bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Algorithmic geolocation of harvest in hand‐picked agriculture
Authors: Srivastava Nitin , Maneykowski Peter , Sowers Richard B.
Published: January 2018

Precision agriculture significantly depends on measuring yield; this allows feedback to optimize various decisions. While spatially granular yield mapping is readily available in machine‐harvested row crops, it is more difficult in hand‐picked row crops. We study here a data set collected during harvesting of strawberries; using smartphones, we collected Global Positioning System (GPS) logs of individual harvesters. Using recent advances in feature identification, we are able to algorithmically decompose the path into individual excursions into the field to harvest the berries. This lays the groundwork for yield mapping.

To further develop this area, we recommend that Resource Managers

Pursue wider scale trials of geolocated harvest data collection of hand‐picked crops.

Join this geolocated harvest data with data from other aspects of field operations.

Join this geolocated harvest data with output measurements like quality and quantity.
The spatial stability of alcohol outlets and crime in post‐disaster Christchurch, New Zealand
Authors: Breetzke Gregory D. , Andresen Martin A.
Published: January 2018

The devastating Canterbury Earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 left an indelible mark on the city of Christchurch. The social and economic upheaval that immediately followed the Earthquakes has, in time, been replaced with a period of rebuild and transformation. In this study we investigate the effects that the Canterbury Earthquakes had on two important and inter‐related phenomena in the city: alcohol availability and crime. More specifically, we investigate how alcohol outlets and crime across six different categories changed in magnitude and spatial distribution pre‐ (end‐2009) and post‐ (end‐2014) earthquake. We do this using a variety of geospatial techniques including a relatively new method: the spatial point pattern test which allows for the identification of changes in spatial patterns at the local level. Results indicate that both alcohol outlets and crime have decreased in magnitude since the Canterbury Earthquakes. Using the spatial point pattern test we found statistically significant differences in spatial point patterns for both alcohol outlets and all crime types pre‐ to post‐earthquake. The similarity in the differences of the spatial distributions of alcohol outlets and crime provides a first empirical clue of their potential association in the city post‐earthquake.
Effectiveness of smartphone technologies on glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: systematic review with meta‐analysis of 17 trials
Authors: Wu I. X. Y. , Kee J. C. Y. , Threapleton D. E. , Ma R. C. W. , Lam V. C. K. , Lee E. K. P. , Wong S. Y. S. , Chung V. C. H.
Published: January 2018

Patient education and behavioural interventions for self‐management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are effective but place demands on manpower resources. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effectiveness of smartphone technologies (STs) for improving glycaemic control among T2DM patients. CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and ScienceDirect were searched through December 2016. Randomized controlled trials comparing STs with usual diabetes care among T2DM patients and reporting change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level were included. Seventeen trials (2,225 participants) were included. There was a significant reduction in HbA1c (pooled weighted mean difference: −0.51%; 95% confidence interval: −0.71% to −0.30%; p < 0.001), favouring ST intervention. The pooled weighted mean difference was −0.83% in patients with T2DM <8.5 years and −0.22% in patients with T2DM ≥8.5 years, with significant subgroup difference (p = 0.007). No subgroup differences were found among different follow‐up durations, trial locations, patients' age, healthcare provider contract time, baseline body mass index and baseline HbA1c. Compared with usual diabetes care, STs improved glycaemic control among T2DM patients, especially for patients at earlier disease stages (duration of diagnosis <8.5 years). STs could be a complement or alternative to labour‐intensive patient education and behavioural interventions, but more studies on up‐to‐date technologies are needed.
Spread of infection to skull base via infratemporal fossa after dental extraction related to the use of a high‐speed hand piece: a case report
Authors: Moore J. , Mohindra A. , Messahel A.
Published: January 2018

Infection is a recognized complication of surgical extractions. However, with incorrect technique and use of inappropriate dental equipment, the chance of post‐operative complications increases. This is a case report that describes the extensive spread of infection to the skull base after a surgical extraction of a lower right wisdom tooth. The improper use of the high‐speed air turbine hand piece was likely to have contributed to the progression and extent of the life‐threatening infection.
A rare case of extranodal Hodgkin's lymphoma of the palate
Authors: Kaur H. , Newlands C.
Published: January 2018

Intraoral extranodal Hodgkin's lymphoma is rare. We present the case of a 66‐year‐old gentleman who was treated for necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis of the UR6 tooth by his dentist which failed to resolve. Biopsy and histopathology revealed that this was, in fact, a rare presentation of primary (Stage I) extranodal oral Hodgkin's lymphoma. We present this case, and a review of the relevant literature.
Fludrocortisone—a treatment for tubulopathy post‐paediatric renal transplantation: A national paediatric nephrology unit experience
Authors: Ali S. R. , Shaheen I. , Young D. , Ramage I. , Maxwell H. , Hughes D. A. , Athavale D. , Shaikh M. G.
Published: January 2018

Calcineurin inhibitors post‐renal transplantation are recognized to cause tubulopathies in the form of hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and acidosis. Sodium supplementation may be required, increasing medication burden and potentially resulting in poor compliance. Fludrocortisone has been beneficial in addressing tubulopathies in adult studies, with limited paediatric data available. A retrospective review of data from an electronic renal database from December 2014 to January 2016 was carried out. Forty‐seven post‐transplant patients were reviewed with 23 (49%) patients on sodium chloride or bicarbonate. Nine patients, aged 8.3 years (range 4.9‐16.4), commenced fludrocortisone 22 months (range 1‐80) after transplant and were followed up for 9 months (range 2‐20). All patients stopped sodium bicarbonate; all had a reduction or no increase in total daily doses of sodium chloride. Potassium levels were significantly lower on fludrocortisone, 5.2 vs 4.5 mmol/L, P = .04. No difference was noted in renal function (eGFR 77.8 vs 81.7 mL/min/1.73 m2, P = .45) and no significant increase in systolic blood pressure (z‐scores 0.99 vs 0.85, P = .92). No side effects secondary to treatment with fludrocortisone were reported. A significant proportion of renal transplant patients were on sodium supplementation and fludrocortisone reduced sodium supplementation without significant effects on renal function or blood pressure. Fludrocortisone appears to be safe and effective for tubulopathies in children post‐transplantation.
Utilizing selected social determinants and behaviors to predict obesity in military personnel
Authors: West Gordon F. , Jeffery Diana D.
Published: January 2018

Objective

Like the general population, the military is experiencing an increase in the number of obese personnel. This study aimed to identify predictors of obesity by assessing social determinants of health and behaviors in relation to Body Mass Index (BMI), and to use these variables to build a model to predict obesity in Active Duty Military Personnel (ADMP). Predicting obesity would allow early intervention of at risk personnel, potentially reducing the number of ADMP who are separated from the service for failing to meet weight standards.

Design

A secondary data analysis of the 2011 Survey of Health‐Related Behaviors of Active Duty Military Personnel was performed. The survey included 39,197 responders.

Measures

Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and logistic regression analysis were conducted to examine the relationship between social determinants of health, behaviors in relation to Healthy People 2020 recommendations, and obesity. Moderator variables were used to determine what affects the direction and/or strength of the relationship between the independent variables (e.g., social determinants and behaviors) and the outcome variable of obesity.

Results

At the bivariate level, these variables mirror existing research. However, logistic regression identified few statistically significant obesogenic lifestyle behaviors in relation to Healthy People 2020 recommendations and a weak interactive effect between the variables.

Conclusion

The low number of significant variables identified to predict obesity highlights the multifactorial nature of obesity making it difficult for weight‐loss interventions to be effective if limited to one group or one specific behavior.
Quantitative resistance against an isolate of Leptosphaeria maculans (blackleg) in selected Canadian canola cultivars remains effective under increased temperatures
Authors: Hubbard M. , Peng G.
Published: January 2018

Blackleg disease, caused by Leptosphaeria maculans, is a serious threat to canola production in western Canada. While specific major resistance (R) genes can be effective, they can also be eroded rapidly by a shift in pathogen race composition. Quantitative resistance (QR) has the potential to provide more durable, if less complete, protection. However, the effectiveness of QR may vary widely in the field. It has long been suspected that elevated temperatures may limit the expression of QR. To test this hypothesis, the infection development of blackleg was assessed on three common Canadian canola cultivars (74‐44 BL, PV 530 G and 45H29) showing QR, with and without a heat treatment of 7 h daily exposure to 32 °C for 1 week during rosette to early flowering under controlled environment conditions. The impact of elevated temperature on the susceptibility to blackleg was compared with that of a moderate temperature with a 22 °C daytime high. A susceptible cultivar, Westar, was used as a control. When data from both temperatures were pooled, all three QR cultivars showed lower blackleg severity relative to Westar. Elevated temperatures increased blackleg severity in Westar only (in terms of the stem‐lesion length from the inoculation of the first true‐leaf petiole in trials involving Westar and 74‐44 BL) and in pooled data for disease severity index in trials involving Westar, PV 530 G and 45H29. These findings suggest that the QR traits in 74‐44 BL, PV 530 G and 45H29 are useful for blackleg management in western Canada, especially under warmer growing conditions when plants are at the rosette to early flowering stages.
Modelling effects of vector acquisition threshold on disease progression in a perennial crop following deployment of a partially resistant variety
Authors: Sisterson M. S. , Stenger D. C.
Published: January 2018

Deployment of resistant varieties is a key strategy to mitigating economic losses due to arthropod‐transmitted plant pathogens of perennial crops. In many cases, the best available resistant traits for introgression confer only partial resistance. Plants displaying partial resistance have lower pathogen titres than susceptible counterparts, but remain hosts for the pathogen. As partially resistant varieties maintain yield after infection, infected plants are unlikely to be rogued (i.e. removed). Accordingly, there is a risk that partially resistant plants could serve as a source of inoculum for pathogen spread to susceptible plants. Here, a mathematical model that tracked spread of an arthropod‐transmitted pathogen in a plant population consisting of susceptible and partially resistant plants was used to identify a threshold acquisition rate from partially resistant plants that resulted in limited spread of the pathogen from partially resistant plants to susceptible plants. The acquisition threshold from partially resistant plants varied with parameters influenced by disease management decisions such as number of vectors per plant, vector turnover, replacement of susceptible plants, and proportion of plants that were partially resistant. In model simulations, effects of deploying a partially resistant variety on disease incidence in a susceptible variety depended on the extent to which pathogen spread among susceptible plants was suppressed and acquisition rates from partially resistant plants. Collectively, the results indicate that risk of partially resistant plants serving as inoculum sources could be assessed prior to deployment, thereby enabling design of complementary disease management tactics to minimize economic losses in susceptible varieties following deployment.
Characterization of the pathogenicity of strains of Pseudomonas syringae towards cherry and plum
Authors: Hulin M. T. , Mansfield J. W. , Brain P. , Xu X. , Jackson R. W. , Harrison R. J.
Published: January 2018

Bacterial canker is a major disease of Prunus avium (cherry), Prunus domestica (plum) and other stone fruits. It is caused by pathovars within the Pseudomonas syringae species complex including P. syringae pv. morsprunorum (Psm) race 1 (R1), Psm race 2 (R2) and P. syringae pv. syringae (Pss). Psm R1 and Psm R2 were originally designated as the same pathovar; however, phylogenetic analysis revealed them to be distantly related, falling into phylogroups 3 and 1, respectively. This study characterized the pathogenicity of 18 newly genome‐sequenced P. syringae strains on cherry and plum, in the field and laboratory. The field experiment confirmed that the cherry cultivar Merton Glory exhibited a broad resistance to all clades. Psm R1 contained strains with differential specificity on cherry and plum. The ability of tractable laboratory‐based assays to reproduce assessments on whole trees was examined. Good correlations were achieved with assays using cut shoots or leaves, although only the cut shoot assay was able to reliably discriminate cultivar differences seen in the field. Measuring bacterial multiplication in detached leaves differentiated pathogens from nonpathogens and was therefore suitable for routine testing. In cherry leaves, symptom appearance discriminated Psm races from nonpathogens, which triggered a hypersensitive reaction. Pathogenic strains of Pss rapidly induced disease lesions in all tissues and exhibited a more necrotrophic lifestyle than hemibiotrophic Psm. This in‐depth study of pathogenic interactions, identification of host resistance and optimization of laboratory assays provides a framework for future genetic dissection of host–pathogen interactions in the canker disease.
First evidence of freezing tolerance in a resurrection plant: insights into molecular mobility and zeaxanthin synthesis in the dark
Authors: Fernández‐Marín Beatriz , Neuner Gilbert , Kuprian Edith , Laza Jose M. , García‐Plazaola José I. , Verhoeven Amy
Published: January 2018

The photoprotective mechanisms of desiccation tolerance and freezing tolerance and their relation to molecular mobility (cell vitrification) were assessed in a single model: the exceptional subalpine and resurrection plant Ramonda myconi. Dehydrated leaves showed a drop in maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) accompanied by synthesis of zeaxanthin (Z), even in the dark, which was limited by cell vitrification after complete desiccation. The recovery of Fv/Fm after a severe drying treatment (7 days at 50% relative humidity) confirmed the tolerance of R. myconi leaves to desiccation. In winter, R. myconi plants showed a highly dynamic component of photoinhibition. Interestingly, the potential activity of the enzyme violaxanthin de‐epoxidase (VDE) occurred at −7°C, below the freezing temperature range of the leaves (−2 ± 2°C) and even in the dark. This suggests that, in nature, the enzyme can still be active in frozen leaves, as long as they are above the glass transition temperature. The drop in Fv/Fm and increase in Z were reversible upon rehydration and thawing, respectively, but were not perfectly matched, suggesting that both Z‐independent and Z‐dependent forms of sustained dissipation are occurring. Overall, our data reinforce the light‐independent activity of the VDE enzyme under stress and suggest that Z‐accumulation could occur in darkness in a scenario when temperatures drop dramatically in the night under natural conditions.
Geometry and dynamics of braided channels and bars under experimental density currents
Authors: Limaye Ajay B. , Grimaud Jean‐Louis , Lai Steven Y. J. , Foreman Brady Z. , Komatsu Yuhei , Paola Chris
Published: January 2018

Submarine channels convey turbidity currents, the primary means for distributing sand and coarser sediments to the deep ocean. In some cases, submarine channels have been shown to braid, in a similar way to rivers. Yet the strength of the analogy between the subaerial and submarine braided channels is incompletely understood. Six experiments with subaqueous density currents and two experiments with subaerial rivers were conducted to quantify: (i) submarine channel kinematics; and (ii) the responses of channel and bar geometry to subaerial versus submarine basin conditions, inlet conditions and the ratio of ‘flow to sediment’ discharge (Qw/Qs). For a range of Qw/Qs values spanning a factor of 2·7, subaqueous braided channels consistently developed, were deeper upstream compared to downstream, and alternated with zones of sheet flow downstream. Topographic analyses included spatial statistics and mapping bars and channels using a reduced‐complexity flow model. The ratio of the estimated depth‐slope product for the submarine channels versus the subaerial channels was greater than unity, consistent with theoretical predictions, but with downstream variations ranging over a factor of 10. For the same inlet geometry and Qw/Qs, a subaqueous experiment produced deeper, steeper channels with fewer channel threads than its subaerial counterpart. For the subaqueous cases, neither slope, nor braiding index, nor bar aspect ratio varied consistently with Qw/Qs. For the subaqueous channels, the timescale for avulsion was double the time to migrate one channel width, and one‐third the time to aggrade one channel depth. The experiments inform a new stratigraphic model for submarine braided channels, wherein sand bodies are more laterally connected and less vertically persistent than those formed by submarine meandering channels.
Media experiences and associations with mental health among the bereaved of the MH17‐disaster: A latent profile analysis
Authors: van der Velden Peter G. , van der Meulen Erik , Lenferink Lonneke I. M. , Yzermans Joris C.
Published: January 2018

Research has shown that the amount of media exposure is associated with post‐event mental health problems. Whether bereaved individuals have negative experiences with media reports and whether they are associated with post‐event mental health is unclear. This study evaluated these experiences and associations following the MH17‐disaster. How media reports were experienced (nine topics, modified MAS), depression symptoms (QIDS‐SR), functional problems (WSAS) and event‐related coping‐self‐efficacy (CSE) were assessed about one year post‐disaster (May‐August 2015) among Dutch bereaved (N = 152). A substantial minority reported negative experiences such as reports made me angry (30%) and made me sad (48%). Latent profile analysis with symptoms, problems and coping self‐efficacy as indicators, identified four classes of post‐disaster mental health: a Well‐functioning(class 1), 35.1%; a Mild‐problems(class 2), 30.4%; a Sub‐clinical(class 3), 27.0%; and a Clinical(class 4), 7.4%. Differences in symptoms, problems and coping self‐efficacy levels between classes were large according to Cohen's ds. Multivariate logistic regression (MLR) showed that the Clinical(class 4) compared to the Well‐functioning(class 1), more often that felt that reports strongly “embarrassed me,” “made me feel sad,” “filled me with fear” and “served as a magnifying glass.” Future research should assess opportunities and effects of limiting media consumption.
Regime‐dependent effects of uncertainty on inflation and output growth: evidence from the United Kingdom and the United States
Authors: Chowdhury Kushal Banik , Kundu Srikanta , Sarkar Nityananda
Published: January 2018

Employing a bivariate regime switching model, this paper attempts to examine the regime‐dependent effects of inflation uncertainty and output growth uncertainty on inflation and output growth. Using monthly data of the United Kingdom and the United States, we provide evidence that both nominal and real uncertainty exert regime‐dependent impacts on inflation. Furthermore, in case of both the countries, inflation uncertainty has adverse impact on output growth mainly during the period of economic contraction. Also, for these two countries, it can be argued that higher real uncertainty significantly reduces output growth only in their respective low output growth regimes.
Ethical and Practical Considerations in the Use of a Predictive Model to Trigger Suicide Prevention Interventions in Healthcare Settings
Authors: Tucker Raymond P. , Tackett Meredith J. , Glickman David , Reger Mark A.
Published: January 2018

Predictive models that utilize data from electronic healthcare records (EHR) have been developed, investigated, and appear to provide an important resource for suicide prevention in medical settings. Actuarial approaches to predicting suicide may be particularly important given the relative inability of clinicians to accurately predict suicide. Although research regarding predictive models that utilize EHR is certainly promising, ethical considerations for the use of these models to trigger suicide prevention interventions warrant careful consideration. The current manuscript discusses ethical considerations regarding the use of predictive models in suicide prevention clinical care. The unique characteristics of suicide are explored in terms of how they inform ethical and practical approaches. Additionally, biomedical ethical principles and utilitarian, Kantian, and personal rights ethical models are applied to the topic. Recommendations for navigating the ethical issues are provided as an initial framework for others who are considering the implementation of a predictive model to trigger suicide prevention initiatives.
Atomic layer deposition of AlN from AlCl3 using NH3 and Ar/NH3 plasma
Authors: Rontu Ville , Sippola Perttu , Broas Mikael , Ross Glenn , Sajavaara Timo , Lipsanen Harri , Paulasto-Kröckel Mervi , Franssila Sami
Published: January 2018

The atomic layer deposition (ALD) of AlN from AlCl3 was investigated using a thermal process with NH3 and a plasma-enhanced (PE)ALD process with Ar/NH3 plasma. The growth was limited in the thermal process by the low reactivity of NH3, and impractically long pulses were required to reach saturation. Despite the plasma activation, the growth per cycle in the PEALD process was lower than that in the thermal process (0.4 Å vs 0.7 Å). However, the plasma process resulted in a lower concentration of impurities in the films compared to the thermal process. Both the thermal and plasma processes yielded crystalline films; however, the degree of crystallinity was higher in the plasma process. The films had a preferential orientation of the hexagonal AlN [002] direction normal to the silicon (100) wafer surface. With the plasma process, film stress control was possible and tensile, compressive, or zero stress films were obtained by simply adjusting the plasma time.
Positive and negative birefringence of materials in microwave region
Authors: Ziherl Saša , Čepič Mojca , Bajc Jurij
Published: January 2018

We present a set of experiments with microwaves that enable one to distinguish between isotropic and anisotropic properties of wooden materials. We also determine the magnitude and the sign of the birefringence of uniaxial materials. Due to the visible structure of wood and possible direct observation of the effects on the wave propagation, solid wood boards and particle boards can be used as persuasive representatives of positively and negatively birefringent materials, respectively. Suggested experiments can easily be used for demonstration purposes or laboratory work at the undergraduate or graduate level in optics courses.
Caffeine Improves Triathlon Performance: A Field Study in Males and Females
Authors: Potgieter Sunita , Wright Hattie H. , Smith Carine
Published: January 2018

The ergogenic effect of caffeine on endurance exercise is commonly accepted. We aimed to elucidate realistically the effect of caffeine on triathlon event performance using a field study design, while allowing investigation into potential mechanisms at play. A double-blind, randomized, crossover field trial was conducted. Twenty-six triathletes (14 males and 12 females; mean ± SD: age = 37.8 ± 10.6 years, habitual caffeine intake = 413 ± 505 mg/day, percentage body fat = 14.5 ± 7.2%, and training/week = 12.8 ± 4.5 hr) participated in this study. Microencapsulated caffeine (6 mg/kg body weight) was supplemented 60 min pretrial. Performance data included time to completion, rating of perceived exertion, and profile of mood states. Blood samples taken before, during, and postrace were analyzed for cortisol, testosterone, and full blood count. Capillary blood lactate concentrations were assessed prerace, during transitions, and 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 min after triathlons. Caffeine supplementation resulted in a 3.7% reduction in swim time (33.5 ± 7.0 vs. 34.8 ± 8.1 min, p < .05) and a 1.3% reduction in time to completion (149.6 ± 19.8 vs. 151.5 ± 18.6 min, p < .05) for the whole group. Gender differences and individual responses are also presented. Caffeine did not alter the rating of perceived exertion significantly, but better performance after caffeine supplementation suggests a central effect resulting in greater overall exercise intensity at the same rating of perceived exertion. Caffeine supplementation was associated with higher postexercise cortisol levels (665 ± 200 vs. 543 ± 169 nmol/L, p < .0001) and facilitated greater peak blood lactate accumulation (analysis of variance main effect, p < .05). We recommend that triathlon athletes with relatively low habitual caffeine intake may ingest 6 mg/kg body weight caffeine, 45–60 min before the start of Olympic-distance triathlon to improve their performance.
Comparison of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry for Estimating Bone Mineral Content
Authors: Stone Tori M. , Wingo Jonathan E. , Nickerson Brett S. , Esco Michael R.
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this study was to validate single-frequency hand-to-foot bioelectrical impedance analysis (HFBIA) for estimating bone mineral content (BMC) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry as the criterion measure in healthy men and women aged 18–40 years. A total of 80 men and women participated in this study. BMC was estimated on the same day using HFBIA and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The HFBIA device provided higher mean BMC values in men and the entire sample, but not in women. A smaller standard error of estimate was observed in women (0.20, corresponding to 8% of the mean reference BMC values) compared with men (0.39, corresponding to 12% of the mean reference BMC values) and the combined sample (0.31). HFBIA provided a smaller constant error and individual estimation error indicated by the 95% limits of agreement in women (−0.05 ± 0.39) compared with men (−0.16 ± 0.78) and the entire sample (−0.10 ± 0.63). In conclusion, although BMC values were found to be more accurate in women, HFBIA overestimated BMC compared with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, especially in individuals with lower values. Given these results, using HFBIA to measure BMC would be inappropriate for diagnostic purposes.
Are Current Physical Match Performance Metrics in Elite Soccer Fit for Purpose or Is the Adoption of an Integrated Approach Needed?
Authors: Bradley Paul S. , Ade Jack D.
Published: January 2018

Time–motion analysis is a valuable data-collection technique used to quantify the physical match performance of elite soccer players. For over 40 years, researchers have adopted a “traditional” approach when evaluating match demands by simply reporting the distance covered or time spent along a motion continuum of walking through to sprinting. This methodology quantifies physical metrics in isolation without integrating other factors, and this ultimately leads to a 1-dimensional insight into match performance. Thus, this commentary proposes a novel “integrated” approach that focuses on a sensitive physical metric such as high-intensity running but contextualizes this in relation to key tactical activities for each position and collectively for the team. In the example presented, the integrated model clearly unveils the unique high-intensity profile that exists due to distinct tactical roles, rather than 1-dimensional “blind” distances produced by traditional models. Intuitively, this innovative concept may aid coaches’ understanding of the physical performance in relation to the tactical roles and instructions given to the players. In addition, it will enable practitioners to effectively translate match metrics into training and testing protocols. This innovative model may well aid advances in other team sports that incorporate similar intermittent movements with tactical purpose. Evidence of the merits and application of this new concept is needed before the scientific community accepts this model as it may well add complexity to an area that conceivably needs simplicity.
Ischemic Preconditioning: No Influence on Maximal Sprint Acceleration Performance
Authors: Thompson Kyle M.A. , Whinton Alanna K. , Ferth Shane , Spriet Lawrence L. , Burr Jamie F.
Published: January 2018

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) was initially developed to protect the myocardium from ischemia through altered cardiocyte metabolism. Because of the observed effects on metabolism and oxygen kinetics, IPC gained interest as a potential ergogenic aid in sports. Limited research evaluating the effects of IPC on maximal short-duration activities has been performed, and of the existing literature, mixed outcomes resulting from intrasubject variation may have clouded the efficacy of this technique for enhancing sprint performance. Therefore, the current study employed a randomized repeated-measures crossover design with IPC, placebo (SHAM), and control conditions while using sprint-trained athletes (N = 18) to determine the effect of IPC (3 × 5-min occlusions, with 5-min reperfusion), concluding 15 min prior to maximal 10-s and 20-m sprinting. A visual analog scale was used in conjunction with the sprint trials to evaluate any possible placebo effect on performance. Despite a “significantly beneficial” perception of the IPC treatment compared with the SHAM trials (P < .001), no changes in sprint performance were observed after either the IPC or SHAM condition over 10 m (IPC Δ  < 0.01 [0.02] s, SHAM Δ  < 0.01 [0.02] s) or 20 m (IPC Δ = −0.01 [0.03] s, SHAM Δ < 0.01 [0.03] s) compared with control. Thus, an IPC protocol does not improve 10- or 20-m sprint performance in sprint-trained athletes.
Daily Bicycling in Older Adults May be Effective to Reduce Fall Risks—A Case-Control Study
Authors: Batcir Shani , Melzer Itshak
Published: January 2018

Older adults gain many health benefits from riding bicycles regularly. We aimed to explore whether older persons who ride bicycles regularly have better balance than controls. Balance control and voluntary stepping were assessed in 20 older adults aged 65–85 years who live in an agricultural community village and who ride bicycles regularly, and 30 age- and gender-matched nonbicycle riders (NBR). Self-reported function and fear of fall were also assessed. Bicycle riders (BR) showed significantly better balance, faster voluntary stepping, and better self-reported advanced lower-extremity function compared with NBR. The results might suggest that bicycling regularly preserves balance control and speed of voluntary stepping in older adults because bicycling might maintain specific balance coordination patterns. The results should be treated with caution as bicycle riders were older adults who selected an active lifestyle (i.e., bicycling as well as living in an agricultural village) that may bias the results.
Conflicts of interest improve collective computation of adaptive social structures
Authors: Brush Eleanor R. , Krakauer David C. , Flack Jessica C.
Published: January 2018

Conflicts of interest between members of a group can improve the accuracy of the collective computation they perform.
Tensile forces drive a reversible fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition during tissue growth in engineered clefts
Authors: Kollmannsberger Philip , Bidan Cécile M. , Dunlop John W. C. , Fratzl Peter , Vogel Viola
Published: January 2018

Fibroblasts transition into myofibroblasts in a highly tensed growth front and revert back to fibroblasts as the tissue matures.
Tamed immune reaction aids pregnancy
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: January 2018

Evolutionary studies show how dialing back inflammation allows embryo implantation.
Toward dynamic structural biology: Two decades of single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer
Authors: Lerner Eitan , Cordes Thorben , Ingargiola Antonino , Alhadid Yazan , Chung SangYoon , Michalet Xavier , Weiss Shimon
Published: January 2018

Watching single molecules in motion

Structural techniques such as x-ray crystallography and electron microscopy give insight into how macromolecules function by providing snapshots of different conformational states. Function also depends on the path between those states, but to see that path involves watching single molecules move. This became possible with the advent of single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET), which was first implemented in 1996. Lerner
et al.
review how smFRET has been used to study macromolecules in action, providing mechanistic insights into processes such as DNA repair, transcription, and translation. They also describe current limitations of the approach and suggest how future developments may expand the applications of smFRET.

Science
, this issue p.
eaan1133
Taking down defenses to improve vaccines
Authors: Teijaro John R. , Burton Dennis R.
Published: January 2018

A new approach to generating influenza virus vaccines could improve responses
Ehrlichia chaffeensis TRP120 Effector Targets and Recruits Host Polycomb Group Proteins for Degradation To Promote Intracellular Infection
Authors: Mitra Shubhajit , Dunphy Paige S. , Das Seema , Zhu Bing , Luo Tian , McBride Jere W.
Published: January 2018

Ehrlichia chaffeensis
has a group of well-characterized type I secreted tandem repeat protein (TRP) effectors that have moonlighting capabilities. TRPs modulate various cellular processes, reprogram host gene transcription as nucleomodulins, function as ubiquitin ligases, and directly activate conserved host cell signaling pathways to promote
E. chaffeensis
infection. One TRP-interacting host target is polycomb group ring finger protein 5 (PCGF5), a member of the polycomb group (PcG) protein family and a component of the polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1). The current study demonstrates that during early infection, PCGF5 strongly colocalizes with TRP120 in the nucleus and later dramatically redistributes to the ehrlichial vacuole along with other PCGF isoforms. Ectopic expression and immunoprecipitation of TRP120 confirmed the interaction of TRP120 with multiple different PCGF isoforms. At 48 h postinfection, a dramatic redistribution of PCGF isoforms from the nucleus to the ehrlichial vacuole was observed, which also temporally coincided with proteasomal degradation of PCGF isoforms and TRP120 expression on the vacuole. A decrease in PRC1-mediated repressive chromatin mark and an altered transcriptional activity in PRC1-associated Hox genes primarily from
HOXB
and
HOXC
clusters were observed along with the degradation of PCGF isoforms, suggesting disruption of the PRC1 in
E. chaffeensis-
infected cells. Notably, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of PCGF isoforms resulted in significantly increased
E. chaffeensis
infection. This study demonstrates a novel strategy in which
E. chaffeensis
manipulates PRC complexes through interactions between TRP120 and PCGF isoforms to promote infection.
Structural Study of the C-Terminal Domain of Nonstructural Protein 1 from Japanese Encephalitis Virus
Authors: Poonsiri Thanalai , Wright Gareth S. A. , Diamond Michael S. , Turtle Lance , Solomon Tom , Antonyuk Svetlana V.
Published: January 2018

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a mosquito-transmitted flavivirus that is closely related to other emerging viral pathogens, including dengue virus (DENV), West Nile virus (WNV), and Zika virus (ZIKV). JEV infection can result in meningitis and encephalitis, which in severe cases cause permanent brain damage and death. JEV occurs predominantly in rural areas throughout Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Far East, causing around 68,000 cases of infection worldwide each year. In this report, we present a 2.1-Å-resolution crystal structure of the C-terminal β-ladder domain of JEV nonstructural protein 1 (NS1-C). The surface charge distribution of JEV NS1-C is similar to those of WNV and ZIKV but differs from that of DENV. Analysis of the JEV NS1-C structure, with
in silico
molecular dynamics simulation and experimental solution small-angle X-ray scattering, indicates extensive loop flexibility on the exterior of the protein. This, together with the surface charge distribution, indicates that flexibility influences the protein-protein interactions that govern pathogenicity. These factors also affect the interaction of NS1 with the 22NS1 monoclonal antibody, which is protective against West Nile virus infection. Liposome and heparin binding assays indicate that only the N-terminal region of NS1 mediates interaction with membranes and that sulfate binding sites common to NS1 structures are not glycosaminoglycan binding interfaces. This report highlights several differences between flavivirus NS1 proteins and contributes to our understanding of their structure-pathogenic function relationships.

IMPORTANCE
JEV is a major cause of viral encephalitis in Asia. Despite extensive vaccination, epidemics still occur. Nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) plays a role in viral replication, and, because it is secreted, it can exhibit a wide range of interactions with host proteins. NS1 sequence and protein folds are conserved within the
Flavivirus
genus, but variations in NS1 protein-protein interactions among viruses likely contribute to differences in pathogenesis. Here, we compared characteristics of the C-terminal β-ladder domain of NS1 between flaviviruses, including surface charge, loop flexibility, epitope cross-reactivity, membrane adherence, and glycosaminoglycan binding. These structural features are central to NS1 functionality and may provide insight into the development of diagnostic tests and therapeutics.
Measurement of pressure in viewable hole erosion test
Authors: Xie Liquan , Liang Xin , Su Tsung-Chow
Published: January 2018

The hole erosion test (HET) is commonly used to study the occurrence of internal soil erosion when water concentrated leaks occur. This erosion is known as “piping” in soil mechanics. Piping erosion is invisible and occurs randomly within the soil body. Therefore, to gain a better understanding of how piping erosion develops, it would be helpful to utilize a viewable HET design in which the dynamics of the piping hole can be observed directly. In this note, a new HET apparatus is presented that can be used to observe the development of piping erosion and to monitor the dynamic pressure condition during the hole erosion process. A preliminary model test was carried out based on the new viewable HET apparatus and “pressure heads” monitoring technique. The results successfully verified the performance of the proposed apparatus and experimental methods during the process of hole erosion, indicating that the hole shape changes during continuous erosion and is not fully symmetrical because of the initial profile of the hole. The internal hole becomes increasingly curved when subjected to continuous piping flow. Test results agree with the numerical simulation reported in 2015 by Riha and Jandora, who considered the effect of the hole entrance shape.
Energy loss in cement-based material for efficient sensor deployment at a site
Authors: Cho Chunhee , Park JeeWoong , Kim Kyungki
Published: January 2018

Past construction research has focused primarily on the realization of tracking systems but much less on their effectiveness. Despite significant achievements, little is known about the relationship between the environmental site conditions and deployed sensors and their influence on system effectiveness. To reduce this knowledge gap, we investigate the effect of cement-based material on signal energy loss using electromagnetic simulation. We take conventional electromagnetic equations and derive equations that quantitatively describe the signal behavior influenced by cement-based material. Then, we conduct high frequency structure simulator (HFSS) simulations and use the experimental measurements for benchmark comparison with our analytical solution. Results suggest that our analytical method accurately quantifies attenuated signal loss. Also, we construct an attenuation spectrum of energy loss for cement-based material, which can serve as a reference for sensor deployment. Therefore, the method should enable quantification of the signal loss of sensors without actually deploying them or measuring signal data, which should lead to the more effective deployment of tracking sensors.
Late Cretaceous radiolarians from a bentonite-rich interval at the base of the Niobrara Formation, southwestern Saskatchewan, Canada: biostratigraphic and paleoenvironmental implications
Authors: Diaz Juan F. , Velez Maria I.
Published: January 2018

A radiolarian assemblage containing 11 species of both nasellarians and spumellarians was recovered from the Upper Cretaceous Niobrara Formation in southwestern Saskatchewan, Canada. This assemblage represents the first report of Coniacian radiolarians in the entire Western Interior Basin and one of the few reports for the Upper Cretaceous in North America. The presence of radiolarians and the partial disappearance of foraminifera in the only bentonitic interval in this formation suggest that high silica concentrations supplied by volcanic events favored ecological conditions for radiolarians to thrive and or enhanced their preservation before and after deposition. Correlation of this assemblage with other Upper Cretaceous radiolarian assemblages in North America shows a close affinity with the microfauna recovered in the Sverdrup Basin (Canadian Arctic).
Are 3 minutes good enough for obtaining baseline physiological samples from teleost fish?
Authors: Lawrence Michael J. , Jain-Schlaepfer Sofia , Zolderdo Aaron J. , Algera Dirk A. , Gilmour Kathleen M. , Gallagher Austin J. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: January 2018

A prerequisite to studying the physiological status of wild animals is the ability to obtain blood samples that reflect the condition prior to capture or handling. Based on research in avian taxa, it is recommended that such samples be obtained within 3 min of capture; however, this guideline has not been validated in wild teleosts. The present study addresses the time course of physiological changes in a number of blood metrics across six species of freshwater fish. Fishes were caught using a standardized angling protocol and held in a water-filled trough prior to the collection of a blood sample, via caudal phlebotomy, between 0.5 and 11 min after capture. Changes in whole-blood glucose and lactate concentrations, hematocrit, and plasma cortisol concentrations were assessed. Change-point analyses indicated that blood lactate concentrations and hematocrit did not deviate from baseline values until ∼2–5 min of handling for all species, whereas blood glucose concentrations generally did not deviate significantly from baseline over the 11 min test period. In all species, plasma cortisol concentrations began to increase above baseline between ∼4 and 8 min after capture. Thus, to ensure that blood samples are representative of baseline conditions across multiple metrics, we recommend that sampling be limited to less than 2 min in teleost fishes.
Conception, fetal growth, and calving seasonality of harbor porpoise (Phocoenaphocoena) in the Salish Sea waters of Washington, USA, and southern British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Norman S.A. , Hanson M.B. , Huggins J. , Lambourn D. , Calambokidis J. , Cottrell P. , Greene A. , Raverty S. , Berta S. , Dubpernell S. , Klope M. , Olson J.K. , Jeffries S.J. , Carrasco M. , Souze V. , Elsby A. , McLean C. , Carlson B. , Emmons C. , Gaydos J.K.
Published: January 2018

We evaluated harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena (Linnaeus, 1758)) strandings in the Salish Sea to determine calving seasonality (1980–2015). A total of 443 strandings were analyzed, of which 134 were calves and 53 were neonates. Stranded calves were reported every month, but peaked in July, August, and September. Based on fetal size and an estimated fetal growth rate of 80 mm/month, mean (±SD) conception date (and range) was back-calculated to 11 October ± 30 days (16 August – 31 December) and was later than in most other studies. Using mean (±SD) length at birth (80 ± 5.8 cm), gestation was estimated to be approximately 10.8 months. Estimated birthing period was 16 July – 27 November, with a mean (±SD) birth date of 10 September (±30.7 days) and a birth length of 80.0 cm. Estimated pregnancy rate (0.28–0.29) is lower than reported in other areas and is likely an underestimate due to missed early embryos, poor postmortem condition of a large proportion of the stranded adult females, and potential biases related to the animals that strand and are available. This study of harbor porpoise reproduction and calving in the Salish Sea is the first assessment of calving seasonality for this species in the northeast Pacific Ocean.
Lorentz violation, gravitoelectromagnetic field and Bhabha scattering
Authors: Santos A. F. , Khanna Faqir C.
Published: January 2018

Lorentz symmetry is a fundamental symmetry in the Standard Model (SM) and in General Relativity (GR). This symmetry holds true for all models at low energies. However, at energies near the Planck scale, it is conjectured that there may be a very small violation of Lorentz symmetry. The Standard Model Extension (SME) is a quantum field theory that includes a systematic description of Lorentz symmetry violations in all sectors of particle physics and gravity. In this paper, SME is considered to study the physical process of Bhabha Scattering in the Gravitoelectromagnetism (GEM) theory. GEM is an important formalism that is valid in a suitable approximation of general relativity. A new nonminimal coupling term that violates Lorentz symmetry is used in this paper. Differential cross-section for gravitational Bhabha scattering is calculated. The Lorentz violation contributions to this GEM scattering cross-section are small and are similar in magnitude to the case of the electromagnetic field.
Strongly nondegenerate spontaneous parametric down-conversion for calibration of terahertz-wave detectors
Authors: Kitaeva Galiya Kh. , Kornienko Vladimir V.
Published: January 2018

The impact of spatial limitation of the nonlinear interaction volume on the spontaneous parametric down-conversion spectra in a strongly nondegenerate regime is analyzed from the point of absolute calibration of the terahertz-wave nonlinear-optical detectors. We show that the idler wave angular resolution of the calibration method can be inherently low (about 1 to 10 degrees in lithium niobate crystals), and to fill all the input modes with external idler radiation, one has to take special care on geometry of the nonlinear interaction. Angular sensitivity distribution function is constructed, and a consecutive description is provided for both the parametric down-conversion and the external idler radiation detection processes.