bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Related Variety and Innovation: Evidence from the Tourism Industry
Authors: Erkuş‐Öztürk Hilal
Published: July 2017

Evolutionary economic geography literature claims that firms with ‘related variety relations’ are more innovative than firms with only intra‐industry relations and relations of ‘unrelated variety’. This paper aims to explore this claim for tourism companies in Antalya. The main question is whether innovative hotels, restaurants, and tourism‐oriented shops have stronger relations with firms of different but related sectors than with firms of the same sector and firms of different but unrelated sectors. This paper differs from previous research: (i) by bringing a tourism dimension to evolutionary economic geography literature and (ii) by employing a quantitative method of analysis (correspondence and chi‐square) based on a firm‐level survey. The findings show a significant difference in the relationship between company innovations and the two proxies for related variety, unrelated variety and intra‐industry relations, namely investment behaviour and recruitment of personnel.
How do we reduce plasma transfusion in Rhode Island?
Authors: Nixon Christian P. , Tavares Maria F. , Sweeney Joseph D.
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Plasma transfusions are given to patients with coagulopathy, either prophylactically, before an invasive procedure; or therapeutically, in the presence of active bleeding; and as an exchange fluid in therapeutic plasma exchange for disorders such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. There is consensus that many prophylactic plasma transfusions are non‐efficacious, and the misdiagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura results in unnecessary therapeutic plasma exchange.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Beginning in 2001, programs to reduce plasma transfusion in the three major teaching hospitals in Rhode Island were initiated. The programs evolved through the establishment of guidelines, education for key prescribers of plasma, screening of plasma prescriptions, and engagement of individual prescribing physicians for out‐of‐guidelines prescriptions with modification or cancellation. Establishment of an in‐house ADAMTS13 (ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1, motif 13) assay in 2013 was used to prevent therapeutic plasma exchange in patients with non‐thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura microangiopathy. Transfusion service data were gathered at the hospital level regarding blood component use, hospital data for discharges, inpatient mortality, and mean case‐mix index, and, at the state level, for units of plasma shipped from the community blood center to in‐state hospitals.

RESULTS

Between 2006 and 2016, a reduction in plasma use from 11,805 to 2677 units (a 77% decrease) was observed in the three hospitals and was mirrored in the state as a whole. This decline was not associated with any increase in red blood cell transfusion. Inpatient mortality either declined or was unchanged.

CONCLUSION

An active program focused on education and interdiction can achieve a large decrease in plasma transfusions without evidence of patient harm.
The role of imports for exporter performance in Peru
Authors: Pierola Martha Denisse , Fernandes Ana Margarida , Farole Thomas
Published: July 2017

Using highly disaggregated firm‐level customs data for imports and exports in Peru over the 2000–12 period, we explore the relationship between imports of intermediate inputs and firm export performance. The evidence shows that greater use, variety and quality of imported intermediate inputs are significantly correlated with higher export levels and growth, greater market diversification and higher export quality at the firm level, even after controlling for unobserved firm heterogeneity. Exporter–importers exposed to higher tariffs, and non‐tariff measures import less in total and exhibit lower import variety, whereas those using an advance customs clearance procedure designed to facilitate imports exhibit higher imports and a more diversified bundle of inputs.
Accuracy of open magnetic resonance imaging for guiding injection of the equine deep digital flexor tendon within the hoof
Authors: Groom Lauren M. , White Nathaniel A. , Adams M. Norris , Barrett Jennifer G.
Published: July 2017

Lesions of the distal deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) are frequently diagnosed using MRI in horses with foot pain. Intralesional injection of biologic therapeutics shows promise in tendon healing; however, accurate injection of distal deep digital flexor tendon lesions within the hoof is difficult. The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate accuracy of a technique for injection of the deep digital flexor tendon within the hoof using MRI‐guidance, which could be performed in standing patients. We hypothesized that injection of the distal deep digital flexor tendon within the hoof could be accurately guided using open low‐field MRI to target either the lateral or medial lobe at a specific location. Ten cadaver limbs were positioned in an open, low‐field MRI unit. Each distal deep digital flexor tendon lobe was assigned to have a proximal (adjacent to the proximal aspect of the navicular bursa) or distal (adjacent to the navicular bone) injection. A titanium needle was inserted into each tendon lobe, guided by T1‐weighted transverse images acquired simultaneously during injection. Colored dye was injected as a marker and postinjection MRI and gross sections were assessed. The success of injection as evaluated on gross section was 85% (70% proximal, 100% distal). The success of injection as evaluated by MRI was 65% (60% proximal, 70% distal). There was no significant difference between the success of injecting the medial versus lateral lobe. The major limitation of this study was the use of cadaver limbs with normal tendons. The authors conclude that injection of the distal deep digital flexor tendon within the hoof is possible using MRI guidance.
Effects of environmental factors and burial depth on seed germination and emergence of two populations of Caucalis platycarpos
Authors: Amini R , Gholami F , Ghanepour S
Published: July 2017

Caucalis platycarpos is a weed species in irrigated and dry land farming systems in East Azerbaijan and Kermanshah provinces of Iran. Experiments were undertaken to compare C. platycarpos seed germination and emergence of a population from each province over a range of environmental factors, burial depth and crop residue treatments. The Azerbaijan population required lower temperatures (20/10°C day/night temperature) for its highest (90%) germination, compared with the Kermanshah population (88% germination at 25/15°C day/night temperature). In both populations, germination was 84–90% over a wide range of light/dark periods (10–24 h light), but considerable reduction (up to 42%) occurred under continuous darkness. The osmotic potential required for 50% inhibition of germination was −0.54 and −0.40 MPa for Azerbaijan and Kermanshah populations respectively. The NaCl concentration of 8.83 and 5.71 dS m−1 caused 50% inhibition of germination in Azerbaijan and Kermanshah populations respectively. The X50 parameter (the burial depth at which emergence is reduced by 50%) for Azerbaijan and Kermanshah population was 2.18 and 2.86 cm respectively. Crop residues had more inhibitory effects on the Azerbaijan than Kermanshah population. Adaptive differentiation of C. platycarpos populations has also resulted in smaller seeds of the Azerbaijan compared with the Kermanshah population and resulted in higher emergence for Kermanshah population seedlings from greater soil depths. These results suggest that differences in germination requirements, drought and salinity tolerance of C. platycarpos populations are correlated with environmental conditions of the habitats of the studied populations.
Influence of Ag volume fraction on microstructure and optical constants of Ag-WO3 thin films
Authors: Jiang Xishun , Lin Qibin , Zhang Yongchun , Shi Yonghua , Li Xinyi , Zhang Yangyi , Dong Kexiu , Sun Zhaoqi
Published: July 2017

The WO3 film and Ag-WO3 nanocomposite films with Ag volume fractions (3.0, 6.0, and 12.0 vol. %) were deposited on Si substrates by radio-frequency cosputtering. X-ray diffractometer analyses show that the microstructure of WO3 films transforms from the tetragonal phase to monoclinic phase when the metal Ag was embedded into the WO3 matrix. Scanning electron microscope images demonstrate that the density of particles on Ag-WO3 films surface increases as the Ag volume fraction increases. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic measurements display that Ag is in the form of Ag atom clusters in the film. Optical constants confirmed by ellipsometric spectroscopy indicate that the value of refractive index decreases from 2.1 to 1.1 at 300 nm with the increase in Ag content. The extinction coefficient increases with the increase in Ag content.
Modeling speech localization, talker identification, and word recognition in a multi-talker setting
Authors: Josupeit Angela , Hohmann Volker
Published: July 2017

This study introduces a model for solving three different auditory tasks in a multi-talker setting: target localization, target identification, and word recognition. The model was used to simulate psychoacoustic data from a call-sign-based listening test involving multiple spatially separated talkers [Brungart and Simpson (2007). Percept. Psychophys. 69(1), 79–91]. The main characteristics of the model are (i) the extraction of salient auditory features (“glimpses”) from the multi-talker signal and (ii) the use of a classification method that finds the best target hypothesis by comparing feature templates from clean target signals to the glimpses derived from the multi-talker mixture. The four features used were periodicity, periodic energy, and periodicity-based interaural time and level differences. The model results widely exceeded probability of chance for all subtasks and conditions, and generally coincided strongly with the subject data. This indicates that, despite their sparsity, glimpses provide sufficient information about a complex auditory scene. This also suggests that complex source superposition models may not be needed for auditory scene analysis. Instead, simple models of clean speech may be sufficient to decode even complex multi-talker scenes.
The Impact of 10-Year Physical Activity Changes on 7-Year Mortality in Older Mexican Americans
Authors: Lewis Zakkoyya H. , Markides Kyriakos S. , Ottenbacher Kenneth J. , Al Snih Soham
Published: July 2017

Background: We investigated the association between 10 years of change in physical activity (PA) levels and 7-year all-cause mortality. Methods: Mexican American adults aged 67 and older (N = 803) participating in the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (1995/1996–2012/2013) were included. All-cause mortality was our outcome. Participants were divided into 4 groups based on their difference in overall PA between 1995/1996 and 2005/2006 measured by the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. Participants were classified as having unchanged low PA (n = 339), decreased activity (n = 233), unchanged high activity (n = 166), and increased activity (n = 65). Change in the frequency of PA domains was also investigated. PA domains included leisure, household, sedentary, and walking activities. Results:After controlling for all covariates, results from the Cox proportional hazards regression found a 43% lower mortality risk in the increased PA group (hazards ratio = 0.57; 95% confidence interval, 0.34–0.97) compared with the unchanged low PA group. In the entire sample, a significantly lower mortality risk was also present among walking (hazards ratio = 0.88) and household (hazards ratio = 0.88) activities. Conclusion:Our results suggest that, independent of other factors, increasing PA is most protective of mortality among older Mexican Americans.
Affective Responses to Intermittent Physical Activity in Healthy Weight and Overweight/Obese Elementary School-Age Children
Authors: Nagy Matthew R. , O’Sullivan Molly P. , Block Shannon S. , Tooley Trevor R. , Robinson Leah E. , Colabianchi Natalie , Hasson Rebecca E.
Published: July 2017

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of intermittent physical activity (2-min bouts of varying intensities) on psychological mood and enjoyment in elementary school-age children and to examine the effect of weight status on these psychological outcomes. Methods: A total of 39 children (healthy weight, n = 26; overweight/obese, n = 13) completed 4 experimental conditions in random order, which consisted of 8 hours of sitting interrupted with 20 two-minute low­-, moderate-, or high-intensity activity breaks or 20 two-minute screen-time breaks. Mood was assessed using the Feeling Scale immediately following each break. Enjoyment was assessed using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale immediately following 10 and 20 breaks. Results: Mood was significantly higher during the sedentary versus active conditions (P < .01). Overweight/obese children reported lower mood scores compared with healthy weight children at the initiation of the low- (P < .05) and high-intensity conditions (P < .001) but experienced improvements in mood throughout the day in all 3 active conditions (P = .02). Enjoyment was significantly higher after completing the active versus sedentary conditions (P = .02). Conclusion: These findings suggest that both healthy weight and overweight/obese children felt better immediately after engaging in screen-time breaks but subsequently rated the activity breaks as more enjoyable compared with screen-time breaks.
Enjoyment and Behavioral Intention Predict Organized Youth Sport Participation and Dropout
Authors: Gardner Lauren A. , Magee Christopher A. , Vella Stewart A.
Published: July 2017

Background: Dropout from organized youth sport has significant adverse health implications. Enjoyment and behavioral intentions have consistently been linked with participation and dropout; however, few studies have investigated these links using a prospective design. This study explored whether enjoyment and intentions to continue predicted dropout behavior at 1-year follow-up. Methods: Questionnaires were completed by 327 regular sport participants (mean age = 13.01 y at baseline). After 1 year, 247 individuals (75.5%) continued participating in their main sport and 26 individuals (8%) dropped out. A hierarchical logistic regression model estimated the probability of dropout. In step 1, the following covariates were included: age, sex, competition level, perceived competence, parental support, coach–athlete relationship, friendship quality, and peer acceptance. In step 2, enjoyment and intentions to continue were included. Results: Step 1 indicated that age, parental support, coach–athlete relationship quality, and peer acceptance were significantly associated with dropout. Step 2 explained further variance in dropout, with both enjoyment and intentions inversely associated with dropout. Peer acceptance was the only covariate to remain significantly associated with dropout in step 2. Conclusions: Findings support the use of enjoyment and behavioral intentions as indicators of sport participation/dropout behavior and may aid the development of interventions aimed at preventing future dropout.
Temperament and Physical Activity in Childhood
Authors: Song MinKyoung , Corwyn Robert F. , Bradley Robert H. , Lumeng Julie C.
Published: July 2017

Background: Temperament activity level can serve as a proxy for nondeliberate activity and an important part of overall energy expenditure. However, little is known about any association between temperament activity level and children’s levels of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity. We examined whether temperament activity level in young children is associated with moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity later in childhood and midadolescence. We also assessed if parenting behaviors moderate any association. Methods: Data were obtained from 799 children and their mothers involved in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development. Growth curve analyses were used to examine the relationships over time, controlling for child and parent characteristics. Results: High temperament activity level at age 4.5 was associated with higher moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity at age 9 (β = 5.15; SE =2.47; P < .001). The association became no longer significant after 10.2 years of age. The association was moderated by parental support for physical activity (β = −2.56; SE = 1.01; P = .01). Conclusions: Low temperament activity level in early childhood was a risk factor for low physical activity in later childhood and adolescence. Parental support for physical activity may be beneficial for children whose temperament activity level is low.
Physical Activity of Nurse Clinical Practitioners and Managers
Authors: Jirathananuwat Areeya , Pongpirul Krit
Published: July 2017

Background: This study was aimed (1) to compare the level of physical activity (PA) between working and nonworking hours and (2) to compare the level of PA during working hours of nurse clinical practitioners (NCPs) with that of nurse managers (NMs). Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted at a Thai university hospital from October 2015 to March 2016. All randomly selected participants wore an activity tracker on their hip for 5 days, except during bathing and sleeping periods, to record step counts and time points. Results: Of 884 nurses, 289 (142 NCPs and 147 NMs) were randomly selected. The average age was 35.87 years. They spent 9.76 and 6.01 hours on work and nonwork activities, respectively. Daily steps per hour were significantly lower during work than nonwork periods (P < .001). An NCP had significantly higher overall hourly PA (P = .002). The number of steps per hour during work period of NCP was significantly higher than that of NM even after adjusting for age, work experience, and body mass index (P = .034). Conclusions: NCP had higher overall PA than NM, which was partly contributed by work-related PA. Level of PA for a professional with variation of actual work hours should be measured on hourly basis.
Sedentary Behaviors and Biomarkers Among Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Hartman Sheri J. , Marinac Catherine R. , Cadmus-Bertram Lisa , Kerr Jacqueline , Natarajan Loki , Godbole Suneeta , Patterson Ruth E. , Morey Brittany , Sears Dorothy D.
Published: July 2017

Background: Sedentary behavior is associated with increased risk of poor outcomes in breast cancer survivors, but underlying mechanisms are not well understood. This pilot study explored associations between different aspects of sedentary behaviors (sitting, prolonged sitting, sit-to-stand transitions, and standing) and breast cancer risk-related biomarkers in breast cancer survivors (n = 30). Methods: Sedentary behavior variables were objectively measured with thigh-worn activPALs. Breast cancer risk-related biomarkers assessed were C-reactive protein (CRP), insulin, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and were measured in fasting plasma samples. Linear regression models were used to investigate associations between sedentary behavior variables and biomarkers (log CRP, insulin, and HOMA-IR). Results: Sit-to-stand transitions were significantly associated with insulin resistance biomarkers (P < .05). Specifically, each 10 additional sit-to-stand transitions per day was associated with a lower fasting insulin concentration (β = −5.52; 95% CI, −9.79 to −1.24) and a lower HOMA-IR value (β = −0.22; 95% CI, −0.42 to −0.03). Sit-to-stand transitions were not significantly associated with CRP concentration (P = .08). Total sitting time, long sitting bouts, and standing time were not significantly associated with CRP, insulin, or HOMA-IR (P > .05). Conclusions: Sit-to-stand transitions may be an intervention target for reducing insulin resistance in breast cancer survivors, which may have favorable downstream effects on cancer prognosis.
Investigating the Physical Activity Behaviors of Canadian Adults Over Time: Multilevel Sex and Age Group Trajectories Across 2 Decades
Authors: Perks Thomas A.
Published: July 2017

Background: This study explores changes in the leisure-time physical activities of Canadian adults over time. Methods: Using representative panel data from the National Population Health Survey, multilevel analyses of 13,933 respondents aged 18 and older were performed to assess both overall and individual leisure-time physical activity trajectories from 1994 to 2011 and the extent to which these trajectories differ by sex and age groups. Results: With the exception of those aged 65 and older, there is evidence that as Canadians age their overall levels of physical activity increase over time. However, increases in overall physical activity levels are mainly due to increases in walking, gardening, and home exercise. Increases in these 3 activities in particular compensate for declines in engagement levels over time in most other activities. Conclusions: As the demographic shift to an older Canadian population continues, evidence of increasing overall physical activity levels across most age groups in Canada gives reason for optimism.
The Influence of Sources of Self-Efficacy Upon Efficacy Strength
Authors: Wise James B. , Trunnell Eric P.
Published: July 2017

This study examined the influence of different sources of efficacy information on self-efficacy strength. Forty-eight women ranging from 18 to 40 years of age were recruited from a university population and randomly assigned to one of six groups. Each group received three sources of bench-press efficacy information (performance accomplishment, model, verbal message) presented in a different sequence. Bench-press efficacy strength was measured after each source of efficacy information. Results indicated that a performance accomplishment led to significantly stronger bench-press efficacy than did observation of a model, which in turn was more effective in strengthening efficacy than was hearing a verbal message. Second, performance accomplishment strengthened bench-press efficacy even when it followed one or both of the other sources of efficacy information. Finally, a verbal persuasion message was most effective in strengthening efficacy when it followed a performance accomplishment.
Slow climate mode reconciles historical and model-based estimates of climate sensitivity
Authors: Proistosescu Cristian , Huybers Peter J.
Published: July 2017

Estimates of climate sensitivity from models and observations are reconciled by accounting for slowly responding climate mode.
Revisiting ancestral polyploidy in plants
Authors: Ruprecht Colin , Lohaus Rolf , Vanneste Kevin , Mutwil Marek , Nikoloski Zoran , Van de Peer Yves , Persson Staffan
Published: July 2017

Reanalysis reveals flaws in the original phylogenomic evidence for two ancestral whole-genome duplications in plants.
Peripheral myelin protein 22 alters membrane architecture
Authors: Mittendorf Kathleen F. , Marinko Justin T. , Hampton Cheri M. , Ke Zunlong , Hadziselimovic Arina , Schlebach Jonathan P. , Law Cheryl L. , Li Jun , Wright Elizabeth R. , Sanders Charles R. , Ohi Melanie D.
Published: July 2017

Reconstitution of the PMP22 protein into lipid bilayers results in membrane assemblies that share common features with myelin.
A tail of two voltages: Proteomic comparison of the three electric organs of the electric eel
Authors: Traeger Lindsay L. , Sabat Grzegorz , Barrett-Wilt Gregory A. , Wells Gregg B. , Sussman Michael R.
Published: July 2017

Proteomic differences among three electric organs of electric eel reflect trade-offs between generating weak and strong voltages.
On the Death Rate of Abortively Infected Cells: Estimation from Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Authors: Ke Ruian , Cong Mian-er , Li David , García-Lerma J. Gerardo , Perelson Alan S.
Published: July 2017

Progressive T cell depletion during chronic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) infection is a key mechanism that leads to the development of AIDS. Recent studies have suggested that most T cells in the tissue die through pyroptosis triggered by abortive infection, i.e., infection of resting T cells in which HIV failed to complete reverse transcription. However, the contribution of abortive infection to T cell loss and how quickly abortively infected cells die
in vivo
, key parameters for a quantitative understanding of T cell population dynamics, are not clear. Here, we infected rhesus macaques with simian-human immunodeficiency viruses (SHIV) and followed the dynamics of both plasma SHIV RNA and total cell-associated SHIV DNA. Fitting mathematical models to the data, we estimate that upon infection a majority of CD4
+
T cells (approximately 65%, on average) become abortively infected and die at a relatively high rate of 0.27 day
−1
(half-life, 2.6 days). This confirms the importance of abortive infection in driving T cell depletion. Further, we find evidence suggesting that an immune response may be restricting viral infection 1 to 3 weeks after infection. Our study serves as a step forward toward a quantitative understanding of the mechanisms driving T cell depletion during HIV infection.

IMPORTANCE
In HIV-infected patients, progressive CD4
+
T cell loss ultimately leads to the development of AIDS. The mechanisms underlying this T cell loss are not clear. Recent experimental data suggest that the majority of CD4
+
T cells in tissue die through abortive infection, where the accumulation of incomplete HIV transcripts triggers cell death. To investigate the role of abortive infection in driving CD4
+
T cell loss
in vivo
, we infected macaques with simian-human immunodeficiency viruses (SHIV) and followed the viral kinetics of both plasma RNA and cell-associated DNA during infection. Fitting mathematical models, we estimated that a large fraction of infected cells dies through abortive infection and has a half-life of approximately 2.6 days. Our results provide the first
in vivo
quantitative estimates of parameters characterizing abortive infection and support the notion that abortive infection represents an important mechanism underlying progressive CD4
+
T cell depletion
in vivo
.
Sec24C-Dependent Transport of Claudin-1 Regulates Hepatitis C Virus Entry
Authors: Yin Peiqi , Li Ye , Zhang Leiliang
Published: July 2017

Claudin-1 is a hepatitis C virus (HCV) coreceptor required for viral entry. Although extensive studies have focused on claudin-1 as an anti-HCV target, little is known about how the level of claudin-1 at the cell surface is regulated by host vesicular transport. Here, we identified an interaction between claudin-1 and Sec24C, a cargo-sorting component of the coat protein complex II (COPII) vesicular transport system. By interacting with Sec24C through its C-terminal YV, claudin-1 is transported from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and is eventually targeted to the cell surface. Blocking COPII transport inhibits HCV entry by reducing the level of claudin-1 at the cell surface. These findings provide mechanistic insight into the role of COPII vesicular transport in HCV entry.

IMPORTANCE
Tight junction protein claudin-1 is one of the cellular receptors for hepatitis C virus, which infects 185 million people globally. Its cellular distribution plays important role in HCV entry; however, it is unclear how the localization of claudin-1 to the cell surface is controlled by host transport pathways. In this paper, we not only identified Sec24C as a key host factor for HCV entry but also uncovered a novel mechanism by which the COPII machinery transports claudin-1 to the cell surface. This mechanism might be extended to other claudins that contain a C-terminal YV or V motif.
A Cell Fusion-Based Screening Method Identifies Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Anchored Protein Ly6e as the Receptor for Mouse Endogenous Retroviral Envelope Syncytin-A
Authors: Bacquin Agathe , Bireau Caroline , Tanguy Maxime , Romanet Charlotte , Vernochet Cécile , Dupressoir Anne , Heidmann Thierry
Published: July 2017

Syncytin genes are envelope genes of retroviral origin that have been exapted for a role in placentation. They are involved in the formation of a syncytial structure (the syncytiotrophoblast) at the fetomaternal interface via their fusogenic activity. The mouse placenta is unique among placental mammals since the fetomaternal interface comprises two syncytiotrophoblast layers (ST-I and ST-II) instead of one, as observed in humans and all other hemochorial placentae. Each layer specifically expresses a distinct mouse syncytin, namely, syncytin-A (SynA) for ST-I and syncytin-B (SynB) for ST-II, which have been shown to be essential to placentogenesis and embryo survival. Their cognate cellular receptors, which are necessary to mediate cell-cell fusion and syncytiotrophoblast formation, are still unknown. By devising a sensitive method that combines a cell-cell fusion assay with the screening of a mouse cDNA library, we succeeded in identifying the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane protein lymphocyte antigen 6E (Ly6e) as a candidate receptor for SynA. Transfection of cells with the cloned receptor led to their fusion to cells expressing SynA, with no cross-reactive fusion activity with SynB. Knocking down Ly6e greatly reduced SynA-induced cell fusion, thus suggesting that Ly6e is the sole receptor for SynAin vivo. Interaction of SynA with Ly6e was further demonstrated by a competition assay using the soluble ectodomain of Ly6e. Finally, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis of Ly6e expression on a representative panel of mouse tissues shows that it is significantly expressed in the mouse placenta together with SynA.

IMPORTANCESyncytin genes are envelope genes of endogenous retroviruses, co-opted for a physiological function in placentation. Syncytins are fusogenic proteins that mediate cell-cell fusion by interacting with receptors present on the partner cells. Here, by devising a sensitivein vitrofusion assay that enables the high-throughput screening of normalized cDNA libraries, we identified the long-sought receptor for syncytin-A (SynA), a mouse syncytin responsible for syncytiotrophoblast formation at the maternofetal interface of the mouse placenta. This protein, Ly6e (lymphocyte antigen 6E), is a GPI-anchored membrane protein, and small interfering RNA (siRNA) experiments targeting its deletion as well as a decoy assay using a recombinant soluble receptor show that Ly6e is the necessary and sufficient partner of SynA. Its profile of expression is consistent with a role in both ancestral endogenization of a SynA founder retrovirus and present-day placenta formation. This study provides a powerful general method to identify genes involved in cell-cell fusion processes.
Simian Immunodeficiency Virus SIVmac239, but Not SIVmac316, Binds and Utilizes Human CD4 More Efficiently than Rhesus CD4
Authors: Fellinger Christoph H. , Gardner Matthew R. , Bailey Charles C. , Farzan Michael
Published: July 2017

Rhesus macaques are used to model human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infections, but they are not natural hosts of HIV-1 or any simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). Rather, they became infected with SIV through cross-species transfer from sooty mangabeys in captivity. It has been shown that HIV-1 utilizes rhesus CD4 less efficiently than human CD4. However, the relative ability of SIV envelope glycoproteins to bind or utilize these CD4 orthologs has not been reported. Here we show that several SIV isolates, including SIVmac239, are more efficiently neutralized by human CD4-Ig (huCD4-Ig) than by the same molecule bearing rhesus CD4 domains 1 and 2 (rhCD4-Ig). An I39N mutation in CD4 domain 1, present in human and sooty mangabey CD4 orthologs, largely restored rhCD4-Ig neutralization of SIVmac239 and other SIV isolates. We further observed that SIVmac316, a derivative of SIVmac239, bound to and was neutralized by huCD4-Ig and rhCD4-Ig with nearly identical efficiencies. Introduction of two SIVmac316 CD4-binding site residues (G382R and H442Y) into the SIVmac239 envelope glycoprotein (Env) markedly increased its neutralization sensitivity to rhesus CD4-Ig without altering neutralization by human CD4-Ig, SIV neutralizing antibodies, or sera from SIV-infected macaques. These changes also allowed SIVmac239 Env to bind rhCD4-Ig more efficiently than huCD4-Ig. The variant with G382R and H442Y (G382R/H442Y variant) also infected cells expressing rhesus CD4 with markedly greater efficiency than did unaltered SIVmac239 Env. We propose that infections of rhesus macaques with SIVmac239 G382R/H442Y might better model some aspects of human infections.

IMPORTANCE
Rhesus macaque infection with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) has served as an important model of human HIV-1 infection. However, differences between this model and the human case have complicated the development of vaccines and therapies. Here we report the surprising observation that SIVmac239, a commonly used model virus, more efficiently utilizes human CD4 than the CD4 of rhesus macaques, whereas the closely related virus SIVmac316 uses both CD4 orthologs equally well. We used this insight to generate a form of SIVmac239 envelope glycoprotein (Env) that utilized rhesus CD4 more efficiently, while retaining its resistance to antibodies and sera from infected macaques. This Env can be used to make the rhesus model more similar in some ways to human infection, for example by facilitating infection of cells with low levels of CD4. This property may be especially important to efforts to eradicate latently infected cells.
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Small Capsomere-Interacting Protein VP26 Regulates Nucleocapsid Maturation
Authors: Kobayashi Ryosuke , Kato Akihisa , Sagara Hiroshi , Watanabe Mizuki , Maruzuru Yuhei , Koyanagi Naoto , Arii Jun , Kawaguchi Yasushi
Published: July 2017

VP26 is a herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) small capsomere-interacting protein. In this study, we investigated the function of VP26 in HSV-1-infected cells with the following results. (i) The VP26 null mutation significantly impaired incorporation of minor capsid protein UL25 into nucleocapsids (type C capsids) in the nucleus. (ii) The VP26 mutation caused improper localization of UL25 in discrete punctate domains containing multiple capsid proteins (e.g., the VP5 major capsid protein) in the nucleus; these domains corresponded to capsid aggregates. (iii) The VP26 mutation significantly impaired packaging of replicated viral DNA genomes into capsids but had no effect on viral DNA concatemer cleavage. (iv) The VP26 mutation reduced the frequency of type C capsids, which contain viral DNA but not scaffolding proteins, and produced an accumulation of type A capsids, which lack both viral DNA and scaffold proteins, and had no effect on accumulation of type B capsids, which lack viral DNA but retain cleaved scaffold proteins. Collectively, these results indicated that VP26 was required for efficient viral DNA packaging and proper localization of nuclear capsids. The phenotype of the VP26 null mutation was similar to that reported previously of the UL25 null mutation and of UL25 mutations that preclude UL25 binding to capsids. Thus, VP26 appeared to regulate nucleocapsid maturation by promoting incorporation of UL25 into capsids, which is likely to be required for proper capsid nuclear localization.

IMPORTANCE
HSV-1 VP26 has been reported to be important for viral replication and virulence in cell cultures and/or mouse models. However, little is known about the function of VP26 during HSV-1 replication, in particular, in viral nucleocapsid maturation although HSV-1 nucleocapsids are estimated to contain 900 copies of VP26. In this study, we present data suggesting that VP26 promoted packaging of HSV-1 DNA genomes into capsids by regulating incorporation of capsid protein UL25 into capsids, which was reported to increase stability of the capsid structure. We also showed that VP26 was required for proper localization of capsids in the infected cell nucleus. This is the first report showing that HSV-1 VP26 is a regulator for nucleocapsid maturation.
Two otherwise healthy young brothers present with intermittent claudication, just a coincidence?
Authors: Clifford Thomas , Moore Jonathan
Published: July 2017

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a recognised cause of lower limb peripheral arterial disease in young adults. We describe the cases of two otherwise healthy brothers who presented with the condition 5 years apart. The first brother, who is also the first author of this case report, presented aged 19 with worsening, right-sided, exercise-induced lower leg pain and transient foot pallor. Imaging confirmed PAES and irreversible localised arterial damage. Surgery was performed to release the entrapment and resect the section of diseased artery. The limb was revascularised using an autologous interposition saphenous vein graft. The second brother began experiencing left-sided, exercise-induced lower leg pain aged 24. Again, imaging revealed PAES and irreversible arterial damage. A similar revascularisation procedure was performed. Both siblings fully recovered and are symptom free. Arterial duplex scans have confirmed patent grafts. A correlation in siblings has only been reported in the literature five times previously.
Revised theory of tachyons in general relativity
Authors: Schwartz Charles
Published: July 2017

A minus sign is inserted, for good reason, into the formula for the energy–momentum tensor for tachyons. This leads to remarkable theoretical consequences and a plausible explanation for the phenomenon called dark energy in the cosmos.
A Survey on FFT/IFFT Processors for Next Generation Telecommunication Systems
Authors: Konguvel Elango , Kannan Muniandi
Published: July 2017

The Fast Fourier Transform and Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (FFT/IFFT) are the most significant digital signal processing (DSP) techniques used in Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)-based applications which include day-to-day wired/wireless communications, broadband access, and information sharing. The advancements in telecommunication technologies require an efficient FFT/IFFT processing device to meet the necessary specifications which depend on the particular application. A real-time implementation of high-speed FFT/IFFT processor with less area that operates in minimal power consumption is essential in designing an OFDM integrated chip. A comparative study of efficient algorithms and architectures for FFT chip design is presented in this paper. It is also recommended that mixed-radix/higher-radix algorithm combined with Single-path Delay Commutator (SDC) architecture is appropriate for massive MIMO in 5G, optical OFDM, cooperative MIMO and multi-user MIMO-based applications.
Alternating maps on Hatcher–Thurston graphs
Authors: Hernández Hernández Jesús
Published: July 2017

Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be connected orientable surfaces of genus [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] punctures, and empty boundary. Let also [Formula: see text] be an edge-preserving alternating map between their Hatcher–Thurston graphs. We prove that [Formula: see text] and that there is also a multicurve of cardinality [Formula: see text] contained in every element of the image. We also prove that if [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], then the map [Formula: see text] obtained by filling the punctures of [Formula: see text], is induced by a homeomorphism of [Formula: see text].
REVIEW OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN KNEE ALIGNMENT AND FIXED FLEXION DEFORMITY AND HOW THIS CAN INFLUENCE TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY
Authors: Sajid Soha , Kuiper Jan Herman , Davis Edward T.
Published: July 2017

Total knee arthroplasty relies on accurate balancing of soft tissues and knee alignment to prevent post-operative pain and early loosening. Pre-existing fixed flexion deformity (FFD) and varus and valgus deformity add to the challenge of ligament balancing. This observational retrospective cohort study reviewed the relationship between FFD and valgus/varus knee. Data from computer-assisted knee replacement was collected and analyzed. The FFD and knee alignment were noted before making bone cuts. The results showed that as the valgus deformity increases, there is a trend for FFD to decrease but this relationship is not significant (correlation is [Formula: see text]0.19, [Formula: see text]). As varus deformity increases, there is a significant increase in FFD (correlation is 0.36, [Formula: see text]). Varus knees have a positive correlation with FFD and may be more challenging to treat, as the surgeon is more likely to need to address alignment deformity in both coronal and sagittal planes. Understanding the relationship between FFD and valgus/varus knee alignment and recognizing the pre-existing deformity the patient exhibits can help surgeons with pre-operative planning and be useful in guiding intra-operative bony cuts and soft tissue releases.
EVALUATION AND PREDICTION OF HUMAN GAIT PARAMETERS USING UNIVARIATE, MULTIVARIATE AND STEPWISE STATISTICAL METHODS
Authors: JENA SHREESHAN , SAKHARE GAURAV M. , PANDA SUBRATA K. , THIRUGNANAM A.
Published: July 2017

This research was carried out to establish the relationship between human anthropometric data and corresponding gait variables. A group comprising 35 participants (18 male and 17 female) was selected for the current study. The study consisted of trials in which each participant was asked to walk the length of the instrumented walkway (Kistler’s force platform inset) at a self-selected speed. Using a four-camera motion analysis system, the kinematic and kinetic parameters of each trial were calculated. The peak values obtained from the data curves were used to generate the necessary regression fits. In order to establish the correlation between the anthropometric data of human and the gait parameters, the univariate, multivariate and stepwise fits were generated. Further, the statistical methods were employed to evaluate the [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]-values for each fit. The current multivariate study indicates an increasing trend in [Formula: see text] values and decreasing trend for [Formula: see text]-values when compared with the univariate fits and the results follow the expected line.
A unified framework for the design of low-complexity wavelet filters
Authors: Naik Ameya K. , Holambe Raghunath S.
Published: July 2017

An outline is presented for construction of wavelet filters with compact support. Our approach does not require any extensive simulations for obtaining the values of design variables like other methods. A unified framework is proposed for designing halfband polynomials with varying vanishing moments. Optimum filter pairs can then be generated by factorization of the halfband polynomial. Although these optimum wavelets have characteristics close to that of CDF 9/7 (Cohen-Daubechies-Feauveau), a compact support may not be guaranteed. Subsequently, we show that by proper choice of design parameters finite wordlength wavelet construction can be achieved. These hardware friendly wavelets are analyzed for their possible applications in image compression and feature extraction. Simulation results show that the designed wavelets give better performances as compared to standard wavelets. Moreover, the designed wavelets can be implemented with significantly reduced hardware as compared to the existing wavelets.
Uniqueness of Quantum Markov Chain Associated with XY-Ising Model on Cayley Tree of Order Two
Authors: Mukhamedov Farrukh , Gheteb Soueidy El
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we consider backward and forward Quantum Markov Chains (QMC) associated with XY -Ising model on the Cayley tree of order two. We construct finite volume states with boundary conditions, and define QMC as a weak limit of those states which depend on the boundary conditions. We prove that the limit state is a unique QMC associated with such a model, this means the QMC does not depend on the boundary conditions. Moreover, we observe the relation between backward and forward QMC.
Use of an iPad App to simulate pressure-volume loops and cardiovascular physiology
Authors: Leisman Staci , Burkhoff Daniel
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this laboratory exercise is to model the changes in preload, afterload, and contractility on a simulated pressure-volume loop and to correlate those findings with common measurements of clinical cardiovascular physiology. Once students have modeled these changes on a healthy heart, the students are asked to look at a simulated case of cardiogenic shock. Effects on preload, contractility, and afterload are explored, as well as the hemodynamic effects of a number of student-suggested treatment strategies.
Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor-Anchored Multilayered Mesenchymal Cell Sheets Accelerate Periosteal Bone Formation
Authors: Uchida Kentaro , Inoue Gen , Matsushita Osamu , Horikawa Kyosuke , Sekiguchi Hiroyuki , Saito Wataru , Takano Shotaro , Fujimaki Hisako , Miyagi Masayuki , Takaso Masashi
Published: July 2017

Cell-based regenerative therapy has the potential to repair bone injuries or large defects that are recalcitrant to conventional treatment methods, including drugs and surgery. Here, we developed a multilayered cell-based bone formation system using cells coated with fibronectin-gelatin (FN-G) nanofilms. The multilayered mesenchymal cells (MLMCs) were formed after two days of culture and were shown to express higher levels of BMP-2 and VEGF compared to monolayer cultures of MCs. The MLMCs were used as a graft material in combination with a fusion protein consisting of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), polycystic kidney disease (PKD) domain, and the collagen-binding domain (CBD) of Clostridium histolyticum collagenase. In femur sites grafted with the MLMCs, significantly higher levels of callus volume and bone mineral content were observed compared to the sham controls. The callus volume and bone mineral content were further increased in femur sites grafted with bFGF-PKD-CBD/MLMCs. Taken together, these results suggest that bFGF-PKD-CBD/MLMCs, which can be simply and rapidly generated in vitro, have the potential to promote bone repair when grafted into large defect sites.
Local Stability in 3D Discrete Dynamical Systems: Application to a Ricker Competition Model
Authors: Luís Rafael , Rodrigues Elias
Published: July 2017

A survey on the conditions of local stability of fixed points of three-dimensional discrete dynamical systems or difference equations is provided. In particular, the techniques for studying the stability of nonhyperbolic fixed points via the centre manifold theorem are presented. A nonlinear model in population dynamics is studied, namely, the Ricker competition model of three species. In addition, a conjecture about the global stability of the nontrivial fixed points of the Ricker competition model is presented.
Derivative-Extended Time Domain Reduction for Coupled Systems Using Chebyshev Expansion
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Jiang Yaolin , Liu Jun
Published: July 2017

The time domain model reduction based on general orthogonal polynomials has been presented for linear systems. In this paper, we extend this approach by taking the derivative information of the system into account in the context of model reduction of coupled systems. We expand the derivative terms over the Chebyshev polynomial basis and show that Chebyshev coefficients of the expansion possess a specific structure, making it possible to preserve much more time domain information by employing projection methods. Besides, with the well-defined projection matrices, the resulting reduced model shares the same topological structure with the original coupled system. Two numerical examples are simulated to showcase the accuracy of incorporating the derivative information into model reduction.