International supervisors' social influence, self-efficacy, and acculturation in cross-cultural dyads of clinical supervision

Supervisors' cultural backgrounds can influence supervision content, process, and outcomes (Bernard & Goodyear, 2004; Brown & Brown-Landrum, 1995). Although the empirical literature on multicultural supervision has greatly increased in recent years (Borders, 2005), no study has focused primarily on international supervisors. Since clinical supervisors take a vital role in enhancing the development of supervisees, it is important to understand the relationship between international supervisors' cultural factors (e.g., acculturation), their perceptions of supervisor credibility (e.g., social influence), and supervisor self-efficacy in cross-cultural dyads of clinical supervision. This study used social influence theory (Strong, 1968) as a framework to conceptualize supervisor credibility. Thirty-seven international supervisors who worked or were currently working with U.S. - born supervisees were surveyed to investigate factors (i.e., supervision self-efficacy, acculturation) that might impact international supervisors' social influence variables. The Supervisor Rating Form-Short (SRF-S), the Counselor Supervisor Self-Efficacy Scale (CSSES), and the American International Relations Survey (AIRS) were used. The sample represented 5 continents (i.e., Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and North America), with 65% (n = 24) of the sample from Asia. Pearson Product-Moment Coefficients revealed significant relationships between supervisor self-efficacy and social influence variables (i.e., expertness, attractiveness, trustworthiness), and between attractiveness and perceived prejudice (i.e., one aspect of acculturation). Supervisor self-efficacy did not mediate the relationship between acculturation and social influence variables. Multiple regression analyses revealed that gender, first language preference, and perceived racial appearance did not serve as predictors of perceived social influence variables. Results suggest that supervisor self-efficacy might have a significant and broader impact on international supervisors' self-perceptions of their social influence, compared with their acculturation levels. As the first empirical study of international supervisors' social influence, this study provides implications for researchers, counselor educators, and clinical supervisors

Mechanisms by which conjugated linoleic acid causes human adipocyte delipidation

"Obesity is an important health issue, having risen to epidemic proportions in the U.S. Use of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid, has received recent attention due to its potential health benefits including the reduction of fat mass in animals. However, the effectiveness and safety of CLA consumption in humans remains unclear. Our group previously reported that trans-10, cis-12 CLA impaired the conversion of preadipocytes into lipid-filled adipocytes (e.g., differentiation) and caused adipocyte delipidation that involved inflammatory cytokines in a human cell model. However, the isomer-specific mechanism for these events was unknown. Thus, this research examined mechanisms by which trans-10, cis-12 CLA induced adipocyte delipidation, inflammation, and insulin resistance in primary cultures of human adipocytes. Delipidation of adipocytes by trans-10, cis-12 CLA was accompanied by increased lipolysis and changes in the morphology of lipid droplets and the expression and localization of proteins regulating lipid droplet metabolism. This process involved the translational control of adipose differentiated related protein (ADRP) through activation of mTOR/p70S6K/S6 signaling and transcriptional control of perilipin A. Prior to these morphological changes, it was shown that trans-10, cis-12 CLA promoted nuclear factor κB (NFκB) and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation and subsequent induction of interleukin (IL)-6 which were, at least in part, responsible for trans-10, cis-12 CLA-mediated suppression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPAR)γ target gene expression and insulin sensitivity in human adipocytes. The essential role of NFκB on CLA-induced inflammation was confirmed by using RNA interference. Further studies were conducted examining the localization and characterization of the inflammatory response, including the type of cells involved, using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as the inflammatory agent. It was demonstrated that LPS-induced, NFκB-dependent proinflammatory cytokine expression was predominantly from preadipocytes, which led to, at least in part, the suppression of PPAR activity and adipogenic gene expression and insulin sensitivity. Collectively, these data support the emerging concept that adipose tissue is a dynamic endocrine organ with the capacity to generate inflammatory signals that impact glucose and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, human preadipocytes have the capacity to generate these inflammatory signals induced by trans-10, cis-12 CLA and LPS, subsequently causing insulin resistance in neighboring adipocytes. These studies also revealed that NFκB- and MAPK-signaling mediate inflammation and insulin resistance induced by CLA and LPS. Thus, although the trans-10, cis-12 isomer of CLA may decrease the size and lipid content of human adipocytes, it may also cause insulin resistance, which is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes. "--Abstract from author supplied metadata

Examination of low-socioeconomic status pregnant women's first trimester exercise intention and behavior

Exercise is a safe and efficacious way to gain many physical and mental health benefits (Fell, Joseph, Armson, & Dodds, 2008). However, the majority of women stay sedentary during pregnancy (Evenson & Well, 2010). In order to promote exercise among pregnant women, Hausenblas, Symons Downs, and their colleagues conducted a series of studies to explore psychosocial determinants that impact middle-to-upper class women's physical activity during pregnancy (Hausenblas & Symons Downs, 2004; Hausenblas, Symons Downs, Giacobbi, & Cook, 2008; Symons Downs & Hausenblas, 2003, 2007). However, research indicates socio-economic status (SES) as a significant predictor of different physical activity levels during pregnancy (Domingues & Barros, 2007; Cheng et al., 2011). Thus low SES pregnant women may have different psychosocial determinants of exercise. This study is designed to replicate the previous study of Hausenblas and Symons Downs (2004) to examine low SES pregnant women's exercise intention and behavior. Participants were 50 low-socioeconomic status women who were in their first trimester of pregnancy. They were recruited from a local social program which provides financial assistance for obstetric check-ups during pregnancy. All participants completed a questionnaire packet which was designed to measure psychosocial determinants of exercise (TPB) and physical activity. Demographic information was also collected. Results from multiple regression analysis indicated that the TPB constructs; attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control, did not predict exercise intention. Discriminant analysis results revealed that exercise intention and perceived behavioral control significantly discriminated the exercise and non-exercise group. A follow-up (step-wise discriminant analysis) indicated that only perceived behavioral control, but not intention, significantly discriminated the two groups. The results only partially supported the previous study of Hausenblas and Symons Downs (2004), and suggest that different variables may have moderated the relationship between the TPB measure and exercise behavior

Factors influencing school connectedness: Chinese adolescents' perspectives

This study explored the concept of school connectedness and the factors that may influence its development with a sample of Chinese adolescents. Six focus groups involving 52 high school students were conducted using a set of predetermined discussion topics. Results indicated that the students fully understood the notion of school connectedness and could identify a number of key influences affecting its development. These factors could be grouped under several domains including teacher care, peer relations, broader school relationships, school disciplinary policies and practices, activities within the school's guidance and counseling program, and opportunities for talent development. The students were also able to suggest practical strategies that schools might introduce to enhance and strengthen students' acquisition of connectedness to school. The implications from the findings are discussed with particular reference to implementing comprehensive school guidance and counseling program in Hong Kong. © 2011 The Author(s).published_or_final_versionSpringer Open Choice, 21 Feb 201

Enhancing life skills development: Chinese adolescents' perceptions

This study explored Chinese adolescents' perceptions of their own life skills development and the importance they place on such skills. The study also investigated the within-school and outsideschool influences that may help develop and enhance life skills development. Six focus groups involving 52 high school students were conducted, using a set of predetermined discussion topics. Results revealed students' awareness of many salient life skills, including those related directly to academic development, 'learning to learn', personal and social growth, and future career planning. The students were also able to suggest practical strategies that schools might use to further enhance students' life skills development. Contextual factors influencing the development of life skills appear to include not only experiences within the school curriculum and the guidance and counseling program, but also talent development opportunities, and family and peer relationships. The implications of the findings are discussed with particular reference to implementing comprehensive school guidance and counseling programs in Hong Kong. © 2010 NAPCE.postprin

A two-dimensional type I superionic conductor

Superionic conductors possess liquid-like ionic diffusivity in the solid state, finding wide applicability from electrolytes in energy storage to materials for thermoelectric energy conversion. Type I superionic conductors (for example, AgI, Ag2Se and so on) are defined by a first-order transition to the superionic state and have so far been found exclusively in three-dimensional crystal structures. Here, we reveal a two-dimensional type I superionic conductor, α-KAg3Se2, by scattering techniques and complementary simulations. Quasi-elastic neutron scattering and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations confirm that the superionic Ag+ ions are confined to subnanometre sheets, with the simulated local structure validated by experimental X-ray powder pair-distribution-function analysis. Finally, we demonstrate that the phase transition temperature can be controlled by chemical substitution of the alkali metal ions that compose the immobile charge-balancing layers. Our work thus extends the known classes of superionic conductors and will facilitate the design of new materials with tailored ionic conductivities and phase transitions

Establishing the suitability of an instrument that determined advanced practice registered nurses’ baseline knowledge of chronic kidney disease practice guidelines

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the eighth leading cause of US deaths, requiring dialysis or kidney transplant at end-stage. Poor knowledge of CKD among physicians and patients contributes to early deaths and avoidable complications, but non-Nephrology adult health Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) have not been studied similarly, although they are important in addressing the physician shortage. Objective: This study examined a 15-item instrument that was designed to assess physicians’ knowledge of CKD practice guidelines, for its suitability with non-nephrology APRNs. Methods: An online survey of APRNs (n = 254) was administered over a three-week period. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) examined the factor structure and the relatedness of the items to the derived factors and Pearson’s Chi-square test of independence examined associations between scores and the APRN descriptors. Results: Cronbach’s alpha was .71 overall, and below .69 for the subscales. The EFA five-factor solution explained 52% of the variance. There were statistically significant (p < .05) associations between the scores (M = 29.44, SD = 6.26) and descriptors. Over 55% of the APRNs worked in specialty areas outside of Internal and Family Medicine, did not practice independently, and relied on team members to handle complex cases like CKD. Conclusion: The Physicians’ instrument had excellent face validity. It was inadequate for determining baseline knowledge of CKD practice guidelines among APRNs in this study, the majority of whom reported that they did not diagnose or treat CKD cases, hence there was no need for them to have an in-depth knowledge of CKD guidelines. Based on the results, an unvalidated 12-item alternative scale was developed for non-Nephrology APRNs practicing outside of primary care, to demonstrate that knowledge of the guidelines can be assessed without complex CKD-specific jargon, staging, and laboratory values. The findings can inform Nursing Education curricula and generate nursing research and instrument development that targets APRNs. Keywords: Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, chronic kidney disease, CKD Belt, content analysis, exploratory factor analysis, knowledge of CKD practice guidelines, Knowles’ theory of adult learning, parallel analysi

Phenotypic Variation and Bistable Switching in Bacteria

Microbial research generally focuses on clonal populations. However, bacterial cells with identical genotypes frequently display different phenotypes under identical conditions. This microbial cell individuality is receiving increasing attention in the literature because of its impact on cellular differentiation, survival under selective conditions, and the interaction of pathogens with their hosts. It is becoming clear that stochasticity in gene expression in conjunction with the architecture of the gene network that underlies the cellular processes can generate phenotypic variation. An important regulatory mechanism is the so-called positive feedback, in which a system reinforces its own response, for instance by stimulating the production of an activator. Bistability is an interesting and relevant phenomenon, in which two distinct subpopulations of cells showing discrete levels of gene expression coexist in a single culture. In this chapter, we address techniques and approaches used to establish phenotypic variation, and relate three well-characterized examples of bistability to the molecular mechanisms that govern these processes, with a focus on positive feedback.

Biodiversity Loss and the Taxonomic Bottleneck: Emerging Biodiversity Science

Human domination of the Earth has resulted in dramatic changes to global and local patterns of biodiversity. Biodiversity is critical to human sustainability because it drives the ecosystem services that provide the core of our life-support system. As we, the human species, are the primary factor leading to the decline in biodiversity, we need detailed information about the biodiversity and species composition of specific locations in order to understand how different species contribute to ecosystem services and how humans can sustainably conserve and manage biodiversity. Taxonomy and ecology, two fundamental sciences that generate the knowledge about biodiversity, are associated with a number of limitations that prevent them from providing the information needed to fully understand the relevance of biodiversity in its entirety for human sustainability: (1) biodiversity conservation strategies that tend to be overly focused on research and policy on a global scale with little impact on local biodiversity; (2) the small knowledge base of extant global biodiversity; (3) a lack of much-needed site-specific data on the species composition of communities in human-dominated landscapes, which hinders ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation; (4) biodiversity studies with a lack of taxonomic precision; (5) a lack of taxonomic expertise and trained taxonomists; (6) a taxonomic bottleneck in biodiversity inventory and assessment; and (7) neglect of taxonomic resources and a lack of taxonomic service infrastructure for biodiversity science. These limitations are directly related to contemporary trends in research, conservation strategies, environmental stewardship, environmental education, sustainable development, and local site-specific conservation. Today’s biological knowledge is built on the known global biodiversity, which represents barely 20% of what is currently extant (commonly accepted estimate of 10 million species) on planet Earth. Much remains unexplored and unknown, particularly in hotspots regions of Africa, South Eastern Asia, and South and Central America, including many developing or underdeveloped countries, where localized biodiversity is scarcely studied or described. ‘‘Backyard biodiversity’’, defined as local biodiversity near human habitation, refers to the natural resources and capital for ecosystem services at the grassroots level, which urgently needs to be explored, documented, and conserved as it is the backbone of sustainable economic development in these countries. Beginning with early identification and documentation of local flora and fauna, taxonomy has documented global biodiversity and natural history based on the collection of ‘‘backyard biodiversity’’ specimens worldwide. However, this branch of science suffered a continuous decline in the latter half of the twentieth century, and has now reached a point of potential demise. At present there are very few professional taxonomists and trained local parataxonomists worldwide, while the need for, and demands on, taxonomic services by conservation and resource management communities are rapidly increasing. Systematic collections, the material basis of biodiversity information, have been neglected and abandoned, particularly at institutions of higher learning. Considering the rapid increase in the human population and urbanization, human sustainability requires new conceptual and practical approaches to refocusing and energizing the study of the biodiversity that is the core of natural resources for sustainable development and biotic capital for sustaining our life-support system. In this paper we aim to document and extrapolate the essence of biodiversity, discuss the state and nature of taxonomic demise, the trends of recent biodiversity studies, and suggest reasonable approaches to a biodiversity science to facilitate the expansion of global biodiversity knowledge and to create useful data on backyard biodiversity worldwide towards human sustainability