plastic surgery were significantly lower (p < 0.01). General surgery smokers were more comorbid and experienced more superficial surgical-site infections, pulmonary embolism, and myocardial infarction (p < 0.02) than general surgery nonsmokers. Plastic surgery smokers were not significantly different than plastic surgery nonsmokers. The general surgery cohort was more comorbid than the plastic surgery cohort. All smokers had increased dehiscence, deep surgical-site infection, and reoperation (p ≤ 0.01). Plastic surgery patients suffered more wound complications and bleeding than general surgery patients (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS This is the first propensity score-matched, large-scale database analysis isolating smoking as a risk factor for postoperative complications. Smoking may have different risk factor profiles for postoperative complications in plastic surgical versus general surgical patient populations, emphasizing the need for caution when generalizing general surgical evidence for use in the plastic surgical population. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Risk, II.

The field of language learning strategies (LLS) has grown significantly, experiencing many twists and turns over the years. Consequently, this study takes stock of, and reports on, definitional and conceptual changes, because how we define a concept can greatly affect its impact on teaching and research. We collected 461 journal articles from prominent databases and divided them into three time periods marked by major developments in the field: 1975–1990, 1991–2005, and 2006–2019. We then used content analysis to categorize, code, and explore explicit definitions found in the articles and various corpus-based techniques on the full texts to investigate implicit conceptualizations of LLS within and across these time periods. The findings indicate that elements of self-directedness (e.g., self-regulation, agency, and autonomy) are increasingly prevalent in researchers’ conceptualizations over time. The findings also highlight trends in language related to self-directedness, especially in the way strategies are portrayed to be operationalized by learners and in their intended purpose(s). Based on our findings, we argue for a change in thinking—from the ideal to the actual—in LLS conceptualizations and call for reconceptualized roles of teachers and students that are more representative of and compatible with instructed language learning contexts.

Item does not contain fulltext

Abstract. The current research examined potential moderators of gender and racial stereotype priming in sequential priming paradigms. Results from five experiments suggest that stereotype priming effects are more consistent in tasks that elicit both semantic priming and response competition (i.e., response priming paradigms) rather than tasks that evoke semantic priming alone (i.e., semantic priming paradigms). Recommendations for future stereotype priming research and the implication of these results for the proper interpretation of stereotype priming effects are discussed.

Teachers in English-medium instruction (EMI) contexts have to contend with the pedagogical challenges associated with teaching academic content in a second language (L2). It has been suggested that EMI delivery may be improved through professional development (PD) opportunities. However, to ensure that PD is based on research evidence, an important first step is to explore ways in which current teacher pedagogies might be categorised based on language use. This study addresses this need by exploring differences in language use and classroom interaction as a component of EMI pedagogy. Data were collected through classroom observations (n = 85) and interviews with 21 EMI engineering lecturers at seven universities in Turkey. Pedagogical practices were compared across university types (elite, large, and small) and between lecturers. The findings revealed significant differences in terms of the proportion of L1 use and teacher-student interaction by university type, with less L1 use and interaction found in EMI classes at elite universities. Four variations of EMI implementation were identified with respect to language use and interaction. That EMI education is implemented differently across university contexts and between classes within the same department has implications for learning outcomes. The findings are discussed with respect to EMI pedagogy and professional development.

Importance Higher rates of infertility and pregnancy complications have been found for female surgeons compared with the general population. Several reproductive hazards are present in the operating room and may be associated with these findings. Hazards should be identified and controlled to minimize risks. Observations Studies comparing surgeons with the general population show increased rates of infertility and pregnancy complications, including conditions affecting both mother and fetus, such as spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery, growth restriction, and congenital abnormalities. Attention has focused on older age and demanding working conditions of pregnant surgeons; however, there are reproductive hazards present in the operating room that might also be contributing. Relevant hazards include radiation, surgical smoke, working conditions, sharps injury, anesthetic gases, and intraoperative use of toxic agents. Published evidence is limited to retrospective studies. Robust data are often unavailable to guide specific dose-response relationships, making it difficult to quantify risk and create occupational safety guidelines. Nevertheless, regulatory agencies have set exposure limits for some agents, relying on limited evidence. Various workplace interventions have shown success in reducing exposure levels for many reproductive hazards and should be adopted by surgical workplaces. Conclusions and Relevance Reproductive hazards exist in the operating room that may contribute to pregnancy complications and infertility in surgeons. Information and guidance should be given to female surgeons and trainees of reproductive age, and efforts should be made in the workplace to control exposures but not restrict female surgeons’ activities unnecessarily.

The interaction of matter with quantum light leads to phenomena which cannot be explained by semiclassical approaches. Of particular interest are states with broad photon number distributions which allow processes with high-order Fock states. Here, we analyze a Jaynes-Cummings-type model with three electronic levels which is excited by quantum light. As quantum light we consider coherent and squeezed states. In our simulations we include several loss mechanisms, namely, dephasing, cavity, and radiative losses which are relevant in real systems. We demonstrate that losses allow one to control the population of electronic levels and may induce coherent population trapping, as well as lead to a redistribution of the photon statistics among the quantum fields and even to a transfer of the photon statistics from one field to another. Moreover, we introduce and analyze a novel quantity, the quantum polarization, and demonstrate its fundamental difference compared to the classical polarization. Using the quantum polarization and the third level population, we investigate electromagnetically induced transparency in the presence of quantum light and show its special features for the case of squeezed light. Finally, quantum correlations between fields are studied and analyzed in the presence of different types of losses.

Phage display antibody libraries have proven an invaluable resource for the isolation of diagnostic and potentially therapeutic antibodies, the latter usually being antibody fragments converted into IgG formats. Recent advances in the production of highly diverse and functional antibody libraries are considered here, including for Fabs, scFvs and nanobodies. These advances include codon optimisation during generation of CDR diversity, improved display levels using novel signal sequences, molecular chaperones and isomerases and the use of highly stable scaffolds with relatively high expression levels. In addition, novel strategies for the batch reformatting of scFv and Fab phagemid libraries, derived from phage panning, into IgG formats are described. These strategies allow the screening of antibodies in the end-use format, facilitating more efficient selection of potential therapeutics.

Background New York State passed the Breast Cancer Provider Discussion Law in 2010, mandating discussion of insurance coverage for reconstruction and expedient plastic surgical referral, two significant factors found to affect reconstruction rates. This study examines the impact of this law. Methods A retrospective cohort study of the New York State Planning and Research Cooperative System database to examine breast reconstruction rates 3 years before and 3 years after law enactment was performed. Difference-interrupted time series models were used to compare trends in the reconstruction rates by sociodemographic factors and provider types. Results The study included 32,452 patients. The number of mastectomies decreased from 6479 in 2008 to 5235 in 2013; the rate of reconstruction increased from 49 percent in 2008 to 62 percent in 2013. This rise was seen across all median income brackets, races, and age groups. When comparing before to after law enactment, the increase in risk-adjusted reconstruction rates was significantly higher for African Americans and elderly patients, but the disparity in reconstruction rates did not change for other races, different income levels, or insurance types. Reconstruction rates were also not significantly different between those treated in various hospital settings. Conclusions The aim of the Breast Cancer Provider Discussion Law is to improve reconstruction rates through provider-driven patient education. The authors' data show significant change following law passage in African American and elderly populations, suggesting effectiveness of the law. The New York State Provider Discussion Law may provide a template for other states to model legislation geared toward patient-centered improvement of health outcomes.

A Diagnosis to Chew On A 31-year-old woman with depression presented with diffuse lower abdominal pain and vomiting. The hemoglobin level was 9.1 g per deciliter, hematocrit 28.2%, and mean corpusc...

Background Despite research supporting improved psychosocial well-being, quality of life, and survival for patients undergoing postmastectomy breast reconstruction, Asian patients remain one-fifth as likely as Caucasians to choose reconstruction. This study investigates cultural factors, values, and perceptions held by Asian women that might impact breast reconstruction rates. Methods The authors conducted semistructured interviews of immigrant East Asian women treated for breast cancer in the New York metropolitan area, investigating social structure, culture, attitudes toward surgery, and body image. Three investigators independently coded transcribed interviews, and then collectively evaluated them through axial coding of recurring themes. Results Thirty-five immigrant East Asian women who underwent surgical treatment for breast cancer were interviewed. Emerging themes include functionality, age, perceptions of plastic surgery, inconvenience, community/family, fear of implants, language, and information. Patients spoke about breasts as a function of their roles as a wife or mother, eliminating the need for breasts when these roles were fulfilled. Many addressed the fear of multiple operations. Quality and quantity of information, and communication with practitioners, impacted perceptions about treatment. Reconstructive surgery was often viewed as cosmetic. Community and family played a significant role in decision-making. Conclusions Asian women are statistically less likely than Caucasians to pursue breast reconstruction. This is the first study to investigate culture-specific perceptions of breast reconstruction. Results from this study can be used to improve cultural competency in addressing patient concerns. Improving access to information regarding treatment options and surgical outcomes may improve informed decision-making among immigrant Asian women.

Health care providers must be equipped to provide appropriate advice to reproductive-aged patients for protection against the potentially devastating consequences of prenatal Zika virus exposure. The goal of this commentary is to summarize what is known about the safety and toxicity of N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) as a topical insect repellant and the pyrethroid permethrin for treatment of fabric, endorsed in the fight against Zika virus. Reviews assessing the safety and toxicity of DEET conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency conclude that DEET has low acute toxicity and does not appear to pose a significant health concern to humans when used as directed. Some experimental animal and limited epidemiologic data suggest that prenatal pyrethroid exposure may adversely affect learning and behavior, but this level of evidence pales in comparison to the known risks of Zika virus to the fetal brain. The available evidence has led to the strong recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for use of these products by pregnant women as personal protection against mosquito bites in the fight against Zika virus infection. This message has been affirmed by our obstetrics and gynecology professional organizations. Because Zika virus is unlikely to be the last disease requiring vector control, those with environmental health expertise must continue to join with infectious disease specialists to communicate the potential vulnerability of our youngest (fetuses, infants, and young children) to vector-borne disease, both to the disease itself and to the strategies employed to mitigate the spread of such disease.

A refined formulated feed for the grow-out culture of tropical abalone Haliotis asinina was evaluated to assess its suitability for a shorter culture period (

Supplemental material, White_OnlineAppendix for The Resistance to Change-Beliefs Scale: Validation of a New Measure of Conservative Ideology by Katherine R. G. White, Dakota Kinney, Rose H. Danek, Brandt Smith and Charles Harben in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin

MALT1 (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma-translocation gene 1) is an intracellular signaling protein that activates NFκB and is crucial for both the adaptive and innate immune responses. Only 6 patients with immune deficiencies secondary to inherited mutations in the MALT1 gene have been described. To provide clinical and immunological insights from 2 patients diagnosed with MALT1 immunodeficiency syndrome due to a novel MALT1 mutation. Two cousins with suspected combined immunodeficiency underwent immunological and genetic work-up, including lymphocyte phenotyping, lymphocyte activation by mitogen stimulation, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) of T cell receptor gamma chain (TRG) repertoire. Whole exome sequencing was performed to identify the underlying genetic defect. Clinical findings included recurrent infections, failure to thrive, lymphadenopathy, dermatitis, and autoimmunity. Immune work-up revealed lymphocytosis, low to normal levels of immunoglobulins, absence of regulatory T cells, and low Th17 cells. A normal proliferative response was induced by phytohemagglutinin and IL-2 but was diminished with anti-CD3. TRG repertoire was diverse with a clonal expansion pattern. Genetic analysis identified a novel autosomal recessive homozygous c.1799T>A; p. I600N missense mutation in MALT1. MALT1 protein expression was markedly reduced, and in vitro IL-2 production and NFκB signaling pathway were significantly impaired. Two patients harboring a novel MALT1 mutation presented with signs of immune deficiency and dysregulation and were found to have an abnormal T cell receptor repertoire. These findings reinforce the link between MALT1 deficiency and combined immunodeficiency. Early diagnosis is crucial, and curative treatment by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be warranted.

Sterile sternal dehiscence (SSD) and sternal wound infections (SWIs) are two complications of median sternotomy with high rates of morbidity. Sternal wound complications also carry significant economic burden, almost tripling patients' hospital costs and are considered a nonreimbursable "never event" for Medicare. Historically, SDD and SWI have been recognized as discrete entities, but nonetheless continue to be categorized as a singular complication in literature. The purpose of this study was to determine specific patient demographic and perioperative predictors of SSD and SWI.An institutional review board-approved, retrospective study of 8098 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery at Columbia University Medical Center between January 2008 and December 2013 was conducted. Patients were categorized into three groups: no sternal wound complication, SSD, or SWI. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.Of 8098 patients, there were 73 patients (0.9%) with SSD and 40 (0.5%) with SWI who required plastic surgical consultation, debridement, and flap closure. In univariate analysis of SSD, positive predictors (i.e., "risk" factors) were age42 years, prior surgery this admission, ≥2 arterial conduits, internal mammary artery (IMA) grafting with or without previous IMA grafting, body mass index (BMI)30 (obese), CHF, diabetes requiring medication, respiratory failure, and unplanned cardiac reoperation; negative predictors (i.e., "protective" factors) were no arterial conduits and extubation within 24 h. In univariate analysis of SWI, positive predictors were IMA grafting with or without previous IMA grafting, postoperative hematocrit urgent/emergent surgical priority, BMI30 (obese), cardiac ejection fraction40%, and respiratory failure; negative predictors were no arterial conduits and elective surgical priority. In multivariate regression, BMI30, diabetes requiring medication, and respiratory failure were determined to be significant positive predictors of SSD, and IMA grafting with or without prior IMA grafting and respiratory failure were significant positive predictors for SWI; no significant negative predictors were identified.This study found that SSD and SWI have many common significant predictors consistent with findings that increased BMI, use of IMA grafts, poor cardiac reserve, and postoperative respiratory failure confer increased risk of sternal wound complications. Additionally, this study also found that there were predictors unique to each entity supporting that SSD and SWI may be related but are not a singular entity. Recognition and prevention of significant positive and negative predictors of SSD and SWI may be valuable in preoperative counseling, operative planning, and postoperative management. Although sternal wound complications can be successfully managed by plastic surgical intervention, preventing the development of median sternotomy complications may curb costs incurred by both patients and health care systems.

BACKGROUND Smoking has been associated with wound healing complications and overall morbidity in multiple specialties, including plastic surgery. From 2005 to 2014, smoking prevalence among U.S. adults decreased from 20.9 percent to 16.8 percent. This study aims to investigate whether smoking prevalence among plastic surgery patients paralleled the national trend and whether smoking was an independent risk factor for postoperative complications. METHODS The 2005 to 2014 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to examine smoking prevalence and 30-day postoperative complications in 36,454 patients who underwent common plastic surgical procedures with extensive planes of dissection. Patients were propensity score-matched for demographics and comorbidities. Smokers were stratified by pack-years. RESULTS Compared to the national trend, a significantly smaller percentage of plastic surgical patients were smokers (p = 0.01), with a less dramatic decline in prevalence. Smokers had significantly increased deep incisional surgical-site infections, incisional dehiscence, and reoperation (p < 0.01 for all). However, superficial surgical-site infection rates were not significantly different (p = 0.18). Smokers with 11 or more pack-years had significantly increased deep surgical-site infection (p < 0.01) and reoperations (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in graft/prosthesis/flap loss (p = 0.07), bleeding (p = 0.40), sepsis (p = 0.87), or venous thromboembolism (p = 0.16) rates between smokers and nonsmokers. CONCLUSIONS This is the first large-scale propensity score-matched database analysis isolating smoking as a risk factor for postoperative complications in plastic surgical procedures. Smoking was an independent risk factor for deep incisional surgical-site infection, incisional dehiscence, and reoperation. Interestingly, superficial surgical-site infection rates were not significantly different. The authors recommend continued judicious patient selection and preoperative smoking counseling to optimize postoperative outcomes. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Risk, II.

Background During the Vietnam War, many veterans were exposed to Agent Orange (AO), a chemical defoliant containing varying levels of the carcinogen dioxin. The health effects of AO exposure have been widely studied in the VA population. Here we review and interpret data regarding the association between AO exposure and bladder cancer (BC) mortality. Main findings Data evaluating the association between AO and BC is limited. Methods characterizing exposure have become more sophisticated over time. Several studies support the link between AO exposure and increased mortality due to BC, including the Korean Veterans Health Study. Conclusions Available data suggest an association with exposure to AO and increased mortality due to BC. In patients exposed to AO, increased frequency of cystoscopic surveillance and potentially more aggressive therapy for those with BC may be warranted but utility of these strategies remains to be proven. Additional research is required to better understand the relationship between AO and BC.