bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD74/DQA1 dimers predispose to the development of arthritis in humanized mice
Authors: David Luckey , Gokhale Ameya , Jois Seetharama , Johnson Aaron , Behrens Marshall , Luthra Harvinder , Taneja Veena
Published: November 2015

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with the presence of certain HLA class II genes. However, why some individuals carrying RA non‐associated alleles develop arthritis is still unexplained. The trans‐heterodimer between two RA non‐associated HLA genes can render susceptibility to develop arthritis in humanized mice, DQA1*0103/DQB1*0604, suggesting a role for DQ α chains in pathogenesis. In this study we determined the role of DQA1 in arthritis by using mice expressing DQA1*0103 and lacking endogenous class II molecules. Proximity ligation assay showed that DQA1*0103 is expressed on the cell surface as a dimer with CD74. Upon immunization with type II collagen, DQA1*0103 mice generated an antigen‐specific cellular and humoral response and developed severe arthritis. Structural modelling suggests that DQA1*0103/CD74 form a pocket with similarity to the antigen binding pocket. DQA1*0103 mice present type II collagen‐derived peptides that are not presented by an arthritis‐resistant DQA1*0103/DQB1*0601 allele, suggesting that the DQA1*0103/CD74 dimer may result in presentation of unique antigens and susceptibility to develop arthritis. The present data provide a possible explanation by which the DQA1 molecule contributes to susceptibility to develop arthritis.
Impact of a large deletion in the neuraminidase protein identified in a laninamivir‐selected influenza A/Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2) variant on viral fitness in vitro and in ferrets
Authors: Ann Julie , Abed Yacine , Beaulieu Edith , Bouhy Xavier , Joly Marie‐Hélène , Dubé Karen , Carbonneau Julie , Hamelin Marie‐Eve , Mallett Corey , Boivin Guy
Published: November 2015

Viral fitness of a laninamivir‐selected influenza A/Brisbane/10/2007‐like (H3N2) isolate (LRVp9) containing a 237‐amino acid neuraminidase deletion and a P194L hemagglutinin mutation was evaluated in vitro and in ferrets. LRVp9 and the wild‐type (WT) virus showed comparable replication kinetics in MDCK‐ST6GalI cells. Cultured virus was recovered between days 2 and 5 post‐infection in nasal washes (NW) from the 4 WT‐infected ferrets whereas no virus was recovered from the LRVp9‐infected animals. There was a ≥1 log reduction in viral RNA copies/μl of NW for LRVp9 compared to WT at most time points. The large neuraminidase deletion compromises viral infectivity in vivo.
Coupled Experimental and Thermodynamic Optimization of the Na2O–FeO–Fe2O3–Al2O3 System: Part 2. Thermodynamic Optimization
Authors: Moosavi‐Khoonsari Elmira , Jung In‐Ho
Published: November 2015

A complete thermodynamic description of the Na2O–FeO–Fe2O3–Al2O3 system was conducted based on the critical evaluation and optimization of available thermodynamic properties and phase diagram data. The thermodynamic behavior of the liquid solution was described using the Modified Quasichemical Model, and the solid solutions Na(Al,Fe)O2 meta‐oxides and Na2(Al,Fe)12O19 Na‐β″‐alumina were modeled using the Compound Energy Formalism considering their sublattice structures. Most experimental phase diagram data at reducing and oxidizing conditions were reproduced within 3 mol% of compositional error ranges. Many unexplored phase diagrams of this system under different oxygen partial pressures were predicted within the estimated accuracy of ±5 mol% in composition and ±50 K in temperature from the present thermodynamic models with optimized parameters.
On My Own: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study of Mothers of Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Yu‐Chien , Tsai Shu‐Ling , Hsieh Mei‐Hui , Jenks Michael S. , Tsai Chang‐Hsiung , Hsu Min‐Tao
Published: November 2015

Background

There has been a dramatic increase in autism around the world. However, little is known about the impact of the Taiwanese primogeniture system on mothers of children with ASD. Greater knowledge is needed to understand the life experiences of Taiwanese mothers with ASD children when a healthy male descendent is expected.

Materials and Methods

Research follows the hermeneutic phenomenological approach with in‐depth interviews and participant observation (Agar, Speaking of Ethnography. Sage, California, 1986). The researchers collected and analysed stories from seven mothers who are the major caregivers of their school‐aged autistic children.

Results

The data revealed the following themes that represented the mothers' experiences: taking the blame, my world was turned upside down, a child‐centred life and two lives as one.

Conclusions

The findings provide a deeper understanding of common expectations of, and behaviours directed towards, Taiwanese mothers of children with autism. This offers healthcare professionals ways of reconceptualizing therapeutic practice, thus benefitting these mothers.
Modelling the potential distribution, net primary production and phenology of common ragweed with a physiological model
Authors: Leiblein‐Wild Marion Carmen , Steinkamp Jörg , Hickler Thomas , Tackenberg Oliver
Published: November 2015

Aim

Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) is a medically relevant invasive species of great public interest due to its highly allergenic pollen. We aimed at modelling its potential range, its net primary production (NPP) and important phenological stages.

Location

Europe and North America.

Methods

We developed a new physiological model for common ragweed and applied it to simulate the species′ potential distribution (calibrated with the native range), NPP and phenology in North America and Europe. Based on this model, we investigated which regions are suitable for ragweed growth in Europe and simulated the timing of phenological stages that determine pollen release.

Results

The model predicted the observed distribution of ragweed in North America well. The application to Europe suggests that large parts of Europe are climatically suitable for ragweed growth and reproduction. The highest potential NPP was predicted in southern‐central and south‐eastern Europe and southern France, roughly corresponding with hotspots of atmospheric pollen load, but also indicating a higher potential than currently achieved in western Europe and along parts of the northern edge of its distribution. The predicted time of pollen releases in Europe corresponded well with measurements from pollen traps.

Main conclusions

The results suggest that our mechanistic model adequately represents physiological and ecological characteristics that determine the potential distribution, productivity and phenology of common ragweed. The model could be used for predicting the potential distribution and performance of ragweed in the future under climate change and might thus contribute to improved longer term predictions of exposure to allergenic pollen.
Profile of vemurafenib‐induced severe skin toxicities
Authors: Peuvrel L. , Quéreux G. , Saint‐Jean M. , Brocard A. , Nguyen J.M. , Khammari A. , Knol A.C. , Varey E. , Dréno B.
Published: November 2015

Background

Vemurafenib, a BRAF inhibitor, is commonly associated with skin toxicity. The impact of severe forms is unknown.

Objective

To determine the rate of permanent vemurafenib discontinuation due to grade 3–4 skin toxicity, features of these toxicities, their recurrence rate after a switch to dabrafenib and their impact on overall survival.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of 131 patients treated with vemurafenib for melanoma between November 2010 and December 2014. Data on skin toxicities, the need for vemurafenib adjustment and the impact of switching to dabrafenib were collected. Regarding survival analysis, a conditional landmark analysis was performed to correct lead‐time bias.

Results

Among the 131 vemurafenib‐treated patients, 26% developed grade 3–4 skin toxicity. Forty‐four percent of them permanently discontinued their treatment, mainly due to rash and classic skin adverse reactions (Steven–Johnson syndrome, Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms). Conversely, photosensitivity and carcinomas rarely required treatment adjustment. Grade 3–4 rashes were associated with clinical or biological abnormalities in 94% of patients. Among the 10 patients who subsequently switched to dabrafenib, skin toxicity recurred only in one patient. Overall survival was significantly prolonged in case of severe skin toxicity emerging within the first 4 (P = 0.014) and 8 weeks (P = 0.038) on vemurafenib, with only a trend at 12 weeks (P = 0.052). Median overall survival was also prolonged in case of severe rash.

Conclusion

In this study, vemurafenib was continued in 56% of patients with grade 3–4 skin toxicity, which was associated with prolonged overall survival when emerging within the first 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. While developing severe skin adverse reactions permanently contraindicates vemurafenib use, other rashes should lead to retreatment attempts with dose reduction. In case of recurrence, dabrafenib seems to be an interesting option. For other skin toxicities, including photosensitivity and cutaneous carcinoma, treatment adjustment is usually not needed.
Effect of Hot Boning and Elevated Brine Temperature on the Processing, Storage and Eating Quality of Cured Beef Hindquarter (M. biceps femoris) and Forequarter (M. pectoralis profundus) Muscles
Authors: Keenan D.F. , Hayes J.E. , Kenny T.A. , Kerry J.P.
Published: November 2015

Eating quality, processing and storage attributes were examined in hot‐ and cold‐boned beef (90 min and 24 h postmortem, respectively) post from two muscles (M. biceps femoris [BF] and M. pectoralis profundus [PP]) injected with curing brines at conventionally chilled (2–4C) and elevated temperature (15–17C) curing brines, stored over 21 days (4C). The pH/temperature profiles showed all hot‐boned experimental treatments were outside of the reported ranges for the occurrence of cold or heat shortening. Hot‐boned beef did not exhibit any significant added or reduced functionality compared to conventionally‐boned beef i.e., cook loss and final yield unaffected in BF and PP muscles. Cold‐boned BF products were harder (P < 0.05) than hot‐boned; however, this was not supported by sensory analysis. Samples prepared with elevated brine temperatures had a detrimental effect on the sensory characteristics of PP hams. Principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses (PCA and HCA, respectively) were used to better visualize the underlying structure between the quality measurements and samples, showing gradual product deterioration over storage. Although the combination of hot boning and higher brine temperature led to expected higher bacterial numbers, microbial stability of the product was maintained after 21 days.

Practical Applications

Commercial demands for reduced energy usage and chill requirements were the primary factors for the development of hot boning. Hot‐boned meat also has the advantage of being in a pre‐rigor state which is known for its improved functional qualities. While it is practiced in some countries, predominantly Australia and New Zealand, it still remains underdeveloped in some territories, such as Ireland. Concerns over its widespread adoption center on: (1) training costs; (2) improved hygiene standards; and (3) increased risk of toughness due to the contraction of some muscles when they are removed from skeletal restraint. However, it is estimated that a reduction in chill space requirements could be as much as 50%, resulting in cumulative savings in refrigeration energy, capital costs and quicker plant turnover. The outcomes of this work were to develop products using techniques that would be a huge economic benefit to the meat industry.
Bacillus cereus AR156 primes induced systemic resistance by suppressing miR825/825* and activating defense‐related genes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Niu Dongdong , Xia Jing , Jiang Chunhao , Qi Beibei , Ling Xiaoyu , Lin Siyuan , Zhang Weixiong , Guo Jianhua , Jin Hailing , Zhao Hongwei
Published: November 2015

Small RNAs play an important role in plant immune responses. However, their regulatory function in induced systemic resistance (ISR) is nascent. Bacillus cereus AR156 is a plant growth‐promoting rhizobacterium that induces ISR in Arabidopsis against bacterial infection. Here, by comparing small RNA profiles of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000‐infected Arabidopsis with and without AR156 pretreatment, we identified a group of Arabidopsis microRNAs (miRNAs) that are differentially regulated by AR156 pretreatment. miR825 and miR825* are two miRNA generated from a single miRNA gene. Northern blot analysis indicated that they were significantly downregulated in Pst DC3000‐infected plants pretreated with AR156, in contrast to the plants without AR156 pretreatment. miR825 targets two ubiquitin‐protein ligases, while miR825* targets toll‐interleukin‐like receptor (TIR)‐nucleotide binding site (NBS) and leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) type resistance (R) genes. The expression of these target genes negatively correlated with the expression of miR825 and miR825*. Moreover, transgenic plants showing reduced expression of miR825 and miR825* displayed enhanced resistance to Pst DC3000 infection, whereas transgenic plants overexpressing miR825 and miR825* were more susceptible. Taken together, our data indicates that Bacillus cereus AR156 pretreatment primes ISR to Pst infection by suppressing miR825 and miR825* and activating the defense related genes they targeted.
Sox13 functionally complements the related Sox5 and Sox6 as important developmental modulators in mouse spinal cord oligodendrocytes
Authors: Baroti Tina , Schillinger Anja , Wegner Michael , Stolt C. Claus
Published: November 2015

The role of transcription factor Sox13, which together with Sox5 and Sox6 belongs to the SoxD family, is only poorly characterized in central nervous system development. Therefore, we analysed whether Sox13 expression and function overlaps with or differs from that of its close relatives Sox5 and Sox6. In the developing mouse spinal cord, we found Sox13 predominantly expressed in neuroepithelial precursors, oligodendroglial and astroglial cells. The substantially overlapping expression with Sox5 and Sox6 in oligodendroglial cells prompted us to study potential roles during specification, lineage progression and differentiation of oligodendrocytes. In contrast to Sox5 and Sox6, Sox13 expression continues after differentiation and even increases in myelinating oligodendrocytes. Sox13 deletion did not interfere with oligodendroglial development, which was normal in Sox13‐deficient mice. However, the premature differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursors triggered by loss of Sox6 was slightly more prominent in Sox6/Sox13 double‐deficient mice. Sox13 can bind to the same sites in myelin gene promoters as Sox5 and Sox6 in vitro. Reporter gene assays furthermore reveal a similar antagonizing effect on Sox10‐dependent transactivation of myelin gene promoters as previously shown for Sox5 and Sox6. This argues that Sox13 is functionally redundant with the other SoxD proteins and complements Sox5 and Sox6 in their role as important modulators of oligodendrocyte development.

image

The transcription factor Sox13 is co‐expressed with the related Sox5 and Sox6 in cells of the oligodendroglial lineage. By itself, it has little impact on oligodendrocyte development but supports Sox5 and Sox6 during the process as a functionally redundant transcription factor.
Functional interplay between ganglioside GM1 and cross‐linking galectin‐1 induces axon‐like neuritogenesis via integrin‐based signaling and TRPC5‐dependent Ca2+ influx
Authors: Wu Gusheng , Lu Zi‐Hua , André Sabine , Gabius Hans‐Joachim , Ledeen Robert W.
Published: November 2015

Axon‐like neuritogenesis in neuroblastoma (NG108‐15) cells and primary cerebellar granular neurons is furthered by the presence of ganglioside GM1. We describe here that galectin‐1 (Gal‐1), a homobivalent endogenous lectin, is an effector by cross‐linking the ganglioside and its associated glycoprotein α5β1‐integrin. The thereby triggered signaling cascade involves autophosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase and activation of phospholipase Cγ and phosphoinositide‐3 kinase. This leads to a transient increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration by opening of TRPC5 channels, which belong to the signal transduction‐gated cation channels. Controls with GM1‐defective cells (NG‐CR72 and neurons from ganglio‐series KO mice) were retarded in axonal growth, underscoring the relevance of GM1 as functional counterreceptor for Gal‐1. The lectin's presence was detected in the NG108‐15 cells, suggesting an autocrine mechanism of action, and in astrocytes in situ. Gal‐1, as cross‐linking lectin, can thus translate metabolic conversion of ganglioside GD1a to GM1 by neuraminidase action into axon growth.

image

Galectin‐1 (Gal‐1) was shown an effector of axonogenesis in cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) and NG108‐15 cells by cross‐linking GM1 ganglioside and its associated glycoprotein α5β1‐integrin. The resulting signaling led to a transient increase in intracellular Ca2+ by opening TRPC5 channels. CGNs deficient in GM1 showed retarded axonogenesis, underscoring the relevance of GM1 as functional counterreceptor for Gal‐1 in this process. This Gal‐1/GM1‐induced signaling was manifest only at the earliest, initiating stage of axon development.
Exploring classical conditioning for strengthening the links between semantic and lexical representations in pure anomia: Preliminary findings from a single case study
Authors: Zannino Gian Daniele , Barban Francesco , Caltagirone Carlo , Carlesimo Giovanni A.
Published: November 2015

The same language symptom might arise at different functional loci in people with aphasia. Therefore, it is plausible that different therapeutic interventions should be adopted to approach the same difficulties in different patients. Although this point of view is still widely accepted, recently the focus has shifted from the functional locus of a rehabilitative intervention to the mechanisms of action underlying the relearning process. We maintain that both aspects should be taken into account when programming a rehabilitative intervention; furthermore, investigating relearning mechanisms might shed new light on the functional architecture of the disrupted processes. Here, we investigated, in a single case study, whether classical conditioning was a suitable relearning paradigm for targeting word‐finding difficulties in pure anomia, that is in a patient with an impairment in accessing intact output lexical representations from a spared semantic system. Using a word‐repetition task on picture presentation, we contrasted a condition in which the stimulus onset asynchrony between word and picture stimuli was well suited to produce classical conditioning with a condition in which repetition training could not benefit from this learning mechanism. Only classical conditioning training exerted a significant, long‐lasting effect on our patient's naming skill. Tentative implications of our results for the functional architecture of single‐word processing are discussed.
New Parents' Psychological Adjustment and Trajectories of Early Parental Involvement
Authors: Jia Rongfang , Kotila Letitia E. , Schoppe‐Sullivan Sarah J. , Kamp Dush Claire M.
Published: November 2015

Trajectories of parental involvement time (engagement and child care) across 3, 6, and 9 months postpartum and associations with parents' own and their partners' psychological adjustment (dysphoria, anxiety, and empathic personal distress) were examined using a sample of dual‐earner couples experiencing first‐time parenthood (N = 182 couples). Using time diary measures that captured intensive parenting moments, hierarchical linear modeling analyses revealed that patterns of associations between psychological adjustment and parental involvement time depended on the parenting domain, aspect of psychological adjustment, and parent gender. Psychological adjustment difficulties tended to bias the 2‐parent system toward a gendered pattern of “mother step in” and “father step out,” as father involvement tended to decrease and mother involvement either remained unchanged or increased in response to their own and their partners' psychological adjustment difficulties. In contrast, few significant effects were found in models using parental involvement to predict psychological adjustment.
24‐hour pH‐impedance monitoring on therapy to select patients with refractory reflux symptoms for antireflux surgery. A single center retrospective study
Authors: Desjardin M. , Luc G. , Collet D. , Zerbib F.
Published: November 2015

Background

Treatment of gastro‐esophageal reflux refractory symptoms is challenging. This monocenter retrospective study assessed the value of preoperative pH‐impedance monitoring ‘on’ therapy to predict functional outcome after laparoscopic fundoplication in patients with refractory reflux symptoms.

Methods

Patients with a preoperative pH‐impedance monitoring ‘on’ proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) twice daily were assessed at least 6 months after a laparoscopic fundoplication for refractory reflux symptoms. Failure of fundoplication was defined by a Visick score > 2. Postoperative symptoms were assessed by the reflux disease questionnaire (RDQ). The pH‐impedance parameters analyzed were the number of reflux events (total, acid, non‐acid), esophageal acid exposure time, esophageal bolus exposure time, and symptom‐reflux association defined by symptom index (SI) >50% and symptom association probability (SAP) >95%.

Key Results

Thirty‐three patients (18 female patients, median age 46 years) were assessed after a mean follow‐up of 41.3 (range 7–102.2) months. Seven (21.2%) patients were considered as failures. Compared to patients with favorable outcome, these patients were more often ‘on’ PPI therapy (86% vs 23%, p < 0.05) and had higher RDQ scores in each domain: heartburn (p < 0.05), regurgitation (p < 0.05) and dyspepsia (p < 0.05). A positive SAP was the only pH‐impedance parameter statistically associated with successful postoperative outcome (p = 0.004).

Conclusions & Inferences

On therapy, a preoperative positive symptom association probability is the only pH‐impedance parameter associated with favorable outcome after laparoscopic fundoplication for refractory reflux symptoms. These results should be confirmed by prospective studies.
Tests for Multiple Breaks in the Trend with Stationary or Integrated Shocks
Authors: Sobreira Nuno , Nunes Luis C.
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we propose new tests of the presence of multiple breaks in the trend of a univariate time‐series where the number and dates of the breaks are unknown and that are valid in the presence of stationary or unit root shocks. These tests can also be used to sequentially estimate the number of breaks. The behaviour of the proposed tests is studied through Monte Carlo experiments.
d‐Alanine metabolism is essential for growth and biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Qiu W. , Zheng X. , Wei Y. , Zhou X. , Zhang K. , Wang S. , Cheng L. , Li Y. , Ren B. , Xu X. , Li Y. , Li M.
Published: November 2015

Part of the d‐alanine (d‐Ala) metabolic pathway in bacteria involves the conversion of l‐alanine to d‐Ala by alanine racemase and the formation of d‐alanyl–d‐alanine by d‐alanine–d‐alanine ligase, the product of which is involved in cell wall peptidoglycan synthesis. At present, drugs that target the metabolic pathway of d‐Ala are already in clinical use – e.g. d‐cycloserine (DCS) is used as an antibiotic against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Streptococcus mutans is the main cariogenic bacterium in the oral cavity. Its d‐Ala metabolism‐associated enzymes alanine racemase and d‐alanine–d‐alanine ligase are encoded by the genes smu.1834 and smu.599, respectively, which may be potential targets for inhibitors. In this study, the addition of DCS blocked the d‐Ala metabolic pathway in S. mutans, leading to bacterial cell wall defects, significant inhibition of bacterial growth and biofilm formation, and reductions in extracellular polysaccharide production and bacterial adhesion. However, the exogenous addition of d‐Ala could reverse the inhibitory effect of DCS. Through the means of drug regulation, our study demonstrated, for the first time, the importance of d‐Ala metabolism in the survival and biofilm formation of S. mutans. If the growth of S. mutans can be specifically inhibited by designing drugs that target d‐Ala metabolism, then this may serve as a potential new treatment for dental caries.
Are Propositions Essentially Representational?
Authors: Pickel Bryan
Published: November 2015

Jeffrey King argues that nothing has truth conditions except by being taken to be true or false by rational agents. But – for good reason – King claims that propositions possess truth conditions essentially and intrinsically. I will argue that King cannot have both: if the truth conditions of a proposition depend on the reactions of rational agents, then the possession of truth conditions can't follow from the intrinsic nature or existence of the proposition. This leaves two options. Either, nothing can do the job that motivates positing propositions. Or, there is no need to explain what bestows a truth condition on a proposition.
Hume on Mental Transparency
Authors: Qu Hsueh
Published: November 2015

This article investigates Hume's account of mental transparency. In this article, I will endorse Qualitative Transparency – that is, the thesis that we cannot fail to apprehend the qualitative characters of our current perceptions, and these apprehensions cannot fail to be veridical – on the basis that, unlike its competitors, it is both weak enough to accommodate the introspective mistakes that Hume recognises, and yet strong enough to make sense of his positive employments of mental transparency. Moreover, Qualitative Transparency is also philosophically satisfying in providing good philosophical reason for why the mental states that are incorrigible should in fact be so.
Testimonial Knowledge Without Knowledge of what is Said
Authors: Peet Andrew
Published: November 2015

This article discusses the following question: what epistemic relation must audiences bear to the content of assertions in order to gain testimonial knowledge? There is a brief discussion of why this issue is of importance, followed by two counterexamples to the most intuitive answer: that in order for an audience to gain testimonial knowledge thatpthey must know that the speaker has assertedp. It is then suggested that the argument generalises and can be made to work on different sets of assumptions about the conditions for knowledge, and the conditions under which a proposition is asserted.
Spatio‐temporal analysis of the role of faecal depositions in aggregation behaviour of the triatomine Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Falvo Marianel L. , Lorenzo Figueiras Alicia N. , Manrique Gabriel
Published: November 2015

Several triatomine species aggregate over conspecific faeces. In some domestic species, this behaviour might help individuals to find their refuges because faeces are usually deposited around such places. In the present study, the defaecation behaviour of the triatomine bug Rhodnius prolixus Stål (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) is described in detail, including the temporal pattern of aggregation of nymphs with different nutritional status to faeces of different post‐deposition times. First, using an experimental arena, the spatial distribution of faecal deposition spots released by nymphs, in relation to the position of a refuge, is recorded. The results show that a high density of faeces is deposited inside the refuge, and few and distant spots, in relation to the position of the refuge, are dropped outside. Second, whether the aggregation behaviour of nymphs is altered by the time elapsed from deposition of the faeces, and by the nutritional status of the insects, is determined. The post‐deposition time of the faeces strongly modulates the aggregation response of the insects. Differences in aggregation between fed and unfed insects are only marginally significant; however, different temporal windows of aggregation according to the post‐deposition times of the faeces are demonstrated between bugs of different nutritional status. The results are discussed with respect to the relevance of the aggregation signal in relation to the characteristics of the natural refuges used by R. prolixus.
The Relationship between Total Fibroid Burden and First Trimester Bleeding and Pain
Authors: Michels Kara A , Hartmann Katherine E , Archer Kristin R , Ye Fei , Velez Edwards Digna R
Published: November 2015

Background

Few studies comment on the association between fibroids and symptoms among pregnant women. These studies generally are retrospective and do not to assess the influence of number of tumours or their volume on risk of symptoms.

Methods

Right from the Start is a prospective cohort that enrolled pregnant women from the southeastern USA between 2000 and 2012. In the first trimester, all participants had standardised ultrasounds to determine the presence or absence of fibroids. Symptoms were queried in a telephone survey. We used polytomous logistic regression to model odds of bleeding, pain, or both symptoms in relation to increasing total fibroid number and volume among white and black women.

Results

Among 4509 participants, the prevalence of fibroids was 11%. Among those reporting symptoms (70%), 11% reported only bleeding, 59% reported only pain, and 30% reported both symptoms. After adjusting for age, race, parity, hypertension, smoking, alcohol use, and study site, increasing number of fibroids was associated with pain [odds ratio (OR) 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00, 1.33] and both symptoms [OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.08, 1.45] but not with bleeding among all women. Fibroid volume was not associated with symptoms among black women, but white women with the smallest fibroid volumes were more likely to report both symptoms than those without fibroids [OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.17, 2.72].

Conclusions

Very large tumours are not requisite for experiencing symptoms, as small fibroids and increasing number of tumours are associated with pain and both symptoms.
Measuring the Impact of China's Export Growth on its Asian Neighbours
Authors: Kong Yoke Fong , Kneller Richard
Published: November 2015

The rise of China as an economic power has led to concern in many Asian counties that this development poses a threat to their ability to export. The empirical support for this remains inconsistent, however. One explanation for these inconsistencies includes biases that follow from the use of a gravity model specified in an a‐theoretical manner. We study the effect of the Chinese exports growth using the empirical framework outlined by Baldwin and Taglioni (2006). We report evidence of a positive relationship between Chinese and its Asian neighbours’ exports, with countries with greater endowments of human capital benefiting most from this growth.
Perceived blood transfusion safety: a cross‐European comparison
Authors: Merz E.‐M. , Zijlstra B. J. H. , de Kort W. L. A. M.
Published: November 2015

Background and Objectives

During the past decades, blood transfusions have become an ever safer clinical procedure in developed countries. Extensive donor screening together with improved infectious disease testing has led to a minimization of risks for transfusion recipients. Still, the general public perceives the process of blood transfusion as risky.

Materials and Methods

This study tested variation in perceived transfusion safety across countries and explained it with individual and country factors. We examined whether individual demographic and macro‐level factors (i.e. Human Development Index and Power Distance Index) explain variation within and across European countries. We applied multilevel models to 2009 Eurobarometer data collected in 26 countries (N = 20 874).

Results

Results were largely in line with expectations derived from risk perception and power and status difference theories. Generally, women, older adults, the lower educated and those earning lower incomes perceived heightened risk. Most of the variation across Europe was explained by the Human Development Index. Risk perception regarding blood transfusions was lower in countries with higher Human Development Indices, that is countries with higher average education, life expectancy and Gross Domestic Product.

Conclusion

This study provides new insights of how risk perception regarding blood transfusions is shaped within and across Europe. Both individual demographic factors and country characteristics play a role.
Oscillation of differential equations with non-monotone retarded arguments
Authors: Öcalan Özkan
Published: November 2015

This paper, which was published on 3 November 2015, has been withdrawn.
A software package for Mori dream spaces
Authors: Hausen Jürgen , Keicher Simon
Published: November 2015

Mori dream spaces form a large example class of algebraic varieties, comprising the well-known toric varieties. We provide a first software package for the explicit treatment of Mori dream spaces and demonstrate its use by presenting basic sample computations. The software package is accompanied by a Cox ring database which delivers defining data for Cox rings and Mori dream spaces in a suitable format. As an application of the package, we determine the common Cox ring for the symplectic resolutions of a certain quotient singularity investigated by Bellamy–Schedler and Donten-Bury–Wiśniewski.
Plasma hyperosmolality attenuates skin sympathetic nerve activity during passive heat stress in humans
Authors: Gagnon Daniel , Romero Steven A. , Ngo Hai , Poh Paula Y. S. , Crandall Craig G.
Published: November 2015

Key points

Plasma hyperosmolality delays the onset for sweat production and cutaneous vasodilatation during heat stress in humans; however, the mechanism by which hyperosmolality exerts this effect remains unknown.

This study examined if plasma hyperosmolality exerts a central and/or peripheral modulation of thermoregulatory function in humans.

The main findings are that plasma hyperosmolality delays the increase in skin sympathetic nerve activity during whole‐body passive heat stress in humans. In contrast, local intradermal infusion of hyperosmotic saline did not affect sweating or cutaneous vasodilatation.

These results suggest that plasma hyperosmolality delays the onset threshold for sweating and cutaneous vasodilatation by inhibiting efferent thermoregulatory activity in humans.

In humans, plasma hyperosmolality delays the onset of sweating and cutaneous vasodilatation during heat stress. However, it remains unknown if hyperosmolality exerts this effect through a central (i.e. CNS) and/or peripheral (i.e. effector organ) modulation of thermoregulatory activity. We examined if intravenous infusion of hyperosmotic saline affects skin sympathetic nerve activity (SSNA) during whole‐body passive heating in healthy humans. Furthermore, we examined if local intradermal infusion of hyperosmotic saline affects sweating and cutaneous vasodilatation during passive heating. Following intravenous infusion of either 0.9% (ISO) or 3.0% (HYPER) NaCl saline, 12 subjects were passively heated until core temperature increased by ∼0.6°C. During each condition, sweating and cutaneous vascular conductance were measured over two intradermal microdialysis probes, one perfused with ISO saline and the other with HYPER saline. Intravenous infusion of HYPER saline increased plasma osmolality (294 ± 3 to 316 ± 5 mOsm kg–1 H2O, P ≤ 0.01), which remained greater than ISO throughout heating. Plasma hyperosmolality delayed the mean body temperature onset of sweating (+1.24 ± 0.18 vs. +1.60 ± 0.18°C, P ≤ 0.01) and cutaneous vasodilatation (+1.15 ± 0.18 vs. +1.53 ± 0.22°C, P ≤ 0.01), and attenuated the increase in SSNA during heating (+147 ± 178 vs. +427 ± 281%, P ≤ 0.01). Intradermal infusion of HYPER saline increased baseline cutaneous vascular conductance (P ≤ 0.01), which did not increase further during the subsequent heating period (P = 0.11). In contrast, intradermal infusion of HYPER saline did not affect sweating (P = 0.99). These results provide direct evidence that plasma hyperosmolality exerts a central modulatory effect governing efferent thermoregulatory activity in humans.
Equal latency contours for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and California sea lions (Zalophus californianus)
Authors: Mulsow Jason , Schlundt Carolyn E. , Brandt Lacey , Finneran James J.
Published: November 2015

Loudness perception by non-human animals is difficult to study directly. Previous research efforts have instead focused on estimating loudness perception using simple reaction time (RT) data. These data are used to generate equal latency contours that serve as a proxy for equal loudness contours. To aid the design of auditory weighting functions for marine mammals, equal latency contours were generated using RT data for two marine mammal species that are representative of broader functional hearing groups: the bottlenose dolphin (under water) and California sea lion (in air). In all cases, median RT decreased with increasing tone sound pressure level (SPL). The equal latency contours corresponding to near-threshold SPLs were similar to audiograms for both species. The sea lion contours showed some compression at frequencies below 1 kHz; however, a similar pattern was not apparent in the more variable data for dolphins. Equal latency contours for SPLs greater than approximately 40 dB above threshold diverged from predicted equal loudness contours, likely due to the asymptotic nature of RT at the highest tested SPLs. The results suggest that auditory threshold data, potentially augmented with compression at low frequencies, may provide a useful way forward when designing auditory weighting functions for marine mammals.
Calls of Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni) recorded in the Gulf of California
Authors: Viloria-Gómora Lorena , Romero-Vivas Eduardo , Urbán R. Jorge
Published: November 2015

A total of 109 recordings aiming to identify Bryde's whale calls were collected from the Gulf of California, Mexico, during field trips performed from January 2010 to June 2014. Vocalizations were recorded only when no calves were observed. Four types of calls were identified. Calls similar to the Be4 call type previously reported for the Eastern Tropical Pacific region and South of California were recorded. In addition, three calls, not reported in previous studies of the Bryde's whale, have also been identified. The identification of these calls, which were labeled Be10, Be11, and Be12, enables expansion of the known acoustic repertoire of this species, which is currently poorly documented. The identification of three previously unreported calls and the confidence given by careful visual confirmation of the whale species and number of individuals contribute to make this study a significant contribution toward the acoustic monitoring of Bryde's whale.
A fast boundary element method for the scattering analysis of high-intensity focused ultrasound
Authors: van 't Wout Elwin , Gélat Pierre , Betcke Timo , Arridge Simon
Published: November 2015

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) techniques are promising modalities for the non-invasive treatment of cancer. For HIFU therapies of, e.g., liver cancer, one of the main challenges is the accurate focusing of the acoustic field inside a ribcage. Computational methods can play an important role in the patient-specific planning of these transcostal HIFU treatments. This requires the accurate modeling of acoustic scattering at ribcages. The use of a boundary element method (BEM) is an effective approach for this purpose because only the boundaries of the ribs have to be discretized instead of the standard approach to model the entire volume around the ribcage. This paper combines fast algorithms that improve the efficiency of BEM specifically for the high-frequency range necessary for transcostal HIFU applications. That is, a Galerkin discretized Burton–Miller formulation is used in combination with preconditioning and matrix compression techniques. In particular, quick convergence is achieved with the operator preconditioner that has been designed with on-surface radiation conditions for the high-frequency approximation of the Neumann-to-Dirichlet map. Realistic computations of acoustic scattering at 1 MHz on a human ribcage model demonstrate the effectiveness of this dedicated BEM algorithm for HIFU scattering analysis.
Underwater sound scattering and absorption by a coated infinite plate with attached periodically located inhomogeneities
Authors: Zhang Yanni , Huang Hai , Zheng Jing , Pan Jie
Published: November 2015

This paper extends previous work of Zhang and Pan [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 133(4), 2082–2096 (2013)] on sound scattering and absorption by an underwater coated plate with a single attached distributed-inhomogeneity to that with periodically located distributed-inhomogeneities. A comparison is made among cases of a plate without inhomogeneities, a plate with inhomogeneities, and one with inhomogeneities ignoring the mutual coupling. Results show that coupling of the structural waves scattered by the inhomogeneities plays an important role in modifying the sound absorption and scattering of surface sound pressure, especially at low frequencies and/or the resonance frequencies of the trapped modes of the plate. The sound absorption of the plate is dependent on the distance between the adjacent inhomogeneities, the length of the inhomogeneity, and the angle of the incident sound. On the surface of the inhomogeneities, the scattered/total sound pressure is generally enhanced. On the surface in between the inhomogeneities, the pressure is also enhanced at low frequencies but is nearly unchanged at higher frequencies. Results also show that the coupling-induced variation of scattered/total pressure is significant only at the resonance frequencies of the global modes and trapped modes. The surface normal velocity is presented to explain the coupling-induced variations in the vibration and pressure fields.
Speech-in-noise enhancement using amplification and dynamic range compression controlled by the speech intelligibility index
Authors: Schepker Henning , Rennies Jan , Doclo Simon
Published: November 2015

In many speech communication applications, such as public address systems, speech is degraded by additive noise, leading to reduced speech intelligibility. In this paper a pre-processing algorithm is proposed that is capable of increasing speech intelligibility under an equal-power constraint. The proposed AdaptDRC algorithm comprises two time- and frequency-dependent stages, i.e., an amplification stage and a dynamic range compression stage that are both dependent on the Speech Intelligibility Index (SII). Experiments using two objective measures, namely, the extended SII and the short-time objective intelligibility measure (STOI), and a formal listening test were conducted to compare the AdaptDRC algorithm with a modified version of a recently proposed algorithm in three different noise conditions (stationary car noise and speech-shaped noise and non-stationary cafeteria noise). While the objective measures indicate a similar performance for both algorithms, results from the formal listening test indicate that for the two stationary noises both algorithms lead to statistically significant improvements in speech intelligibility and for the non-stationary cafeteria noise only the proposed AdaptDRC algorithm leads to statistically significant improvements. A comparison of both objective measures and results from the listening test shows high correlations, although, in general, the performance of both algorithms is overestimated.
Simultaneous localization of multiple broadband non-impulsive acoustic sources in an ocean waveguide using the array invariant
Authors: Gong Zheng , Ratilal Purnima , Makris Nicholas C.
Published: November 2015

The array invariant method, previously derived for instantaneous range and bearing estimation of a single broadband impulsive source in a horizontally stratified ocean waveguide, can be generalized to simultaneously localize multiple uncorrelated broadband noise sources that are not necessarily impulsive in the time domain by introducing temporal pulse compression and an image processing technique similar to the Radon transform. This can be done by estimating the range and bearing of broadband non-impulsive sources from measured beam-time migration lines of modal arrivals along a horizontal array arising from differences in modal group velocity and modal polar angle for each propagating mode. The generalized array invariant approach is used to estimate the range of a vertical source array and vocalizing humpback whales over wide areas from measurements made by a towed horizontal receiver array during the Gulf of Maine 2006 Experiment. The localization results are shown to have roughly 12% root-mean-squared errors from Global Positioning System measured ground truth positions for controlled source transmissions and less than 10% discrepancy from those obtained independently via moving array triangulation for vocalizing humpbacks, respectively.
Robust auditory localization using probabilistic inference and coherence-based weighting of interaural cues
Authors: Kayser Hendrik , Hohmann Volker , Ewert Stephan D. , Kollmeier Birger , Anemüller Jörn
Published: November 2015

Robust sound source localization is performed by the human auditory system even in challenging acoustic conditions and in previously unencountered, complex scenarios. Here a computational binaural localization model is proposed that possesses mechanisms for handling of corrupted or unreliable localization cues and generalization across different acoustic situations. Central to the model is the use of interaural coherence, measured as interaural vector strength (IVS), to dynamically weight the importance of observed interaural phase (IPD) and level (ILD) differences in frequency bands up to 1.4 kHz. This is accomplished through formulation of a probabilistic model in which the ILD and IPD distributions pertaining to a specific source location are dependent on observed interaural coherence. Bayesian computation of the direction-of-arrival probability map naturally leads to coherence-weighted integration of location cues across frequency and time. Results confirm the model's validity through statistical analyses of interaural parameter values. Simulated localization experiments show that even data points with low reliability (i.e., low IVS) can be exploited to enhance localization performance. A temporal integration length of at least 200 ms is required to gain a benefit; this is in accordance with previous psychoacoustic findings on temporal integration of spatial cues in the human auditory system.
Launching a National Sport Organization Loyalty Program: The Case of Club Hockey Canada
Authors: O’Reilly Norm , Horning Denyse Lafrance , Bandeh-Bahman Ghazal
Published: November 2015

This case study presents seven challenges regarding the implementation of a National Sport Organization (NSO) loyalty program. Drawing on relationship marketing and sponsorship, the case traces the evolution of the Club Hockey Canada loyalty program, managed by Hockey Canada, a large and successful NSO. The case describes the following seven challenges for managers: resource allocation, process management, branding, rules and regulations for a key element of the program (i.e., Puck Bucks), risk management, sponsorship, and cost recovery. Targeted to upper year undergraduate and graduate students in sport finance or sport marketing, the case is based on information provided by Hockey Canada and secondary research. In completing the case, students will be able to learn about the seven challenges in building a successful loyalty program.